Mobile practice target

Abstract

A mobile practice target is described, wherein the target includes (a) a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above said base support and an angled support associated with said substantially vertical support, wherein said angled support is at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical support, (b) a means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target, and (c) a mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The practice target is movable to simulate dynamic training conditions such as encountered by athletes under game conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 552,597, filed Mar. 12, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to training equipment useful in the practice of sports, the development of throwing skills and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Many devices are known for the purpose of teaching basic throwing, hitting, kicking skills and the like for beginners or for more advanced players, typically under static conditions. Such devices include golf ball targets, devices for pitching practice, tennis training, football kicking practice and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,795 to Ouimette discloses a portable target for baseball or softball pitchers. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,516,115 to McLain, 5,037,095 to Nedwick and 5,333,856, to Gery describe devices having pockets provided in netting. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,718,668, Schipske and 4,836,542...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] In another embodiment, a mobile practice target is provided, comprising: a framework comprising a base support and a substantially vertical support extending above said base support and an angled support attached to said vertical support, a target panel comprising at least one pocket for receiving a propelled object attached to the vertical support and the angled support, and a means for decreasing the friction between the framework and the underlying surface.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, a mobile practice target is provided comprising (a) a substantially vertical panel comprising a resilient material and having a support means secured to a base and at least one opening located within the panel for receiving a propelled object; (b) an angled panel comprising a resilient material and capable of receiving a propelled object and having support means securing the angled panel at an angle of from about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the substantially vertical panel; and (c) mobility means to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The substantially vertical panel and the angled panel can have any suitable shape, such as a circular or oval shape or a shape in the form of a polygon having at least three sides, and more preferably having four sides. The substantially vertical panel is oriented at an angle varying by no more than about 20 degrees from the vertical.

[0028] Also provided is a method of improving the ball placement skills of an individual utilizing the mobile practice target. The ball placement skills can be improved by the practice of propelling a ball or other game object into the pocket of the substantially vertical panel and / or the pocket of the angled panel. In alternative embodiments, the individual propels a ball into the opening for receiving a propelled object from the horizontal direction or the opening for receiving a propelled object from above. The mobile practice target can be used with optional target lines and / or target image(s) for honing particular ball placement skills. In addition, the mobile practice target can be used in motion or at rest.

[0029] The use of the practice target facilitates training and refinement of ball placement skills and allows for more facile observation and input from coaches or other observers. The practice target improves on practice devices of the prior art by providing devices and methods for training individuals such as quarterbacks in the game of football for quick decision making as well as throwing accuracy, and is useful for training under simulated game conditions requiring rapid adjustment in throwing strategy, distance, aim and power to an intended target capable of motion. The practice target is also useful for facilitating repetitive throwing, kicking or other propulsion techniques, as the ball or other game object is captured without the assistance of additional players. The practice target is also particularly useful for coaches who are able to closely watch the individual to be trained from any angle without being distracted by having to catch the ball or other object propelled toward them, while simultaneously being able to judge the accuracy of the throw by its presence inside or outside the intended target pocket, passage by the targeting lines (without hitting the lines) or passage through the intended target image.

[0031] In particular embodiments, the mobile practice target offers the following advantages over the prior art: rapid assembly and / or breakdown, easy transportation from home to vehicle to practice field, adjustable to different heights for different sizes of players or different uses, useful for teaching different targeting and / or ball placement skills, facilitates coaching and evaluation of a player's form, and utilization indoors or out. In addition, the practice target is easily assembled and disassembled. The practice target can be formed from a frame constructed from metal or light-weight plastic that can be easily press fit together for easy assembly and disassembly. The panels or netting can be formed of a unitary construction if desired with a front or vertical panel and angled panels that are integral with each other, or can be separate. Any additional forms of the resilient materials, such as the funnel or pocket shaped embodiments, can also be made of unitary construction. The resilient material can be integral with or attached to a vertical support means using anchor points and rope. The front panel can be provided with a centrally located pocket and the angled panel can be provided with a centrally located pocket or the angled panel can itself function as a pocket, providing a pocket with the maximum sized opening. The vertical or angled panels can be made elastic or resilient to rebound any ball that does not enter the pocket, and preferably absorb the kinetic energy of the thrown or propelled object so that on rebounding, the object falls near the mobile practice target.

[0032] The device improves on practice devices of the prior art by providing devices and methods for training individuals such as quarterbacks in the game of football for quick decision making as well as throwing accuracy, and is useful for training under simulated game conditions requiring rapid adjustment in throwing strategy, distance, aim and power to an intended target capable of motion. The practice target is also particularly useful for coaches who are able to closely watch the individual to be trained from any angle without being distracted by having to catch the ball or other object propelled toward them, while simultaneously being able to measure the velocity of the throw or judge its accuracy, as indicated by its presence inside or outside the intended target pocket.

Problems solved by technology

Further, prior art devices are not designed to be specifically useful for the development of ball placement skills under simulated game conditions.

However, the device described in Kelleher acts as an obstacle to a live receiver, and thus does not describe a simulated moving target.

Similarly, none of these devices allows for the effective training of ball placement skills for driven versus lofted throws or for the development and accuracy of place kicking, punting, centering, and quarterbacking skills in the game of football.

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