VOLLEYBALL PRACTICE APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A volleyball practice apparatus is described. Embodiments of the volleyball practice apparatus include a frame, a receptacle, and a pair of engagement structures. Generally, the receptacle and the pair of engagement structures can be attached to the frame at opposite ends. The frame can include a track adapted to guide a ball from the receptacle to a plurality of engagement members of the engagement structures. The plurality of engagement members can be adapted to hold a ball to be hit by a user of the practice apparatus. A pair of the plurality of engagement members can be adapted to stop a next ball from on the track passing through an aperture of the frame until a first ball at the bottom of the engagement structures is removed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/726,568, filed Nov. 14, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Numerous volleyball training devices have been proposed for practicing all types of volleyball shots. Training apparatuses have been developed to support a volley ball at various elevations for practicing hitting, most notably for practicing a spike shot. Most training devices are secured to a mounting structure so the devices are bulky and not meant to be easily transported and/or stored.

Further, most devices built for practicing spiking a ball have to be manually reloaded with a new ball or include a ball secured to the device. As such, a user must continuously reload a new ball or receive no feedback as to how well they hit the ball since the ball is secured to the device. There are devices that can automatically reload balls, however these devices are generally expensive and not meant to be conveniently transported on a daily basis.

As such, there is a need for a lightweight, foldable, and transportable volleyball practice device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a volleyball practice apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a volleyball practice apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a volleyball practice apparatus with receptacle posts in a travel position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a volleyball practice apparatus in a folded position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a close-up top view of a volleyball practice apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a volleyball practice apparatus loaded with balls according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of a volleyball practice apparatus attached to a basketball goal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a close-up bottom perspective view of a volleyball practice apparatus with one side removed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a close-up bottom perspective view of a volleyball practice apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an expanded volleyball receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a collapsed volleyball receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a close-up view of a volleyball receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a close-up view of a volleyball receptacle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of an attachment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an attachment device coupled to a basketball goal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a bottom perspective view of an attachment device coupled to a basketball goal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8D is a front view of an attachment device coupled to a basketball rim according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a volleyball practice apparatus. The practice apparatus can include a frame, a receptacle, a first engagement structure, and a second engagement structure. Generally, the receptacle, the first engagement structure, and the second engagement structure can be coupled to the frame. In one embodiment, the receptacle and the engagement structures can be attached at opposite ends of the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame can include a track and an aperture. The track can guide a ball from the receptacle to the aperture. The frame aperture can be sized to allow a regulation sized volleyball to pass through the aperture. Generally, the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure can each include a pair of engagement members. When a ball passes through the aperture, the ball can be held by the engagement members. In an embodiment, the engagement members can include pads. The pads can be implemented to soften an interaction between an arm of a user and the engagement members.

Generally, one pair of engagement members can be extended above the frame and aperture. The extended pair of engagement members can be adapted to interface with a ball above and below the aperture. For instance, where there is more than one ball in the receptacle, the extended engagement members can keep a second ball from going through the aperture while a first ball interfaces with the lower portion of the engagement members. After the first ball is hit out of the engagement members, the weight of the second ball can move the extended engagement members back to allow the second ball to pass through the aperture.

In one embodiment, the practice apparatus can be adapted to couple to a basketball rim. To couple the practice apparatus to the basketball rim, the practice apparatus can include an attachment mechanism. Generally, the attachment mechanism can include three members adapted to interface with the basketball rim. In one embodiment, one of the members can be an adjustable hook that can be tightened to secure the practice apparatus to the rim. Two other members can be concave pins adapted to interface with the rim and provide another two points of contact. Typically, the attachment mechanism can have three points of contact with a basketball rim, where one of the points of contact can be adjusted to secure the practice apparatus to the rim.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

An Embodiment of a Volleyball Practice Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 100 showing a volleyball practice apparatus is illustrated. The volleyball practice apparatus 100 can be implemented to practice a variety of volleyball shots. In some embodiments, the volleyball practice apparatus 100 can be attached to a rim of a basketball goal.

As shown, the practice apparatus 100 can include a frame 102, a receptacle 104, a first engagement structure 106, and a second engagement structure 108. In one embodiment, the receptacle 104 can be implemented to corral a plurality of volleyballs and the engagement structures 106,108 can be implemented to hold a single volleyball. Generally, a user can strike a ball being held by the engagement structures 106,108 and after the ball is struck, another ball can be deposited into the engagement structures 106,108 from the receptacle 104.

In one embodiment, the frame 102 can be made from a rigid plastic. For instance, the frame 102 can be manufactured from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. It is to be appreciated that other materials having similar properties to ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention. Generally, the receptacle 104 can be attached at an opposite end of the frame 102 from the first engagement structure 106 and the second engagement structure 108, as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 102 can include a track 110. The track 110 can be adapted to guide a ball from the receptacle 104 to the engagement structures 106,108, as shown in FIG. 4. Generally, the track 110 can have a width that can be slightly less than a width of a regulation volleyball. The track 110 can lead to an aperture 112 in the frame 102. The aperture 112 can have a diameter such that a standard volleyball can pass through the aperture 112. For instance, when a volleyball follows the track 110 to the aperture 112, the volleyball can fall through the aperture 112.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, detailed diagrams of the engagement structures 106,108 are illustrated. The engagement structures 106,108 are shown in a first position 114 and a second position 116 in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. In one embodiment, the first engagement structure 106 and the second engagement structure 108 can each be moveably coupled to the frame 102. For instance, thumb screws 115 can be implemented to secure the engagement members 106,108 to the frame 102. It is to be appreciated that other means of coupling the engagement members 106,108 to the frame 102 can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

To provide a transportable practice apparatus, the engagement members 106, 108 can move between the first position 114 and the second position 116. For instance, the first position 114, as shown in FIG. 3A and various other Figures, can be a deployment position. In the deployment position 114, the engagement structures 106, 108 can be deployed and ready for use by a player. In the deployment position 114, the engagement structures 106,108 can be generally perpendicular to the frame 102.

The second position 116 can be a travel position, as shown in FIG. 3B and various other Figures. In the travel position 116, the engagement structures 106, 108 can be rotated into the frame 102 for traveling or storage. In the travel position 116, the engagement structures 106,108 can be generally parallel with the frame 102.

Generally, the first engagement structure 106 and the second engagement structure 108 can be similar.

The first engagement structure 106 can include a pair of engagement members 120. Hereinafter, the first engagement structure 106 pair of engagement members 120 will be referred to as the back engagement members 120. The second engagement structure 108 can include a pair of engagement members 130. Hereinafter, the second engagement structure 108 pair of engagement members 130 will be referred to as the extended engagement members.

Generally, each of the back engagement members 120 can be independently secured to the first engagement structure 106. In one embodiment, each of the back engagement members 120 can be pivotally attached to the first engagement structure 106 and can move independently of one another. The back engagement members 120 can have a lower section 122 and an upper section 124, as shown in FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, the back engagement members 120 can be rotatably coupled to the first engagement structure 106 near the upper section 124 of the back engagement member 120. For instance, a bolt can be implemented to rotatably couple the back engagement members 120 to the engagement structure 106. It is to be appreciated that other means of rotatably coupling the back engagement members 120 to the first engagement structure 106 can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

The first engagement structure 106 can include a pair of slots 126, as shown in FIG. 3C, adapted to receive the top section 124 of the back engagement members 120. The slots 126 can be implemented to limit a motion of the back engagement members 120. It is to be appreciated that a size of the slot 126 can determine an amount of movement of the back engagement member 120.

The bottom section 122 of each of the back engagement members 120 can be adapted to interface with a ball. In one embodiment, the back engagement members 120 can include a foam pad 128 near the bottom section 122 of the back engagement members 120. For instance, the foam pad 128 can be adapted to cover the bottom section 122 of each of the back engagement members 120.

In one embodiment, the extended engagement members 130 can be pivotally and independently attached to the second engagement structure 108. The extended engagement members can include a bottom section 132, a mid section 134, and a top section 136, as shown in FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, the extended engagement members 130 can be rotatably coupled to the second engagement structure 108 near the mid section 134 of the extended engagement members 130. For instance, a bolt can be implemented to rotatably couple the extended engagement members 130 to the second engagement structure 108. It is to be appreciated that other means of rotatably coupling the extended engagement members 130 to the second engagement structure 108 can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

The second engagement structure 108 can include a pair of slots 140, as shown in FIG. 3C, adapted to receive the top section 136 of the extended engagement members 130. The slots 140 can be implemented to limit a motion of the extended engagement members 130. It is to be appreciated that a size of the slots 140 can determine an amount of movement of the extended engagement member 140.

Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram of the practice apparatus 100 including a plurality of balls 145 is illustrated. To keep the ball 145 from entering the aperture 112, the extended engagement members 130 can be extended above the aperture 112. For instance, the top section 136 of the extended engagement members 120 can be above the frame 102, as generally shown in FIG. 1. The extended engagement members 130 can each be adapted to interface with the ball 145 near the top section 136 of the extended engagement members 130.

Similar to the back engagement members 120, the extended engagement members 130 can be adapted to interface with a ball near the bottom section 132 of the extended engagement members 130. In one embodiment, each of the extended engagement members 130 can include a foam pad 138 near the bottom section 132 of the extended engagement members 130. Generally, the foam pad 138 can be adapted to cover the bottom section 132 of each of the back engagement members 120.

In one embodiment, the practice apparatus 100 can include an attachment mechanism 150, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. As shown in FIGS. 5A, the attachment mechanism 150 can be implemented to secure the practice device 100 to a basketball rim 160. Generally, the attachment mechanism 150 can include a first attachment structure 152, a second attachment structure 154, and a third attachment structure 156, as shown in FIG. 5B. To securely attach the practice apparatus 100 to the basketball rim 160, three points of contact can be implemented by the attachment mechanism 150. In one embodiment, the first attachment structure 152 can be an adjustable hook, the second attachment structure 154 can be a pin, and the third attachment structure 156 can be a pin. In one embodiment, the first pin 154 and the second pin 156 can be concave pins.

Typically, the adjustable hook 152 can be located approximate a front of the frame 102. The first concave pin 154 and the second concave pin 156 can be located approximate a mid-section of the frame 102, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. When engaging the basketball rim 160, the adjustable hook 152, the first concave pin 154, and the second concave pin 156 can be located on an interior of the basketball rim 160.

In one embodiment, the adjustable hook 152 can include a thumb screw 158, as shown in FIG. 4, adapted to tighten the hook against the basketball rim 160. The thumb screw 158 can generally be seen throughout FIGS. 1-8D. For instance, when the thumb screw 158 is tightened, the hook 152 can be securely engaged to the basketball rim 160. It is to be appreciated that other means of securing the practice apparatus 100 to a basketball rim can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention. The described attachment mechanism is one means of securing the practice apparatus 100 to a basketball rim and is not meant to be limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, detailed diagrams of the receptacle 104 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6A, the receptacle 104 can include a first post 162, a second post 164, a third post 166, and a fourth post 168. A panel of fabric 170 can be secured to each of the posts, as shown in FIG. 4. Generally, the first post 162 and the third post 166 can fold down together and the second post 164 and the fourth post 168 can fold down together. As shown in FIG. 6B, the second post 164 and the fourth post 168 can lay down on top of the first post 162 and the third post 166. Since the posts fold down in pairs, an overall folded size of the practice apparatus 100 can be reduced.

The receptacle 104 is illustrated in a first position 170 in FIG. 6A and a second position 172 in FIG. 6B. Generally, the first position 170 can be an active position and the second position 172 can be a travel or storage position.

For illustrative purposes, a description of how the first post 162 moves from the travel position 172 to the active position 170 is provided. It is to be appreciated that the other posts can be similarly handled.

As shown in FIG. 6C, an attachment post 180 can include a channel 182 and the first post 162 can include a notch 163 approximate a bottom portion of the first post 162. In one embodiment, the first post 162 can be rotatably coupled to the attachment post 180 by a pin 184, as shown in FIG. 6D. The pin 184 can be adapted to move within the channel 182. It is to be appreciated that other types of structures can be implemented to couple the first post 162 to the attachment post 180.

To move from the travel position 172 to the active position 170, the first post 162 can be elevated to an upper end of the channel 182. When the notch 163 of the first post 162 is above the attachment post 180, the first post 162 can be rotated around a top portion of the attachment post 180. After the first post 162 has been rotated over the top portion of the attachment post 180, the first post 162 can be lowered towards a bottom end of the channel 182. When the first post 162 is in the active position 170, the first post 162 can engage the top portion of the attachment post 182, as shown in FIG. 6D. It is to be appreciated that the second post 164, the third post 166, and the fourth post 168 can be operated similarly to the first post 162.

In one embodiment, after each of the posts have been moved to the active position, the panel of fabric 170 can be attached to each of the posts. The panel of fabric 170 can be removed from each of the posts when the practice apparatus 100 is ready for travel. In one embodiment, the panel of fabric 170 can remain attached to the posts when ready for travel.

Generally, the engagement structures 106,108 and the receptacle 104 can be moved to a travel position for transporting the practice apparatus 100. In one embodiment, when the receptacle 104 and the engagement structures 106,108 are in travel positions, as shown in FIG. 3B, a height of the practice apparatus 100 can be less than inches. In another embodiment, the height of the practice apparatus 100 can be less than 11 inches.

A Method for Implementing an Embodiment of a Volleyball Practice Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating a process 200 for implementing a volleyball practice apparatus is shown. The process 200 can be implemented to secure a volleyball practice apparatus, similar to the practice apparatus 100 previously disclosed, to a basketball rim.

In block 202, engagement structures of the practice apparatus can be moved from a travel position to a deployed position. Thumb screws securing the engagement structures in the travel position can be loosened and the engagement structures can be moved to the deployment position. After the engagement structures are in the deployed position, the thumb screw can be retightened. Once the engagement structures are secured in the deployed position, the process 200 can move to block 204.

A receptacle can be unfolded in block 204. Generally, four posts of the receptacle can be moved from a travel position to a deployed position. To unfold the receptacle posts, a post can be lifted along a channel of an attachment post and rotated to a deployed position. After the post is rotated, the post can be moved back down to secure the post in the deployed position. It is to be appreciated that these steps can be done for each of the posts. After each of the posts are moved to the deployed position, a panel of fabric can be secured to each of the posts.

After the receptacle posts and engagement structures are in deployed positions, the practice apparatus can be secured to a basketball rim in block 206. Generally, a net of the basketball rim should be removed before securing the practice apparatus to the basketball rim. Engagement members of the engagement structures can be lowered through the basketball rim such that all four engagement members are located within a circumference of the rim. After the engagement members are through the basketball rim, the practice apparatus can be moved to a desired position. Once the practice apparatus is in the desired position, the practice apparatus can be secured to the rim. To secure the practice apparatus, two concave pins and an adjustable hook can interface with an interior side of the rim. With the two concave pins and adjustable hook engaging the rim, the adjustable hook can be tightened to secure the practice apparatus to the rim.

An Embodiment of an Adjustable Volleyball Practice Apparatus Attachment Device

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, detailed diagrams of an attachment device 300 are illustrated. In one embodiment, the attachment device 300 can be an adjustable attachment device for adjustably securing a volleyball practice apparatus to a basketball rim. For instance, the attachment device 300 can be implemented to raise and/or lower a height of the previously disclosed volleyball practice apparatus when secured to a basketball rim.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the attachment device 300 can generally include an attachment structure 302, a tube 304, and a pair of rods 306. The attachment structure 302 can be adapted to couple to a basketball rim 350, as shown in FIGS. 8B-8D. It is to be appreciated that other structures and means can be implemented to couple the attachment device 300 to a basketball rim without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the attachment structure 302 can include a tube sleeve 308, a coupling 310, a rod 312, and a pair of threaded “J” hooks 314. The tube sleeve 308 can be adapted to slidably engage the tube 304. The coupling 310 can secure the tube sleeve 308 to the rod 312. The rod 312 can interface with the pair of threaded “J” hooks 314. In one embodiment, the threaded “J” hooks can be on opposite ends of the rod 312. Generally, the threaded “J” hooks 314 can be spaced apart approximate a width of a regulation basketball rim. The pair of threaded “J” hooks 314 can be implemented to couple the attachment device 300 to the basketball rim 350.

The tube 304 can include a plurality of holes 316 spaced equally apart along a length of the tube 304. The plurality of holes 316 can be adapted to receive a pin 318 or other structure. For instance, the pin 318 can be a gravity locking pin. In another instance, a hitch pin can be implemented. It is to be appreciated that different means of securing the tube sleeve 308 to the tube 304 can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

The tube sleeve 308 can include a hole 320, as shown in FIG. 8D. In one embodiment, the hole 320 from the tube sleeve 308 can line up with one of the plurality of holes 316 of the tube 304. To secure the tube 304 in place, the pin 318 can be inserted through the hole 320 of the tube sleeve 308 through the hole 316 of the tube 304, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

The pair of rods 306 can extend perpendicularly out from the tube 304. In one embodiment, the pair of rods 306 can be located approximate a bottom portion of the tube 304. Generally, the pairs of rods 306 can be adapted to insert into a pair of holes 342, shown in FIG. 8D, on the volleyball practice apparatus 340. In one embodiment, a pin 322 can be implemented to secure the volleyball practice apparatus 340 to the rods 306. For instance, the pin 322 can stop the volleyball practice apparatus 340 from sliding off ends the rods 306. It is to be appreciated that other means of securing the volleyball practice apparatus 340 to the rods 306 can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.

To adjust a height of the volleyball practice apparatus 340, the tube 304 can slide up and down through the tube sleeve 308 to determine a height at which the pair of rods 306 will be located. The height of the pair of rods 306 can determine a general height of the practice volleyball apparatus 340.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A volleyball practice apparatus comprising:

a frame having a first end and a second end;

a receptacle coupled to the frame approximate the first end; and

a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure each movably coupled to the frame approximate the second end, wherein the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are adapted to move from a first position to a second position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first pair of engagement members independently and rotatably coupled to the first engagement structure, wherein the first pair of engagement members extend below the frame;

a second pair of engagement members independently and rotatably coupled to the second engagement structure, wherein the second pair of engagement members extend above and below the frame.

3. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pair of engagement members each include a pad.

4. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second pair of engagement members each include a pad.

5. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first position is a travel position and the second position is a deployed position.

6. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are in the travel position, the first pair of engagement members and the second pair of engagement members are generally parallel with the frame.

7. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are in the deployed position, the first pair of engagement members and the second pair of engagement members are generally perpendicular with the frame.

8. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame slopes down from the first end of the frame to the second end of the frame.

9. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a track and an aperture.

10. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 9, wherein a standard sized volleyball can pass through the aperture.

11. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is coupled to a basketball rim.

12. A volleyball practice apparatus comprising:

a frame having a first end and a second end;

a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure each movably coupled to the frame approximate the second end; and

a receptacle coupled to the frame approximate the first end, wherein the receptacle comprises: a plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of posts is adapted to move from a first position to a second position; and a panel of fabric adapted to couple to each of the plurality of posts.

13. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first position is a travel position and the second position is a deployed position.

14. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of posts are folded down in the travel position.

15. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of posts include a first pair of posts and a second pair of posts.

16. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first pair of posts are diagonal to each other and the second pair of posts are diagonal to each other.

17. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first pair of posts fold down parallel with each other and the second pair of posts fold down parallel with each other.

18. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 13, wherein the panel of fabric couples to the plurality of posts when the plurality of posts are in the deployed position and the travel position.

19. The volleyball practice apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is coupled to a basketball rim.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a frame having a first end and a second end;

a receptacle coupled to the frame approximate the first end, wherein the receptacle comprises: a plurality of posts, wherein each of the plurality of posts is adapted to be folded down; and a panel of fabric adapted to couple to each of the plurality of posts;

a first engagement structure and a second engagement structure each movably coupled to the frame approximate the second end, wherein the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are adapted to be folded generally parallel with the frame;

a first pair of engagement members rotatably coupled to the first engagement structure, wherein the first pair of engagement members extend below the frame; and

a second pair of engagement members rotatably coupled to the second engagement structure, wherein the second pair of engagement members extend above and below the frame.