Pitching training mat and kit and associated method for training pitchers

Abstract

A training mat and kit for baseball and softball pitchers, and associated method. The mat includes a pitching rubber and one or more parallel lines for proper foot placement and body alignment. The kit comprises a pitching training mat, which may be pre-marked, stickers or marking devices for the mat, a ball, and instructional material.

1 . A pitching training device, comprising: 
 a. a mat;    b. a pitching rubber marked on the mat; and    c. one or more parallel guide lines marked on the mat.    
   
   
       2 . The pitching training device of  claim 1 , wherein the mat is rectangular in shape.  
   
   
       3 . The pitching training device of  claim 2 , wherein the pitching rubber is rectangular in shape and located proximal to one end of said mat, with the longitudinal axis of the pitching rubber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mat.  
   
   
       4 . The pitching training device of  claim 1 , wherein two parallel guidelines extend from the pitching rubber to a front edge of the mat.  
   
   
       5 . The pitching training device of  claim 4 , further wherein the two parallel guidelines also extend from the pitching rubber to a back edge of the mat opposite the first edge.  
   
   
       6 . The pitching training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a center line, parallel to the guide lines, extending from the pitching rubber to a front edge of the mat.  
   
   
       7 . The pitching training device of  claim 1 , further wherein the center line also extends from the pitching rubber to a back edge of the mat.  
   
   
       8 . The pitching training device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more foot silhouettes that can be removably attached to the mat in various locations.  
   
   
       9 . A pitching training kit, comprising: 
 a. a pitching training mat; and    b. a ball.    
   
   
       10 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , wherein said ball is a softball, baseball, or training ball.  
   
   
       11 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , wherein said pitching training mat comprises a rectangular mat marked with a pitcher's rubber, a center line along the longitudinal axis of the mat, and one or more guide lines parallel to the center line, and further comprising one or more foot silhouettes that can be removably attached to the mat in various locations.  
   
   
       12 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , wherein said pitching training mat is a blank rectangular mat.  
   
   
       13 . The pitching training kit of  claim 12 , further comprising one or more stickers or marking devices for placement on said pitching training mat.  
   
   
       14 . The pitching training kit of  claim 13 , wherein said stickers or marking devices comprise a pitcher's rubber, a center line, one or more guide lines, and one or more foot silhouettes that can be removably attached to the mat in various locations.  
   
   
       15 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , further comprising means for visual instruction.  
   
   
       16 . The pitching training kit of  claim 15 , wherein said means for visual instruction comprise a video or DVD.  
   
   
       17 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , further comprising a CD or written material with instructions and instruction information.  
   
   
       18 . The pitching training kit of  claim 9 , further comprising means for obtaining additional information.  
   
   
       19 . A pitching training method, comprising: 
 a. placing foot silhouettes on a pitching training mat;    b. positioning the pitcher's feet on the appropriate silhouettes for initial foot placement;    c. holding a ball; and    d. pitching the ball while moving the feet to the appropriate silhouettes for follow-through foot placement.