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. an end cap;   b. a longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the end cap is coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion; and   c. a first ball-shaped object coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion;   wherein the device is used for ball throwing training.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap can move between a retracted position and an extended position. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap comprises a second ball-shaped object. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises an inflexible material. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the inflexible material is selected from the group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal body portion comprises two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size are joined together by any means. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor coupled to the device. 
     
     
         10 . 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. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the mechanical means is selected from the group comprising a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap coupled to the longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         13 . A ball throwing training device, the device comprising:
 a. a first longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end;   b. a first flexible portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first flexible portion is coupled to the distal end of the first longitudinal body portion;   c. a second longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second longitudinal body portion is coupled to the distal end of the first flexible portion;   d. a second flexible portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the second flexible portion is coupled to the distal end of the second longitudinal body portion; and   e. a first ball-shaped object coupled to the distal end of the second flexible portion;   wherein the device is used for ball throwing training.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second longitudinal body portions comprise an inflexible material. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the inflexible material is selected from the group comprising fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the first and second flexible portions each further comprise a locking mechanism to prevent the first and second flexible portions from flexing. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising an end cap coupled to the proximal end of the first longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the end cap can move between a retracted position and an extended position. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the end cap comprises a second ball-shaped object. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the second ball-shaped object can be any size. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a third longitudinal body portion comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the third longitudinal body portion is coupled to the distal end of the second flexible portion and the distal end of the third longitudinal body portion is coupled to the first ball shaped object. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a strap coupled to the first longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         24 . 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. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the device further comprises an end cap coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion.