Patent Publication Number: US-11638858-B2

Title: Training ball

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Once a baseball player has gained a level of proficiency in the basic skills of throwing, catching, and hitting, it is common for advanced players to commence a multiyear study of the various nuances associated with their chosen (or assigned) position(s). Outfielders learn how to hit a cutoff man, catchers practice throwing from their knees, and infielders learn how to execute a double-play. However, it is possible that the most nuanced skillset on a baseball diamond belongs to the pitcher. From the time the ball enters his or her hand ending the previous play until the ball leaves his or her hand starting the next play, the majority of a pitcher&#39;s focus is on receiving a signal indicating the next pitch and then executing that pitch. At the lower levels of the game, the pitcher typically strives to throw the ball straight over the plate. However, as age and skill levels increase, the pitcher begins to try and fool the batter, moving beyond throwing a straight ball as hard as possible, and instead learns to spin the ball so as to make it curve. The mechanics of a conventional curveball have been well-characterized for many years, but the learning process has never been easy. In addition to failing to learn the requisite skills and thus exposing the player to scorn and the team to losses, a common result of amateur learning techniques associated with the teaching of a player how to throw a curving ball is fatigue of the arm, elbow, and wrist, with the possibility of short, intermediate, and long-term injury. 
     Thus, in view of the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art devices, training ball embodiments are presented herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. 
     As such, training balls are presented including: a solid sphere defining a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere; a tactile feature positioned along a first surface of the first hemisphere and substantially centered with the first hemisphere; a first grooved feature positioned along a second surface of the second hemisphere, where the first grooved feature includes a first body portion and a first pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the first body portion at a first congruent angle; and a second grooved feature positioned along the second surface of the second hemisphere, where the second grooved feature includes a second body portion and a second pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the second body portion at a second congruent angle, where the first body portion and the second body portion are substantially parallel, and where the first grooved feature and the second grooved feature are substantially centered with the second hemisphere along the second surface. 
     In some embodiments, the tactile feature includes: a center portion having at least four corners; a grooved border encompassing the center square portion; and a number of support bridges extending from each of the at least four corners to bridge the grooved border. In some embodiments, the first grooved feature includes a first depth, where the first pair of leg portions each terminate at a circular hole, the circular hole having a circular hole depth at least equal to the first depth. In some embodiments, the second grooved feature includes a second depth, where the second pair of leg portions each terminate at a circular hole, the circular hole having a circular hole depth at least equal to the second depth. In some embodiments, the tactile feature includes: a center hole portion and a surrounding depression that encompasses the center hole portion. In some embodiments, the first grooved feature and the second groove feature have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of: a circular channel profile, a semi-circular channel profile, a vee channel profile, a trapezoidal channel profile, and a rectangular channel profile. In some embodiments, training balls further include: a number of visual indicators positioned on the first and second surfaces of the training ball to indicate a number of finger placements for throwing the training ball. 
     In other embodiments, methods of utilizing a training ball are presented including: providing the training ball, the training ball including: a solid sphere defining a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere; a tactile feature positioned along a first surface of the first hemisphere and substantially centered with the first hemisphere; a first grooved feature positioned along a second surface of the second hemisphere, where the first grooved feature includes a first body portion and a first pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the first body portion at a first congruent angle; and a second grooved feature positioned along the second surface of the second hemisphere, where the second grooved feature includes a second body portion and a second pair of leg portions each extending from each end of the second body portion at a second congruent angle, where the first body portion and the second body portion are substantially parallel, and where the first grooved feature and the second grooved feature are substantially centered with the second hemisphere along the second surface; and grasping the training ball by aligning fingers with the tactile feature, the first grooved feature, and the second grooved feature; and throwing the training ball. 
     The features and advantages described in the specification are not all inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  are illustrative representations of a training ball having a squared center portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  are illustrative representations of a training ball having a circular center portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     In still other instances, specific numeric references such as “first material,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first material” is different than a “second material.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein provide training balls that mimic the movement patterns of an actual baseball due to grooved features (i.e., imbedded channels) and tactile features (i.e., geometric shapes) on opposing hemispheres as opposed to imbalanced hemispheres caused by surface asymmetry. Non-continuous grooved and tactile features as presented herein are asymmetrical in shape and depth. This asymmetry creates turbulent airflow, which affects the flight characteristics of the training ball. Notably, training ball embodiments are substantially balanced. That is, the features may be substantially balanced on either hemisphere by varying the depth, width, and length in any combination of the surface indentations that define the feature. The substantially balanced construction provides a more realistic curve or break when pitching and a more reliable flight path when hit. Utilizing embodiments provided herein, different pitches may be achieved without using Magnus Force. Magnus Force is the force exerted on a rapidly spinning sphere moving through the air in a direction at an angle to the axis of spin. Magnus Force—which includes back spin and top spin—is largely responsible for the amount of “curve” or “break” a baseball experiences as it is traveling to the catcher. Thus, young players may effectively experience different pitching patterns by throwing training ball embodiments in a regular overhand or sidearm fashion before they have learned how to manipulate the flight pattern using Magnus Force. In the embodiments presented herein, providing a training accessory that is efficient to manufacture and safe to use, particularly by younger players, may be desirable. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  are illustrative representations of a training ball having a squared center portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG.  1 A  is an illustrative perspective representation of training ball  100  showing tactile feature  102  and one groove feature  110  of two groove features in embodiments presented herein. An embodiment of training ball  100  may be formed from high-density polyurethane rubber, but it should be appreciated that other natural and synthetic materials may be utilized without departing from the scope of the instant invention. A conventional baseball weighs approximately 5.25 oz. (˜148 gm.) but preferred training ball  100  may weigh between approximately 0.53 to 3.17 oz. (15 to 90 gm.) depending on the size and materials utilized. The preferred training ball will define a diameter of approximately 2.0-4.0 in. (5.08-10.16 cm.), depending on the age and skill level of the intended user. As shown, training ball  100  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres having exterior surfaces. The various illustrations present different perspectives of training ball embodiments to provide clarity in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein. As such,  FIG.  1 B  is an illustrative representation of training ball  100  showing a first of two hemispheres. As illustrated, the hemisphere includes tactile feature  102  that is centered with the hemisphere and is positioned along the surface of the hemisphere. Further illustrated, tactile feature  102  includes center portion  104  that is encompassed by grooved border  108 . At each corner of center portion  104 , support bridge  106  extends to bridge grooved border  108 . In operation, the tactile feature is used to orient a user&#39;s fingers and ultimately affects flight characteristics of the training ball. The support bridges act to support the center portion as well to provide additional gripping action for the fingertips. In some embodiments, other geometry may be utilized. For example, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that five or more corners forming different geometric shapes such as a pentagon or a hexagon may be utilized without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  1 C  is an illustrative side view representation of training ball  100  showing tactile feature  102  and grooved features  110  and  120  in embodiments presented herein. As shown, training ball  100  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres as demarked by line  130 . The various illustrations present different perspectives of training ball embodiments to provide clarity in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein. As such,  FIG.  1 D  is an illustrative representation of training ball  100  showing a second of two hemispheres. As illustrated, the hemisphere includes grooved feature  110  and grooved feature  120 . Grooved feature embodiments are different in length as shown. Further illustrated, grooved feature  110  includes body portion  112  and leg portions  114  that extend from the body portion at substantially congruent angles. Likewise, grooved feature  120  includes body portion  122  and leg portions  124  that extend from the body portion at substantially congruent angles. In addition, the grooved features are substantially centered with the hemisphere along the surface of the hemisphere. Certain embodiments of one or more channel(s) are defined by two or more geometrically shaped portions that are connected or interlocked in non-symmetrical fashion including (but not limited to) circles, squares, and/or rectangles. The structure of these one or more channels is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and the sides of these one or more channels may be vertical, angled, or rounded. For example, grooved feature embodiments may have a cross-sectional profile such as: a circular channel profile, a semi-circular channel profile, a vee channel profile, a trapezoidal channel profile, and a rectangular channel profile. As illustrated, a rectangular channel profile is shown. In operation, the grooved features are used to orient a user&#39;s fingers. When thrown, the grooved features affect the air flow around training ball embodiments that affect the flight of the training ball. In addition, grooved features define a desired depth in embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the desired depth of the grooved features is approximately 0.1875 in. (0.48 cm.). 
       FIGS.  1 E and  1 F  are provided to show different orientations and feature locations of training ball embodiments. As such,  FIG.  1 E  is an illustrative side view representation of training ball  100  showing tactile feature  102  and grooved feature  110  in embodiments presented herein and  FIG.  1 F  is an illustrative side view representation of training ball  100  showing tactile feature  102  and grooved features  110  and  120  in embodiments presented herein. As may be seen in  FIG.  1 F , grooved features have a rectangular channel profile. As shown, training ball  100  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres as demarked by line  130 . It should be noted that like grooved features terminating with circular holes as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  (below), embodiments shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  may also terminate with circular holes without limitation. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  are illustrative representations of a training ball having a circular center portion in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG.  2 A  is an illustrative perspective representation of training ball  200  showing tactile feature  202  and one groove feature  210  of two groove features in embodiments presented herein. An embodiment of training ball  200  may be formed from high-density polyurethane rubber, but it should be appreciated that other natural and synthetic materials may be utilized without departing from the scope of the instant invention. A conventional baseball weighs approximately 5.25 oz. (˜148 gm.) but preferred training ball  200  may weigh between approximately 0.53 to 3.17 oz. (15 to 90 gm.) depending on the size and materials utilized. The preferred training ball will define a diameter of approximately 2.0-4.0 in. (5.08-10.16 cm.), depending on the age and skill level of the intended user. As shown, training ball  200  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres having exterior surfaces. The various illustrations present different perspectives of training ball embodiments to provide clarity in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein. As such,  FIG.  2 B  is an illustrative representation of training ball  200  showing a first of two hemispheres. As illustrated, the hemisphere includes tactile feature  202  that is centered with the hemisphere and is positioned along the surface of the hemisphere. Further illustrated, tactile feature  202  includes center hole portion  204  that is encompassed by surrounding depression  206 . In a preferred embodiment, center hold portion  204  defines a first annular dimension with a diameter of approximately 0.7500 in. (1.91 cm.) and a depth of 0.0625 in. (0.16 cm.). In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the surrounding depression defines a second annular dimension with a diameter of 0.3125 in. (0.79 cm) and a depth of 0.3750 in. (0.95 cm). It should be understood that the number, diameter, and positioning of these respective dimensions is illustrative, and that no limiting construction is intended. Further, the shape of tactile feature embodiments should not be considered a limitation of the instant invention, as other shapes such as (but not limited to) squares, rectangles, and parallelograms are within the scope of the instant invention (see for example  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F ). In operation, the tactile feature is used to orient a user&#39;s fingers and ultimately affects flight characteristics of the training ball. In addition, the surrounding depression provides additional gripping action for the fingertips. 
       FIG.  2 C  is an illustrative perspective representation of training ball  200  showing grooved features  210  and  220  in embodiments presented herein. As shown, training ball  200  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres. The various illustrations present different perspectives of training ball embodiments to provide clarity in understanding the embodiments disclosed herein. As such,  FIG.  2 D  is an illustrative representation of training ball  200  showing a second of two hemispheres. As illustrated, the hemisphere includes grooved feature  210  and grooved feature  220 . Grooved feature embodiments are different in length as shown. Further illustrated, grooved feature  210  includes body portion  212  and leg portions  214  that extend from the body portion at substantially congruent angles. Likewise, grooved feature  220  includes body portion  222  and leg portions  224  that extend from the body portion at substantially congruent angles. In the illustrated embodiments, leg portions  214  terminate at circular hole  216 . In addition, the grooved features are substantially centered with the hemisphere along the surface of the hemisphere. Certain embodiments of one or more channel(s) are defined by two or more geometrically shaped portions that are connected or interlocked in non-symmetrical fashion including (but not limited to) circles, squares, and/or rectangles. The structure of these one or more channels is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and the sides of these one or more channels may be vertical, angled, or rounded. For example, grooved feature embodiments may have a cross-sectional profile such as: a circular channel profile, a semi-circular channel profile, a vee channel profile, a trapezoidal channel profile, and a rectangular channel profile. As illustrated, a rectangular channel profile is shown. In operation, the grooved features are used to orient a user&#39;s fingers. When thrown, the grooved features affect the air flow around training ball embodiments that affect the flight of the training ball. As such, grooved features define a desired depth. In a preferred embodiment, the desired depth of the grooved features is approximately 0.1875 in. (0.48 cm). In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the circular holes is equal to or greater than the grooved feature depth. 
       FIGS.  2 E and  2 F  are provided to show different orientations and feature location of training ball embodiments. As such,  FIG.  2 E  is an illustrative side view representation of training ball  200  showing tactile feature  202  and grooved feature  220  in embodiments presented herein and  FIG.  2 F  is an illustrative side view representation of training ball  200  showing tactile feature  202  and grooved features  210  and  220  in embodiments presented herein. As shown, training ball  200  is a solid sphere that defines two hemispheres as demarked by line  230 . As may be seen in  FIG.  2 F , grooved features have a rectangular channel profile. It should be noted that like grooved features terminating without circular holes as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F , embodiments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  may also terminate without circular holes without limitation. 
     Methods 
     Training ball embodiments disclosed herein provide for throwing, hitting, and fielding under circumstances where a conventional baseball would be impractical or undesirable. The preferred training ball is formed from high-density polyurethane rubber, defines a diameter between two and four inches, and will weigh between 15 and 90 grams. The one or more tactile features are formed in the exterior surface(s) of the hemisphere or hemispheres of the preferred training ball are formed primarily from circles, squares, and rectangles defining varying lengths that may, but are preferably not continuous or intersecting with one another. The instant training ball provides a novel training accessory that delivers the playing and training benefits of a conventional baseball with the safety and flexibility of a softer ball that simultaneously provides tactile feedback to the user during use. Training ball embodiments can be thrown, hit, and fielded in a similar manner to a conventional baseball while also serving as a training tool for instruction on the proper throwing technique of breaking pitches as well as serving as a training tool for batters who are learning to recognize and hit an assortment of breaking pitches. Conventional training accessories may generate an undesirable and unpredictable ball flight when hit and/or fielded due to their consistently asymmetrical design and construction. The alternations in laminar airflow, be it from concentric rings, grooves, or raised edges, generate laminar airflow over one hemisphere of the ball but turbulent airflow over the other hemisphere, causing the ball to curve, flutter, or otherwise unpredictably fly when hit or thrown. Contrasting with these generally solid balls are lighter and/or softer balls with a continuous loop of surface alternations that may result in a more accurate flight pattern when hit or thrown but require a novice pitcher to rely on prominent wrist rotation when throwing breaking pitches; an act that is difficult for inexperienced and/or young players increasing the likelihood of an injury. Methods for utilizing training ball embodiments are provided hereinbelow for the following figures. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate methods for throwing an overhand fastball utilizing embodiments provided herein. As illustrated,  FIG.  3 A  includes training ball  300  having tactile feature  302 , which is located on one hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  310  illustrates index finger placement and  312  illustrates middle finger placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. Further illustrated  FIG.  3 B  includes training ball  300  having grooved features  304  and  306 , which are located on the opposite hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  314  illustrates thumb placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. The dotted lines are provided in these figures to show finger placement, which correspond with the tactile and grooved features. As such, once finger position is learned, then fingers may be positioned without looking at the training ball and utilizing the tactile and grooved features. In some embodiments, the dotted (or solid) lines are printed on the surface of the training ball and in other embodiments the dotted lines are not printed on the surface of the training ball. Printing the dotted lines provides visual placement for a pitcher as well as visual identification of spin for a batter. In some embodiments, a logo may be printed on training ball embodiments to provide visual identification of spin for a batter.  FIG.  3 C  illustrates the finger placement of hand  322  on training ball  320  corresponding with  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . As such, methods illustrated for throwing an overhand fastball include at least: providing training ball  300 ; grasping training ball  300  by placing middle finger  312  across tactile feature  302 ; placing index finger  310  along tactile feature  302 ; placing thumb  314  across a middle body portion of grooved feature  306 ; and throwing training ball  300 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  illustrate methods for throwing a sidearm fastball utilizing embodiments provided herein. As illustrated,  FIG.  4 A  includes training ball  400  having grooved features  404  and  406 , which are located on one hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  410  illustrates index finger placement and dotted  412  illustrates middle finger placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. Further illustrated,  FIG.  4 B  includes training ball  400  having tactile feature  402 , which is located on the opposite hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  414  illustrates thumb placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. The dotted lines are provided in these figures to show finger placement, which correspond with the tactile and grooved features. As such, once finger position is learned, then fingers may be positioned without looking at the training ball and utilizing the tactile and grooved features. In some embodiments, the dotted (or solid) lines are printed on the surface of the training ball and in other embodiments the dotted lines are not printed on the surface of the training ball. Printing the dotted lines provides visual placement for a pitcher as well as visual identification of spin for a batter. In some embodiments, a logo may be printed on training ball embodiments to provide visual identification of spin for a batter.  FIG.  4 C  illustrates the finger placement of hand  422  on training ball  420  corresponding with  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . As such, methods illustrated for throwing a sidearm fastball include at least: providing training ball  400 ; grasping training ball  400  by placing index finger  410  across the body portions of grooved features  410  and  412 ; placing middle finger  412  across the body portions of grooved features  410  and  412 ; placing thumb  414  on tactile feature  402 ; and throwing training ball  400 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  illustrate methods for throwing an overhand curveball or a sidearm curveball utilizing embodiments provided herein. As illustrated,  FIG.  5 A  includes training ball  500  having grooved features  504  and  506 , which are located on one hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  510  illustrates index finger placement and dotted  512  illustrates middle finger placement. Finger placements  510  and  512  are positioned along line  516 , which delineates the two hemispheres  508 A and  508 B of training ball  500 . The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. Further illustrated,  FIG.  5 B  includes training ball  500  having tactile feature  502 , which is located on the opposite hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  514  illustrates thumb placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. The dotted lines are provided in these figures to show finger placement, which correspond with the tactile and grooved features. As such, once finger position is learned, then fingers may be positioned without looking at the training ball and utilizing the tactile and grooved features. In some embodiments, the dotted (or solid) lines are printed on the surface of the training ball and in other embodiments the dotted lines are not printed on the surface of the training ball. Printing the dotted lines provides visual placement for a pitcher as well as visual identification of spin for a batter. In some embodiments, a logo may be printed on training ball embodiments to provide visual identification of spin for a batter.  FIG.  5 C  illustrates the finger placement of hand  522  on training ball  520  corresponding with  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . As such, methods illustrated for throwing an overhand curveball or a sidearm curveball include at least: providing training ball  500 ; grasping training ball  500  by placing index finger  510  proximately with grooved features  504  and  506  on hemisphere  508 A; placing middle finger  512  along index finger  510  and on hemisphere  508 B; placing thumb  514  proximately with grooved feature  506  on hemisphere  508 A; and throwing training ball  500 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate methods for throwing an overhand screwball or a sidearm sinker utilizing embodiments provided herein. As illustrated,  FIG.  6 A  includes training ball  600  having grooved feature  606 , which is located on one hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  610  illustrates index finger placement and dotted line  612  illustrates middle finger placement. Finger placements  610  and  612  are positioned along line  616 , which delineates the two hemispheres  608 A and  608 B of training ball  600 . The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. Further illustrated,  FIG.  6 B  includes training ball  600  having tactile feature  602 , which is located on the opposite hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  614  illustrates thumb placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. The dotted lines are provided in these figures to show finger placement, which correspond with the tactile and grooved features. As such, once finger position is learned, then fingers may be positioned without looking at the training ball and utilizing the tactile and grooved features. In some embodiments, the dotted (or solid) lines are printed on the surface of the training ball and in other embodiments the dotted lines are not printed on the surface of the training ball. Printing the dotted lines provides visual placement for a pitcher as well as visual identification of spin for a batter. In some embodiments, a logo may be printed on training ball embodiments to provide visual identification of spin for a batter.  FIG.  6 C  illustrates the finger placement of hand  622  on training ball  620  corresponding with  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . As such, methods illustrated for throwing an overhand screwball or a sidearm sinker include at least: providing training ball  600 ; grasping training ball  600  by placing index finger  610  on hemisphere  608 A; placing middle finger  612  along index finger  610  and on hemisphere  608 B; placing thumb  614  on hemispheres  608 A and  608 B opposite index and middle fingers; and throwing training ball  600 . 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  are illustrative representations of a method for using a training ball in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate methods for throwing an overhand knuckleball utilizing embodiments provided herein. As illustrated,  FIG.  7 A  includes training ball  700  having tactile feature  702 , which is located on one hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  710  illustrates index fingertip placement and  712  illustrates middle fingertip placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. Further illustrated  FIG.  7 B  includes training ball  700  having grooved features  704  and  706 , which are located on the opposite hemisphere of the training ball. Dotted line  714  illustrates thumb placement. The arrows show the direction of travel for the training ball. The dotted lines are provided in these figures to show finger placement, which correspond with the tactile and grooved features. As such, once finger position is learned, then fingers may be positioned without looking at the training ball and utilizing the tactile and grooved features. In some embodiments, the dotted (or solid) lines are printed on the surface of the training ball and in other embodiments the dotted lines are not printed on the surface of the training ball. Printing the dotted lines provides visual placement for a pitcher as well as visual identification of spin for a batter. In some embodiments, a logo may be printed on training ball embodiments to provide visual identification of spin for a batter. As such, methods illustrated for throwing an overhand fastball include at least: providing training ball  700 ; grasping training ball  700  by placing index fingertip  710  along a distal corner of tactile feature  702 ; placing middle fingertip  712  along a proximal corner of the tactile feature; placing thumb  714  along a proximal end of grooved feature  704 ; and throwing training ball  700 . 
     The terms “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean one or more (but not all) embodiments unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.