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Why the Pitchers' Plank® Works
The Pitchers’ Plank® is effective because it is EFFICIENT. Specifically, using the Pitchers’ Plank®, the user can train 3 separate aspects of the windmill pitch in a single pitch. We have accomplished this by using and incorporating:

  • 3 proven aids/concepts, used simultaneously, that increase practice efficiency by getting more quality repetitions in a pitching session.
  • Securely-fastened components that promote BIO-MECHANICALLY CORRECT movements in the act of efficiently training fastpitch softball’s windmill pitch, thereby maximizing each users’ potential for speed.
  • Recycled crumb rubber plank segments that offer shock absorption and anti-slip (lots of grip) safety features
Pitchers working on a plank (of some description) has been employed by pitching coaches for years. To get the back foot to come off the mound optimally, various devices, under different names, have been employed in past years. Likewise, having pitchers vaulting with their front foot over some “object”, real or imaginary, has been used for years as well. The Pitchers’ Plank incorporates ALL THREE of these features (plank, rear heel guide and vault-over object) into one training aid and allows the pitcher to focus PURELY on pitching:

  • If the user doesn’t have to break her rhythm to re-set the ”vault-over” object or the rear heel device, then she stays mentally “locked-in”
  • Another plus is gaining quality reps – She will be cycling through more pitches in the practice session and less time spent re-setting movable objects . Parents paying for lessons with an instructor will appreciate it from the “getting-your-money’s-worth” standpoint.
  • Pitchers working on a “plank” is another version of the pitcher focusing on hitting the POWER LINE. But different from just having a line on a gym floor, it’s now a raised platform. It engages the subconscious mind and puts the pitcher in flash-back mode to elementary school gym class and walking on the balance beam. With a raised plank, there is a subconscious fear of “falling off”, so the user must concentrate to be totally mechanically sound. Introducing this small amount of fear factor/consequence into the equation has proven extremely productive.
We know of gains of 5 mph in velocity after only 2 weeks (6 sessions) on the Pitchers’ Plank.

Previously, coaches have had their pitchers use a wooden 2×10 from their local lumber yard, dressed up with some non-slip strips of some sort. Our recycled rubber design is safe for any indoor tile or wooden gym floor.

Specifically, the Pitchers’ Plank is safe for:
  • Indoor tiles
  • Wooden or synthetic gym floors
It adheres nicely to:
  • Turfed surfaces
  • Carpeted concrete
  • Blacktop and concrete driveways
  • Skinned infields at ballparks
GRIPTION and SHOCK ABSORPTION: Further, it has outstanding “gription” on the top (plank) surface, so the user can’t possibly slip and fall after landing on the surface. Best of all, the rubber has inherent “forgiveness” ability, and the bottom “nubs” augment and amplify this shock absorption capability. Please note: there are some surfaces that may lead to a small amount of slipping (ie, the planks turning into somewhat of a surfboard when the user lands on it with her front foot). Please consult our cautionary remarks on this particular scenario (Safety and Maintenance – Safety Item #3).

HEEL GUIDES and GOALPOSTS: Our patented design allows our HEEL GUIDES and GOALPOSTS to be fixed in place and, literally can’t be moved. This is a key aspect in the “getting-more-quality-reps-per-practice-session” notion. The “vault-over” idea has previously been effected by placing lightweight plastic objects in front of the pitcher or, the aforementioned rope slung between 2 cones. The pitcher will unintentionally, but invariably, hit these objects with one foot or the other. This causes her to break her rhythm, re-set the kicked/moved object (become frustrated in the process) and then resume pitching. Our GOALPOST is designed with “flex & return” capability, so the horizontal bar returns to the same pre-set position that the user began the session with.

The GOALPOST design and its’ connectors, allow for the user to change the location of the device to accommodate the individual. Pitching coaches, with a steady turnover of students, will find that the goalpost can be easily moved at the end of a session to allow for an 18 year old pitcher who follows a 10 year old. If it is a one-owner scenario, as the user grows physically, and as a pitcher, there will be a need to continually move the GOALPOST further away, to challenge her; i.e., in maximizing her forward leaping movement.

This product will serve as an outstanding aid to any pitcher, of any age, that has the desire to improve her speed. Building muscle memory through bio-mechanically correct movements can be readily accomplished with regular use of the Pitchers’ Plank . But, like anything else, it CAN’T work , if you don’t use it.
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The Pitchers’ Plank® is effective because it is EFFICIENT. Specifically, using the Pitchers’ Plank®, the user can train 3 separate aspects of the windmill pitch in a single pitch. We have accomplished this by using and incorporating:

  • 3 proven aids/concepts, used simultaneously, that increase practice efficiency by getting more quality repetitions in a pitching session.
  • Securely-fastened components that promote BIO-MECHANICALLY CORRECT movements in the act of efficiently training fastpitch softball’s windmill pitch, thereby maximizing each users’ potential for speed.
  • Recycled crumb rubber plank segments that offer shock absorption and anti-slip (lots of grip) safety features
Pitchers working on a plank (of some description) has been employed by pitching coaches for years. To get the back foot to come off the mound optimally, various devices, under different names, have been employed in past years. Likewise, having pitchers vaulting with their front foot over some “object”, real or imaginary, has been used for years as well. The Pitchers’ Plank incorporates ALL THREE of these features (plank, rear heel guide and vault-over object) into one training aid and allows the pitcher to focus PURELY on pitching:

  • If the user doesn’t have to break her rhythm to re-set the ”vault-over” object or the rear heel device, then she stays mentally “locked-in”
  • Another plus is gaining quality reps – She will be cycling through more pitches in the practice session and less time spent re-setting movable objects . Parents paying for lessons with an instructor will appreciate it from the “getting-your-money’s-worth” standpoint.
  • Pitchers working on a “plank” is another version of the pitcher focusing on hitting the POWER LINE. But different from just having a line on a gym floor, it’s now a raised platform. It engages the subconscious mind and puts the pitcher in flash-back mode to elementary school gym class and walking on the balance beam. With a raised plank, there is a subconscious fear of “falling off”, so the user must concentrate to be totally mechanically sound. Introducing this small amount of fear factor/consequence into the equation has proven extremely productive.
We know of gains of 5 mph in velocity after only 2 weeks (6 sessions) on the Pitchers’ Plank.

Previously, coaches have had their pitchers use a wooden 2×10 from their local lumber yard, dressed up with some non-slip strips of some sort. Our recycled rubber design is safe for any indoor tile or wooden gym floor.

Specifically, the Pitchers’ Plank is safe for:
  • Indoor tiles
  • Wooden or synthetic gym floors
It adheres nicely to:
  • Turfed surfaces
  • Carpeted concrete
  • Blacktop and concrete driveways
  • Skinned infields at ballparks
GRIPTION and SHOCK ABSORPTION: Further, it has outstanding “gription” on the top (plank) surface, so the user can’t possibly slip and fall after landing on the surface. Best of all, the rubber has inherent “forgiveness” ability, and the bottom “nubs” augment and amplify this shock absorption capability. Please note: there are some surfaces that may lead to a small amount of slipping (ie, the planks turning into somewhat of a surfboard when the user lands on it with her front foot). Please consult our cautionary remarks on this particular scenario (Safety and Maintenance – Safety Item #3).

HEEL GUIDES and GOALPOSTS: Our patented design allows our HEEL GUIDES and GOALPOSTS to be fixed in place and, literally can’t be moved. This is a key aspect in the “getting-more-quality-reps-per-practice-session” notion. The “vault-over” idea has previously been effected by placing lightweight plastic objects in front of the pitcher or, the aforementioned rope slung between 2 cones. The pitcher will unintentionally, but invariably, hit these objects with one foot or the other. This causes her to break her rhythm, re-set the kicked/moved object (become frustrated in the process) and then resume pitching. Our GOALPOST is designed with “flex & return” capability, so the horizontal bar returns to the same pre-set position that the user began the session with.

The GOALPOST design and its’ connectors, allow for the user to change the location of the device to accommodate the individual. Pitching coaches, with a steady turnover of students, will find that the goalpost can be easily moved at the end of a session to allow for an 18 year old pitcher who follows a 10 year old. If it is a one-owner scenario, as the user grows physically, and as a pitcher, there will be a need to continually move the GOALPOST further away, to challenge her; i.e., in maximizing her forward leaping movement.

This product will serve as an outstanding aid to any pitcher, of any age, that has the desire to improve her speed. Building muscle memory through bio-mechanically correct movements can be readily accomplished with regular use of the Pitchers’ Plank . But, like anything else, it CAN’T work , if you don’t use it.
ORDER NOW
How to Assemble Your Pitchers' Plank®
See the Pitchers' Plank® in Action
Pitchers' Plank® Safety & Maintenance
The intent for the Pitchers’ Plank® is to be an off-season, indoor, training device that can be quasi-permanently set up or transported to an available local practice space with ease. In either case, proper care in handling and storage, as well as maintenance of the components, will ensure longer life and years of problem-free usage. 

MAINTENANCE 

 1) After unpacking, use a house-hold cleaner/de-greaser to wipe down rubber planks. There may be a light film/oil that is still on the rubber planks. This is a release agent that enables the planks to be removed easily from the molds. Failure to remove this film may result in the planks sliding in an undesirable manner on certain surfaces while in use.

2) After initial removal of oily film, keep rubber planks clean with warm soapy water in order to prolong life and reduce wear & tear, allowing the user many years of efficient training of the windmill pitch. 

3) Do not use spikes/cleats with the Pitchers’ Plank®. Use only flat-soled rubber gym shoes/cross-trainer shoes for training on this device for the movements of fastpitch softballs’ windmill pitch. 

4) Store planks in a flat, stacked position to ensure they maintain their original shape. 

5 ) Do not store any Pitchers’ Plank® components next to intense heat sources, such as baseboard heaters. Always store components in a suitable equipment carry bag, preferably, in a cool dry place. 

6) A “gripper” pad (see #3 below) may be used if the surface is too rough. For example, some blacktop driveways may be coarse enough to promote accelerated flaking and degradation of the crumb rubber nubs. An inexpensive thin mesh mat may very well prolong the life of the nubs from excessive erosion. 

7) Never leave Pitchers’ Plank® components exposed to prolonged periods in the sun or extreme weather conditions. 

SAFETY 

 1) The preferred surfaces for use are flat, smooth and level. Preferred materials are blacktop, lightly textured concrete floors, indoor/outdoor carpeted concrete surfaces and turfed indoor or outdoor facilities. Outdoor use, on a local clay softball field is generally acceptable. However, care must be taken to thoroughly clean/wash the Pitchers’ Plank® components after outdoor TRAINING of the fastpitch softball windmill pitch. 

2) Due to the nature of materials’ properties, the planks may slide forward (“surf”) a small amount given certain conditions. Forward momentum is the variable. Users that exceed 150 pounds could possibly see the planks slide forward a nominal 1″ after a few pitches. Given the consistency of the rubber planks, “surfing” may occur if used directly on hardwood gymnasium floors with heavy “poly” sealers, as well as the new “rubberized” gym floors. Highly polished floor tile and concrete floors, coupled with heavy waxes/sealers, as found in typical school hallways, could be problematic, also. 

3) Some users may only have the ‘SMOOTH’ types of surfaces/facilities available for their use. If so, we recommend experimenting with an ultra-thin, poly, carpet underlay “gripper” mesh material, to prevent any skidding/sliding of the rubber planks. These are conveniently available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. 

4) Never use the Pitchers’ Plank® with standing water, juice , perspiration, or other liquids on the surface. Always keep clean and dry to eliminate slipping hazards. 

5) The Pitchers’ Plank® is never to be used in the pitchers’ circle on a regulation field. However, use in the foul ball areas in front of benches or dugouts is acceptable.
The intent for the Pitchers’ Plank® is to be an off-season, indoor, training device that can be quasi-permanently set up or transported to an available local practice space with ease. In either case, proper care in handling and storage, as well as maintenance of the components, will ensure longer life and years of problem-free usage. 

MAINTENANCE 

 1) After unpacking, use a house-hold cleaner/de-greaser to wipe down rubber planks. There may be a light film/oil that is still on the rubber planks. This is a release agent that enables the planks to be removed easily from the molds. Failure to remove this film may result in the planks sliding in an undesirable manner on certain surfaces while in use.

2) After initial removal of oily film, keep rubber planks clean with warm soapy water in order to prolong life and reduce wear & tear, allowing the user many years of efficient training of the windmill pitch. 

3) Do not use spikes/cleats with the Pitchers’ Plank®. Use only flat-soled rubber gym shoes/cross-trainer shoes for training on this device for the movements of fastpitch softballs’ windmill pitch. 

4) Store planks in a flat, stacked position to ensure they maintain their original shape. 

5 ) Do not store any Pitchers’ Plank® components next to intense heat sources, such as baseboard heaters. Always store components in a suitable equipment carry bag, preferably, in a cool dry place. 

6) A “gripper” pad (see #3 below) may be used if the surface is too rough. For example, some blacktop driveways may be coarse enough to promote accelerated flaking and degradation of the crumb rubber nubs. An inexpensive thin mesh mat may very well prolong the life of the nubs from excessive erosion. 

7) Never leave Pitchers’ Plank® components exposed to prolonged periods in the sun or extreme weather conditions. 

SAFETY 

 1) The preferred surfaces for use are flat, smooth and level. Preferred materials are blacktop, lightly textured concrete floors, indoor/outdoor carpeted concrete surfaces and turfed indoor or outdoor facilities. Outdoor use, on a local clay softball field is generally acceptable. However, care must be taken to thoroughly clean/wash the Pitchers’ Plank® components after outdoor TRAINING of the fastpitch softball windmill pitch. 

2) Due to the nature of materials’ properties, the planks may slide forward (“surf”) a small amount given certain conditions. Forward momentum is the variable. Users that exceed 150 pounds could possibly see the planks slide forward a nominal 1″ after a few pitches. Given the consistency of the rubber planks, “surfing” may occur if used directly on hardwood gymnasium floors with heavy “poly” sealers, as well as the new “rubberized” gym floors. Highly polished floor tile and concrete floors, coupled with heavy waxes/sealers, as found in typical school hallways, could be problematic, also. 

3) Some users may only have the ‘SMOOTH’ types of surfaces/facilities available for their use. If so, we recommend experimenting with an ultra-thin, poly, carpet underlay “gripper” mesh material, to prevent any skidding/sliding of the rubber planks. These are conveniently available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc. 

4) Never use the Pitchers’ Plank® with standing water, juice , perspiration, or other liquids on the surface. Always keep clean and dry to eliminate slipping hazards. 

5) The Pitchers’ Plank® is never to be used in the pitchers’ circle on a regulation field. However, use in the foul ball areas in front of benches or dugouts is acceptable.
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