Sports training apparatus and method of using the same
An apparatus for practicing athletic skills for a sport that uses a net includes a support frame for mounting on the net and a pair of blocking assemblies supported by the frame. Each of the blocking assemblies includes a blocking paddle that extends upwardly from the frame above the top edge of the net. The blocking paddle may have the size and/or shape of an adult human hand, and it may be supported by an arm having the size and/or shape of an adult human forearm. Each blocking paddle may be secured relative to the support frame so that it may be selectively and independently oriented. The support frame may have top and bottom portions that engage the net, and it may be translatable alongside the net. A lobe may project upwardly from the frame and be sized similarly to an adult human head.
The present invention broadly concerns training equipment for sports and recreational activities. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments concern a sports apparatus useful for improving skills related to a particular sport, such as volleyball. Specifically, the embodiment of the present invention relate to a training apparatus useful for improving a volleyball player's skills for scoring points when presented with a variety of possible defensive techniques used by the opposing team. The present invention also relates to a method of using one or more training apparatuses to train skills useful for playing a particular sport such as volleyball.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany individuals strive toward becoming and staying healthy and physically fit. While many seek physical fitness individually, by jogging, swimming, biking, weightlifting, and the like, others choose to do so through group sports activities. Such activities include such varied sports as tennis, football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, just to name a few. While many participate in these sports activities for the social interaction, others seek to play on a more competitive level. In either case, such sports activities offer an enjoyable way to achieve physical fitness.
Of the sports activities mentioned above, many such as basketball, football, and volleyball require skills of handling a ball so that it travels along a certain trajectory. In basketball, the player strives to aim the basketball into a basketball hoop to score points while in football, some players throw the football for their teammates to catch while others try to kick the football through the goal posts. In volleyball, players strategize ways to hit the volleyball in the opposing team's court.
Many sports participants, particularly those who play on a more competitive level, train to improve these ball handling skills. For example, in basketball, players repeatedly stand at varying distances from the basketball hoops to practice their shots. Football players sometimes suspend tires and throw footballs through the opening in the tire to practice. However, during actual game time, the opposing team will try to deflect or otherwise keep the ball from reaching the destination intended by the thrower. Accordingly, it is also beneficial, during practice the practice of these skills, to imitate real game type situations.
One way in which players can practice game type situations is with scrimmage matches. However, there are a few techniques or apparatuses available that allow coaches to assist in the development of ball handling skills outside while still having the player benefit from defensive playing positions. Coaches and literature both can provide tips for making the practicing player aware of common defensive positions. However, there is still a need for an improved method of improving these techniques. Further, there is a need for a training device that enables the setter to improve ball handling skills for a desired sport while benefiting from an apparatus that mimics possible defensive positions that will likely arise during real game time situations. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTIONAn aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a useful training apparatus and method for developing skills related to a particular sport;
Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a volleyball training apparatus and useful method in developing the skills for spiking a volleyball into the opposing team's court or otherwise sending the volleyball over the net to increase scoring potential.
A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus that is both portable and easy to assemble and disassemble;
Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that is adjustable to accommodate various associated sporting equipment, such as volleyball nets;
A further aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that can be oriented to imitate possible defensive techniques so as to improve the trainee's offensive game;
Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a training apparatus that is made of lightweight, durable material that can withstand repeated use;
Yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a method of developing sports related skills for achieving a competitive advantage.
According to the exemplary embodiments, an apparatus is disclosed for use by an athlete when practicing athletic skills for a sport that utilizes a horizontal net wherein the net is suspending above a support surface and wherein the net has a top edge and a bottom edge so as to define a vertical plane when so suspended. Broadly, the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus utilize a support frame that is adapted to be mounted on the net in a mounted state. A pair of blocking assemblies is then supported by the frame. Each of the blocking assemblies includes a blocking paddle that extends from the frame generally above the top edge of the net when the frame is in the mounted state.
Each blocking assembly may include an arm having a proximal portion secured to the frame with the blocking paddle secured to the arm at a distal end thereof. The arm, if desired can have the size and shape about that of an adult human foreman. While the blocking paddle can take any desired shape, in one embodiment, the blocking paddle is configured in the shape of a human hand and has a size about that of the adult human hand. These paddles are formed of a low density, break resistant plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride.
In any event, the exemplary embodiments disclose that the blocking paddle is secured to the support frame in a manner such that each blocking paddle may be placed in a selected orientation independently of one another. Such orientation may include pivoting the paddle relative to the support frame or, at least one embodiment rotatably positioning the paddle alone or in conjunction with a pivotally orienting the blocking paddle. To accomplish the pivoting motion, the support frame is provided with a pair of locking pivot gear fasteners corresponding to each leg. The blocking paddles are then respectively supported by each of the locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each blocking paddle may be placed and releasably locked in selected pivotally orientation with respect to the support frame. If desired, an auxiliary extension arm may be used with each locking pivot gear fastener. Here, the proximal end portion of the extension arm is secured to its respective locking pivot gear fastener. A respective blocking paddle is then secured to the distal end portion of each extension arm. This allows the blocking paddles to be positioned at higher or extended relationship with respect to the support frame.
In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame has a top portion that engages the top edge of the net and a bottom portion that engages the bottom edge of the net. Moreover, the support frame is structure so as to be translatable along side the net whereby the frame may be selectively positioned therealong. To this end, the top portion of the support frame may be provided with at least one roller that engages the top edge of the net whereby the frame may be rolled along the top edge of the net for translation therealong.
In the exemplary embodiments, the support frame is generally rectangular in shape and includes a pair of spaced apart legs each having a longitudinally extending central leg axis and each forming a respective one of the sides of the support. A lowercross piece then extends between the legs and an upper crosspiece extends between the legs of the selected distance with respect to the lower crosspiece. Here, the blocking assemblies are respectively secured to extend upwardly from each of the legs. The upper crosspiece may have an upwardly projecting lobe located between the axis of the legs and thus between the blocking assemblies. This lobe may be configured to have a size and shape about that of an adult human head so as to more accurately simulate a imaginary defender. Further, the selected distance between the upper and lower cross pieces may be selectively adjusted so as to allow the support frame to mount on different nets.
The present invention also contemplates a method of training an athlete in the sport of volleyball. Here, the disclosed embodiments include a step of providing a training apparatus that includes a pair of independently movable blocking paddles. The method contemplates securing the training apparatus to a volleyball net in a manner that prevents translation of the training apparatus along the net. The orientation of the blocking paddles are selectively adjusted to desired locations. These steps can take place in any order. The method then includes having an athlete attempt to send a volleyball passed the training apparatus as if the training apparatus were a defender against the athlete. The method may also include an optional step of translating the training apparatus along the net while the athlete is attempting to send the volleyball passed the training apparatus.
These and other aspects of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention broadly relates to training equipment for sports and recreational activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose training apparatus useful for improving skills associated with many different sports. The present invention has specific usefulness in training a volleyball player to aim the volleyball into the opposing team's court while avoiding the opposing team's blocking tactics. Among other things, simulating the opposing team's blocking tactics help to hone the skills of anticipation, decision-making, movement speed and jumping ability.
Generally, the training apparatus of the present invention comprises a support frame including a pair of spaced-apart parallel legs joined together by a pair of spaced-apart generally parallel crosspieces. The frame is constructed of lightweight material so that it can be mounted on to a volleyball net and be supported thereby. The frame is adjustable to accommodate a nets of varying sizes and is further capable of traveling along the length of the net once supported thereby.
Each leg supports a blocking paddle which may be mounted on a support arm. Preferably, each arm is about the length of the average forearm for a human while the paddle is about the size of an outstretched hand. Similar to the movement of the human forearm, each arm of the training apparatus is joined to a respective leg with a rotatable locking fastener device that permits a greater than 180° movement. As such, each arm can be placed in a desired orientation to mimic a desired blocking tactic.
The construction of the training apparatus of the present invention is useful for simulating blocking or defensive tactics of a variety of sports and particularly football and basketball. The components of the training apparatus and method of using the same will be discussed herein with particular reference to volleyball, but it is not intended as a limitation to its applicability as a training apparatus in other sports.
To better appreciate the structure of the sports training apparatus of the present invention, reference is first made to
With reference now to both
As perhaps best shown in
The assembly of frame 20 according to the first embodiment of this invention is perhaps best understood with reference to
Each clamp 40 has two oppositely extending places of securement to its respective crosspiece. Accordingly, each clamp 40 has a first fastener and a second fastener that releasably secure it to a respective crosspiece. However, before describing the fasteners, and their securement, reference is now made to
Returning then to
Adjusting the diameter of band member 42 permits both upper and lower crosspieces 26, 28 to be selectively positioned on the length of legs 22, 24, thus allowing frame 20 to be adjusted to accommodate nets of various sizes. Representative examples of this adjustment feature are shown in
Moreover, the ability to adjust clamp 40 in this way permits legs 22 and 24 to rotate on their central axis. More particularly, as represented by leg 24 in
A representative second fastener 60 is shown to include bolt 62 and nut 64. Bolt 62 extends through holes 61 formed in the crosspieces and then through hole 52 in tab 48 where it is then received by nut 64.
As mentioned above, when the training apparatus is mounted on the volleyball net so as to be supported thereby, the rollers associated with the upper crosspiece are seated on the top edge of the volleyball net. The volleyball net extends downwardly, between both the upper and lower crosspieces and each of the legs. The upper crosspiece and each of the legs are preferably spaced apart enough to both accommodate rollers and the positioning of the net engagement of the net therewith. Accordingly, the frame may further be provided with insert pieces in the form of spacers that assist in the appropriate spacing of the upper crosspiece and the legs.
Again, with respect to
As shown in
As shown, for example, in
As shown, for example, in
It is preferably that a tight fit engagement exist between handle 88 and arm 70. Accordingly, space existing between the handle 88 and arm 70 can be filled with a filler material or an insulating member to accomplish a tight fit engagement. As shown in
Turning now to
With continued reference to
With reference now to both
With reference to
The ability to rotate arm 70 increases the versatility of training apparatus 10 to imitate a large variety of blocking or defensive tactics that are encountered during the actual play of the game. This versatility is illustrated in three representative samples shown in
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
The structure of the blocking paddles 240, 242 is illustrated in
The construction of the upper portion of frame 220 is shown in greater detail in
Thus, as is shown in
Shaft 264 may be solid and sized to be telescopically mated with the interior of leg 222 (or 224) and is provided with suitable openings to receive nut and bolt combinations 27nut and 4 thereby to secure both shank 264 in leg 222 and to secure cross piece 228 at the upper end of legs 222 and 224. To this end, also, spacers 276 are provided so that a gap 278 exists between cross piece 228 and legs 222, 224. The upper edge of net 12, can then be received into this gap and be engaged by one or more rollers 280 that are rotatably disposed on cross piece 228. Rollers 280, of course, allow for the translation of frame 220 along the upper edge of net 12, as described above.
If desired, an optional extension arm may be used to interconnect each of the blocking paddles with the rotatable locking fastener 250, as is illustrated in
With respect to the sport of volleyball, one of the primary scoring techniques is called the bump, set, spike approach. Particularly, the bump-set-spike is an offensive strategy wherein a teammate “bumps” or passes the ball to another teammate called the setter. The setter then sets the ball so as to position it for another teammate to drive or “spike” the ball over the net and into the opposing team's court. The setter's placement of the ball for the hitter is important. The speed, location, and trajectory of the ball each factor into the ability of the spiker to successfully spike the ball with enough force and accuracy to win points.
One of the primary defensive strategies against the bump, set, spike, is blocking. Typically, volleyball players, anticipating the spike, will jump adjacent to the net in an attempt to block the spike. The spiker's chance of hitting the ball into the opposing team's court is improved if the spiker can anticipate the block and react to the blocker's jump, movement, and location. One or more of the training apparatuses of the present invention may be used to improve the spiker's placement of the volleyball in the opposing team's court. As such, the present invention contemplates a method of training an individual to improve their skills in placing the volleyball in their opponent's court, whether by spiking the ball, or otherwise hitting the ball over the net.
The steps of this method include providing a volleyball net with at least one training apparatus mounted thereon having a construction as described above. This method may include any step specified or inherent in the above-described exemplary embodiments. A plurality of training apparatuses may also be provided, either close together or spaced apart from one another, according to this method. Both the arms and the paddles of the training apparatus are oriented in one of a variety of blocking type orientation. With the training apparatus in place, the trainee attempts to spike or otherwise send the volleyball into the opposing team's court without having the ball blocked by the apparatus.
Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
Claims
1. An apparatus for use by an athlete when practicing athletic skills for a sport utilizing a horizontal net that is suspended above a support surface and that has top edge and a bottom edge and that defines a vertical plane when suspended, comprising:
- (A) a support frame adapted to be mounted on the net in a mounted state; and
- (B) a pair of blocking assemblies supported by said frame, each said blocking assembly including a blocking paddle that extends from said frame generally above the top edge of the net when said frame is in the mounted state.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said blocking assembly includes an arm having a proximal portion secured to said frame, said blocking paddle secured to said arm at a distal end thereof.
3. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said arm has a size and shape about that of an adult human forearm.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said blocking paddle is configured in the shape of a human hand and has a size about that of an adult human hand.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said blocking paddles are formed of low density, break resistant plastic.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said blocking paddle is secured relative to said support frame whereby each blocking paddle may be placed in a selected orientation independently of one another.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6 including a pair of locking pivot gear fasteners mounted on said support frame, one of said blocking paddles being pivotally supported by each of said locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each said blocking paddle may be placed and releasably locked in a selected pivotal orientation with respect to said support frame.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 including an auxiliary extension arm corresponding to each of said locking pivot gear fasteners, a proximal end portion of each extension arm being securable to its respective locking pivot gear fastener and a respective blocking paddle being securable to a distal end portion of each extension arm.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support frame has a top portion that engages the top edge of said net and a bottom portion that engages the bottom edge of the net, said support frame being translatable alongside the net whereby said frame may be selectively positioned therealong.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the top portion of said support frame is provided with at least one roller that engages the top edge of said net whereby said frame may be rolled along the top edge of said net for translation therealong.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support frame is generally rectangular in shape including a pair of spaced-apart legs each having a longitudinally extending central leg axis and each forming a respective one of the sides of said support frame, a lower crosspiece extending between said legs and an upper crosspiece extending between said legs at a selected distance therefrom, said blocking assemblies respectively secured to and extending upwardly from each said leg.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 including a locking pivot gear fastener mounted on each said leg, one of said blocking paddles being pivotally supported by each of said locking pivot gear fasteners whereby each said blocking paddle may be placed and releasably locked in a selected pivotal orientation with respect to the axis of the respective leg.
13. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said upper crosspiece has an upwardly projecting lobe located between said legs.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said lobe is configured to have a size and shape about that of an adult human head.
15. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the selected distance between said upper and lower crosspieces may be selectively adjusted.
16. An apparatus for use by an athlete when practicing athletic skills for a sport utilizing a horizontal net that is suspended above a support surface and that has top edge and a bottom edge and that defines a vertical plane when suspended, comprising:
- (A) a support frame adapted to be mounted on the net in a mounted state, said support frame being generally rectangular in shape including a pair of spaced-apart legs each having a longitudinally extending central leg axis and each forming a respective one of the sides of said support frame, a lower crosspiece extending between said legs and an upper crosspiece extending between said legs at a selected distance therefrom;
- (B) at least one roller disposed on said upper crosspiece and operative to engage the top edge of the net when in the mounted state whereby said support frame may be rollably supported by the top edge of the net for translation therealong, said lower crosspiece engaging the lower edge of the net;
- (C) a locking pivot gear fastener secured to each of said legs;
- (D) a blocking assembly supported by each said locking pivot gear fastener in spaced-apart relation to one another, each said blocking assembly including a blocking paddle that extends generally above the top edge of the net when said support frame is in the mounted state.
17. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each said blocking assembly includes an arm having a proximal portion secured to said frame, said blocking paddle secured to said arm at a distal end thereof.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said arm has a size and shape about that of an adult human forearm.
19. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each said blocking paddle is configured in the shape of a human hand and has a size about that of an adult human hand.
20. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each said blocking paddle is secured relative to said support frame whereby each blocking paddle may be placed in a selected orientation independently of one another.
21. An apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said upper crosspiece has an upwardly projecting lobe located between said legs.
22. A method of training an athlete in the sport of volleyball, comprising:
- (A) providing a training apparatus the includes a pair of independently moveable blocking paddles;
- (B) securing said training apparatus to a volleyball net in a manner that permits translation of said training apparatus along said net;
- (C) adjustably orienting said blocking paddles to desired locations; and
- (D) having the athlete attempt to send a volleyball past said training apparatus as if said training apparatus were a defender against the athlete.
23. A method according to claim 22 including a step of translating said training apparatus along the net while the athlete is attempting to send the volleyball past said training apparatus.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 15, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 18, 2007
Inventor: Gregory Remaklus (Littleton, CO)
Application Number: 11/303,740
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101);