Mobile Practice Targets

Abstract

A mobile practice target is described, which 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 a football propelled at the mobile practice target comprising resilient material attached to said vertical and angled supports, said means comprising a pocket formed from a resilient material for containing the propelled football and having at least one opening for receiving the propelled football into the pocket, (c) said pocket comprising an unobstructed opening for receiving a propelled football from the horizontal direction and further comprising an opening for receiving a propelled football from above, and (d) a mobility means associated with the base support to facilitate movement of the mobile practice target to simulate dynamic training conditions such as encountered by athletes under game conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application claiming priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 078,008, filed Mar. 11, 2005, and further claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 552,597, filed Mar. 12, 2004, both of which are 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. No. 5,516,115 to McLain, U.S. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target is provided by utilizing a pocket formed from a resilient material for containing the propelled object and having at least one opening for receiving the propelled object into the pocket. The resilient material is removably attached to the vertical support and the angled support, meaning that the material can be secured or removed from the supporting framework as desired. In preferred embodiments, the pocket formed from the resilient material comprises an opening for receiving a propelled object from the horizontal direction and further comprises an opening for receiving a propelled object from above. In further embodiments, the means for capturing an object propelled at the mobile practice target further comprises a baffle, which can serve to absorb the momentum of the propelled object or deflect the object downward into the pocket.

[0027]The device improves on practice devices of the prior art by providing devices and methods for training all throwing and kicking skills in the game of football for quick decision making as well as throwing and kicking 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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