Training device

Abstract

A training device for use in teaching proper hitting mechanics includes an elongated, narrow beam, a rear foot support slidably coupled to the rear end of the beam, and a wedge-like front foot support fixedly mounted onto the front end of the beam. A longitudinal slot is formed in the rear end of the beam to restrict displacement of rear foot support along a three-inch linear path. To facilitate displacement of rear foot support, the beam is provided with a pair of removable glide strips constructed of a self-lubricating, low-friction plastic material. Rear foot support includes a balance plate that teeters relative to a base plate in contact with the glide strips. The ability of the balance plate to pivot and slide relative to the beam trains a hitter to utilize the proper sequence of connected movement between the lower and upper body using both sensory and auditory feedback.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training device, comprising:
 (a) an elongated beam having a front end and a rear end; and   (b) a rear foot support slidably coupled to the rear end of the beam.   
     
     
         2 . The training device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the rear foot support is restricted to slide along a linear path relative to the beam. 
     
     
         3 . The training device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the rear foot support is restricted to slide approximately 3 inches relative to the beam. 
     
     
         4 . The training device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the rear foot support is adapted to pivot relative to the beam. 
     
     
         5 . The training device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the beam comprises an elongated frame having a front end, a rear end and a flat top wall. 
     
     
         6 . The training device as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the beam further comprises at least one glide strip affixed to the top wall of the frame to facilitate slidable displacement of the rear foot support relative to the elongated beam. 
     
     
         7 . The training device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the at least one glide strip is constructed of a low-friction plastic material. 
     
     
         8 . The training device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein a longitudinal slot is formed in the top wall at the rear end of the elongated frame. 
     
     
         9 . The training device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein a pair of glide strips is affixed to top wall of the frame on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot. 
     
     
         10 . The training device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the rear foot support comprises,
 (a) a base plate slidably coupled to the elongated beam, the base plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the base plate being in contact with the at least one glide strip; and 
 (b) a balance plate pivotally coupled to the base plate, the balance plate having a top surface and a bottom surface. 
 
     
     
         11 . The training device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the rear foot support further comprises a pivot bar mounted on the top surface of the base plate, the balance plate teetering on the pivot bar. 
     
     
         12 . The training device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the rear foot support further comprises a foot strap mounted on the top surface of the balance plate. 
     
     
         13 . The training device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein at least one guide rail extends from the bottom surface of the base plate, the at least one guide rail projecting though the longitudinal slot formed in the top wall of the frame and retaining the rear foot support coupled to the beam. 
     
     
         14 . The training device as claimed in  claim 5  further comprising a front foot support mounted on the front end of the beam. 
     
     
         15 . The training device as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the front foot support is repositionable upon the front end of the beam. 
     
     
         16 . The training device as claimed in  claim 15  wherein a plurality of lateral slots arranged in parallel is formed in the top wall at the front end of the longitudinal frame. 
     
     
         17 . The training device as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the front foot support includes a tab dimensioned to fittingly protrude into each of the plurality of lateral slots to secure the position of the front foot support on the elongated beam. 
     
     
         18 . The training device as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the front foot support includes a top wall that extends at an acute angle relative to the top wall of the elongated frame.