Training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing technique

Abstract

A training apparatus for learning and improving upon proper tennis swing development. The apparatus has a rectangular frame mounted onto adjustable and telescoping vertical support members. The proximal end of the frame is attached to a return guide ramp, which is curved in shape to cause a ball to be returned at a correct height for the user. The distal end of the frame is attached to a backstop panel, which is arranged upwardly oriented at a predetermined angle to return a ball at a predetermined trajectory. A flexible material is disposed across the width of the rectangular frame and extends to the backstop panel and return guide ramp, and is rigid enough to provide a ball support and return surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to a training apparatus for racket sports. More particularly, the present invention relates to a training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing technique.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In tennis, as with most sports, players develop advanced skills and technique through practice and repetition. Sometimes a player wants to practice a specific shot or stoke, or a partner is not always available. During these instances a tennis backboard or ball machine is commonly used, so that a player can practice individually. The present invention provides for a backboard training apparatus that enhances proper swing technique and can be used in small areas indoors or outdoors.[0005]A number of devices have been developed to aid in tennis swing development. Among those are one such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,235, to Torres, which discloses the use of an inclined pla...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention provides a training apparatus for developing proper tennis swing development. An exemplary feature of the invention is a curved return guide ramp which provides proper delivery of a tennis ball to the correct height of the user, to enable the user to learn proper swing development. The present invention uses telescoping vertical support members to adjust the height of the apparatus to an appropriate height for the user, which in combination with the return guide ramp, returns a tennis ball at the correct height for the user, and thus provides a clear advantage over prior methods of the aforementioned training apparatuses.

[0011]It is contemplated that the training apparatus will be made up of a lightweight parallel frame having a curved return guide ramp at a proximal end and a straight backstop panel at a distal end. Parallel frame members are attached to vertical support members, which are telescoping for being adjusted to the height of various users. Additionally, the vertical support members of the parallel frame members are collapsible for easy storage and transportation of the training apparatus. A flexible material is disposed across the width of the parallel frame members, and extends to the backstop panel and return guide ramp, providing a ball support and return surface.

Problems solved by technology

However, these training devices are generally very large and difficult for less skilled tennis players since the ball is returned at difficult angles and varying velocities.

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