Athletic training and practice system

Abstract

An athletic training apparatus is disclosed with a low-ball deflection panel ( 130 ) used to keep the balls ( 140 ) in play. When combined with a ball machine ( 110 ), a dampening backdrop ( 100 ) and a collection trough ( 120 ), the apparatus improves the quantity of practice balls ( 140 ) available to the player.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for training athletes, comprising
 a. a low-ball deflection panel angled away from the athlete whereby low balls are directed away from the athlete, and   b. a dampening backdrop to stop said low ball's projection away from the athlete, and   c. a collection trough attached near the top of said low-ball deflection panel whereby said collection trough collects the spent balls from said dampening backdrop and dispenses said spent balls downward, and   d. a ball machine placed above the playing field to collect said spent balls from the trough and then projects the balls toward the athlete for the athlete to return to the system, and   e. a hole in said low-ball deflection panel that allows the balls to be projected by said ball machine to the athlete.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said low-ball deflection panel is comprised of a rigid material. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said low-ball deflection panel is comprised of a taut flexible material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dampening backdrop is comprised of foam. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dampening backdrop is comprised of netting. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dampening backdrop is angled toward the player whereby a surface behind the backdrop is not able to interfere with the operation of the backdrop. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said ball machine is a low-profile ball machine.