Sports Training Apparatus

Abstract

A sports training apparatus for training athletes to deliver a ball or other object at an appropriate arc. The sports training apparatus includes an adjustable horizontal target that is positioned between the athlete and the target. It gives guidance to the athlete at the time of release. The athlete's height, game being played, desired arc, technique employed and position on the court determine the appropriate configuration, placement, and use of the sports training apparatus described herein. Athletes use the sports training apparatus repeatedly to train, learn, and be able to repeat the desired arc for a particular shot in their sport.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising
 a base portion, where the base portion comprises a plurality of caster wheels;   a telescoping member, where the telescoping member is secured to the base portion; where the telescoping member comprises a plurality of coaxially engaging poles, where the telescoping member further comprises a plurality of pole fasteners;   a horizontal member; and   an angle mount, where the angled mount secures the horizontal member to the telescoping member, where the horizontal member is substantially perpendicular to the telescoping member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an angled member, where the angled member is secured to the telescoping member, where the angled member extends away from the telescoping member at an angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees inclusive. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the angled member has a length of between 60 inches and 70 inches inclusive. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an angled member, where the angled member is secured to the telescoping member, where the angled member extends away from the telescoping member at an angle of 45 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal member comprises a plurality of horizontal sections and an elastic cord, where the elastic cord secures the horizontal sections together. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the horizontal member further comprises a bell, where the bell is secured to an end of one of the horizontal sections. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal member comprises a plurality of flags. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the angle mount has an angle of greater than 90 degrees, wherein the horizontal member is nonetheless substantially perpendicular to the telescoping member. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the telescoping member comprises three coaxially engaging poles. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where the telescoping member has a maximum length of at least 12 feet. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal member has a length of at least 8 feet. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of horizontal sections is tapered. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus comprising
 a base portion, where the base portion comprises four caster wheels;   a telescoping member, where the telescoping member is secured to the base portion; where the telescoping member comprises three coaxially engaging poles, where the telescoping member further comprises two pole fasteners, where each pole fastener can restrict movement of one coaxially engaging pole relative to another;   a horizontal member, where the horizontal member comprises two horizontal sections and an elastic cord, where the elastic cord secures the horizontal sections together;   an angle mount, where the angled mount secures the horizontal member to the telescoping member, where the horizontal member is substantially perpendicular to the telescoping member; and   an angled member, where the angled member is secured to the telescoping member, where the angled member extends away from the telescoping member at an angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees inclusive and towards the base portion.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the angled member has a length of between 60 inches and 70 inches inclusive. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the angled member extends away from the telescoping member at an angle of 45 degrees. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the horizontal member further comprises a bell, where the bell is secured to an end of one of the horizontal sections. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of horizontal sections is tapered. 
     
     
         18 . A method of using a sports training apparatus, where the sports training apparatus comprises a base portion, where the base portion comprises a plurality of caster wheels; a telescoping member, where the telescoping member is secured to the base portion; where the telescoping member comprises a plurality of coaxially engaging poles, where the telescoping member further comprises a plurality of pole fasteners; a horizontal member; and an angle mount, where the angled mount secures the horizontal member to the telescoping member, where the horizontal member is substantially perpendicular to the telescoping member; comprising the steps of:
 extended the telescoping member;   engaging one or more of the plurality of pole fasteners; and   hitting or throwing a ball over the horizontal member.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the sports training apparatus further comprises an angled member, where the angled member is secured to the telescoping member, where the angled member extends away from the telescoping member at an angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees inclusive. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of:
 positioning an end of the angled member such that it is at a release point of the ball.