APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SWING TRAINING
An apparatus and method for training an individual to employ proper swing technique in baseball, softball, and other similar sports involving a swinging instrument, a ball, and contact between the swinging instrument and ball.
1 . An apparatus for training comprising:
a vertical section coupled to a horizontal platform;
a raised step bordering the platform;
an angled stop surface travelling across the width of the platform;
a tether coupled at one end to the vertical section and at the other end to a harness; and
an adjustable strap coupled to the vertical section at one end and adapted to be attached to a swinging instrument.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vertical section may be adjusted to accommodate a left-handed or right-handed user.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tether may be adjusted to be substantially parallel to the platform.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the tether is adjustable from a height of about 2.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the raised step is at least 0.1 inch above the platform.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the raised step is from about 0.05 inch to about 2.00 inches above the platform.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elastic material.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable strap forms an angle with the pole between about 30° to about 45°.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the platform is at least about 0.1 inches above the ground.
10 . A method for training a swing comprising the steps of:
attaching a vertical section to a platform to form a right angle with the platform;
attaching a tether to the vertical section;
attaching the tether to the user; and
attaching one end of an adjustable strap to the vertical section and the other end of the adjustable strap to a swinging instrument.
11 . The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:
positioning the heels of the user's feet on a raised step; and
positioning the back foot of the user against a stop surface.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elastic material.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the tether is coupled to a harness worn by the user.
14 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising the step of adjusting the height of the tether to a position on the vertical section wherein the tether is substantially parallel to the platform.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the adjustable strap forms an angle of between about 30° and 45° with the vertical section.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the swinging instrument is initially held by the user substantially parallel to the adjustable strap.