Tennis training device

Abstract

A shaft having an upper end; a first horizontal arm fixedly attached to the upper end of the shaft and a second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm fixedly attached to the first horizontal arm such that the second semi-rigid, flexible side arm bendably extends beyond the terminating end of the first horizontal arm, with a slightly downward slope; and means for releasably attaching to the side of a tennis ball provided on the second, semi-rigid, flexible side arm, such that when the tennis ball is attached to the second semi-rigid, flexible side arm, its slightly downward slope and slight curve provides a visual perception that the tennis ball is traveling on its way down to the trainee, while simultaneously being held in a manner which allows the trainee's racquet to travel up on, through and over the tennis ball, thereby repeatedly and consistently placing the tennis ball within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 131,284 filed on Mar. 11, 2015, and incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if more fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Field of Invention[0003]This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use primarily in tennis training and improving one's tennis game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a “tennis serve” training device that is adjustable, mobile, and better able to provide a speedier feel of a tennis racquet's “sweet-spot.”[0004]Prior Art[0005]A serve (or more formally a service) in tennis is a shot, to start a point. A player will hit the ball with a racquet, over the tennis net, so that the ball will fall into the diagonally opposite backside box of the tennis court without hitting, or being blocked by, the net. Normally, players begin a serve by tossing the ball into the air and hitting it, usually near t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that maintains the tennis ball at the most appropriate height above the trainee's head, such that when the trainee swings the racquet, the tennis ball is repeatedly and consistently placed within the racquet's sweet-spot, without impeding the trainee's stroke.

[0014]It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that provides the trainee with accurate feedback relating to the trainee's serve stroke, after contact with the tennis ball is made.

[0015]It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tennis training device that fosters the speedy replication of a plurality of serves, for the purpose of developing muscle memory or motor learning, such that a long term muscle memory is created for the proper execution of a tennis serve, eventually allowing it to be performed without conscious effort.

Problems solved by technology

The serve is one of the more difficult shots in tennis.

If the ball is not hit with the “sweet spot” of the racquet, as for example if it is hit with the frame of the racket, the ball will result poorly and not land where it should.

Many beginners toss the ball far too low, just over their heads, and then strain their whole bodies to get the ball to fall into the other service box.

This is very unwieldy and does not produce the best results.

However, they have many drawbacks.

For example, one drawback associated with these prior art devices, is their inability to provide an accurate follow-through experience, after the user has contacted the ball.

Another drawback associated with the rope, string or other retainer-connected-directly-to-the-ball devices, is that the ball is vertically held in place from the top, i.e., relies purely on gravity to remain in position and moves in a direction dictated by the retainer, rather than in a true direction dictated by the impact provided by the user, after the user contacts the ball.

Yet another drawback associated with such prior art training devices is the tendency of the retaining device, i.e., either a rope, string or similar object, to impede the user's stroke, because it holds the ball from the top.

Still another drawback associated with prior art devices is that they are heavy, bulky training devices, which are not easily relocated from one position to another.

Finally, another drawback with prior art devices that use a rope / chain / string-like piece to hang a ball, is that they cause the ball to swing before being hit, thereby preventing the ball from being hit by the “sweet-spot” of the racquet.

This can lead to an injury of the user or damage to objects in the surrounding area, which could be even more likely if the ball is projected after it is hit by the user.

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