Apparatus and methodology for improving an athletic swing via direct impact training or non-impact weighted resistance

Abstract

Aspects directed towards a training apparatus are disclosed. In one example, a bat sleeve having a substantially cylindrical shape is configured to remain affixed to a desired point of impact on a baseball bat. The bat sleeve includes a first open end having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, and a second open end having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter. In another example, a training apparatus includes a bat portion and a sledgehammer portion. The bat portion has a form factor substantially similar to a lower portion of a baseball bat, whereas the sledgehammer portion has a form factor substantially similar to an upper portion of a sledgehammer In yet another example, a training apparatus includes a sensor portion coupled to a striking portion. Here, the sensor portion is configured to sense an impact between the striking portion and a target.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training apparatus comprising:
 a bat sleeve configured to remain affixed to a desired point of impact on a baseball bat, the bat sleeve having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising:
 a first open end having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter; and 
 a second open end having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter. 
   
     
     
         2 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an inner portion of the bat sleeve comprises a non-slip coating. 
     
     
         3 . The training apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the non-slip coating is rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a tightening mechanism, wherein the tightening mechanism is configured to facilitate tightening the bat sleeve onto the baseball bat. 
     
     
         5 . The training apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the tightening mechanism comprises at least one screw. 
     
     
         6 . The training apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the tightening mechanism comprises configuring the first inner diameter to be greater than the second inner diameter, and wherein the bat sleeve is configured to tighten onto the baseball bat at the second inner diameter in response to an increased insertion pressure. 
     
     
         7 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bat sleeve is one of a plurality of bat sleeves having different weights, and wherein each of the plurality of bat sleeves have a same length and same inner diameter. 
     
     
         8 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor configured to sense an impact between the bat sleeve and a target. 
     
     
         9 . A training apparatus comprising:
 a bat portion, wherein the bat portion has a form factor substantially similar to a lower portion of a baseball bat; and   a sledgehammer portion, wherein the sledgehammer portion has a form factor substantially similar to an upper portion of a sledgehammer   
     
     
         10 . The training apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the sledgehammer portion is detachable from the bat portion. 
     
     
         11 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the sledgehammer portion is detachable from the bat portion via a screw mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The training apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the sledgehammer portion comprises a head portion and at least one weight portion, and wherein the at least one weight portion is detachable from the head portion. 
     
     
         13 . The training apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the head portion is detachable from the at least one weight portion via a screw mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . The training apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one weight portion is one of a plurality of weight portions having different weights, and wherein each of the plurality of weight portions are configured to interchangeably attach to the head portion. 
     
     
         15 . The training apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the sledgehammer portion further comprises a sensor configured to sense an impact between the sledgehammer portion and a target. 
     
     
         16 . A training apparatus comprising:
 a striking portion; and   a sensor portion coupled to the striking portion, wherein the sensor portion is configured to sense an impact between the striking portion and a target.   
     
     
         17 . The training apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the striking portion is a bat sleeve. 
     
     
         18 . The training apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the striking portion is a sledgehammer portion. 
     
     
         19 . The training apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor is configured to map a location of the impact on the striking portion. 
     
     
         20 . The training apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the sensor is configured to determine a force of the impact on the striking portion.