Pitch training aid

Abstract

Pitch training apparatus and methods of using a pitch training apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a stand including two support structures, and a barrier, positioned between the two support structures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier. The barrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures. An outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.

1 . A pitch training apparatus, comprising:
 a stand including two support structures; and   a barrier, positioned between the two support structures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier,   wherein:
 the barrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures, 
 an outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form, and 
 the shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more securing mechanisms,
 wherein the barrier is secured to each of the two support structures via the one or more securing mechanisms.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more securing mechanisms includes one or more elastic bands configured to be secured to both the barrier and the stand, causing the barrier to be stretched between the two support structures. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more securing mechanisms are adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality of positions between the two support structures. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the two support structures each include a plurality of connection points for securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the two support structures. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein, for each of the two support structures, each of the plurality of connection points are spaced equidistant from adjacent connection points. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the barrier includes a plurality of connection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms to the barrier. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier includes netting. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the central form is rectangular. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to be removably secured to the central form. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of the barrier is a “T” shape. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the stand is configured to maintain a distance between the two support structures. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sports ball is a baseball or softball. 
     
     
         15 . A method of using a pitch training apparatus, comprising:
 assembling a barrier, wherein an outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form, wherein the assembling includes securing the at least one protrusion to the central form;   securing the barrier to a stand, wherein:
 the stand includes two support structures, 
 the barrier is secured to the two support structures via one or more securing mechanisms, 
 the securing includes positioning the barrier over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures, and 
 the shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch a sports ball so as to avoid the barrier. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the one or more securing mechanisms includes one or more elastic bands, and   the securing includes securing the one or more elastic bands to both the barrier and to the stand, stretching the barrier between the two support structures.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 ,
 wherein the one or more securing mechanisms are adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality of positions between the two support structures, and   further comprising repositioning and resecuring the barrier between the two support structures after securing the barrier between the two support structures.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the two support structures each include a plurality of connection points for securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the two support structures. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein, for each of the two support structures, each of the plurality of connection points are spaced equidistant from adjacent connection points. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the barrier includes a plurality of connection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms to the barrier, and   the securing further includes securing the barrier to the stand includes securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the plurality of connection points.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the at least one protrusion is configured to be removably secured to the central form, and assembling the barrier further includes:
 removing a first protrusion from the central form; and 
 securing a second protrusion to the central form. 
   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the shape of the barrier is a “T” shape.