Batter's stride training device

Abstract

A baseball stride mat when properly positioned within the batter's box relative to homeplate occupies the area of unwanted final front foot stride position subsequent to the batter's swing. Sensors in the mat detect the pressure of the batter stepping onto the mat. The sensors activate signaling means such as an RF transmitter which signals a remote audible alarm which sounds when an improper stride has been taken, thus creating a negative reinforcement for repeating this unwanted behavior. The alarm may be placed any comfortable distance away from the batter so that it is easily heard but protected from damage. The alarm may further include amusing sound effects or a funny saying to add to the amusement and fun of using the device.

1 . A baseball batter's stride training device, comprising: 
 a batter's box;    a preferred area within said batter's box where a batter's feet are properly placed before and after executing a proper swing motion;    a zone outside of said preferred area in front of and behind the batter's stance;    a pressure sensitive mat located within said zone, said mat including pressure sensing means;    a transmitter located in said mat responsive to said pressure sensing means; and    an audible alarm signaled by said transmitter when said pressure sensing means is activated when a trainee strides onto said mat thus indicating an improper stride.    
   
   
       2 . A baseball batter's stride training device, comprising: 
 a batter's box;    a preferred area within said batter's box where a batter's feet are properly placed before and after executing a proper swing motion;    a zone outside of said preferred area in front of and behind the batter's stance;    a pressure sensitive mat located within said zone, said mat including pressure sensing means; and    an audible alarm electrically connected to said pressure sensitive mat being activated by said pressure sensing means when a trainee strides onto said mat while performing a batting swing thus indicating an improper stride.    
   
   
       3 . The training device of  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the pressure sensitive mat is placed within the batter's box forward and behind the batter's stance.  
   
   
       4 . The training device of  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein said audible alarm includes speech.  
   
   
       5 . The training device of  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein said alarm sound is amusing.  
   
   
       6 . The training device of  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein said transmitter signals said alarm by means of a radio frequency.