Embodiments provided herein measure metrics of an athletic action and an object associated therewith, and more particularly, to measuring the metrics and characteristics of a baseball during the wind-up, release, flight, and catch of a pitch sequence. Methods may include: receiving, from at least one motion sensor associated with an object, acceleration data and angular velocity data of the object in response to an athletic action performed on the object; processing the acceleration data to establish vector rotation data between a frame of reference of the object and an Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the acceleration data to obtain acceleration of the object in the Earth frame of reference; applying the vector rotation data to the angular velocity data to obtain angular velocity of the object in the Earth frame of reference.

A pitching training kit for practicing throwing pitches for baseball and softball includes a placard that is positionable against a vertical support surface. A ball is provided that has placement indicia printed thereon. The placement indicia indicate where the user should place their fingers and thumb for throwing various types of pitches for baseball or softball. An instructional pamphlet is provided that has instructions for throwing various pitches for baseball or softball.

In various aspects, the catcher's mitt disclosed herein may include a catching side and a rear side opposed in spaced relation to the catching side with opposing edges of the catching side and rear side interconnected to form a thumb edge, a finger edge, a heel, and a tip. A hand cavity is formed between the catching side and the rear side. The catcher's mitt includes a target formed into the leather on the catching side. The target is formed of one or more colors that contrast with a background color of the non-target portion of the catching side to visually attract a pitcher's eye.

An arm accessory and method of use is provided that, in some embodiments, provides for an adjustable arm band compression configured for use on an arm, wherein the adjustable arm band compression has at least one hook and loop attachment element, and wherein the present invention further comprises an approximately wedge shaped element, the wedge shaped element also having at least one hook and loop attachment element. In an embodiment of the method, a user may connect the wedge to the and throw a ball, wherein the shape and placement of the wedge prevents the user's arm from traveling at certain angles relative to the user's shoulder. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a band instead of or in combination with the arm band.

Systems and methods for motion capture and analysis are described. The system may include a motion sensor unit configured to capture data associated with movement of an object. The motion sensor unit is configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to the movement object at a first location. The system also includes a processor to process the captured data to determine one or more values and to translate the data and/or values to correspond to a second location on the movement object located away from the first location. The data and/or values, including translated data and/or values, may be transmitted by wireless transmitter and displayed by a display unit.

A hand gripper for a baseball player according to the present invention comprises: a body which is provided to be covered by the index finger, middle finger, and thumb of a user; and an elastic body which is fastened to the body to provide an elastic force. Here, the body has a partially cut-out ring shape, and includes an upper end, a lower end, and a gripping surface having a selected radius of curvature. The gripping surface is provided: to include a first boundary line which crosses the gripping surface in the lateral direction, and first protrusions repeatedly formed along the first boundary line; and such that the upper end and the lower end of the body can come into contact with each other as the body bends when the user applies force while gripping the body.

Pitch training apparatus and methods of using a pitch training apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a stand including two support structures, and a barrier, positioned between the two support structures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier. The barrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures. An outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.

The present application relates to a weighted bat sleeve system that can be easily detached from the barrel of a bat used for sports such as baseball and softball. The system comprises a plurality of panels and a collar to secure the system to the barrel of a baseball bat. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to allow the weight of the system to be adjusted or for sensors to be incorporated into the system to capture and collect data relating to the system.

A device to strengthen a person's arm muscles through the utilization of a portable device including a handle portion and a weight component with the two components separated by a flexible rod is provided. Such a device allows for the user to grip the handle portion and act as if they are throwing such a handle portion while the weight end moves along an arc defined through the length of the flexible rod. The resultant action is the generation of centripetal force along the defined arc with the reactive centrifugal force providing resistance to the user's arm muscles in a manner that is unique and heretofore unattainable through the utilization of a portable exercise device. The flexible rod component provides at least 1 foot (100 cm) of spacing between the handle portion and the weight portion.