Method and apparatus for training a baseball player

Abstract

A strike training device having a rectangular front face, on which are positioned a plurality of graphic striking targets and an visibly defined strike zone. The batter is able to train to mentally envision the strike zone with the help of the visual aids on the front surface. The batter increases in strength and stamina by hitting into the shock absorbing striking surface. The batters judgment and accuracy are improved by quickly identifying a designated striking target, determining if the target is inside the strike zone, and if so, hitting the target.

1 . A training device comprising:
 an exercise bag, having a substantially flat front face;   the front face having a visibly defined strike zone.   
     
     
         2 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a base to support the bag in an upright position with the front face substantially perpendicular to the ground.   
     
     
         3 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of handles located on the outer surfaces of the exercise bag for supporting the bag in an upright position with the front face substantially perpendicular to the ground.   
     
     
         4 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the visibly defined strike zone is removably attached to the front face; and   repositionable.   
     
     
         5 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the visibly defined strike zone is resizable to accommodate players of varying stature.   
     
     
         6 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the visibly defined strike zone is comprised of four corner indicators.   
     
     
         7 . A training device as described in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the visibly defined strike zone is comprised of four side indicators.   
     
     
         8 . A training device as describe in  claim 4 , wherein:
 the removable strike zone is attached with a hook and loop type fastener.   
     
     
         9 . A training device as describe in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of striking targets.   
     
     
         10 . A training device as described in  claim 9 , wherein:
 the striking targets are graphic images of baseballs.   
     
     
         11 . A training device as described in  claim 9 , wherein:
 the striking targets are logos or graphic representations of opposing teams.   
     
     
         12 . A training device as described in  claim 9 , wherein:
 the striking targets are uniquely identifiable.   
     
     
         13 . A training device as described in  claim 9 , wherein:
 some striking targets are positioned inside the strike zone; and   some striking targets are positioned outside the strike zone.   
     
     
         14 . A training device as described in  claim 9 , wherein:
 the striking targets are individually lightable.   
     
     
         15 . A method of training a baseball player comprising:
 adjusting a visible strike zone on the surface of a exercise bag to suit the individual player;   positioning a plurality of individually identifiable striking targets within the strike zone;   holding the exercise bag such that a fully extended swing will contact the face of the exercise bag;   indicating a specific striking target at which the player is to swing;   evaluating a player's performance based on one or more criteria comprising:
 the accuracy of the swing to connect with the indicated target; 
 the reaction speed between indicating the target and the impact; 
 the force of the impact; 
 the stance of the player. 
   
     
     
         16 . A method of training as described in  claim 15 , further comprising:
 positioning a plurality of individually identifiable striking targets outside of the strike zone; and   evaluating a player's performance further comprises the criteria of the player's ability to recognize targets outside of the strike zone and refrain from swinging when they are indicated.   
     
     
         17 . A method of training as described in  claim 16 , further comprising:
 removing the visible strike zone so the player must evaluate the position of balls without visual clues as to the location of the strike zone.   
     
     
         18 . A method of training as described in  claim 16  further comprising:
 improving batters quick judgment of strike zone pitches by providing “rapid fire” target selection instructions, wherein,
 some selected targets are within the batters strike zone, and 
 some selected targets are outside the batters strike zone. 
 
 
     
     
         19 . A method of training as described in  claim 15 , wherein:
 indicating a specific striking target at which the player is to swing is accomplished by lighting the specific striking target.   
     
     
         20 . A method of training as described in  claim 19 , wherein:
 striking targets are engaged randomly at random speeds.