Baseball training method and device therefor

Abstract

A Baseball/Softball Training Method and Device Therefor is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that enables users to experience a very realistic batting practice withouth the high cost associated with an automated pitching machine. The device is low cost and very small in profile. The device further does not require any pitching skill in order to provide a very realistic hitting experience. The game using the device further includes a novel ball that is smaller and much softer than a conventional baseball. Finally, the ball may have holes formed in a portion of its cover to permit the user to create controllable differential drag on one side of the ball when launched to the batter.

1 . A game device, comprising: 
 a slingshot comprising: 
 a handle;  
 a launcher frame; and  
 a pair of elasticized bands; and  
   a launcher pouch attached to said bands, said launcher pouch defined by a ball receptacle having a front opening and a grasping tab extending from a side opposite to said front opening.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ball receptacle defines a semispherical shape terminating in said front opening on one side and said grasping tab comprising an elongate flap of flexible material.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said launcher pouch is further defined by a pair of opposing attachment members attached to said pouch adjacent to said front opening.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said attachment members are each further defined by an aperture formed therethrough.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said elasticized bands attach to said attachment member apertures.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , further defined by a pair of loop inserts, said loop inserts attached to and interconnecting said elasticized bands and said attachment members.  
   
   
       7 . A method for practicing batting, comprising the steps of: 
 placing a compressible ball into a launcher pouch attached to elasticized bands of a slingshot;    pulling back on said launcher pouch;    aiming said slingshot at a batter's strike zone;    releasing said launcher pouch, whereby said compressible ball is shot towards said batter; and    said batter attempting to hit said flying compressible ball with a bat.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said launcher pouch is further defined by a an elasticized band attachment end having an opening therein and a side opposite to said elasticized band attachment end defined by a grasping tab extending therefrom, wherein said pulling step comprises pulling on said grasping tab.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said releasing step comprises releasing said grasping tab.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said placing step comprises placing a compressible ball having a diameter of less than about five centimeters.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said placing step comprises placing a compressible ball defined by an outer surface and at least one aperture formed in said outer surface.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said placing step comprises placing a compressible ball defined by first and second hemisphere portions, said first hemisphere portion having a plurality of said apertures disbursed thereon.  
   
   
       13 . A batting practice assembly, comprising: a baseball/softball training device comprising: 
 a handle;    a launcher frame; and    a pair of elasticized bands; and    a launcher pouch attached to said bands, said launcher pouch defined by a ball receptacle having a front opening and a grasping tab extending from a side opposite to said front opening; and    a compressible ball defined by a diameter of less than about five centimeter.    
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said ball receptacle defines a semispherical shape terminating in said front opening on one side and said grasping tab comprising an elongate flap of flexible material.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein said launcher pouch is further defined by a pair of opposing attachment members attached to said pouch adjacent to said front opening.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein said attachment members are each further defined by an aperture formed therethrough.  
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein said elasticized bands attach to said attachment member apertures.  
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 17 , further defined by a pair of loop inserts, said loop inserts attached to and interconnecting said elasticized bands and said attachment members.