Patent Publication Number: US-6663512-B2

Title: Pitching coach

Description:
I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a pitching apparatus and, more particularly, to a pitching apparatus that simulates the proper pitching mechanics to effectively teach the fundamental techniques of pitching. 
     II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     In baseball, the pitching position is pivotal to the success of any team. This position is, therefore, fielded by the pitcher who has developed proper pitching mechanics, the result of which maximizes performance and reduce injuries which may dramatically affect the success of the team and ultimately the pitcher&#39;s career. 
     There exist a number of baseball pitching training apparatus that focus on different aspects of a pitch. However, a significant problem with these devices is that none focus on the most important aspect of pitching, body positioning, and then combine all the facets integral to a proper pitch into one complete pitching training apparatus. 
     For example, a baseball pitching apparatus that trains the feet position of the pitcher is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,449 to Weeks entitled “Baseball Pitching Trainer” which discloses a baseball pitching trainer designed to teach a prospective pitcher the proper pitching stance and body orientation to execute a proper pitch. The trainer comprises a mat having a foot engaging portion, a tee mechanism, and a target. In operation, the pitcher adopts the appropriate stance by placing the pitcher&#39;s feet over the foot outlines in the mat. The pitcher may then assume the pitching motion in which the pitching hand grasps the baseball from the top of the tee mechanism. The pitcher completes the pitch by throwing the baseball toward the target with the left foot and right foot landing in the appropriate landing area on the mat. This device, however, has several inherent shortcomings. First, this device only teaches a pitcher the proper foot stance prior to execution of the pitch. As a result, this device does not control or train the proper stride of the pitcher which will cause the pitcher to either overextend the stride or not extend enough while attempting to land on the appropriate landing area. Second, the pitcher is not provided with any further training to actually simulate and execute the remaining fundamentals of the pitch. The pitcher is not provided with any control or training to master the remaining fundamentals of the pitch. Lastly, as the device is devoid of training to simulate and execute a proper pitch, a pitcher is susceptible to improper body positioning throughout the execution of the pitch. Consequently, the pitcher will develop bad habits from mechanical flaws that effectuate poor pitching and, thereby, create vulnerability to injury from the increased body stresses precipitated by the inefficient mechanics. 
     In another example, a baseball pitching apparatus that trains the pitcher through arm positioning is U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,243 to Ryan et al. entitled “Training Apparatus, Method For Training An Athlete, And Method For Producing A Training Device.” This patent discloses a device to train an athlete, such as a baseball player. The device comprises a starting pad, a landing pad, and a target which are spaced along a beam. In operation, the pitcher stands on the starting pad and grips a baseball. The pitcher executes a pitch through a wind up on the starting pad and then strides to the landing pad while throwing the baseball toward the target. This device likewise presents a number of problems to teach the fundamentals of a proper pitch. The device does not have the ability to train the proper positioning and orientation of the pitcher during the wind-up to effectively execute a proper completed pitch. The device does not use a light emitting diode sensor to regulate the training device to control the proper mechanics of the pitch. The device uses a beam within the pitcher&#39;s pitching path in which the pitcher transfers from a starting pad to a landing pad during an executed pitch. The beam, however, may be injurious to the pitcher if the pitcher does not have proper balance or positioning during the pitch and, thereby, is unable to accurately transfer from the starting pad to the landing pad. The device teaches the use of a vertical posture guide, or screen, to constrain the athlete&#39;s upper torso movements. However, since the upper torso will move where the hips move, the vertical posture guide is inherently useless without a hip stabilizer. 
     Other examples of apparatus for baseball pitching that trains only the resistance and muscle memory of the pitching arm and not the complete simulation and execution of the fundamentals of a pitch are seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,471 to Haysom entitled “Method For Use In The Training And Warming-Up of Baseball Pitchers” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,836 to Hirsch entitled “Resistance Weight Kit”. 
     Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed a baseball pitching training apparatus that effectively simulates and trains the fundamental mechanics of a complete pitch. 
     III. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the primary object of the present invention to simulate proper pitching mechanics to effectively teach the fundamental techniques of various pitches. A related object of the present invention is to enable the pitcher to pitch at greater speeds with increased accuracy. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is equally useful for both right and left handed pitchers. A related object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is adjustable to train pitchers of various heights and weights. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is light weight and portable. 
     Still another related object of the present invention is to provide a quality pitching apparatus that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a pitching apparatus that is safe and easy to use. 
     Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a pitching apparatus that teaches the fundamental techniques of a desired pitch through the regulation and control of a control arm. The pitching apparatus consists of a mechanical box housing, a control arm and a control box housing. The pitching apparatus is supported by a plurality of legs. The mechanical box housing utilizes a vertical axis member, a collar with a cutout, and a latch to position the control arm into a locked position. A light emitting diode sensor and a solenoid coact to release the control arm from the locked position and position the control arm into a rest position. The control box housing supports a control panel and is used to regulate and control the mechanics of the mechanical box housing in accordance with the selected pitch that the pitcher would like to learn. 
    
    
     V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better understood with reference to the following figures: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pitching apparatus. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view with portions removed illustrating the components within the mechanical box with the control arm in the armed position. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view with portions removed illustrating the components within the mechanical box with the control arm in the rest position. 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view with portions removed illustrating the components of the mechanical box housing. 
     FIG. 5 is a top perspective view with portions removed of the mechanical box housing illustrating the control arm in the rest position and, in particular, depicting the cutout in the collar. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pitching apparatus with the control arm in the armed position relative to the pitcher. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pitching apparatus with the control arm in the release position relative to the movement of the pitcher. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pitching apparatus with the control arm in the rest position relative to the final position of the pitcher. 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the control box housing illustrating the control buttons of the pitching apparatus. 
     FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram of the pitching apparatus used to operate the control arm with respect to the various pitching techniques. 
    
    
     VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a pitching apparatus  20 . The pitching apparatus  20  has a control box housing  22  and a mechanical box housing  24 . The control box housing  22  is rectangular in shape with four sides  26 , a bottom  28 , and a top  30 . Located on the top  30  of the control box housing  22  is a control panel  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the top  30  is raised to a higher position along one side relative to the opposite side of the control box housing  22  such that the control panel  32  faces downward in the direction of the mechanical box housing  24 . In this manner, the elevated control panel  32  is more accessible and more visible when in use by a pitcher. 
     The control box housing  22  is situated above the mechanical box housing  24  by a platform  34 . The platform  34  is rectangular in shape with four sides  36 , a top  38 , and a base  40 . The bottom  28  of the control box housing  22  is attached to the top  38  of the platform  34  by bolts  42  to secure the control box housing  22  to the platform  34 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means may be used to attach the control box housing  22  to the platform  34  provided that the control box housing  22  is sufficiently secured to the platform  34  to prevent independent movement of the control box housing  22  relative to the platform  34 . 
     Supporting the control box housing  22  and the platform  34  are legs  44 . In the preferred embodiment, the pitching apparatus  20  has at least three legs  44 . Each of the legs  44  has a proximal end  46  and a distal end  48 . The proximal end  46  of the legs  44  is attached to the base  40  of the platform  34  by a brace  50 . The brace  50  enables each of the legs  44  to be rotated in an outward direction to position the legs  44  for optimum support of the pitching apparatus  20 . The brace  50  also permits the legs  44  to be rotated in an inward direction to position the legs  44  for optimum storage when the pitching apparatus  20  is not in use. Alternatively, any other means to attach the end  46  of the legs  44  to the base  40  may be used provided that the legs  44  are sufficiently secured to the base  40  of the platform  34  and enable the legs  44  to be positioned for use and storage. At the distal end  48  of each of the legs  44  is affixed a foot  52 . Preferably, the foot  52  is made of a rubber material. The foot  52  provides a friction surface to enable each of the legs  44  to remain in contact with the ground where positioned. The combination of the foot  52  and the brace  50  also coact to provide additional stability for each of the legs  44  and, thereby, sufficiently support the center of gravity of the pitching apparatus  20  while in use. Between the end  46  and the end  48  of each of the legs  44  is an exterior tube  45  with a plurality of holes  47 . The plurality of holes  47  are positioned along the length of the exterior tube  45 . The legs  44  also have an interior extension  49  with a retractable pin  51 . The retractable pin  51  is positioned along the length of the interior extension  49  and in the same plane directly in line with the plurality of holes  47  on the exterior tube  45 . Upon alignment of the retractable pin  51  with the desired hole  47 , the retractable pin  51  extends outwardly from the interior extension  49  and projects through the hole  47  to prevent the interior extension  49  from extending any further from within the exterior tube  45  and, thereby, set a desired length  43  of the leg  44 . For flat ground or horizontal surfaces, all of legs  44  are preferably set at the same length  43  for proper balance and stabilization of the pitching apparatus  20 . Alternatively, depending upon the slope and grade of the pitchers mounds, it is contemplated that one or all of the legs  44  may be set at different lengths  43  to obtain proper balance and stabilization of the pitching apparatus  20 . 
     The mechanical box housing  24  is circular in shape having a top surface  54 , a bottom surface  56 , and a side  58 . The mechanical box housing  24  is attached to the platform  34  by a crossbar  60 . The crossbar  60  extends outwardly from the side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  directly to the side  36  of the platform  34  in which the control panel  32  faces. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the mechanical box housing  24  may be attached to either the platform  34  or the control box housing  22  and in any manner so long as the use that the mechanical box housing  24  serves is not disrupted. 
     The side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  has a slot  64 . The slot  64  extends in an arc along the exterior circumference of the mechanical box housing  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the extension of the arc is at least ninety degrees (90°). Alternatively, the extension of the arc may be greater than ninety degrees (90°) and less than three hundred and sixty degrees (360°). In the preferred embodiment, the slot  64  begins at beginning location  61  and continues along the arc of the exterior circumference of the mechanical box housing  24  until the slot  64  reaches ending location  63  (FIG.  5 ). The slot  64  has a slot width  65  which is less than the width of the side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  and greater than the diameter of the control arm  66 . 
     Extending perpendicular and outwardly from the mechanical box housing  24  and through the slot  64  is a control arm  66 . The control arm  66  is preferably an elongated member that is cylindrical in shape. Alternatively, the control arm  66  may be any other elongated shape provided that the control arm  66  performs its intended use. In use, the control arm  66  rotates from a locked position  70 , which is perpendicular to the mechanical box housing  24  and the control box housing  22  and at the beginning location  61  of slot  64 , to a rest or idle position  72 , which is parallel to the mechanical box housing  24  and the control box housing  22  and at the ending location  63  of the slot  64 . In the preferred embodiment, the control arm  66  rotates along the slot  64  of the mechanical box housing  24  in the direction of arrow A through a ninety degree (90°) arc from the locked position  70  to the rest position  72 . The structure and mechanics of the rotation of the control arm  66  are more fully discussed below. The control arm  66  is also wrapped in a foam cover  68 . The foam cover  68  is used to protect the user from possible injury during the rotation of the control arm  66  from the locked position  70  to the rest position  72 . 
     Situated along the crossbar  60  between the side  36  of the platform  34  and the mechanical box housing  24  is a swivel mount  62  (FIG.  2 ). The swivel mount  62  enables the mechanical box housing  24  to be rotated in the direction of arrow B through ninety degrees (90°) from an engagement position  74  to a storage position  76 . In the storage position  76 , the control arm  66  will likewise rotate in the direction of arrow B through ninety degrees (90°) from the rest position  72  to a control arm storage position  79 . With the legs  44  pulled inward under the platform  34 , the pitching apparatus  20  becomes a compact unit that is easy to transport from one location to another for storage when not in use. 
     Extending outwardly from the platform  34  and control box housing  22  is a light emitting diode sensor  73 . The light emitting diode sensor  73  is a standard light to voltage optical sensor that is used as a detector. The light emitting diode sensor  73  emits a series or constant stream of infrared pulses or coded signals. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor emits this light into a sensor area  75 . The sensor  73  has an emitting angle  77  of approximately one hundred and fifty degrees (150°). The sensor  73  also has a measurement range that extends from the sensor  73  located, at some position between the legs  44  and below the platform  34 , to, at least, the opposite end of the control arm  66 . Preferably, the range is approximately four feet (4′). The combination of the emitting angle  77  and the measurement range forms the sensor area  75 . 
     Turning to FIGS. 2-5, the structure and mechanics of the rotation of the control arm  66  within the mechanical box housing  24  are more fully illustrated. Situated in the center of the mechanical box housing  24  is a vertical axis member  78 . The vertical axis member  78  has a length  80  (FIG. 3) and extends upwardly and perpendicular from the bottom surface  56  of the mechanical box housing  24  toward the top surface  54  of the mechanical box housing  24 . Preferably, the vertical axis member  78  does not engage or contact the top surface  54  so as to prevent the top surface  54  from inhibiting the rotation of the vertical axis member  78 . Situated around the lower exterior circumference of the vertical axis member  78  is a coiled spring  82 . The coiled spring  82  has one end secured to the bottom surface  56  by a bracket  84 . Alternatively, any other means to secure the coiled spring  82  to the bottom surface  56  may be used as long as it prevents the independent movement of the coiled spring  82  with respect to the vertical axis member  78  and the bottom surface  56 . The coiled spring  82  is wrapped around the exterior circumference of the vertical axis member  78  in a number of coils and terminates in a hook  85 . The hook  85  engages the control arm  66  adjacent to the vertical axis member  78 . 
     The vertical axis member  78  also has a collar  86 . The collar  86  is circular in shape and is affixed along the top exterior circumference of the vertical axis member  78 . The collar  86  has a thickness  88  (FIG.  4 ). Within the thickness  88  and circular shape of the collar  86  is a cutout  90 . The cutout  90  is formed by a ledge  92  (FIG. 5) and a sidewall  94  (FIG.  5 ). Extending outwardly and perpendicular from the vertical axis member  78  and remaining parallel to the bottom surface  56  of the mechanical box housing  24  is the control arm  66 . 
     Located adjacent to the vertical axis member  78  and attached to the bottom surface  56  of the mechanical box housing  24  is a solenoid  96 . In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid  96  is located in any position that is not between the locked position  70  and the rest position  72  of the control arm  66 . 
     The solenoid  96  is a conventional solenoid available in the marketplace today. The solenoid  96  is comprised of an electromagnet encased within an iron or steel container. Situated at one end of the iron or steel container is a release arm  98 , commonly referred to as a “T” plunger. The release arm  98  is positioned in the center of the electromagnet. As current flows through the electromagnet the release arm  98  is pulled into the container. Located around the release arm  98  is a detent spring  99  (FIG.  4 ). When the current is shut off or no longer applied, the detent spring  99  expands to push the release arm  98  back out from the solenoid  96 . 
     Attached to the release arm  98  is a latch  100 . The latch  100  is an “L” shaped member with a base arm  102  and a locking arm  104 . Preferably, the base arm  102  and the locking arm  104  remain perpendicular to each other and rotate about a pivot point  106  which is affixed to the top surface  54  of the mechanical box housing  24  by a screw  108 . In the preferred embodiment, the screw  108  coacts to support the latch  100  in position for proper use while permitting the latch  100  to rotate about the pivot point  106 . Alternatively, any other means to support the latch  100  may be used provided that the latch  100  remains in position and is capable to rotate for its intended purpose to lock and release the control arm  66 . 
     Situated along the interior of side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  is a wedge support  110 . The wedge support  110  is affixed to the side  58  by bolts  112 . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means to affix the wedge support  110  to the side  58  is sufficient so long as the wedge support  110  maintains the proper affixed position. The wedge support  110  is shaped in the form of a triangle with three sides  114 . One of the three sides  114  is affixed to the side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  and the second of the three sides  114  supports a stop  116 . Alternatively, the wedge support  110  may be any other shape provided the wedge support  110  is sufficiently secured to the side  58  of the mechanical box housing  24  and provides adequate support for the stop  116 . Likewise, the stop  116  is circular in shape but may be any other contemplated shape. The stop  116  has a diameter  118 . Preferably, the diameter  118  is approximately equal to the diameter of the control arm  66 . 
     Turning to FIGS. 6-8, an example of the pitching apparatus  20  as used by a pitcher is shown. In use, the control arm  66  is manually rotated clockwise along the slot  64  of the mechanical box housing  24  through a ninety degree (90°) arc from the rest position  72  (FIG. 1) to the locked position  70 . As the control arm  66  is rotated in this direction, the coiled spring  82  is wound around the vertical axis member  78  creating a stored energy or tension in the coiled spring  82  that is exerted against the control arm  66  and increased to higher strength when the control arm  66  reaches the locked position  70 . The control arm  66  is maintained in the locked position  70  by the combination of the collar  86  and the latch  100 . More specifically, as the control arm  66  rotates from the rest position  72  to the locked position  70 , the vertical axis member  78  is likewise rotated clockwise through the same ninety degree (90°) arc. Upon the control arm  66  reaching the locked position  70 , the locking arm  104  of the latch  100  engages the cutout  90  in the collar  86  to prevent the vertical axis member  78  from rotating counter clockwise back to the rest position  72  due to the counter forces exerted by the coiled spring  82 . Upon the control arm  66  reaching the locked position  70  and the pitching apparatus being activated, the light emitting diode sensor  73  begins to emit its series or constant stream of infrared or coded signals into the sensor area  75 . At this moment, the pitching apparatus  20  is ready for use by a pitcher  144  located on a mound  146  as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     As the pitcher  144  executes the proper mechanics of the desired pitch as discussed below, the front leg  148  of the pitcher  144  enters the sensor area  75  as illustrated in FIG.  7 . When the front leg  148  enters the sensor area  75 , the infrared pulses or coded signals are reflected back to the light emitting diode sensor  73 . The light emitting diode sensor  73  receives the pulses or coded signals and sends a signal to the control circuit on the circuit board as illustrated by the electrical schematic of FIG.  10 . The control circuit energizes the solenoid  96  to pull the release arm  98  into the solenoid  96 . As the release arm  98  is pulled into the solenoid  96 , the base arm  102  is likewise pulled toward the solenoid  96  which effectively rotates the latch  100  about the pivot point  106  and disengages the locking arm  104  from the cutout  90  of the collar  86 . Once the latch  100  is released from the vertical axis member  78 , the tension of the coiled spring  82  is released and the hook  85  forces the control arm  66  from the locked position  70  through the arc of the slot  64  to the rest position  72 . If, however, the pitcher  144  does not execute the proper fundamental techniques of the pitch, the front leg  148  will not accurately enter the sensor area  75  and the control arm  66  will not be released to permit the pitcher  144  to complete the pitch. 
     With the release of the control arm  66 , the pitcher  144  is permitted to complete the desired pitch as illustrated in FIG. 8 as the control arm  66  completes the rotation into the rest position  72 . As the control arm  66  reaches the rest position  72 , the stop  116  and the ending location  63  of the slot  64  coact to stop the rotation of the control arm  66  and position the control arm  66  into the rest position  72 . The legs  44  stabilize the pitching apparatus  20  and absorb the energy and forces released during the pitching process to maintain the pitching apparatus  20  in proper position to teach the fundamental techniques of the desired pitch. 
     Turning to FIG. 9, the control panel  32  of the pitching apparatus  20  is more clearly illustrated. The control panel  32  controls the operation of the pitching apparatus  20  to teach a number of different pitches. The control panel  32  consists of an on/off switch  120  and a power light display  122 . When the on/off switch is toggled to the “on” position, the flow of electricity from a power source  124  (not illustrated) will energize the pitching apparatus  20  for use. Preferably, the power source  124  is a battery. Alternatively, the power source  124  may be any other means to energize the pitching apparatus  20 . The power light display  122  will engage and display a color, such as red, to indicate that the pitching apparatus  20  is energized by the power source  124 . If the power source  124  becomes low on energy, a low battery light display  126  will energize and display a color, such as red, to indicate a low power source  124  and that the pitching apparatus  20  may not have enough power to continue in operation for the remainder of the training session. 
     Alternatively, the pitching apparatus  20  may be completely functional and operable without the control panel  32  except that: (1) the number of different pitching techniques would be limited to one, and (2) the pitching apparatus  20  would not provide the same safety precautions related to the control arm  66  that are provided by the control panel  32 . 
     The control panel  32  comprises a number of buttons that control the engagement and release of the pitching apparatus  20 , specifically the control arm  66 . These buttons are an arm button  128 , a wind-up button  130 , a stretch button  132 , and an updownout button  134 . With each button, the control panel comprises a corresponding light display to signal to the user which buttons have been activated and are engaged. These light display buttons are an arm display light  136 , a wind-up display light  138 , a stretch display light  140 , and a updownout display light  142 . 
     The arm button  128  controls the engagement or locking of the control arm  66 . When a user desires to simply engage the pitching apparatus  20 , the user will rotate the control arm  66  from the rest position  72  to the engagement position  74 . In the engagement position  74 , the control arm  66  will not release until the pitching apparatus  20  is activated. To activate the pitching apparatus  20 , the user must then depress the arm button  128 . At this point the pitching apparatus  20  is activated and will be released if the sensor  73  is triggered or, in other words, the pitcher contacts the sensor area  75 . 
     The pitching apparatus  20  may be programmed to teach different types of pitches to the pitcher. These are the wind up pitch, the stretch pitch, and the up down out pitch. The procedure for each of these pitches is basically the same. 
     The proper pitching mechanics that a pitcher goes through from start to finish are illustrated by the same six steps. If any of these steps are done incorrectly it can cause a total “breakdown” of the mechanical process possibly causing inaccurate pitches, lower velocity, and extra stress to the body, which can ultimately lead to injury. 
     The first step is the Rocker Step. The pitcher adjusts the height of the pitching apparatus to the proper settings for that particular pitcher. The pitcher&#39;s stance should be relaxed with the pitcher&#39;s focus on a small detailed part of the target over home base. The pitcher then takes a small step to the side of the pitching rubber, preferably not behind. The reason is that if the step is to the side of the pitching rubber there is no dramatic weight shift of the body. Also, with the leg of the pitching apparatus to the side of the pitcher it prevents the pitcher from taking too big of a rocker step as well. 
     Second step, the pitcher will pick his or her front leg up, while the weight of the pitcher is balanced on the “balls” of his or her plant foot. Preferably, the pitcher should not swing the leg up to the balance position so that the pitcher remains in control of his or her actions. If the pitcher swings his or her leg up, it can create two problems: (a) by swinging the leg up the shoulders of the pitcher have a tendency to fall backwards which will place the pitcher in a less than ideal throwing position; and (b) by swinging the leg up the weight of the pitcher does not remain on the balls of the pitcher&#39;s feet and, thereby, once again place the pitcher in a less than ideal throwing position. During this step, the position of the control bar of the pitching apparatus forces the pitcher to pick his or her leg up in a controlled and ideal position. 
     Third step, the balance position. If the first two steps were done properly, the pitcher will be in the ideal balance position. This step is crucial because, if the pitcher does not obtain the ideal balance position, the odds of a success pitch decreases dramatically and the odds of injury increases dramatically. The ideal balance position involves having the back leg slightly flexed and the front leg bent in a ninety (90) degree angle. The arms are placed at the center of the chest and the pitcher&#39;s weight is on the balls of the pitcher&#39;s foot. 
     Fourth step, the pitcher is to break the hands and lead with the front foot. The hands are broken to get the arm started before the body. Nearly a split second after the pitcher breaks the hands, the pitcher will lead with his or her front foot down and out towards home plate. During this lead with the front foot, however, the pitcher will remain balanced with the pitcher&#39;s weight remaining back. This may very well be the most important step in order to achieve success and avoid injury. During this step, the pitching apparatus forces the weight of the pitcher to remain back and keep a proper balanced position. Once the front leg is extend into the sensor area to trigger the sensor, the control arm will be released to allow the pitcher to execute the remaining steps. 
     Fifth step, the throwing position. At this point the pitcher&#39;s weight is predominately still back. The throwing elbow is up and in the L-position, the thumbs are down, and the fingers are facing away from the pitcher. The pitcher&#39;s feet are little over shoulder-width apart and the front foot is just slightly closed. It is now that the weight of the pitcher begins to shift forward and the torso twist for the pitcher to generate maximum power. 
     Six and final step, the pitcher follows through to complete the pitching process. Once the ball has been released, the pitcher&#39;s back heel will go to the sky and all the pitcher&#39;s momentum will go towards home plate. This is necessary because it puts the pitcher in a position with all their power being exerted towards the target at home plate and places the pitcher in the ideal fielding position. During this step, the pitching apparatus forces the pitcher to execute the correct follow through due to the control bar rotating through the ninety (90) degree arc angle and prohibiting the pitcher from “falling of the mound.” 
     During each of these six step procedure from the wind up pitch, the stretch pitch, and the up down out pitch, the pitcher may contact the sensor area  75  more than once before the pitcher is ready to release. In these instances, the pitching apparatus  20  must be programmed to account for the different styles of pitches and the additional contacts to the sensor area  75 . 
     In the wind up pitch, the pitcher  144  should only contact the sensor area  75  once during the fourth step when the pitcher leads with the front leg. To teach this pitch, the user must program the pitching apparatus  20  accordingly. To program this wind up pitch, the user must: (1) rotate the control arm  66  from the rest position  72  to the engagement position  74 ; (2) depress the wind-up button  130  which will also simultaneously activate the wind-up display light  138 ; (3) depress the arm button  128  to activate the sensor  73  which will also simultaneously activate the arm display light  136 ; and (4) perform the wind up pitch, in which case, the sensor  73  will release the control arm  66  on the first instance that the pitcher contacts the sensor area  75 . 
     In the stretch pitch, the pitcher  144  should contact the sensor area  75  twice: the first time as the pitcher comes set to take his stance since, for this pitch, the pitcher is facing more toward first base; and the second time when the pitcher executes the fourth step by leading with the front leg. To teach this pitch, the user must program the pitching apparatus  20  by: (1) rotating the control arm  66  from the rest position  72  to the engagement position  74 ; (2) depressing the stretch button  132  which will also simultaneously activate the stretch display light  140 ; (3) depress the arm button  128  to activate the sensor  73  which will also simultaneously activate the arm display light  136 ; and (4) perform the stretch pitch, in which case, the sensor  73  will release the control arm  66  on the second instance that the pitcher contacts the sensor area  75 . 
     In the up down out pitch, the pitcher  144  should contact the sensor area  75  at least three times: the first and second time occurs as the pitcher simulates the fourth step two times as a drill to concentrate on proper balance positioning and then, the third time, the pitcher  144  actually completes the fourth step in which instance the control arm  66  is to be released. To teach this pitch, the user must program the pitching apparatus  20  by: (1) rotating the control arm  66  from the rest position  72  to the engagement position  74 ; (2) depressing the updownout button  134  which will also simultaneously activate the updownout display light button  142 ; (3) depress the arm button  128  to activate the sensor  73  which will also simultaneously activate the arm display light  136 ; and (4) perform the up down out pitch, in which case, the sensor  73  will release the control arm  66  on the third instance that the pitcher contacts the sensor area  75 . Alternatively, the pitching apparatus  20  may be programmed to account for any number of different style pitches and contacts to the sensor area  75  to teach a pitcher. 
     FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram illustrating the electronics of the operation of the pitching apparatus  20  and, in particular, the use of the buttons of the control panel  32  to select the desired pitch, the light emitting diode sensor  73  to receive the desired pitch information from the control panel  32 , regulate and determine the release of the control arm  66  with respect to the desired pitch and send a signal to activate the solenoid  96  for the release of the control arm  66  to teach the proper fundamentals of that desired pitch. 
     In accordance with the electrical schematic, the operation of the pitching apparatus  20  is as follows. The electrical circuitry and firmware is controlled and regulated by a microprocessor designated by U 1 . Preferably, the microprocessor is an Atmel Corporation, Part No.: AT905815754PC. This microprocessor receives inputs from J 3 - 1 , J 3 - 2 , and J 3 - 3  which represents the wind-up button  130 , the stretch button  132 , and the updownout button  134 , respectively. The J 3 - 5  input represents the arm button  128 . Depending upon which input is received from the J 3  inputs, the microprocessor sends an output signal to energize the appropriate light display. If the wind-up button  130  (J 3 - 1 ) is selected, the wind-up light display represented by J 4 - 1  is energized; if the stretch button  132  (J 3 - 2 ) is selected, the stretch light display  140  represented by J 4 - 2  is energized; if the updownout button  134  is selected, the updownout light display  142  represented by J 4 - 3  is energized. When the arm button  128  is activated after the selected pitch designation, the arm light display  126  represented by J 4 - 8  is energized to indicate that the pitching apparatus  20  is armed and ready for use. 
     Once the desired pitch is selected and the pitching apparatus  20  is ready for use, the microprocessor sends a signal to a circuit, represented by U 8 -U 12 , to transmit the infrared pulses or coded signals through the light emitting diode sensor  73 , represented by J 7 - 1  and J 7 - 2 . Every time the pitcher engages the sensor area  75 , the reflected infrared or coded signal is received by the light emitting diode sensor  73  at JP 1  and then forwarded to the microprocessor at U 1 ,  12 , to be analyzed. If the wind-up pitch is selected, then the first instance of the pitcher contacting the sensor area  75  releases the control arm  66 . This occurs, when the microprocessor receives and determines that the reflected signal is in fact the appropriate reflection from the pitcher contacting the sensor area  75 . The microprocessor sends an output signal through U 1 ,  24 . The signal is then “conditioned” at “buffering circuit” represented by U 2 -A and sent to the U 2 -B circuit to receive any delay instructions. Preferably, U 2 -B is set at zero, in which case the Q 2  transistor is immediately fired activating the solenoid  96  and initiating the releasing means to release the control arm  66  from the locked position  70  to the rest position  72 . Alternatively, the U 2 -B circuit may be programmed with a delay sequence. In other words, once the signal is received to initiate the activation of the solenoid  96 , the U 2 -B circuit may be programmed with a timed delay, in which case, the solenoid  96  will not be activated until after the delay is completed. For example, if the pitcher desired to hold the control arm  66  in the locked position  70  for an additional three seconds after the sensor area  75  had been engaged by the pitcher, the U 2 -B can be programmed with a three second time delay to prevent the solenoid  96  from activating for those three seconds and, thereby, prevent the control arm  66  from moving from the locked position  70  for three seconds following the triggering engagement of the sensor area  75 . If the stretch or updownout pitches are selected, the microprocessor will receive the reflected signal into a counting registry. Once the proper number of engagements with the sensor area  75  are contacted by the pitcher, the microprocessor will then send the signal to activate the solenoid  96  as previously discussed. The entire operation of the pitching apparatus  20  is powered by a power source  124 . As the power source  124  is preferably a twelve (12) voltage battery, the pitching apparatus  20  is reduced to operate on five (5) volts, as represented by U 13  and U 14 , to create a safe margin for operation and maximize the operation performance. 
     Thus, there has been provided a pitching apparatus that uses the combination of unique mechanics and electronics to properly teach the fundamental techniques of pitching. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it in intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.