A training ball for use by a pitcher in practicing throwing a curve ball and a method for using the training ball as described. The training ball has a first ball having approximately the size, weight, and surface of a regulation baseball, for being held and thrown by the pitcher, and a counterweight connected to the first ball at a fixed distance and position, to provide a mass balancing the mass of the first ball at a balance point approximately at the surface of the sphere defined by the surface of the first ball. The first ball may be a modified regulation baseball. The counterweight may be a second ball approximately identical in size and weight to the first ball. The method for using a training ball includes gripping and throwing the first ball as a curve ball, whereby the training ball will fly with a 12-6 spin toward the pitcher's target if the training ball is properly thrown.
A method and apparatus for practicing hitting a ball with a striking instrument. The apparatus comprises a ball having a portion which extends outwardly from the spherical body of the ball and which is driven into the ball when the ball is struck correctly with a striking instrument.
A device for training a pitcher or thrower, the device having a form that simulates the ball for which the pitcher is to be trained, examples being a softball or baseball. The device is constructed to allow one part of it to visibly rotate while one or more additional parts of the device visibly do not. It has a surface similar to the surface of the ball for which the pitcher would train, and a means to emit a distinctive and easily audible sound when it is properly thrown.
