Method and apparatus for modifying a sports goal

Abstract

A method and apparatus for modifying a sports goal is provided that deflects objects directed toward the sports goal downward to reduce the number of lost objects and to reduce the effort required to retrieve objects projected outside of and within the sports goal. The inventive method and apparatus increases practice time devoted to improving skills and encourages players to project balls to the periphery of the sports goal, as generally preferred in competitive games. The apparatus is configured for attachment to a sports goal with a goal opening defined by goal sides and a goal top and includes an external frame surrounding the goal opening and an external net attachable to the external frame. The apparatus may further include an internal frame having an internal side edge about the same length as one of the goal sides and an internal top edge about the same length as the goal top, as well as a concave-shaped internal net attachable to the internal frame.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 624,509 filed Nov. 3, 2004, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] a. Field of Invention [0003] The invention relates generally to sports goals used in sports such as lacrosse, soccer, hockey and the like, and, more particularly to a method and apparatus for modifying a sports goal by providing external and internal ball catcher nets for controlling movement and deflection of balls directed towards the goal net. [0004] b. Description of Related Art [0005] Sports goals are used in many sports and generally consist of a frame with a net, where the objective is to project a ball through the frame and into the net. When playing or practicing a sport, there is generally a player centrally obstructing the opening to the frame and / or net, limiting the area of which a ball or the like can enter the goal. Therefore, it is ideal for players to ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When playing or practicing a sport, there is generally a player centrally obstructing the opening to the frame and / or net, limiting the area of which a ball or the like can enter the goal.

One exemplary drawback of the device is the limited surface area of target sheet 410, Thus, only when a ball is directly projected upon target 410 are the efforts in retrieving a ball decreased.

Therefore, the device does not assist a user to target projections at the periphery of a goal; it merely assists users to target projections to the target sheet.

Additionally the device does not reduce the effort required in retrieving balls projected within the goal.

Although a smaller sports goal such as the goal disclosed in Reilly, Jr. assists in training sports players to preferred target areas, it also increases the probability of a player's projections entirely missing the sports goal without providing any assistance in ball retrieval.

The Reilly, Jr. goal does not provide assistance in retrieving balls missing the periphery of the small goal, nor does the device decrease the amount of effort required in retrieving balls retained within the goal.

Another drawback is that the device is a separate goal in and of itself, thereby acclimating a player to a goal which would not be used in actual competitions, as compared to an attachment for regulation sports goals that would continue to acclimate a player to a goal used in actual competitions.

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