Indoor/outdoor team game using slotted balls and playing sticks

Abstract

An indoor or outdoor team game employing slotted playing sticks. According to a preferred version, the game requires one handed play using the slotted playing sticks, which are formed with a blade portion having an inward (concave) curve formed on each side of the blade to enable bi-directional (left and right handed) play. The blade is further defined by a symmetrical lattice structure that creates a racquet-like effect in addition to producing slots for air to pass therethrough. A scoring goal is further provided, preferably having one or more enhanced scoring zones, the game not requiring a goalkeeper.

1 . A playing stick for an outdoor or indoor game, the playing stick comprising:
 an elongate handle having a distal end and an opposing proximal end;   a blade connected to the distal end of the handle, the blade having opposing first and second surfaces, wherein each of the first and second surfaces are defined by a concave curvature enabling the sticks to be used bidirectionally.   
     
     
         2 . The playing stick according to  claim 1 , in which the blade is defined by a symmetrical lattice structure including a plurality of spokes disposed in a radial pattern about a circular base port. 
     
     
         3 . The playing stick according to  claim 2 , wherein the symmetrical lattice structure is further defined by a series of interconnecting web portions connecting adjacent spokes at predetermined radial distances about the base port. 
     
     
         4 . The playing stick according to  claim 3 , wherein the symmetrical lattice structure has a configuration resembling that of a spider web. 
     
     
         5 . The playing stick according to  claim 4 , wherein at least some of the spokes of the symmetrical lattice structure include a linear series of serrations formed thereon in order to enhance shot making. 
     
     
         6 . A scoring net comprising:
 a frame portion supporting at least one of a fabric or netting and defining a scoring area; and   one or more slots formed in the frame portion to define defining additional and enhanced scoring areas.   
     
     
         7 . The scoring net according to  claim 6 , in which the frame portion comprises an outer frame portion and an inner frame portion disposed within the outer frame portion, wherein the inner frame portion is smaller than the outer frame portion in which the inner frame portion defines the scoring area and an area surrounding the inner frame portion within the outer frame portion defines the one or more slots defining the enhanced scoring area. 
     
     
         8 . The scoring net according to  claim 6 , wherein the frame portion comprises a hemispherical front wall having one or slots formed therein, a rear portion and a vertically extending center portion transversely extending between the front wall and the rear portion, the rear portion and the vertically extending center section having the fabric disposed thereon and in which the vertically extending center section has a vertical dimension that is higher than that of the rear portion. 
     
     
         9 . The scoring net according to  claim 8 , in which the hemispherical front wall of the frame portion includes a pair of slots formed on opposite sides relative to the transversely disposed center section wherein the frame portion including the center section define a scoring area and the slots define the enhanced scoring area. 
     
     
         10 . The scoring net according to  claim 9 , in which each of the slots are shaped with a lower edge extended above the bottom of the front wall. 
     
     
         11 . Equipment for an indoor/outdoor game, the equipment comprising:
 a scoring net comprising:
 a frame portion supporting at least one of a fabric or netting and defining a scoring area; and 
 one or more slots formed in the frame portion to define defining additional and enhanced scoring areas; and. 
   a plurality of playing sticks, the plurality of playing sticks each comprising:
 an elongate handle having a distal end and an opposing proximate end; and 
 a blade connected to the distal end of the handle, the blade having opposing first and second surfaces, wherein each of the first and second surfaces are defined by a curved concave configuration, enabling bidirectional (left and right handed) use of the stick. 
   
     
     
         12 . The equipment according to  claim 11 , wherein the blade of the playing stick is defined by a symmetrical lattice structure including a plurality of spokes disposed in a radial pattern about a base port. 
     
     
         13 . The equipment according to  claim 11 , wherein the symmetrical lattice structure is further defined by a series of interconnecting web portions connecting adjacent spokes at a radial distance about the base port. 
     
     
         14 . The equipment according to  claim 13 , wherein the symmetrical lattice structure has a configuration resembling that of a spider web. 
     
     
         15 . The equipment according to  claim 13 , wherein at least portions of the spokes of the symmetrical lattice structure further include a series of linear serrations formed thereon. 
     
     
         16 . The equipment according to  claim 15 , in which the series of linear serrations are formed in the spokes disposed in the distal end of the blade. 
     
     
         17 . The equipment according to  claim 11 , wherein the frame portion of the scoring net comprises a hemispherical front wall having one or slots formed therein, a rear portion and a vertically extending center portion transversely extending between the front wall and the rear portion, the rear portion and the vertically extending center section having the fabric disposed thereon and in which the vertically extending center section has a vertical dimension that is higher than that of the rear portion. 
     
     
         18 . The equipment according to  claim 17 , in which the hemispherical front wall of the frame portion of the scoring net includes a pair of slots formed on opposite sides relative to the transversely disposed center section wherein the frame portion bounded by the center portion, the rear portion and the hemispherical front wall define a scoring area and the slots define the enhanced scoring area. 
     
     
         19 . The equipment according to  claim 18 , in which each of the slots are shaped with a lower edge extended above the bottom of the front wall. 
     
     
         20 . The equipment according to  claim 11 , in which the frame portion of the scoring net comprises an outer frame portion including a horizontally disposed cross bar and vertically extending posts at opposing ends of the cross bar and an inner frame portion disposed within the outer frame portion, the inner frame portion including a horizontal cross bar and vertically extending posts at the ends of the horizontal cross bar, wherein the inner frame portion is vertically and horizontally smaller than the outer frame portion in order to define the slot defining the enhanced scoring area.