Training apparatus for passing a projectile

Abstract

A training apparatus for practicing precision and controlled passing of a puck, in the case of ice hockey, or a ball in the case of street hockey, has a bar which is spaced above the playing surface by paired stacks of hockey pucks positioned at each end of the bar. Each stack in the pair is positioned to the side of the bar by an arm connected to the bar to provide stability for the bar and prevent tipping if hit by a pass. The space under the bar and between the supports provides a target which is sized so that only a precise and controlled pass where the puck is running on a flat surface or the ball can pass through.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus used to develop an athletic skill and, more particularly, to apparatus used to train hockey players to precisely pass a puck or ball. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] It is well known to use a variety of apparatus in many sports to train an athlete to perform a particular skill in a precise and accurate manner. [0003] In the game of hockey, played on the ice, in a field or on a paved surface, the hockey player must develop the ability to handle the hockey stick and to pass the puck or ball precisely on target to be received by an intended teammate. Precision passing using a puck requires that the puck's running surface remain parallel to the ice surface, whether sliding on the ice surface or raised above the surface. Passed correctly in this manner, a puck can be readily picked up by a teammate. Pucks which are caused to rotate onto an edge surface are more likely to roll away from the target during the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The support members stabilize the bar onto the playing surface by having an extent which is wider than a width of the bar, thus creating a resisting turning moment which prevents the bar from tipping over if hit by the projectile.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, if the puck becomes tipped in flight, it is either visibly too high or is likely to hit the bar, in either case indicating that the pass was not controlled.

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