Throwing technique trainer

This invention relates to a device and method for training an athlete to throw a ball, and particularly to a device and method that provides guides for optimally positioning an athlete's throwing hand and elbow prior to initiation of the throwing phase for throwing a ball.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device and method for training an athlete to throw a ball, and particularly to a device that provides guides for optimally positioning an athlete's throwing hand and elbow prior to initiation of the throwing phase for throwing a ball.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Proper throwing technique begins with the positioning of the lower body. For example, in baseball, an athlete using an over-hand throwing technique starts with his back foot perpendicular to home plate. The athlete's front foot is pointed directly at home plate. Whether the back foot is the left or right foot depends on the dominant throwing hand used by the athlete.

After the lower body is positioned, the athlete positions the upper body. Continuing with the baseball example, an athlete backwardly extends the throwing arm elbow, with the elbow preferably extending at an angle greater than ninety degrees in relation to the athlete's body. In proper form, the athlete's hand rotates so that the palm of the hand is facing away from his body and in an opposite direction from the intended throwing target. The athlete's thumb is necessarily oriented downward in this position as he grasps the ball.

Commencing the throwing phase, the athlete begins by stepping toward an intended target and rotating his upper body toward the target. The athlete's elbow automatically leads the pitcher's arm, with the elbow being at least as high as the athlete's shoulder when it moves by the pitcher's head. The athlete's hand follows the elbow forward, and as the hand gets closer to the release point, it moves further away from the head toward full extension. By the time the arm is fully extended, the ball has been released and the hand is out in front of the body. The hand pronates as a reaction to the athlete's throwing action. At the same time, the arm opposite the athlete's throwing arm is brought back into the pitcher's body, with the weight on the athlete's back foot transferring to the athlete's front foot.

As is obvious from the aforementioned, proper throwing technique is comprised of many specific body positions and movements. The forces acting on an athlete's upper and lower body during positioning and movement create a significant amount of tension on the athlete's body, and more specifically, the athlete's shoulders, elbows, and arms. Proper throwing technique is imperative in order to prevent injuries to the athlete. Athletes on every level, and particularly young athletes, suffer irreparable injury to their arms, elbows, and shoulders because they do not throw a ball with proper throwing technique.

For example, the shoulder joint, also known as the glenohumeral joint, is held together by surrounding muscles and is therefore mobile. It is reinforced above by the supraspinatus muscle, in front by the subscapularis muscle, and behind by the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. These muscles originate on the scapula and insert on the humeral head, forming a musculotendinous “rotator cuff.” When the rotator cuff is compromised or fatigued from repetitive throwing or improper throwing techniques, the larger muscles surrounding the shoulder are subject to potential damage because they do not effectively act on the joint.

The ulnar collateral ligament (“UCL”), located on the inside of the elbow, is another ligament commonly injured due to improper throwing techniques. When improper throwing techniques are used or arm muscles become fatigued, the forces acting on the UCL can significantly increase. These forces can cause small micro-tears in the UCL. If the athlete continues to micro-tear his UCL without allowing enough time for the UCL to heal, the micro-tears may eventually become one large tear in the UCL.

In addition to the injuries, improper throwing techniques lead to lesser performance standards by an athlete. Improper throwing techniques adversely affect both the power and accuracy of an athlete's throw.

Frequency of injuries and lesser performance standards indicates that there is a need for a device that teaches proper throwing techniques to an athlete. Many devices have been invented that help teach and train both inexperienced and experienced athletes various techniques for throwing a ball. These devices, however, are generally deficient in that they require an apparatus to be attached to an athlete's body while throwing, only provide audible indications as to whether a ball has been properly thrown, or require the use of manipulated or physically adjusted balls or devices.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,846 to Frye et al., U.S. Pat. No. 475,432 to Blades, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,728 to Rigel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,789 to Socci, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,292 to Norman Sr., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,002 to Brunty disclose devices that provide methods of teaching proper throwing technique by strapping an apparatus to an athlete's body. The problem with these devices is that the athlete's movements may be restricted by the device, the device may take a significant amount of time to set up, and the athlete may need assistance strapping the device on and off the athlete's body.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,830,091 and 6,024,660 to Romanick and U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,050 to McCarthy disclose throwing devices that provide audible indications to alert the athlete when the ball was properly thrown. The problem with these devices is that they are focused on how the ball rotates when thrown, and do not assist the athlete with proper body positioning.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,471 to Haysom and U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,187 to Kempf disclose throwing devices that are physically adjusted or manipulated balls. These physically adjusted or manipulated balls allow the athlete to discern when a ball has been properly thrown. The problem with these devices is that the athlete may have to adjust his or her hand and fingers around the adjustments or manipulations located on the ball. Further, the devices are focused on how the ball rotates when thrown, and do not assist the athlete with proper body positioning.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for training an athlete to throw a ball, and particularly to a device that provides guides for optimally positioning an athlete's throwing hand and elbow prior to initiation of the throwing phase for throwing a ball. The device includes an elbow guide, ball guide, pole, and base structure. The pole is coupled with the base structure. The elbow guide and ball guide are attached to the pole, and are positionable to engage a particular athlete's elbow and throwing hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a throwing technique trainer device10for training an athlete to throw a ball. Specifically, the device10teaches an athlete the proper arm and body positions for throwing a ball60.

FIGS. 1-5detail an exemplary embodiment of the throwing technique trainer device10of the present invention including several variations thereof. Generally, the device10includes a base structure20, pole30, elbow guide40, and ball guide50for optimally positioning an athlete's elbow and throwing hand just prior to throwing a ball.

I. Base Structure

The base structure20, such as the exemplary preferred embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1,4, and5, defines the lower portion of the device10of the present invention. The base structure20provides a method for anchoring or attaching the throwing technique trainer device10to a location.

For purposes of the throwing technique trainer device10of the present invention, the desired location may be the ground, paved surface, floor, or other similar structure. The base structure20may be manufactured in any size or shape to fit around obstacles or to conform to size restrictions or requirements presented by the athlete or the location where the device10is to be used.

There are various preferred embodiments of the base structure20, including a storage structure embodiment, a surface structure embodiment, and an attachable embodiment. Further, there are various optional features that may be used with the various embodiments of the base structure20, including a weight feature, adaptable feature, and a modular feature. Regardless of the base structure20embodiment or optional base structure20features, it is preferred that the base structure20be capable of coupling with the pole. “Coupling” is defined as being removably or permanently attached.

In the embodiment of the base structure20shown inFIG. 1, the base structure20also functions as a storage structure22capable of accommodating at least one ball60(“storage structure embodiment”). The storage structure22may be a bucket or pail capable of accommodating the at least one ball60. The storage structure embodiment20allows an athlete to transport the device to various locations without having to separately transport the balls60.

Optionally, and as shown inFIG. 1, the storage structure embodiment20includes a lid24capable of removably attaching to the storage structure22. The purpose of the lid24is to provide protection to the balls60or other supplies accommodated within the storage structure embodiment20, and when transported, ensure that the balls60or other supplies remain within the storage structure20. The lid24may be manufactured to cover the entire opening of the storage structure22. Alternately, the lid may be manufactured with an opening having a diameter greater than the diameter of the pole30. The opening allows the pole30to vertically extend from the storage structure22.

In the embodiment of the base structure20shown inFIG. 4, the base structure20is a surface structure capable of anchoring the throwing technique trainer device10to on the ground or other flat surface (“surface structure embodiment”). The surface structure20may be manufactured in any shape, including the shape of a home plate, square, circle, rectangle, or triangle. Further, the surface structure20may be custom-made to conform to size or obstacle restrictions or requirements.

In the embodiment of the base structure20of the device10shown inFIG. 5, the base structure20is attachable to a location (“attachable embodiment”). The attachable embodiment20contains at least one attachment structure28that may be a clip-on structure, a pole-attachment structure, or, as shown inFIG. 5, a hook and loop attachment. The attachable embodiment20allows the throwing technique trainer device10to be attached to a location of any shape, at any height. For example, if an athlete desires to use the throwing technique trainer device10in a playground, the athlete may attach the at least one attachment structure28of the attachable embodiment20to a basketball hoop pole, a fence, or a tree. If more than one attachment structure is used, it is preferred that the first attachment structure be the base structure20. Any additional attachment structures may be located at varying heights on the pole30.

In addition to the storage structure embodiment, surface structure embodiment, and attachable embodiment, there are various optional base structure20features that may be used with any of the base structure20embodiments. The optional base structure20features include a weight feature, adaptable feature, and a modular feature.

A first optional feature of the base structure20is a weight feature, wherein a weight is integrally connected with the base structure20. The weight feature prevents the throwing technique trainer device10from falling or tipping over during use or inclement weather conditions. The weight material may be manufactured from plastic, wood, cement, concrete, glass, sand, water, or any other material capable of providing weight to the base structure.

A second optional feature of the base structure20is an adaptable feature, wherein the base structure20is capable of being manipulated into a desired shape. The adaptable feature allows the athlete to physically manipulate or adjust the base structure20into various fixed positions. This feature may be preferred in situations where the base structure20is required to fit around obstacles or conform to size restrictions or requirements. If the adaptable feature is used, the base structure20may be manufactured from plastic, rubber, or any other material capable of being manipulated or adjusted into a fixed position.

A third optional feature is a modular feature, wherein the base structure20has interchangeable base structure20embodiments. With the modular feature, the athlete may couple any base structure20embodiment to the pole30. This allows the throwing technique trainer device10to be attached or anchored to any location, regardless of obstacles or size restrictions or requirements.

Extending vertically from the base structure20is a pole30. The pole30may be manufactured from plastic, wood, metal, concrete, rubber or any other material capable of extending vertically from the base structure20.

There are various embodiments of the pole30of the present invention. The pole30may be manufactured as a one-piece unit, telescopically adjustable, or separable. In addition to the various pole30embodiments, the pole30may include optional pole30features, such as a hollow feature and a tee feature.

In the embodiment of the pole30shown inFIG. 1the pole30is telescopically adjustable (“telescopically adjustable embodiment”). In the telescopically adjustable embodiment, the pole30is manufactured from at least two segments. Each pole segment should be of varying diameters. For example, if two pole segments are used with the telescopically adjustable embodiment, the first segment, which is coupled with the base structure, should have a greater or lesser diameter than the second pole segment, which is fitted within and directly above the first pole segment.

The purpose of the telescopically adjustable embodiment is to allow the pole30to extend or lower to a desired height. For example, if the throwing technique trainer device10is being used by an athlete, the at least two pole segments may be extended to a desired height. After use of the device10, the athlete may lower the at least two pole segments and easily transport the throwing technique trainer device10.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the pole30is comprised of at least two pole segments that are capable of being connected or separated from each other (“separable embodiment”). The purpose of the separable embodiment is to allow the device10to be easily transported or stored by providing for the individual connection or separation of the at least two pole segments. In the separable embodiment, the at least two pole segments can be connected or separated to provide a desired height of the throwing technique trainer device10. After use, the at least two pole segments may be separated and transported or stored. The at least two pole segments may be connected with a variety of connecting structures, which include but are not limited to, screws, nails, brackets, or hooks and loops.

In addition to the one-piece unit, adjustable, or separable pole embodiments, there are various optional pole30features that may be used with the pole30embodiments of the throwing technique trainer device10. In a first optional feature, the pole is manufactured such that it is hollow (“hollow feature”).

In a second optional feature, a tee32is removably surrounded by a hollow pole30(“tee feature”). A tee32is a structure commonly known in the sports industry for holding a ball in place while an athlete swings a bat at the ball, and is typically used in the sports of baseball and softball. A tee32is a tubular structure that vertically extends from the ground. In use, a ball60is placed on the tee32and hit with a bat or other type of wooden, rubber, or plastic hitting apparatus.

The tee is removably surrounded by the pole30. To manufacture a tee32capable of being removably surrounded by the pole30, the pole30should have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tee32. If an athlete desires to hit a ball60, the pole30may be uncoupled with the base structure20, thereby uncovering the tee32. If after hitting a ball60or plurality of balls60, the athlete desires to use the throwing technique trainer device10, the athlete may place the pole30over the tee32.

The tee32may be manufactured as a one-piece unit coupled with the base structure20. The tee32may be coupled with the base structure20using a coupling structure such as a tapered collet, at least one screw, at least one nail, adhesive, hook and loop attachment, or any other coupling structure that couples the tee32with the base structure20.

As state above, the pole30is coupled with the base structure20. There are various preferred embodiments for coupling the pole30with the base structure20including raised attachment coupling, holding coupling, and permanent attachment.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the pole30is oppositely coupled with the base structure20using a raised attachment structure34(“raised attachment coupling embodiment”). The raised attachment structure34is located on and extends vertically from the base structure20. Preferably, the raised attachment structure34is the same shape as the pole30. The raised attachment structure34may be of a smaller or larger diameter than the pole30. In use, either a hollow portion of the pole30is placed on the raised attachment structure34or a hollow coupler engages the pole's outer diameter30, thereby oppositely coupling the pole30with the base structure20.

FIG. 1also shows an embodiment wherein the pole30is coupled with the base structure20using a holding structure36(“holding coupling embodiment”). In the holding coupling embodiment, the holding structure36includes a piece of wood, plastic or other material (“base material”) capable of coupling with at least one holding bracket. The holding structure36also includes at least one holding bracket, which may be a u-shaped bracket or other apparatus capable of being screwed, nailed, or otherwise coupled with the base material.

The holding structure36may be molded or otherwise formed in the base structure20. In a permanent attachment embodiment of coupling the pole30to the base structure20, the base structure20may be permanently attached to the pole30, or the base structure20and the pole30may be constructed as a one-piece unit.

To otherwise form the holding structure36, a portion of the base structure20is placed between the base material and the at least one holding bracket. The at least one holding bracket is coupled with the base material through the base structure. As shown inFIG. 1, the holding coupling embodiment provides a mechanism by which the pole30may be inserted or removed from the base structure20by sliding the pole30through the holding structure36.

III. Elbow Rest and Ball Rest

As shown inFIGS. 1-5, attached to the pole30are two guides: an elbow guide40and a ball guide50. The purpose of the elbow guide40and the ball guide50is to provide guidance to an athletes arm, hand, and elbow when the athlete is learning and practicing proper throwing techniques on the throwing technique trainer device10.

AlthoughFIGS. 1-5show one elbow guide40and one ball guide50, it should be understood that there may be at least two elbow guides40and at least two ball guides50provided with the throwing technique trainer device10. If at least two elbow guides40are used, a first elbow guide40may be adjusted to a position opposite a second elbow guide40. Similarly, if at least two ball guides50are used, a first ball guide50may be adjusted to a position opposite a second ball guide50. The at least two elbow guides40and at least two ball guides50allow at least two athlete's to utilize the throwing technique trainer device10at the same time.

As shown inFIG. 3, the elbow guide40is attached to the pole30. Preferably, the elbow guide40is comprised of three parts: an elbow attachment42, an elbow beam44, and an elbow rest46.

The elbow guide attachment42attaches the elbow guide40to the pole30. The elbow attachment42may be any structure, apparatus, or device that is capable of permanently, adjustably, or removably attaching the elbow guide40to the pole30. For example,FIGS. 2-5show the elbow attachment42as a clasp and screw mechanism. However, the elbow attachment42may also be a spring clamp as shown inFIG. 1, a hook and loop attachment, a nail attachment, or an attachment wherein the elbow attachment42is permanently affixed or welded to the pole30.

If the elbow guide attachment42is adjustably attached to the pole30, the elbow guide40may be raised or lowered to a desired height on the pole30. The adjustable elbow attachment42allows athletes of varying heights to adjust the elbow guide40of the throwing technique trainer device10to a height along the pole30that is equivalent to the optimum height of each individual athlete's elbow. For example, if a 6′0″ athlete has finished using the throwing technique trainer device10, and a 4′11″ athlete decides to use the same device10, the 4′11″ athlete may adjust the elbow guide40to a lower height on the pole30so that the elbow of the 4′11″ athlete is comfortably supported by the elbow rest46.

The elbow guide beam44is integrally connected to the elbow attachment42. The elbow guide beam44allows an athlete to position his or her body far enough from the base structure20so as to allow the athlete to move his or her feet without interference while using the throwing technique trainer device10of the present invention.

As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the elbow beam44defines the length of the elbow guide40. The elbow guide beam44also connects the elbow guide attachment42and the elbow rest46.

The elbow guide40may be independently adjusted using the elbow guide beam44. The length of the elbow guide40may be independently adjusted by providing at least two holes48in the elbow beam44. The at least two holes48allow the elbow guide attachment42to integrally connect with the elbow guide beam44at varying positions along the elbow guide beam44. This allows the length of the elbow guide40to vary depending upon the needs of the athlete.

Alternatively, the length of the elbow guide40may be independently adjusted by providing an elbow guide beam44manufactured from at least two segments, with the at least two elbow guide beam segments varying in diameter. For example, if two elbow guide beam segments are used, the first elbow beam segment, which is integrally connected to the elbow guide attachment42, should have a greater or lesser diameter than the second elbow beam segment, which may be fitted within the first elbow guide beam segment. The elbow guide beam44will be capable of extending or compacting to a desired length. For example, if the throwing technique trainer device10is being used by an athlete, the at least two elbow beam segments may be extended to a desired length. After use of the device10, the athlete may reduce the at least two elbow guide beam segments and easily transport the throwing technique trainer device10.

The shape of the elbow guide beam44may vary.FIGS. 3-5show the elbow guide beam44as being convexly shaped, whileFIG. 2shows the elbow guide beam44as being concavely shaped. The elbow guide beam44may be straight as shown inFIG. 1, or curved.

Connected to the elbow guide beam44, at an end opposite the elbow guide attachment42, is an elbow rest46. The elbow rest46provides a location on the throwing technique trainer device10where the athlete may place his or her elbow. The elbow rest46is a positioning device for the athlete's elbow.

Preferably, the elbow rest46is concavely shaped. The concave shape provides the athlete with a specific location (the “elbow contact area”) on the elbow guide40where his or her elbow should be placed. However, the elbow rest46may be padded, and the elbow contact area may be flat, curved, or convexly shaped.

In addition to the elbow guide40, and as shown inFIGS. 1-5, a bail guide50is attached to the pole30. Preferably, the ball guide50is comprised of three parts: the ball attachment52, the ball beam54, and the ball rest56.

The ball guide attachment52attaches the ball guide50with the pole30. The ball guide attachment52may be any structure, apparatus, or device that is capable of permanently, adjustably, or removably attaching the ball guide50to the pole30. For example,FIGS. 2-5shows the ball guide attachment52as being a clasp and screw mechanism. However, the ball guide attachment52may also be a spring clamp as shown inFIG. 1, hook and loop attachment, nail attachment, or an attachment wherein the ball guide attachment52is permanently affixed or welded to the pole30.

If the ball guide attachment52is adjustably attached to the pole30, the ball guide50may be raised or lowered to a desired height on the pole30. The adjustable ball guide attachment52allows athletes of varying heights to adjust the ball guide50of the throwing technique trainer device10to a height along the pole30that is equivalent to a height, in relation to the athlete's elbow being located on the elbow guide40, where the athlete is capable of gripping the ball60with his or her hand. For example, if a 6′0″ athlete has finished using the throwing technique trainer device10, and a 4′11″ athlete decides to use the same device, the 4′11″ athlete may adjust the ball guide50to a lower height on the pole30so that the 4′11″ athlete is able to grip the ball60located on the ball guide50.

The ball guide beam54is integrally connected to the ball guide attachment52. The ball guide beam54allows an athlete to position his or her body far enough from the base structure20so as to allow the athlete to move his or her feet without interference.

The ball guide beam54connects the ball attachment52and the ball rest56. Additionally, and as shown inFIGS. 1-5, the ball guide beam54defines the length of the ball guide50.

The elbow guide40may be independently adjusted using the elbow guide beam44. The length of the elbow guide40may be independently adjusted by providing at least two holes48in the elbow guide beam44. The at least two holes48allow the elbow guide attachment42to integrally connect with the elbow guide beam44at varying positions along the elbow beam44. This allows the length of the elbow guide40to vary depending upon the needs of the athlete.

Alternatively, the length of the ball guide50may be independently adjusted by providing a ball beam54manufactured from at least two segments, with the at least two ball guide beam segments varying in diameter. For example, if two ball guide beam segments are used, the first ball guide beam segment, which is integrally connected to the ball guide attachment52, should have a greater or lesser diameter than the second ball guide beam segment, which may be fitted within the first ball guide beam segment. The ball guide beam54will be capable of extending or compacting to a desired length. For example, if the throwing technique trainer device10is being used by an athlete, the at least two ball guide beam segments may be extended to a desired length. After use of the device10, the athlete may reduce the at least two ball beam segments and easily transport the throwing technique trainer device10.

The shape of the ball guide beam54may vary.FIGS. 3-5show the ball guide beam54as being convexly shaped.FIG. 2shows the ball beam54as being concavely shaped. The ball guide beam54may be straight as shown inFIG. 1, or curved.

Connected to the ball guide beam54, at an end opposite of the ball guide attachment52, is a ball rest56. The ball rest56provides a location on the throwing technique trainer device10where a ball60may rest as the athlete prepares to throw the ball60.FIG. 7shows a thumb notch57located on the ball rest56, which allows the thumb of properly rotated athlete's throwing hand to reach under a resting ball in order to grasp the ball60between the athlete's fingers and thumb. The notch in positioned so that the thumb, and thereby the throwing hand of the athlete are in optimal position to initiate a proper throw (as shown inFIG. 6).

There are various embodiments of the ball rest56of the throwing technique trainer device10. In a first embodiment, the ball rest56is manufactured in the shape of the ball60that the athlete is throwing. By having a ball rest56capable of holding a specifically shaped ball60, the ball60will be held in a static position during the time the athlete is positioning his body. A thumb notch57is located on the ball rest56, which allows the thumb of properly rotated athlete's throwing hand to reach under a resting ball in order to grasp the ball60between the athlete's fingers and thumb as the ball60is held in place.

In an optional feature of the first embodiment of the ball rest56, the throwing technique trainer device10is provided with at least two ball guides50having ball rests56that are manufactured in the shape of a number of different types of balls60, each being provided with a thumb notch57to facilitate optimal thumb and hand placement. With this optional feature, the athlete would be able to attach a ball guide50, having a ball rest56that is shaped as the type of ball60being used by the athlete with the throwing technique trainer device10, to the pole. For example, if an athlete were learning proper throwing techniques with a baseball60, the athlete would attach a ball guide50to the pole30that had a ball rest56shaped to hold a baseball60. If the athlete wanted to learn proper throwing technique with a softball60or football60, the athlete would remove the ball guide50having a ball rest56shaped to hold a baseball60, and attach a ball guide50having a ball rest56shaped to hold a softball60football60to the pole30.

In a second embodiment, the ball guide50is a clasp structure that is capable of expanding and constricting. The clasp structure allows the athlete to place any type of ball60within the clasp. For example, if an athlete is learning proper throwing technique using a baseball60, the athlete may constrict the clasp structure to accommodate the diameter or width of the baseball60. Alternately, if the athlete is learning proper throwing technique using a football60, the athlete may expand the clasp structure to accommodate the diameter, width, or length of the football60.

Optionally, the throwing technique trainer device10may provide a ball60or a plurality of balls60for use with the device10. For purposes of this invention, a ball60is defined as any movable object used in athletic activities or games.

In a first embodiment, the ball60is an object that is traditionally used by the athlete in a specific sport. For example, if the athlete plays the sport of football, a football will be used. If the athlete participates in the sport of dart throwing, a dart will be used.

In a second embodiment, the ball60contains a visual indicator72.FIG. 4shows the visual indicator72as a line or stripe with finger positioning dots or other symbols on the ball60. The line or stripe may be seams that are customarily stitched on a ball. A visual indicator72on the ball60allows the athlete to determine whether the ball60was properly thrown by viewing the rotation of the visual indicator72in relation to the path the ball60was thrown. Alternatively or additionally, the visual indicator72may be in the form of finger placement positions that aid an athlete in properly placing their fingers on the ball60. The finger placement positions located on the ball60may be altered for left or right handed athletes and may include specific finger positions corresponding to proper finger placement positions for specific types of throws.

In a third embodiment, the ball60contains an audible indicator74a,74b. The audible indicator74a,74bprovides sounds that allow an athlete to determine whether the ball60was properly or improperly thrown. In accordance with a user's preference, the audible indicator74a,74bmaybe manufactured such that sounds are provided only when the ball is either thrown properly, improperly, or both.

V. Use

In use, the elbow guide40and ball guide50should be attached to the pole30in a desired position. For example, if the athlete is throwing the ball60in an overhand manner, the elbow guide40is placed in a position such that the elbow preferably extending at an angle greater than ninety degrees in relation to the athlete's body, and the ball guide50is located above the elbow guide40. This position is shown inFIGS. 3 and 6.

After the elbow guide40and ball guide50are attached to the pole, they are adjusted in relation to the athlete. To determine where the elbow guide40and ball guide50are to be positioned on the pole30in relation to the athlete, the athlete should hold his or her elbow at slightly above his or her shoulder as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6. The athlete may then adjust the elbow guide40so that the elbow guide40comfortably supports the athlete's elbow. After adjusting the elbow guide40, the athlete raises his or her hand. The ball guide50may then be adjusted so that it is at the height of the athlete's extended fingers as they are curved to grip the ball60, as shown inFIGS. 3,6and7. With the ball guide50properly adjusted, the athlete's thumb should be capable of accessing the thumb notch57contacting the under-side of the ball60.

After positioning and adjusting the elbow guide40and ball guide50, the athlete positions his or her lower body. The lower body positioning is done with the throwing technique trainer device10located behind the throwing arm of the athlete as shown inFIG. 6. Using baseball as an example, the athlete will position his back foot perpendicular to the target that he is throwing towards, while the athlete's front foot is placed parallel or pointed at the target. Whether the back foot is the left or right foot will depend on the dominant throwing hand used by the athlete. The athlete turns his or her upper body and places his or her elbow on the elbow guide40and the ball60on the ball guide50.

As shown inFIG. 6, the athlete's hand rotates so that the palm of his hand is facing away from his body and in an opposite direction from the intended throwing target. The athlete's thumb necessarily is oriented downward in this position, and accesses the ball60through the thumb notch57of the ball guide50as shown inFIG. 7. Use of the thumb notch57facilitates proper orientation of the athlete's hand in order to promote proper throwing technique.

From this position, the athlete is provided with a proper initial throwing position for throwing a ball. Commencing the throwing phase, the athlete begins by stepping toward an intended target and rotating his upper body toward the target. If the athlete is throwing a baseball60, the palm of the athlete's hand starts in a position facing completely opposite and away from the target. In the throwing phase, the elbow will automatically lead the athlete's arm, with the elbow being at least as high as the athlete's shoulder when it moves by the athlete's head. The athlete's hand will rotate approximately 180°, following the elbow forward, and, as the hand gets closer to the release point, it will move further away from the head towards full extension. By the time the arm is fully extended, the ball will have been released and the hand will be out in front of the athlete's body. The hand, arm, and shoulder pronate to drive the ball to its target. At the same time, the arm opposite the athlete's throwing arm is brought back into the athlete's body for balance and for conservation of momentum, with the weight on the athlete's back foot transferring to the athlete's front foot.

The description and drawings generally describe the throwing technique trainer device10in terms of a right-handed athlete. However, it should be understood that the present invention encompasses a throwing technique trainer device10that can be adjusted for either left or right-handed athletes.

Moreover, while the description and drawings generally describe a throwing technique trainer device10used by a male, it is to be understood that the present invention describes a throwing technique trainer device10that can be used by either male, female, child, or adult. The terms “he,” “his,” and “male” as used in the description of the invention are for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Further, although the description and drawings generally refer to throwing techniques in a baseball context, it should be understood that the present invention describes a throwing technique trainer device10that can be used in any sport where throwing or a throwing motion is used. Some exemplary sports for which this device10may be utilized are baseball, softball, football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, soccer, darts, or water polo.

The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are as terms of description and not of limitation, and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions of them. The scope of the invention is defined and limited only by claims that follow.