Abstract: A field hockey practice tethered assembly includes a fastener loop, an elastic cord, and a field hockey ball. The elastic cord is secured to the fastener loop on one end of the cord and the field hockey ball on the second end of the cord. The elastic cord includes braided elastic strands within a yarn sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is a training device that is able to condition a hockey goalie in the proper placement of his hand and index finger for effectively controlling a hockey stick. The training device includes a strap adapted to be fitted around the top of a paddle of the goalie's hockey stick, and a finger channel vertically affixed to the strap and positioned for removable holding his index finger so that the index finger is substantially pointed down the paddle of the goalie hockey stick when he is holding the goalie hockey stick.

Abstract: The invention consists of a blade for a hockey stick, comprising: a blade portion, with a forehand side and a backhand side and a loop extending from the one or both sides of the blade portion, with the loop dimensioned to enclose a hockey puck.

Abstract: An ice hockey training device providing goalie training in preventing pucks, particularly deflected or “tipped” pucks, from entering the goal is disclosed. The device is disposed on ice or other playing surface in front of a goal guarded by a goalie, the device having a plurality of vertically disposed puck deflectors arrayed in a parallel series through which array the puck is shot at the goal by a player and strikes a puck deflector member to be deflected at an angle from its original path of travel. A plurality of horizontally disposed members are suspended behind the vertically disposed puck deflector members.

Abstract: An automated torsion driven sports goal practice backstop which appends to any size of sports goal and may remain in place, if desired, at the conclusion of practice and during games. The sports goal practice backstop utilizes a torsioning system and flexible net mechanism in order to provide for easy installation and subsequent tension thereof. During practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention provides a suitable backstop to stop most balls from traveling beyond the goal. At the conclusion of practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention is mechanically foldable via automation of rotating handles and thus, the instant system need not be removed at the conclusion of practice. Rather, the sports goal backstop of the present invention may remain in position, out of sight, in its folded configuration during a game without interfering with normal play.

Abstract: A method of conveying a command to a user using a practice system is provided. The method includes detecting movement of the user using a sensor; selecting a command from a list of pre-determined commands; and conveying the command to the user using a signaler.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus comprising a generally cross-shaped net and a stabilizing device that holds the net in a selected position relative to a soccer goal. The net is sized smaller than the goal and can be position to cover a central portion of the goal. The net can be held in place by cords and straps and/or a rigid frame attached to the soccer field. A stabilizing device can be used to hold the net in place so that the net can be readily moved in a position on the goal line to simulate the reach of a goalkeeper during a penalty kick or in a position in front of the goal line to simulate the reach of a goalkeeper during a place kick. The net can also be used as mini-goal or smaller sized goal during a short-sided soccer game.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a soccer training target, a method for practicing kicking using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a soccer training target is provided. The soccer training device includes a target panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hole for hanging the target panel from a soccer net, the target panel comprising a rigid member. At least one visual target is located on the target panel, where the target panel is configured to receive impact from soccer balls during kicking practice. An attachment device is insertable into the at least one hole for hanging the target panel from the soccer net.

Abstract: A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A wheeled cart like ball dispensing device for storing, transporting, and dispensing soccer balls by delivering soccer balls to a player in a variety of delivery modes for simulating game conditions for a player to practice responding to a variety of different shots.

Abstract: A basketball or soccer training device has a base, a body having a lower body portion and an upper body portion with the lower body portion overlying the base. The upper body portion has a first pair of arms projecting generally outwardly in generally-opposite directions and a second pair of arms projecting generally upwardly in relative spaced relationship. The lower body portion may have a pair of legs terminating in weighted feet. The base may be hollow and be dimensioned and structured to receive an inflatable, basketball training device when in deflated condition. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for training sports skills for games conducted on a playing surface having a goal using one or more simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object into the goal. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: A puck retriever has a hollow interior of diameter larger than that of a puck for use in the game of hockey. A ring of rubber or similar resiliently deformable material is located adjacent to the lower end of the tube. The ring has an inner edge which defines a circular inlet of diameter smaller than that of a puck. The ring flexes upward when pressed downward against a puck which is resting on a flat surface with resulting bending upward of the edge and enlargement of the inlet sufficient to allow the puck to pass through the inlet. The ring is of sufficient strength to resist flexing downward under the weight of any pucks within the tube such that the ring prevents pucks within the tube from exiting through the inlet. The ring may be continuous and unbroken throughout its circumference or it may be cut into a number of flaps.

Abstract: An ice hockey training device providing goalie training in preventing pucks, particularly deflected or “tipped” pucks, from entering an ice hockey goal is disclosed. The device is disposed on a playing surface in front of a goal guarded by a goalie. The device consists of a base deflector having a planar surface in one embodiment of the invention disposed at an upward angle which can direct pucks traveling on the playing surface that are hit by a player to ride up onto the upwardly angled planar surface of the base deflector and be directed upwards at the goal. In other embodiments a plurality of angled members can be disposed on the top surface of the base deflector, causing a puck traveling in a first path of travel and striking one or more of such angled members to be directed upwards at the goal at a second path of travel.

Abstract: A method of promoting development and motivation in a field of achievement is provided, comprising isolating a task for development, prescribing a level of achievement related to the task, measuring the level of achievement, and awarding the achievement of the task with a tangible indicia of achievement. The invention in its preferred embodiment relates to the sport of soccer.

Abstract: A soccer kicking practice apparatus is provided with a domed bolt shaft receiver for mounting a soccer ball having a protruding threaded bolt to a soccer ball holder. In the alternative the soccer kicking practice may employ a soccer ball having a nut to receive a threaded bolt mounted to a knob.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus for teaching a user the proper technique to stop a soccer ball. The training apparatus includes a contact patch assembly having a contact region, and a strap mechanism configured to removably mount around a foot and shoe of the user in a manner orienting the contact region generally at an instep portion of the user's foot. The contact region, in one example, includes one of a hook or loop material. The training apparatus further includes a soccer ball having an exterior surface containing the other of a loop or hook material that is adapted to cooperate with the contact region of the contact patch assembly to promote attachment of the soccer ball to the contact region. Such contact and adherence indicates precision locational contact of the foot or shoe with the soccer ball at the instep portion thereof.

Abstract: A target gate and a method of operating same are provided. The target gate comprises i) an impact surface for selectively blocking a projectile; ii) a support structure for supporting the impact surface; and iii) at least one coupling for coupling the impact surface to the support structure such that the impact surface is moveable from a first position to a second position when hit by the projectile traveling at not less than a minimum velocity. The at least one coupling comprises a biasing element for biasing the impact surface to move from the second position to the first position, the biasing element being adjustable to pre-select the minimum velocity.

Abstract: A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The present specification describes sporting equipment methods and apparatus that may be used for ball play, and may be particularly useful for ball rebounding. One aspect of the novel sporting equipment described herein relates to the adjustability of a rebounder. Rebounders or rebound systems in accordance with principles of the present invention are strong, durable, and also adjustable. An adjustment mechanism in accordance with principles of the present invention may permit a user to change the angle of the rebound system to change the trajectory of rebounded balls to suit the needs of various players and situations. In contrast, conventional rebounders tend to be small, flimsy and are not adjustable.

Abstract: A practice hockey puck to be used by a young player to learn how to pick up a hockey puck off the ice with the blade of his hockey stick or to stickhandle on pavement or asphalt. The puck is like an ordinary puck but with a lower, outer, annular portion removed, thereby moving the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the puck inwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the top portion of the puck. The outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface acts as a pivot edge. A portion of the puck lies outside this pivot edge. Pressing on this portion of the puck with the blade of the stick allows the player to easily pivot the puck about the pivot edge onto its side starting the process of picking the puck up with the stick. When the practice puck is inverted it can be used to practice stickhandling on a non-ice surface such as pavement or asphalt.

Abstract: In the present invention, a training soccer ball includes an initial contact area with a first set of designations and a follow-through area with a second set of designations. The first and second set of designations can be the numbers “1” through “12”, in a split clockface design. The initial contact area has a different color than the follow-through area. Players learn to kick the ball with the correct biomechanics with reference to a designation for initial contact and a designation for follow-through.

Abstract: A hockey stick-handling device comprises cross members and support columns. The support columns elevate the cross members from a training surface to allow an object for stick-handling to be passed underneath. The cross members are rotatable with respect to one another to allow the hockey stick-handling device to be arranged in various configurations for stick-handling as well as to be collapsed for storage. The hockey stick-handling device is modular in nature such that it can be lengthened or shortened to a desired length. The hockey stick-handling device has sensors adapted to sense an object passing under the cross member. The sensor output may drive controls for illuminating lights, sounding horns, and/or actuating timers associated with the stick-handling device.

Abstract: This is a training device for soccer players that uses a plurality of connectors that have a main body and three hollow engagement ports that are angled away from the main body to provide support for the frame. The ends of the frame members fit into the engagement ports and thus engage the frame and support it for use. There is a flexible outer covering that fits over the frame members and supports the ring members that are placed within an opening in the outer covering. There can be one or two rings as desired. The outer covering does not cover the bottom of the frame, and this area can also be used as a target area.

Abstract: A training tool for use by lacrosse players attaches a player's hand or glove to the lacrosse stick. Lacrosse players typically have a dominant hand orientation which they play with, and the development skills in the non-dominant hand orientation is of particular interest. This tool will attach the player's glove to the player's stick in their non-dominant hand orientation, allowing their gloves to slide up and down on the stick, but preventing the player from switching the player's hand orientation, in order to force the use of a non-preferred stick orientation which will strengthen the overall level of a player's skill set.

Abstract: The killer applications of golfrisbee are comprised of the golh club, golfrisbee disc, golfrisbee basket, golfrisbee target, golfishing, grenade, water golh gun club, etc. The golfishing is to throw the fishing line far away with flying object and monitoring the fishing activities with golfishing golfrisbee. The core technologies are the swiveling club throwing technology, wind-bell-chain or wind-chime reverted-umbrella golfrisbee basket and the universal direction wing flying disk technology. Swiveling the golh club, the flying object is thrown to fly into the golfrisbee basket. The golfrisbee basket has either the wind-bell-chain or the wind-chime reverted umbrella structure to protect the golfrisbee from damage. The flying object is the golfball, golfrisbee disk, golfring, disk-ring, boomerang, polygon boomerang, multi-boomerang ring, multi-boomerang disk-ring, golfishing, golh hunting practice, grenade, gun golh club, water grenade, water gun golh club, etc.

Abstract: A target and magnetic material are provided. The target has a size sufficient to facilitate training a trainee in shooting a hockey puck at a specific location in a hockey goal. The target is further provided with an edge face with a mounting surface for receiving the magnetic material. The target is removably secured to a structural frame member defining a hockey goal by positioning the edge face with the magnetic material adjacent to a structural frame member comprising the hockey goal. Methods of use of the target are also disclosed.

Abstract: A targeting aid for use with goals characterized by opposing uprights and a crossbar has a first connector connected to the crossbar. A support extends rearwardly and downwardly relative to the first connector and connects to a second connector behind the goal plane defined by the uprights and the crossbar. From the support a target is provided which is preferably elevationally adjustable and spaced by a member from the support. By spacing the target within the confines of the goal (i.e., rearward of the goal plane) it is not in a position to be inadvertently contacted by a goal keeper.

Abstract: A system for improving the speed and accuracy of shot on a hockey goal based upon feedback of the shot and the target report. An analogue sensor assembly records the number of hits and their speed and also displays the results with an LED based counter. This practice tool can, with repetition, increase the ability of the trainee to aim for the optimum location for scoring goals in hockey and other sports.

Abstract: A ball kicking practice device having target indica located in at least one position on the exterior of the ball. Feedback indica circumferentially located on the ball extending through the target changes in appearance in form or color subsequent to a proper strike of the ball with the foot. Shoe contact indica provides contact points on a shoe for practicing contact with the targets on the exterior of the ball and to allow the user to practice keeping their eyes trained on the ball through contact by the user's foot and thereafter received feedback of a proper or improper strike from the change in appearance of the feedback indica.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emulating the striking member and ball of selected sports, the striking member having an end portion including portions covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener and further having a mass and size substantially in conformity with the mass and size of the striking member commonly employed in the selected sport, and a target member for emulating the playing object of the selected sport or game, the target member having a target portion similarly covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener, where the mass and response of the target member is readily altered to emulate the mass and response of a ball under a variety of conditions by selectively attaching one or more momentum elements of varying size to the target member.

Abstract: A soccer practice apparatus to assist a user in practicing the ability to power kick, ball control, mid-volley and/or head a soccer ball. The apparatus can be formed from an arm assembly comprised of a primary arm member angled with a smooth bend to a substantially vertical portion at the end. The arm assembly is connected to a substantially vertical support member. A tether cord extends through and along a length of the primary arm member and is attached to a soccer ball. The tether cord is adjustable and permits the height of the ball to be adjusted for ground ball positions, mid volleys, and heading. The apparatus further permits a ball to be hit in any direction from any adjusted position above ground without creating ball contact with the upright support member.

Abstract: This application relates to hockey pucks modified for training purposes and methods of using same. The pucks are intended to develop the visual acuity and hand-eye coordination of hockey players to improve game play. In one embodiment of the invention, each training puck is partially or entirely white (or some other light color) on its upper and lower flat surfaces, or on its circumferential side surface, or both. For example, the upper and lower surfaces may include a first relatively light portion around the periphery thereof and a relatively dark portion in a central region thereof. The relative size of the light and dark portions varies from puck to puck. In one embodiment the light portions are white and the dark portions are black. In use, players could begin by using a training puck with a relatively large dark portion. After they become accustomed to such a training puck, a puck with a smaller diameter dark portion could be substituted.

Abstract: A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals.

Abstract: The hockey training aid is a hockey stick/blade which can be either a one piece stick as in a one piece composite stick or an attachable/replaceable blade, which can be attached to a stick shaft. The blade has a shank for inserting the stick handle and containing a channel along the lower edge of the blade. A string is fastened tat one end to a puck and or ball and at the other end to a ball bearing shaped bead that is freely moveable within the channel. The string attached to the bead extends outward from the channel through a slit that also extends along the length of the channel. During use, as the puck/ball moves back-and-forth during stick-handling drills, the bead freely moves back-and-forth within the channel and the tether freely moves along the slit. An additional optional hole is provided at the top of the blade for use as an alternative stationary attachment of an elastic tether to the blade.

Abstract: A collapsible, multi-legged, multi-faceted sports training article comprising a plurality of legs, each of the legs having an upper portion and a lower portion; an equal number of elongate transverse arms, each of the arms having a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein each of the first end portions are retained adjacent the lower portion of the legs; and maintenance means cooperable with the arms to maintain the article erect and to define the article having a plurality of inclined substantially triangular faces. The article represents a more realistic sports training pylon of a practical size which better simulates a real-life playing situation, particularly for use on ice-rinks, and field hockey and soccer playing fields. The article has a typically height selected from 50-120 cm and is readily collapsible for ease of transportation, storage and readily re-erectable.

Abstract: The present invention is a soccer training device built with elbow connectors, a frame with a top frame, a pair of upper frames, a pair of lower frames, and a bottom frame, all with opposite ends that fit into the elbows. The ends of said elbow connectors can have releasable connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the ends of the frame pieces. A target area is attached to the frame and has aiming areas with numbers that can indicate point value. The aiming areas can be of equal sizes. The soccer ball has an outer covering of the loop fabric of hook and loop fabric. The target area can be attached to the frame a pair of fabric strips having hook and loop fabric or male and female clasps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for physical training purposes and specifically to training weights for use on a lacrosse head. This weight training device for lacrosse distributes weight uniformly around the entire perimeter of a lacrosse head, is easy to attach to lacrosse heads from multiple manufacturers, is unobtrusive to be used during ball handling, and is available in multiple weight models to address the needs of beginners to professionals.

Abstract: A system and supporting mechanisms for practicing the art of shooting at a lacrosse goal maximizes the area to practice running and shooting movements, while minimizing the area required doing so, while best representing the field's dimensions. The invention comprises simple structures, uniquely optimized complex structures and specifically designed mechanisms for lacrosse skill practice that is utilized within the structures. A rectangular alley is formed by a ball retaining material having a front, rear and side walls. The alley has sufficient width and height to permit easy shooting by a player of a lacrosse ball into a rotationally moveable goal which presents various angles of goal openings to the player shooting.

Abstract: The present invention is a street hockey net consisting of a net frame formed from a plurality of tubular members. The frame includes an upper rectangular frame supported above a lower U shaped frame by three upright members. The upper rectangular frame has a forward horizontal member and a rear horizontal member. The lower U shaped frame has a transverse member mounted between a pair of forward extending members, the forward extending members being connected to the forward horizontal member by two of the upright members. The third upright member forms a central upright member which supports the upper frame by connecting the transverse member to the rear horizontal member. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned on the rear horizontal member and central upright member, said light emitting diodes being oriented towards the back side such that the diodes point behind the frame. The net further includes a diode flasher for flashing the diodes on and off.

Abstract: A training device for ball games having a first ring member arranged in a first plane and a second ring member arranged in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. A plurality of bars connect the first and second ring members to each other, so that a plurality of openings are defined between the ring members and the bars. The device provides openings defined by the ring members and the bars in all directions when the device is placed with one of the ring members resting on the ground. Thus it is possible for several persons to train at the same time since each person is allowed to use a respective one of the openings. At least one net is suspended across the inner space to catch the ball.

Abstract: A target for practicing aiming sport or game projectiles, such as balls, hockey pucks, arrows, etc., is formed of a large, flexible sheet whose upper edge is temporarily secured to the lower edge of a conventional garage door when the door is lowered. The sheet is deployed to cover the garage door opening when the door is raised into open position. The sheet contains target markings which may include holes in the sheet for receiving propelled projectiles aimed at the target sheet. The target holes may be backed by pockets which receive and temporarily hold the projectiles which pass through the respective openings. The target holes may be normally covered by retractable flaps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training sports skills for games including ice hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball using one or more opponents or simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: A target apparatus includes a bracket for attachment to a goal frame member such that a front of the bracket faces a forward direction perpendicular to a front goal plane of the goal, a back of the bracket faces a rearward direction and a defensive area side is adjacent a defensive area of the goal. A target defines a front target plane and a projectile receptacle. A target hinge connects the bracket and target such that the target is located adjacent the defensive area side, such that the target is rotatable relative to the bracket between a forward target position in which the front target plane is perpendicular to the forward direction and a deflected target position and such that the front target plane is rearward of the front of the bracket in the forward target position. A biasing mechanism urges the target to rotate toward the forward target position.

Abstract: A backstop for a street hockey goal comprising left and right stanchions with a net fastened therebetween with a strut fastenable to a hockey goal for supporting the net in a deployed position. Once deployed the net exceeds the height of the hockey goal and extends beyond said goal to the left and right. The base of each stanchion matingly engage each other when in the folded position with the net having a partial slit vertically extending with fasteners that attach to their respective stanchions when in the folded position.

Abstract: A football teaching aid includes a football having a number of differently colored target areas marked on the surface of the football, each indicating an area on the surface of the football to be struck to send the football along an associated flight path. Thus, in practice, a football coach can direct a player to strike the football in one of the colored target areas, which is easily identified by the player, to achieve a desired shot.

Abstract: The goal posts of the ice hockey goal are colored gray instead of the current color red. The goal net is colored red instead of the current color white. The nylon cord of the goal netting is knotted in such a way as to form triangles instead of the current diamonds/squares.

Abstract: An obstacle device for use on a playing field has a base and a frame approximating in shape the front profile of a human head and torso. The frame is coupled to the base. The frame includes a collapsible frame member that has an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area. The frame member also has a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area. A covering material is attached to the frame so that the covering material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A device for teaching the basic kicks of soccer to students of the game. The device has a mat portion with a ball support thereon, to raise the ball to the elevated position it would be in when laying on grass. The mat includes an alignment arrow to direct the approach of the kicker, a circumscribed open area for the non-kicking foot to be prior to ball impact with a specifically notated ball, that rests on the support. The ball is color coded with sweet spots where impact is to take place for a specific kick. The ball also includes similarly color coded arrow lines, which serve to guide the placement of the ball onto the support to align the ball correctly relative to the kicker's shoe for the shot being taught. Teaching information is also found on the mat portion as a mental reinforcement to a lesson.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation for competitive play with an ice hockey stick and an ice hockey puck. The installation includes a game platform, a goal with targets, target identifiers and a computer. A computer controlled puck circuit includes a puck magazine (30), a passing unit (46) which feeds pucks (1) to a player (40), a conveyor apparatus (2) which sorts and conveys shot pucks (1) into the puck magazine (30). The points value of shots made by the player (40) are evaluated with the help of a light barrier A (48) and a light barrier B (49), a camera (50) und a corresponding underlying computer program and the points assigned form the basis for a competitive play which can be played over the international data network.