Multipurpose sports training aid and method of use

Abstract

An aid for teaching a user how to improve their stroke that is not limited to use with any particular game but is usable for any sport in which the user strikes an object toward a target. Wherein we provide a simple apparatus, including a ball and a striking member with each having attachment means thereon. Thus the ball when struck with the striking member automatically adheres thereon. Whereby, the ball upon impact compresses and retains memory of impact in a manner that suggests to the user the implied trajectory when visually examined.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates in general to sports training aids, but more particularly pertains to the use of a training aid which is substantially in the form of a sports related object similar to a ball, and when the ball is hit by an elongated striking member, such as a club, it will automatically visually inform the user if they hit the ball properly so as to achieve maximum results when playing the game. This is easily accomplished as the training ball automatically adheres to the striking member when hit therewith, thus the user can visually determine the exact point of impact and this allows the user to evaluate their striking performance and then correct accordingly. Also, this training aid can be used for substantially any type of sport, such as golf, hockey, tennis, racquetball, etc., or any other type of activity wherein a striking member is used to propel a sports related object toward a target. Whereby the contact point at which the striking member impacts the object determines the accuracy and probability for hitting the target with the object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sports in general have become extremely popular, due to which numerous attempts have been made to provide sports training aids which can be used to improve ones performance and accuracy. However, such training aids include complicated devices and/or costly equipment and therefore have not become popular. For example, practice clubs have been proposed which are used to practice one's swing, but are not used to hit balls. These practice clubs include golf clubs which are weighted much heavier than the normal golf club and are intended to build up the players muscles. Such clubs are either weighted so the entire club is heavier than the normal club, or are weighted so they are heavier in the club head only. Also in this category, weights are applied to a normal club to make the head heavier than normal. Other clubs include various weights and weight distribution, and some of which are tied, tethered or attached to a stationary object to force the player to swing the practice club through a set pattern or path, presumed to be a correct swing for actual play. The distinguishing feature of these types of clubs is that they are not used to actually hit a ball. Even the standard club to which a weight is attached to the club head is not used to hit a ball while the excess weight is attached.

[0003] Other types of sports training aids include systems for golf practice. Wherein the user practices with his or her regular golf clubs hitting regular golf balls and further incorporate the use of nets, nets with targets, mats for teeing up the ball, various guides for position of the feet, for club path or for body position, impact decals, powders or detectors for showing where on the club head face the ball was hit, etc.

[0004] Still further examples include devices or systems wherein the user practices with his or her regular golf clubs and hits a regular sized but lighter in weight ball, such as a “Whiffle” ball, or a foam or sponge ball having a weight embedded in the foam. Other examples include a ball that is connected to a lever which swivels about a pin, and remains attached to a mat or base when the player hits the ball with a standard golf club.

[0005] Some examples of the known prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,121,924 and 5,082,284 both issued to the same inventor. Wherein he teaches a sponge type ball having a VELCRO attached tee thereon and a removable VELCRO face which must be adhesively attached onto the users golf club. These references teach an interesting theory but in reality the system simply does not work. The applicants have experimented with these references and they are very inefficient and have not been successful in the marketplace due to many inherent disadvantages and drawbacks. Namely, the most unappealing disadvantage is the fact that the consumer must apply an adhesively attached VELCRO face onto their golf club. In most cases, this is not even a consideration as golf clubs are very expensive and it is very unlikely that anyone would subject their prized golf club to such use. Also, the applicants found that the adhesive is only functional for a very short time and when subjected to use, the VELCRO face simply falls off and is no longer functional. Also, do the shape and size of the VELCRO face, it is not of a universal design and therefore the user in most cases must either cut or shape the VELCRO face to accommodate their club. This is very time consuming and if the user wishes to use a different club they must purchase an additional VELCRO face, which is very frustrating and much too costly. Also, the applicants found that the VELCRO tee member is very flimsy and upon normal impact tends to collapse or completely break away from the ball. Another disadvantage is that these references do not include a ball which actually makes a sound similar to hitting a golf ball, such as taught within the present invention.

[0006] Numerous other examples include, full body vests, harnesses, laser-guided devices, electronic detectors, and the like. All of which are much too costly, cumbersome, are difficult to use, simply ineffective, they are not easily transported, and not compact for storage when not in use, etc.

[0007] As is well known within the field of sports, it is desirable to hit a sports related object “such as a ball” at the proper angle and most striking members “such as a golf club” include a head member having a pre-determined section typically known as the “sweet spot”. Therefore, if a player can consistently properly align the “sweet spot” with the ball when striking, overall performance and accuracy is improved, and the likelihood for hitting a target is greatly increased.

[0008] Thus, the intended use and purpose of the present invention is to improve a users striking skills so as to increase the probability that they will strike the ball consistently in a manner which aligns the “sweet spot” in proper alignment with the ball so as to increase their odds of hitting the target. This is easily achieved, as when the player strikes the ball, the ball automatically adheres (and substantially deforms in shape due to compression at the point of impact) to the head member at the exact point of contact and the user can visually determine if the ball was hit exactly centrally on the “sweet spot”, if it was spiraling in a certain direction, or simply if it was off center. Thereafter, with continuing practice they can adjust the stroke style accordingly until they consistently hit the ball properly.

[0009] Therefore the applicants contend there is a great need for a multipurpose sports training aid that overcomes the inherent disadvantages and drawbacks associated with the known prior art. Thus we now herein provide a novel sports training aid which has not been heretofore taught as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which is very economical to produce and can easily be marketed.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which is extremely easy and very fun to use, is challenging and causes competitiveness when used by multiple players.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which greatly improves one's stroke or arm swing, especially when used repeatedly over time.

[0013] Also, a further object of the present invention is to provide a sports training aid that can be used for substantially any type of sport of user choice, such as golf, hockey, tennis, racquetball, baseball, etc., or any other type of activity wherein a striking member is used to propel a sports related object toward a target. Whereby the contact point at which the striking member impacts the object determines the accuracy and probability for hitting the target with the object.

[0014] Still another important object is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid wherein some of the components can be used independently, or the different components can be used in combination, as will be described later herein.

[0015] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which can be sold as a sports training kit, or the different components can be sold separately.

[0016] A very important object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which can be easily used either indoors or outdoors, it is very safe, and can be used even in an area having limited space.

[0017] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which includes a sports related object “such as a ball”. With the object being made from a suitable material “such as interconnected VELCRO strips”, “or foam” and which is of a density whereby when hit by a striking member sounds similar to the noise made when a golf club hits a golf ball, this is caused from compression and air being expelled from the ball when struck, respectively.

[0018] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sport's training aid which includes a sports related object “such as a ball” which can be easily manufactured and produced from one single cut, which thereafter may be formed into the desired shape and secured by suitable fastener means of choice.

[0019] A very important object of the present invention is to manufacture and produce the above noted ball in a multiplicity of configurations each of which are unique and novel for many different reasons, as will be later addressed. However, in each configuration we achieve the unusual results of being a three-dimensional compression ball. Whereby, when the ball is struck with the striking member, the ball literally twists upon impact and retains the shape or memory of the impact until the ball is removed from the clubs face, respectively. This in turn visually informs the user of the implied trajectory.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which includes a unique tee and practice pad, which in combination allow the ball to be easily disengaged there from when struck, and which will not interfere with the direction of trajectory.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose sports training aid which includes a unique adjustable removable article which is of a shape and size to be removably attached onto the head member of the golf club and which is universal in size so as to be completely adjustable and be attachable to substantially any type of golf club of user choice. It is to be understood that such an article will not mar or damage the golf club in any manner, which is extremely important.

[0022] Other objects and advantages will be seen when taken into consideration with the following drawings and specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective overview depicting a first embodiment for a sports related object.

[0024] FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective overview of a second embodiment for a sports related object.

[0025] FIG. 3 is substantially a perspective overview of a third embodiment for a sports related object.

[0026] FIG. 4 is substantially a perspective overview of a fourth embodiment for a sports related object.

[0027] FIG. 5 is substantially a perspective view of an elongated striking member.

[0028] FIG. 6 is substantially a first embodiment for an adjustable removable article.

[0029] FIG. 7 is substantially an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment for an adjustable removable article.

[0030] FIG. 8 is substantially an enlarged plan view depicting the second embodiment of FIG. 7 when attached onto a striking member.

[0031] FIG. 9 is substantially a perspective overview of a practice pad and unique golf tee.

[0032] FIG. 10 is substantially an enlarged plan view for a second embodiment for the golf tee.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like characters refer to like elements throughout the various views. The present invention is substantially a multipurpose sports training aid, which in the preferred embodiment can include numerous components in combination, each of which are described as follows:

[0034] As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the multipurpose sports training aid of the present invention includes a sports related object (10), it is to be understood this object can be made into any suitable form, which is typically used in sports related games. For example the object (10) can be in the form of a ball (12) as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, similar to a typical golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, etc. Or the object may be in the form of a hockey puck (14), or any other suitable shape of choice.

[0035] It is to be further understood that that the sports related object (10) as depicted in FIG. 1 may be made from any suitable material of engineering choice, such as a resilient foam or the like. However, if the sports related object (10) is made from a resilient foam (11), the object is extremely efficient and provides not only proper density for function but also creates a sound when hit by a striking member, similar to the sound of a golf ball when hit with a club. This is very advantageous as the player feels like they are actually hitting a golf ball, and the resulting sound enhances this effect. In fact the sound produced is so real that people watching automatically look to see where the ball went.

[0036] A second and third embodiment for the sports related object (10) is depicted in FIGS. 2 & 3, wherein the sports related object is in the form of a ball (12). However the ball is formed from only interconnecting VELCRO™ strips (15), and use of the previously noted foam is not necessary as the VELCRO™ strips (15) provide proper resiliency and in combination retain the desired shape without the need for any other support. It is to be understood that this type of configuration is very strong, both embodiments provide the above noted sound, and also each provide unusual results. Namely, when the ball (12) is struck by the striking member (16), the ball automatically adheres to the “sweet spot” (22) and being that the ball substantially collapses upon impact, the ball retains the memory of impact and thus suggests to the user the implied trajectory, and the ball retains this shape until manually removed from the “sweet spot” (22).

[0037] For example, if the ball is struck properly, the ball will adhere onto the “sweet spot” in a somewhat flattened yet uniform position, respectively. However, if the ball is stuck improperly, this causes twisting of the ball and produces a spiraling force in the direction of twist. Whereby, the ball will adhere onto the “sweet spot” in a somewhat flattened position but not uniform and will look as though it is twisted. Therefore, the user can easily visually determine if they hit the ball in a forward trajectory, which is desirable, or if they hit the ball in a manner which would cause the ball to drift in a direction other than toward the target. It is to be understood that these unusual results are achieved because the ball is substantially hinged and pivotable, in multiple directions and this allows for twist and rotational force. It is to be further understood that the hinge means may be of any suitable type of hinge means of engineering choice. For example, in FIG. 2 the hinge means is simply provided by a first and second washer (7 & 9) which are fixedly attached to the ends of the interconnecting VELCRO™ strips (15), such as by stitching (not shown) or the like. It is to be understood that only one washer may be used if so desired, or if no washers are used, the ball may still be simply hinged by stitching or attaching the strips (15) together, or the like. Yet another alternative for providing increased twisting or more flexibility is to include at least one small slit or hole (13) within at least one of the interconnecting VELCRO™ STRIPS (15), which proves to be most advantageous.

[0038] It is to be understood the embodiments of FIGS. 2 & 3 are only slightly different and simply depict a different configuration or style for connecting the VELCRO™ strips together. Thus, the invention is not to be limited to any particular configuration as this is of engineering choice.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 5, the multipurpose sports training aid of the present invention further includes an elongated striking member. It is to be understood that any suitable striking member of user choice which can be used for striking the sports related object may be used, such as a baseball bat, a tennis racquet, a hockey stick, etc.

[0040] Thus, the golf club (16) as depicted herein is only exemplary of one possible striking member and the invention is not to be limited thereto. Thus any suitable elongated striking member having a handle portion (18) that is interconnected to a head member (20) may be used. As typically known, most striking members include a head member having a sports related object hitting surface area, normally referred to as the “sweet spot” which is substantially represented by numeral (22). This is the desired contact point for impact when hitting an object so as to propel the object toward a target in a controlled manner.

[0041] The sports related object, namely ball (12) or hockey puck (14) and the sports related object hitting surface area, namely “sweet spot” (22), each include attachment means thereon for removably attaching the sports related object onto the hitting surface area of the elongated striking member when the sports related object is forcibly struck into contact with the sports related object hitting surface area. It is to be understood that any suitable attachment means of choice may be used. Thus the invention is not to be limited to the attachment means that is described hereafter.

[0042] One suitable type of an attachment means which may be used for removably attaching the sports related object onto the hitting surface area of the elongated striking member, includes the use of a loop and pile fastener such as VELCRO™. For example, as depicted in FIG. 5, the elongated striking member such as golf club (16) may have a fixedly attached fastener (24) of the pile variety thereon, and which can be fixedly attached onto the object hitting surface area, namely the “sweet spot” by any suitable attachment means of choice, such as by window caulking also known as SILICONE™, glue, adhesive, or the like. However if SILICONE™ is used, this is very suitable as this will not mar or damage the club head as the SILICONE™ can be easily peeled away from the club head, thus not marring or damaging the club in any manner.

[0043] Yet another use for SILICONE™ may include the user applying a generous portion completely surrounding the club head (20), thus forming substantially a boot and then the user positions the fastener (24) thereon. Whereby, when the SILICONE™ dries, the user can make a small cut so as to allow the boot to be slidably disengaged. Thereafter, the user simply attaches the boot onto the club head when ready for use.

[0044] The sports related object (10) includes a fixedly attached fastener of the loop variety (13) thereon, which again can be fixedly attached onto the sports related object (10) by any suitable attachment means of choice, such as by glue, stitching, or the fastener (13) may be folded over upon itself and secured, or the like. Whereby, it can clearly be seen that when sports related object (10) is forcibly struck with the head member (20) of elongated striking member, the sports related object (10) automatically adheres to the object hitting surface area until it is manually removed.

[0045] Yet another embodiment for a suitable attachment means for removably attaching the sports related object (10) onto the hitting surface area (22) of elongated striking member is depicted in FIG. 6. Wherein, the multipurpose sports training aid further includes an adjustable removable article (26), which is of a shape and size to be removably attached onto head member (20). Adjustable removable article (26) being substantially formed from at least one strap (28) which is interconnected to a portion of material (30), and the portion of material is of a shape and size to substantially mate with hitting surface area (22). Also, portion of material (30) and sports related object (10) each have attachment means of the loop and pile variety, such as VELCRO™ for removably attaching portion of material (30) and sports related object (10) together.

[0046] It is to be understood, that the “above described” second embodiment, wherein the noted strap (28) as partially depicted in FIG. 6, is preferably made from an elastic material so as to be adjustable and fit various sized head members (20). However it is to be further understood that any suitable means for attaching the adjustable removably article (26) onto head member (20) of engineering choice may be used, as there are numerous fasteners that would be sufficient. Thus the invention is not to be limited to one elastic strap (28) as this is only exemplary of one possible attachment means.

[0047] With further reference to the embodiment of FIG. 6, it is to be understood that any suitable type of fastener “such as a typical loop and pile fastener” may be used for removably attaching portion of material (30) and sports related object (10) together. For example, we depict that the entire portion of material (30) is made from VELCRO™, or the like.

[0048] Yet a third embodiment for a suitable attachment means for removably attaching the sports related object (10) onto the hitting surface area (22) of elongated striking member is depicted in FIGS. 7 & 8. Wherein, the multipurpose sports training aid further includes an adjustable removable article (27), which is of a shape and size to mate and be removably attached onto head member (20).

[0049] Adjustable removable article (27) being substantially formed from at least one strap (29) which is interconnected to a portion of material (31), and the portion of material is of a shape and size to substantially mate with hitting surface area (22). Also, portion of material (31) and sports related object (10) each have attachment means (33) of the loop and pile variety, such as VELCRO™ for removably attaching portion of material (31) and sports related object (10) together. It is to be understood this embodiment provides a universal fit and is substantially usable with any type of golf club or striking member of user choice.

[0050] As an added feature, it may be desirable to include some type of indicia imprinted on portion of material (30), which is indicative of the preferred impact point, namely the “sweet spot”. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as the “sweet spot” may be indicated by a circle, or color coded, etc.

[0051] Also, it may be a novel feature to include some type of noisemaker, and/or even a light mechanism incorporated into the sports related object (10), so as to make noise and/or illuminate when the sports related object is forcibly struck.

[0052] The multipurpose sports training aid of the present invention may further include additional accessory items of engineering choice. For example, as depicted in FIG. 9, we include an accessory practice pad (32), which again can be made from any suitable material of engineering choice. Such as accessory practice pad (32) can be made from substantially any lightweight material which forms a base, such as a light rubber, plastic, Nylon, etc., or as the applicants prefer, the accessory practice pad (32) may be formed from imitation turf.

[0053] With further reference to accessory practice pad (32), we also provide a flexible upraised protuberance (34), which substantially functions as a typical golf tee and can be made from any suitable resilient material of engineering choice. For example, flexible upraised protuberance (34) may be formed from a small rubber hose typically referred to as surgical tubing, or the like, and one end thereof may be easily frictionally engaged within a hole (35) provided in accessory practice pad (32).

[0054] The preferred construction and embodiment for flexible upraised protuberance (34) is more clearly depicted in FIG. 10, which is substantially an enlarged plan view. Wherein we depict flexible upraised protuberance (34) being formed from a first tubular member (40) having a first end (40-A) and a second end (40-B) and a second tubular member (41) having a first end (41-A) and a second end (41-B). First tubular member (40) being of a shape and size to slidably frictionally receive and support the second tubular member (41) therein. With first end (40-A) of first tubular member being substantially enlarged so as to form a locking means, respectively. Whereby, the second end (40-B) of first tubular member (40) can be slidably inserted upward and into hole (35) and engaged in a secure manner by the locking means provided on first end (40-A). It is to be understood any suitable means for enlarging first end (40-A) of engineering choice may be used. For example, one suitable means for enlarging first end (40-A) includes use of a washer (37) “as depicted in ghost lines” which may be frictionally inserted and retained within first end (40-A). First end (41-A) of second tubular member (41) is partially cut at an angle of engineering choice, such as at a 50 degree angle, or the like. This is an important feature as this allows the ball (12) when struck to be easily disengaged from flexible upraised protuberance (34) in a much more efficient manner, as was discovered during our many experiments. The last noted construction for flexible upraised protuberance (34) is further advantageous as this assures that the sports related object (10) is always at the desired height.

[0055] Also, “for use with the accessory practice pad (32)” the sports related object “such as ball (12)” further includes a recess (36) as depicted in FIG. 1, for slidably receiving the flexible upraised protuberance (34) therein. This allows the player to position sports related object “such as ball (12)” onto flexible upraised protuberance (34) and remain steady until ball (12) is forcefully struck with elongated striking member (16). It is to be understood that sports related object (10) as depicted in FIGS. 2 & 3 may also include the noted recess, although this is not shown in the drawings for clarity purposes.

[0056] It is to be further understood that the present invention may also include instructions for use, as well as inform the player how to hit the sports related object (10) properly, and then correct their stroke depending on how they hit the sports related object (10).

[0057] It will now be seen we have herein provided a unique and novel sports training aid which is fun to play, improves one's performance, is cost effective to produce, sell, is of very simple construction, and overcomes the inherent disadvantages and drawbacks associated within the known prior art.

[0058] It will also now be seen we further provide the following method of use for the present invention comprising the steps of:

[0059] a. grasping a ball (12), with ball (12) having a recess (36) for slidably receiving a flexible upraised protuberance (34) therein;

[0060] b. positioning a practice pad (32) onto a location of user choice, and practice pad (32) having flexible upraised protuberance (34) thereon;

[0061] c. positioning ball (12) onto flexible upraised protuberance (34) by inserting upraised protuberance (34) into recess (36);

[0062] d. grasping an elongated striking member (16), with elongated striking member (16) having a handle portion (18) interconnected to a head member (20);

[0063] e. grasping handle portion (18);

[0064] f. aligning head member (20) into proper alignment with ball (12);

[0065] g. striking ball (12) with head member (20), whereby ball (12) automatically adheres to head member (20), thus allowing the user to visually calculate the balls (12) trajectory and;

[0066] h. removing ball (12) from engagement with head member (20).

[0067] Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus's.

Claims

1. A multipurpose sports training aid comprising in combination: an elongated striking member; and a sports related object; said elongated striking member being used for striking said sports related object; said elongated striking member having a handle portion interconnected to a head member, said head member having a sports related object hitting surface area, and said sports related object and said sports related object hitting surface area each having attachment means thereon for removably attaching said sports related object onto said hitting surface area of said elongated striking member, whereby:

when said sports related object is forcibly struck into contact with said sports related object hitting surface area, said sports related object automatically adheres to said object hitting surface area.

2. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said sports related object onto said hitting surface area of said elongated striking member includes the use of a loop and pile fastener.

3. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said elongated striking member includes a fixedly attached fastener of the pile variety thereon which is fixedly attached onto said object hitting surface area by SILICONE™

4. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said sports related object onto said hitting surface area of said elongated striking member comprising: an adjustable removable article which is of a shape and size to be removably attached onto said head member, said adjustable removable article being formed from at least one strap which is interconnected to a portion of material, said portion of material being of a shape and size to mate with said hitting surface area, and said portion of material and said sports related object each having attachment means for removably attaching said portion of material and said sports related object together.

5. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 4 wherein said attachment means for removably attaching said portion of material and said sports related object together is a loop and pile fastener.

6. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 4 wherein said portion of material is made of VELCRO™.

7. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said sports related object is in the form of a ball.

8. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 7 wherein said ball is made from resilient foam.

9. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 7 wherein said ball further includes a recess for slidably receiving a flexible upraised protuberance therein.

10. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said sports related object is in the form of a ball with said ball being formed from only interconnecting VELCRO™ strips, whereby said ball is a three-dimensional compression ball that retains memory upon impact in a manner that suggests to a user the implied trajectory.

11. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 10 wherein said ball is hinged and pivotable in multiple directions and allows for twist and rotational force.

12. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 11 wherein said ball is hinged by at least one washer.

13. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said sports related object is in the form of a hockey puck.

14. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 wherein said elongated striking member is in the shape of a golf club.

15. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 6 wherein said ball is made from foam.

16. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 13 wherein said hockey puck is made from foam.

17. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 1 further includes an accessory practice pad comprising: a section of lightweight material which forms a base, said base having a flexible upraised protuberance which substantially functions as a tee, and said sports related object having a recess for slidably receiving said flexible upraised protuberance therein.

18. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 17 wherein said upraised protuberance is made from rubber.

19. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 17 wherein section of lightweight material is formed from imitation turf.

20. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 17 wherein said flexible upraised protuberance is formed from a rubber hose.

21. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 20 wherein said rubber hose is surgical tubing.

22. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 17 wherein said flexible upraised protuberance includes a first end and a second end, and said first end being enlarged so as to form a locking means.

23. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 22 wherein said first end being enlarged includes use of a washer.

24. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 22 wherein said second end is partially cut at an angle.

25. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 17 wherein said flexible upraised protuberance is formed from a first tubular member having a first end and a second end, a second tubular member having a first end and a second end, said first tubular member being of a shape and size to slidably frictionally receive and support said second tubular member therein, and said first end of said first tubular member being substantially enlarged so as to form a locking means.

26. The multipurpose sports training aid of claim 25 wherein each said tubular member is made from surgical tubing.

27. A method of using a sports training aid comprising the steps of:

a. grasping a ball, said ball having a recess for slidably receiving a flexible upraised protuberance therein;

b. positioning a practice pad into a location of user choice, said practice pad having said flexible upraised protuberance thereon;

c. positioning said ball onto said flexible upraised protuberance by inserting said upraised protuberance into said recess;

d. grasping an elongated striking member, said elongated striking member having a handle portion interconnected to a head member;

e. grasping said handle portion;

f. aligning said head member into proper alignment with said ball;

g. striking said ball with said head member; whereby said ball automatically adheres to said head member; and;

h. removing said ball from engagement with said head member.