Throwing training device

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a throwing trainer comprising first and second bands configured to be removably attached to right and left forearms of a user, and an elongated, flexible, adjustable-length connector mounted to the first and second bands, the length of the connector being configured to limit the separation distance between the forearms of the user during wind-up for an overhand throw. A device assembly including a measuring tool and a method of practicing throwing also are disclosed.

1 . A throwing trainer comprising:
 first and second bands configured to be removably attached to right and left forearms of a user, and   an elongated, flexible, adjustable-length connector mounted to the first and second bands, the length of the connector being configured to limit the separation distance between the forearms of the user during wind-up for an overhand throw.   
     
     
         2 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second bands has a fastener configured for adjustably mounting the band on a forearm. 
     
     
         3 . The throwing trainer of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises at least one of a strap and a cord. 
     
     
         4 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is fixed to the first band and is removably mounted to second band. 
     
     
         5 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is mounted to at least one of the first and second bands with a buckle-type fastener. 
     
     
         6 . The throwing trainer of  claim 5 , wherein the buckle-type fastener comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a pronged buckle, a buckle slide, a side release buckle and a double D fastener. 
     
     
         7 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is substantially inelastic. 
     
     
         8 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is elastic. 
     
     
         9 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is mounted to the first band with fastening tape and is mounted to the second band with a buckle-type fastener. 
     
     
         10 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the connector is adjusted by tying a knot in the connector. 
     
     
         11 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the connector has measurement indicia displayed thereon. 
     
     
         12 . The throwing trainer of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the connector is adjusted such that the connector will press against the front of the user's body proximate or on the collar bone if the thrower's forearms are spaced too far apart during wind-up. 
     
     
         13 . A throwing trainer assembly, comprising
 a throwing trainer including first and second bands configured to be removably attached to right and left forearms of a user, and an elongated, flexible, adjustable-length connector mounted to the first and second bands, the length of the connector being configured to limit the separation distance between the forearms of the user during wind-up for an overhand throw, and   a measuring device configured for use in measuring an appropriate connector length for the user.   
     
     
         14 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the bands are configured for mounting around the user's forearms with fastening tape. 
     
     
         15 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the connector is mounted to at least one of the first and second bands with a buckle-type fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the connector is substantially inelastic. 
     
     
         17 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the connector has measurement indicia displayed thereon. 
     
     
         18 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the measurement device comprises a measuring tape with a thumb-receiving portion at a terminal end thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The throwing trainer of  claim 13 , wherein the length of the connector is adjusted such that the connector will press against the front of the user's body proximate or on the collar bone if the thrower's forearms are spaced too far apart during wind-up. 
     
     
         20 . A method of practicing throwing, comprising fastening opposite ends of a connector to left and right forearms of a thrower, the connector having a length appropriate to press against the thrower's body at or near the collar bone if the thrower moves both arms behind the plane of their pectoral muscles during wind-up for an overhand throw. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the connector is mounted to bands that are removably fastened the thrower's right and left forearms. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the connector has an adjustable length, further comprising adjusting the length of the connector between the first and second bands before throwing. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising determining the appropriate length for the connector using a measuring device. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising throwing the ball while the connector is fastened to the left and right forearms. 
     
     
         25 . A method of developing muscle memory for correct overhand throwing comprising obtaining and using the throwing trainer of  claim 1 .