Patent ID: 8668602

Claim:
A method for training a user to swing a member at a moving target, comprising: receiving in a first area proximate the member a target object projected by a launching mechanism located at a second area that is distant from the first area, the target object traveling along a free space path from the second area to the first area, to pass along the free space path unassisted by connection, and untethered, to the launching mechanism, the target object traveling in a path that forms a pitch-like arc and simulates a baseball/softball pitch from, the launching mechanism at the second area, to a batter represented as a user, at the first area; striking, by the user, the target object with the member; and wherein the target object comprises a cylindrical target member having a length, and the length of the target member forms at least a majority of a total length of the target object and the length of the target member aligns along the free space path as the target object passes toward the area; and wherein the target object further comprises an additional shaped member and the additional shaped member comprises a plurality of apertures for dissipating force imposed on the target object by the striking step.