Mark B Goodwillie

US Patent:

20020193187, Dec 19, 2002

Filed:

Jun 15, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/881237

Inventors:

William Bickel - Durham NC, US
Mark Goodwillie - Durham NC, US

International Classification:

A63B069/00

US Classification:

473/457000

Abstract:

The Snap Bat is a light weight, hitting training aid, for both baseball and fastpitch softball. It allows the hitter and the instructor or parent to clearly hear if full extension is developed at the proper point of ball contact in a fundamentally sound swing. Poor swings, such as “sweeping” or “casting” will not produce a snap or the snap will clearly too early or too late. In addition, the Snap Bat can also demonstrate advanced hitting techniques, e.g. “hitting to the opposite field” or “pulling the ball.” This means that full extension and ball contact takes place either slightly later in the swing (opposite field) or slightly earlier in the swing (pulling the ball). Both the hitter and the instructor or parent can clearly hear the snapping sound and thus accurately analyze each swing. The light weight allows for unlimited repetition, thus developing a muscle memory teaching point for hitters. The device is not designed to make contact with a pitched ball. It is for practice swings only.