Ball throwing training and strengthening device

Abstract

This invention relates generally to training a user how to correctly throw a ball, and more specifically, a training, physical, or occupational therapy aid that can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate a user's muscles and joints.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ball throwing training device, the device comprising:
 a. a longitudinal body portion, the longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and   b. a first ball-shaped object, the first ball-shaped object being coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises an inflexible material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the inflexible material is selected from the group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size are joined together by any means. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the moveable portion further comprises a locking mechanism to prevent the moveable portion from moving. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the moveable portion is selected from the group comprising a pivot joint, a flexible portion, or a spring mechanism. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanical means is selected from the group comprising a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first ball-shaped object can be any size. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first ball-shaped object comprises a ball. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first ball-shaped object is selected from the group comprising a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the second ball-shaped object can be any size. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the second ball-shaped object comprises a ball. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the second ball-shaped object is selected from the group comprising a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the mechanical means can comprise a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         21 . A method of using the device of  claim 1 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. grasping the first ball-shaped object in the user's hand;   b. placing the longitudinal body portion underneath the user's arm against the user's side;   c. placing the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion against the lower back of the user such that the user's hand holding the first ball-shaped object is above shoulder height; and   d. rotating the user's arm forward such that the hand holding the first ball-shaped object rotates from above the user's shoulder below the user's shoulder;   wherein rotation of the user's arm forward lifts the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.   
     
     
         22 . A arm strengthening device, the device comprising:
 a. a longitudinal body portion, the longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end; and   b. a first ball-shaped object, the first ball-shaped object being coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion.   
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , further comprising a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 22 , further comprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion.