APPARATUS AND METHOD OF TRAINING A SPORTS PLAYER

Abstract

An apparatus for training a sports player is enclosed. The apparatus may comprise one or more static training aid and/or one or more dynamic training aid. The static training aid and the dynamic training aid each includes a base and a pole vertically extending from the base. The static training aid may also include a light source extending along the pole from a point to a second end of the pole. In some embodiments, the static training aid includes one or more accessory parts. The one or more accessory parts may include a connector transversely connecting two static training aids. The one or more accessory parts may include a stick coupled to the pole of the static training aid. The dynamic training aid may include a first stick pivotally coupled to the pole of the static training aid. The first stick may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pole. Aspects of the invention relate to methods of training a sports player using the static training aid and/or the dynamic training aid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to apparatuses and methods of training a sports player, in particular a hockey player.

BACKGROUND

Although apparatuses and methods of training a sports player are known in the art, it remains desirable to provide an interactive and dynamic apparatus and method for training a sports player. The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method of training a sports player, in particular a hockey player.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a sports training aid. The sports training aid may comprise one or more static training aids. The static training aid comprises a base arranged to be placed on the ground of a training field such as an ice rink and a pole arranged to extend vertically from the base. The pole comprises a first end, secured to the base, extending to a point and therefrom continues to extend to the opposing second end.

In some embodiments, the static training aid includes a light source positioned at the point along the pole and means to control a visual output at the light source. The point may be positioned at about ¼ to about ¾ along a length (L_P) of the pole measured from the first end. In some embodiments, the light source extends from the point to the second end along the pole. The light source may for example comprise two strips of LED lights, arranged to illuminate light from opposing sides of the pole.

The static training aid may include one or more accessory parts. In some embodiments, two static training aids are connected by a connector. The connector may be secured to spaced-apart poles, arranged to extend transversely from the longitudinal axis of the poles. In some embodiments, a stick may be pivotally coupled to the pole of a static training aid. The stick may comprise an elongated portion and an arm extending transversely from the elongated portion. The arm may be pivotally coupled to the elongated portion. In example embodiments, the stick has a shape of a conventional hockey stick.

The sports training aid may comprise one or more dynamic training aids. The dynamic training aids comprise a base arranged to be placed on the ground of a training field and a pole arranged to extend vertically from the base. The pole comprises a first end, secured to the base, and an opposing second end. The dynamic training aid also comprises a first stick pivotally coupled to the pole. The first stick may in some embodiments comprise an elongated portion and an arm extending transversely from the elongated portion. The dynamic training aid further comprises means for moving the first stick about a longitudinal axis of the pole. The means may comprise one or more sensors, a receiver electronically coupled to the one or more sensors, a control unit electronically coupled to the receiver, and a drive mechanism electronically coupled to the control unit. The one or more sensors may be placed on the training field that is spaced-apart from the base, pole and first stick. The one or more sensors detect a presence and/or motion of a sports player. Upon detection of the presence of the player, the one or more sensors transmits an electronic signal to the receiver. The receiver in turn transmits an electronic signal to the control unit, which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the drive mechanism to activate the movement of the first stick. The first stick may rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pole. The dynamic training aid may comprise a plurality of sticks pivotally coupled to the pole. The plurality of sticks may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pole.

The invention also provides methods of training a sports player, in particular a hockey player. The methods may involve using one or more static training aids and/or one or more dynamic training aids.

Further aspects of the invention and features of specific embodiments of the invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a static training aid according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a static training aid according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating internal and external components of the FIG. 2A static training aid.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two static training aids of FIG. 1 connected by a connector.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a static training aid of FIG. 1 having a stick connected to a pole of the static training aid.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a dynamic training aid according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating internal and external components of the FIG. 5A dynamic training aid.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method of training a sports player according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention is a sports training aid 20. The sports training aid 20 may comprise one or more static training aids 21. The static training aid 21 has a base 22, arranged to be placed on the ground such as on the ice of an ice rink, and a pole 24 arranged to extend outwardly from the base 22. The pole 24 has a first end 26 secured to the base 22, and a second end 28 opposite to the first end 26. The pole 24 may be arranged to extend vertically upwardly from the base 22 such that the second end 28 of the pole 24 is arranged to face a ceiling of a building in embodiments in which the static training aid 21 is placed on a ground inside the building.

In some embodiments, a length (L_P) of the pole 24 is between about 3 feet to about 10 feet. In some embodiments, the length (L_P) of the pole 24 is between about 4 feet to about 8 feet. In one example embodiment, the length (L_P) of the pole 24 is about 6 feet. The pole 24 may be used in place of commonly-used training cones, which are typically short in length. The inventor believes that using poles 24 in sports training, such as in training for hockey players, advantageously improves a player's edge stability, improves a player's ability to move in tight areas, and increases a player's spatial awareness. The use of tall poles 24 provides players with visual cues that simulate opposing players in game settings, forces players to effectively use their edge work to laterally maneuver their bodies around the pole 24, which such lateral movement is not achievable by using conventionally-used training cones which are shorter in length than poles 24, and mimics in-game scenario of deking around a defender where the deking player must laterally maneuver around the defender.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, a light source 30, which is electrically connected to a power source 38 such as a battery, is arranged within the pole 24. The light source 30 may form part of the length (L_P) of the pole 24. The light source 30 may be housed within a housing 31 arranged lengthwise between a point 32 along the pole 24 and the second end 28 of the pole 24. The housing 31 may comprise opposing surfaces 33A, 33B, with at least one of the surfaces 33A, 33B being transparent or translucent to allow some or all of the light emitted from the light source 30 to pass through, thereby allowing some or all of the emitted light to be visible from the surface. The point 32 is positioned between the first end 26 and the second end 28 of the pole 24. In some embodiments, the point 32 is positioned at about ¼ to about ¾ along a length (L_P) of the pole 24 measured from the first end 26. In some embodiments, the point 32 is positioned at about ¼ to about ½ along the length (L_P) of the pole 24 measured from the first end 26. The light source 30 may be in the form of one or more light bulbs or light strips. The light source 30 may comprise any suitable type of lighting systems, such as light emitting diode (LED), incandescent, high intensity discharge (HID), fluorescent lamps, etc. In some embodiments, the light source 30 extends from the point 32 to the second end 28 of the pole 24. In such embodiments, the light source 30 is not housed inside a housing 31. In example embodiments, the light source 30 comprises two LEDs in the form of strip lights. The two LED strip lights may be arranged to illuminate light from opposing sides of the pole 24. In such example embodiments, light that is emitted from the two LED strip lights is visible from all directions around the pole 24.

Means are provided to control a visual output at the light source 30. Such means may include a receiver 33 such as a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a user control device 36 electronically coupled to the receiver 33, and a control unit 34 electronically coupled to the receiver 33. The user control device 36 is configured to receive a user command, such as by means of input push buttons and/or speech inputs. The user control device 36 may be configured to transmit an electronic signal to the receiver 33 upon receipt of a user command. The receiver 33 transmits a signal to the control unit 34, which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the light source 30 to illuminate a visual signal. In some embodiments, the receiver 33 and the control unit 34 are arranged as one unit.

The visual signal emitted by the light source 30 may be a color signal. The control unit 34 may be configured to generate signals to the light source 30 to emit a desired color at the light source 30 in response to the user command inputted at the user control device 36. In one example embodiment, a trainer inputs at the user control device 36 a user command to illuminate a desired color at the light source 30. The trainer may also input at the user control device 36 a user command each time he or she wishes to change the color that is being illuminated at the light source 30 during a training session. The user control device 36 transmits an electronic signal to the receiver 33 which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the control unit 34 containing information about the desired color commanded by the user. The control unit 34 transmits a visual signal to the light source 30 to illuminate the desired color.

In some embodiments, a user command need not be provided each time a color change at the light source 30 is desired. In some embodiments, the control unit 34 comprises a programmable processing unit. The control unit 34 may be programmed to control the pattern and/or sequence at which one or more colors are being illuminated at the light source 30. The control unit 34 may for example be programmed to control one or more of: the desired set of colors to illuminate; the sequence at which a desired set of colors is illuminated; the duration of illumination of each color; and the number of times at which each pattern is repeated before the light source 30 is switched off.

In an example use embodiment, the trainer assigns an action or movement to each of the colors that the trainer intends to illuminate at the light source 30 during a training session. The player will perform the action or movement responsive to the specific color that is being illuminated at the light source 30 so that as the light color changes, the player will perform the different actions or movements corresponding to the different colors. Each color change may be commanded by the trainer using the user control device 36. Alternatively, the color change(s) may be programmed at the control unit 34.

In another example use embodiment, the trainer commands using the user control device 36 different colors to be illuminated at the light source 30 during a training session in which the player is asked to perform particular actions or movements. During which the player is performing the actions or movements, the trainer may command one or more color change at the light source 30. The player may be asked to call out each of the colors which is being illuminated at the light source 30. Each color change may be commanded by the trainer using the user control device 36. Alternatively, the color change(s) may be programmed at the control unit 34. Such use of the pole 24 with the light source 30 may for example simulate in game pressure.

Training with a pole with a light source as shown in FIG. 2A advantageously improves a player's peripheral vision, information processing, the ability to zoom into wider vision frames and effective eye placements and/or reactivity.

In some embodiments, a plurality of static training aids 21 may be arranged at a training field, such as an ice rink. The plurality of static training aids 21 may comprise: (i) a combination of poles 24 which comprise the light source 30; (ii) a combination of poles 24 without the light source 30; or (iii) a combination of one or more poles 24 which comprise the light source 30 and one or more poles without the light source 30.

The user control device 36 may be electronically coupled to the control units 34 of the one or more poles 24 which comprise the light source 30. The user control device 36 may be configured to control the visual output at each of the light sources 30 of the plurality of poles 24 independently.

The static training aid 21 may be used in combination with one or more accessory parts 44. Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the one or more accessory parts include a connector 46. The connector 46 may be used to connect two static training aids 21. The connector 46 may extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of a first pole 24A and a second pole 24B. In some embodiments, the connector 46 is secured to the first pole 24A and the second pole 24B at positions 48A, 48B which are spaced-apart from the first base 22A and the second base 22B respectively. The positions 48A, 48B at which the connector 46 are secured to may be adjusted depending on the use thereof for the particular training session. For example, the positions 48A, 48B may be adjusted to accommodate the size of one or more accessories that may be used during a training session, such as a ball or hockey puck, so as to allow the accessories to pass under the connector 46. In another example, the positions 48A, 48B may be adjusted to accommodate the height of the sports player, so as to allow the sports player to jump over the connector 46. The first and second poles 24A, 24B may or may not comprise a light source 30.

Additional one or more poles 24 may be arranged to connect to the first pole 24A and/or to the second pole 24B and/or to each other by one or more connectors 46. In other embodiments, sets of connected poles 24 may be arranged throughout a training field such that the plurality of poles 24 do not all connect to each other by one or more connectors 46.

In other example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the one or more accessory parts 44 include a stick 52. The stick comprises an elongated portion 60 with a first end 56 coupled to the pole 24 at an attachment point 54, and extends downwardly towards the direction of the ground to the second end 58. The elongated portion 60 is oriented relative to the pole 24 to define an angle θ therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle θ is less than 90°. The second end 58 may be arranged spaced-apart laterally from the base 22 on the ground.

In example embodiments, the stick 52 comprises an arm 62 projecting transversely from the elongated portion 60. In some embodiments, the stick 52 is made as one integral piece. In other embodiments, the elongated portion 60 is coupled to the arm 62. The second end 58 of the elongated portion 60 may be pivotally coupled to the arm 62. The arm 62 may be arranged to extend in contact with a surface of the ground. In some embodiments, a length (L_A) of the arm 62 is less than a length (L_EP) of the elongated portion 60.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sports training aid 20 may comprise one or more dynamic training aids 100. The dynamic training aid 100 comprises a base 102 arranged to position on a ground, and a pole 104 vertically extending from a first end 106 secured to the base 102 to a second end 107. The second end 107 of the pole 104 is arranged to face a ceiling of a building in embodiments in which the dynamic training aid 100 is placed on a ground inside the building.

The dynamic training aid 100 comprises a first stick 109A pivotally coupled to the pole 104. In some embodiments, the dynamic training aid 100 additionally comprises a second stick 1096 pivotally coupled to the pole 104. In some embodiments, the first and/or second sticks 109A, 1096 comprises an elongated portion 110A, 1106 with a first end 112A, 1126 coupled to the pole 104 at an attachment point 114A, 114B, and extends downwardly towards the direction of the ground to the second end 108A, 1086. The elongated portion 110A, 1106 is each oriented relative to the pole 104 to define an angle θ₁, θ₂ therebetween. In some embodiments, the angles θ₁, θ₂ is less than 90°. The angle θ₁, θ₂ may be the same or different. The second end 108A, 1086 may be arranged laterally spaced-apart from the base 102 on the ground. The first and/or second sticks 109A, 109B may comprise an arm 116A, 1166 projecting transversely from the elongated portion 110A, 1106 respectively. In some embodiments, the first stick 110A and the second stick 1106 are pivotally coupled to the same point along the pole 104 such that the attachment point 114A is the same as the attachment point 114B. In other embodiments, the first stick 110A is pivotally coupled to a different point along the pole 104 from the second stick 1106 such that the attachment point 114A is different from the attachment point 114B. The first and/or second stick 109A, 1096 may comprise the same length or different lengths.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second sticks 109A, 109B are made as one integral piece. In other embodiments, one or both of the elongated portions 110A, 1106 are coupled to the first and/or second arms 116A, 1166 respectively. One or both of the second ends 108A, 1086 of the elongated portions 110A, 1106 may be pivotally coupled to the respective arms 116A, 116B. The arms 116A, 116B may be arranged to extend in contact with a surface of the ground. In some embodiments, a length (L_A) of the arms 116A, 1166 is less than a length (L_EP) of the elongated portions 110A, 1106.

Means may be provided to drive a rotation of one or both of the first stick 110A and second stick 1106 relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole 104. In example embodiments, such means comprise one or more sensors 118, a receiver 119, a control unit 120, a power source 122 and a drive mechanism 124. The drive mechanism 124 may comprise an electric motor 125.

The one or more sensors 118 may for example be one or more proximity sensors and/or motion sensors. The one or more sensors 118 can detect the presence and/or movement of a player positioned near the sensors 118. The one or more sensors 118 may not be in the same position as the base 102, pole 104 and arm 116. The one or more sensors 118 may be placed along a path at which the player must pass in order to approach the base 102. In an example embodiment, the one or more sensors 118 is positioned spaced-apart from the base 102, pole 104 and arm 116. The one or more sensors 118 may be placed at a location on the training field, e.g., ice rink at which the player would pass by the sensors 118 before the base 102, pole 104 and first arm 116. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 108 may be placed proximate to the base 102, pole 104 and arm 116.

The one or more sensors 118 may be electronically coupled to the receiver 119. The receiver 119 may be electronically coupled to the control unit 120. Once the one or more sensors 118 are triggered, the sensors 118 transmit an electronic signal to the receiver 119, which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 in turn transmits an electronic signal to the drive mechanism 124 to activate the rotation of the first stick 110A and/or second stick 1108.

The control unit 120 may, for example, comprise a programmable processing unit. The control unit 120 may for example be programmed to control one or more of a speed, direction, angle and/or duration at which the first and/or second stick 109A, 1098 rotates about the longitudinal axis of the pole 104. In example embodiments, the control unit 120 is programmed to rotate the first and/or second stick 109A, 109B about the longitudinal axis of the pole 104 in accordance with parameters (e.g., speed, direction such as clockwise or anti-clockwise about the pole 104, angle and/or duration) that are randomized each time it receives an electronic signal from the one or more sensors 118 to actuate the drive mechanism 124. In other example embodiments, the control unit 120 is configured to rotate the first and/or second stick 109A, 1098 about the longitudinal axis of the pole 104 at preset parameters (e.g., speed, direction, angle and/or duration). The desired parameters may be preset by means of user input via for example a user control device 126. The user control device 126 may in some embodiments be on the base 102.

The user control device 126 may be electronically coupled to the receiver 119 wirelessly or in a wired manner. In example embodiments, one or more of the receiver 119, the control unit 120, power source 122, drive mechanism 124 and user control device 126 are arranged within the base 102.

In an example use embodiment, the dynamic training aid 100 comprising the base 102, the pole 104 vertically extending from the base 102, and the first and second sticks 109 pivotally coupled to the pole 104 are placed on the ground of a training field such as on the ice at an ice rink for training a hockey player. The one or more sensors 118 may be placed on the ice at a location proximate to, and spaced-apart, from the base 102. The player skates toward the base 102 and thus the one or more sensors 118. The presence of the player is detected by the one or more sensors 118. The one or more sensors 118 are triggered to transmit an electronic signal to the receiver 119, which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 in turn transmits an electronic signal to the drive mechanism 124 to activate the rotation of the first and second sticks 109. The control unit 120 may be programmed to rotate the first and second sticks 109 in one or more randomized parameters (e.g., one or more of speed, angle, direction and/or duration of rotation). The dynamic training aid 100 advantageously improves one or more of a hockey player's cognitive skills, information processing, decision making, game transferable deking, and effective puck placements. Particularly, the movement of the sticks 109 on the dynamic training aid 100 advantageously forces the players to mentally process the location and/or direction of movement of the sticks, select a movement accordingly, and then execute the selected movement. Training with the dynamic training aid 100 requires significant attention of the players in order to execute an invasive deke. In embodiments in which the sports training aid 20 is used to train a hockey player, the training aid 20 advantageously trains and/or teaches and/or improves a player's “hockey IQ”.

The distance(s) between the one or more sensors 118 and the base 102 may be adjusted to change the level of difficulty of the training for the player. For example, the greater the distance between the one or more sensors 118 and the base 102, the more time the player has to react to the movement of the sticks 109. Conversely, the closer the distance between the one or more sensors 118 and the base 102, the less time the player has to react to the movement of the sticks 109.

In some embodiments, the dynamic training aid 100 comprises more than two sticks 109 pivotally coupled to the pole 104. In such embodiments, the means provided to rotate the first and/or second sticks 109 may also be configured to rotate the additional sticks 109.

One or more static training aids 21 and/or dynamic training aids 100 may be arranged on a training field. The arrangement of the one or more static training aids 21 and/or dynamic training aids 100 (e.g., the distance between each of the training aids and/or the angle at which each are placed relative to one another and/or the number of and/or type of training aids to use) may depend on the desired training drill or training method. Different combinations of the one or more static training aids 21 and/or one or more dynamic training aids 100 may be arranged on the training field. The one or more static training aids 21 may include a light source 30 and/or accessory part 44 (e.g., connector 46 and stick 52) and/or the absent of both the light source 30 and accessory part 44. The one or more dynamic training aids 100 may include one stick 109 or a plurality of sticks 109 pivotally coupled to the pole 104. Non-limiting examples of combinations of the sports training aid 20 that may be arranged on a training field may include:

• • a plurality of static training aids 21 without a light source 30 and accessory part 44;
  • a plurality of static training aids 21 and one dynamic training aid 100, the plurality of static training aids 21 comprises one or more poles 24 with a light source 30 arranged thereon and without any accessory parts 44, and one or more poles 24 without both a light source 30 and accessory part 44;
  • a plurality of static training aids 21, the plurality of static training aids 21 comprises one or more poles 24 without both a light source 30 and accessory part 44, and one or more sets of two poles 24 each set being connected by a connector 46; and
  • a plurality of static training aids 21, the plurality of static training aids 21 comprises a plurality of poles 24 with a stick 52 pivotally coupled thereto.

In an example embodiment, the dynamic training aid 100 is arranged on a training field in combination with one or more static training aids 21 and which at least one of the static training aids 21 include a light source 30. During a training session, a player is tasked to respond to both the movement of the one or more sticks 109 of the dynamic training aid 100 and the illumination of light at the light source 30. For example, the player may be asked by the trainer to call out each of the colors of the light that is being illuminated at the light source 30. Such training with the dynamic training aid 100 in combination with the static training aid 21 requires significant attention of the player to process the information, advantageously training a player's ability to divide his/her attention.

Aspects of the invention relate to methods of training a sports player, such as a hockey player. The method may involve using one or both of the static training aid 21 and the dynamic training aid 100. Referring to FIG. 6, the method 200 involves training a hockey player using one or more static training aids 21. The method 200 comprises assigning a movement or drill to a color (step 202). Each color may for example be assigned to a different movement or drill. A trainer may communicate to a player such assignment prior to a training session (step 204). The trainer inputs a user command at the user control device 36 (step 206). The user command comprises information about a desired color the trainer desires to output at the light source 30. Upon receipt of the user command on the user control device 36, the user control device 36 may send an electronic signal to the receiver 33, which in turn transmits a signal to the control unit 34. The control unit 34 may in turn transmit an electronic signal to the light source 30 to illuminate the color commanded by the trainer (step 208). In step 210, the player performs the movement or drill corresponding to the color illuminated at the light source 30. Steps 206, 208 and 210 may be repeated during a training session so that different colors may be outputted at the light source 30, as commanded by the trainer, during the training session. The number of times that steps 206, 208 and 210 are repeated is dependent on the training method.

In other embodiments of the method, a user command is not required to trigger a color change each time. In some embodiments, the control unit 34 is programmed to illuminate a sequence of visual outputs of different colors at the light source 30 upon receipt of a user command at the user control device 36 (step 206). The user command may comprise information about activating and/or deactivating the light source 30 and/or the desired sequence of colors to output at the light source 30.

In another embodiment of training a hockey player using one or more static training aids 21, the method involves inputting by the trainer a user command at the user control device 36 a color to be illuminated at the light source 30 during which a player performs particular drills or movements. The player calls out the color that is being illuminated at the light source. A sequence of color changes (which the selection of colors may be randomized) may be commanded by the trainer. The trainer may input a command each time he or she desires a color change. Alternatively, the control unit may be programmed to illuminate a sequence of color changes without requiring the trainer to input a command for each color change.

The color change during the training session allows the hockey player to practice different movements or drills dynamically, in response to the visual output displayed on the static training aid 21. The color change during the training session advantageously improves a player's ability to process information, particularly, by mimicking game-like scenarios so as to challenge the player's reaction time.

Using the sports training aids 20 to train a sports player advantageously allows the trainer to quantify the peripheral vision capability of the player, for example allowing the trainer to assess what the player can see and not see.

In another embodiment, the method involves training a hockey player using a dynamic static training aid 100. The method comprises sensing, at one or more sensors 118, the presence of a hockey player. Upon detection of the presence of the hockey player, the one or more sensors 118 transmits an electronic signal to the receiver 119, which in turn transmits an electronic signal to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 then transmits an electronic signal to the drive mechanism to activate a movement of the one or more sticks 109 about a longitudinal axis of the pole 104. In some embodiments, the one or more sticks 109 are configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pole 104. The control unit 120 may be programmed to move the one or more sticks 109 in accordance with one or more parameters (e.g., speed, direction such as clockwise or anti-clockwise about the pole 104, angle and/or duration) that are randomized each time it receives an electronic signal from the one or more sensors 118 to actuate the drive mechanism 124. In other embodiments, the control unit 120 is programmed to move the one or more sticks 109 in accordance with one or more preprogrammed parameters. For example, the control unit 120 may be programmed to move one or more sticks 109 in accordance with the one or more preprogrammed parameters each time it receives an electronic signal from the one or more sensors 118 to actuate the drive mechanism 124. In example embodiments, the control unit 120 is programmed to move the one or more sticks 109 in accordance with preprogrammed speed, angle and/or duration but in a random direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise of rotation) each time it receives an electronic signal from the one or more sensors 118 to actuate the drive mechanism 124.

Throughout the foregoing description and the drawings, in which corresponding and like parts are identified by the same reference characters, specific details have been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail or at all to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training a hockey player, comprising:

a base; and

a pole extending vertically outwardly from one end to a point along the pole and therefrom continually extends to an opposing other end, wherein the one end is secured to the base.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a light source arranged to extend from the point to the other end of the pole, the light source being operable to illuminate light in one or more colors; and

means for controlling a visual output at the light source.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light source is arranged within a housing of the pole, wherein the housing comprises one or both surfaces that are transparent or translucent to allow light illuminate therethough.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the point is positioned between about ⅓ to about ½ along a length of the pole measured from the one end.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for controlling a visual output at the light source comprises a user control device electronically coupled to a receiver and a control unit, wherein the user control device is configured to control a illumination of a desired color at the light source.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a second base;

a second pole extending vertically outwardly from one end to an opposing other end, wherein the one end is secured to the second base;

a connector connecting the first pole to the second pole, wherein the connector extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stick having a first end coupled to the pole extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end being spaced-apart from the base.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the stick comprises an elongated portion and an arm projecting transversely from the elongated portion.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the elongated portion.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises:

a first stick having a first end coupled to the pole and extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end is spaced-apart from the base;

means for driving a movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole; and

a sensor operative to detect a presence of the hockey player, the sensor being electronically coupled to the driving means such that the first stick moves in response to a detected presence of the sports player.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is positioned away from the base and the pole.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a second stick having a first end coupled to the pole and extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end is spaced-apart from the base; and wherein the means for driving a movement of the first stick additionally drives a movement of the second stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the driving means comprises:

a receiver electronically coupled to the sensor;

a control unit electronically coupled to the receiver; and

a driving mechanism electronically coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit activates the driving mechanism to drive the movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is programmed to activate the driving mechanism to drive the movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole in accordance with one or more randomized parameters.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the one or more randomized parameters include one or more of speed, direction, angle, and duration of movement.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first stick comprises an elongated portion and an arm projecting transversely from the elongated portion.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the elongated portion.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the driving means is positioned within the base.