GB2606331A

GB2606331A - Coaching apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2606331A
Application number: GB1910637.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Stevenson Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-25
Filing date: 2019-07-25
Publication date: 2022-11-09
Also published as: GB201910637D0

Abstract

A coaching apparatus for racket sports includes an arm 110 securable to a base 120, floor or other surface. The arm 110 includes a target striking surface 133 for striking with a racket. The arm 110 is resiliently deformable, such that the arm 110 deforms from an initial position upon receipt of a racket strike on the striking surface 133, before returning to the initial position. The arm 110 may be formed from a flexible resilient foam material. The arm 110 may comprise a pair of opposing faces each including a striking surface arranged thereon (see figure 5).

Description

COACHING APPARATUS

FIELD

[01] The present invention relates to a coaching apparatus for racket sports, for example squash, and a method of coaching a racket sport using the same.

BACKGROUND

[02] Racket sports, such as squash, racquetball, tennis, badminton, and table tennis, require a significant degree of dexterity, strength and hand-eye coordination in order to play competently. Accordingly, it takes a significant amount of practice to learn the optimal technique for striking the ball (or shuttlecock in the case of badminton), such that force is efficiently transferred to the ball in a manner that enables accurate shot placement and effective control of power.

[03] Of course, the technique can be learnt by playing the game. However, this approach has disadvantages, in that simply playing games may not result in targeted improvements in technique, because it relies on the player getting into the correct position to play the shot, rather than simply striking the ball correctly. Furthermore, playing games may not result in the ball being delivered to the player in a manner consistent enough to allow technique to improve.

[04] A significant aspect of mastering the optimal technique for striking the ball is learning the correct grip to apply to the handle of the racket when striking the ball. In a typical coaching setup, the coach will take on the dual task of feeding the ball to the pupil whilst simultaneously providing advice on the grip. However, in order to feed the ball to the pupil, the coach is typically stood 3m-4m away from the pupil, making it difficult to provide accurate advice. In addition, the pupil will spend time attempting to put their body in the correct position to play the shot, preventing them from focusing fully on the grip.

[5] Similar difficulties arise in the process of warming up before playing a game. In order to effectively engage the relevant muscles, consistent striking of the ball is required. The usual practice of having a "knock-up" before the game may therefore result in an appropriate warm 30 up.

[6] One prior art option is to employ a ball feeding machine, which automatically delivers the ball to the player in a consistent manner. However, ball feeding machines are expensive, noisy and require regular maintenance. Furthermore, collecting the delivered balls is labour intensive.

[7] It is an aim of the invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and any other difficulties that would be apparent to the skilled reader from the description herein. It is a further aim of the invention to provide a portable and cost effective coaching aid for racket sports.

SUMMARY

[8] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[9] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a coaching apparatus for racket sports, comprising: an arm securable to a base, floor or other surface, the arm comprising a striking surface for striking with a racket; wherein the arm is resiliently deformable, such that the arm is adapted to deform from an initial position upon receipt of a racket strike on the striking surface, before returning to the initial position.

[10] The arm may comprise a first end securable to the base, floor or other surface, and a second end, wherein the second end is free.

[11] The length of the arm may be in the range of 300mm to 1500mm, preferably 350mm to 1300mm, preferably 400mm to 1000mm, preferably 400mm to 600mm. For the avoidance of doubt, all ranges recited herein are inclusive of the endpoints.

[12] The arm may be formed of a resilient foam [13] The arm may comprise a first face. The first face may be substantially vertical in the initial position. The striking surface may be arranged on the first face. The arm may comprise a striking element, comprising a support portion extending from the arm, preferably the first face, and a striking portion connected to the support portion and comprising the striking surface. The striking portion may be bulbous.

[14] The arm may comprise a pair of opposing faces, wherein each face comprises a striking surface arranged thereon.

[15] The striking surface may comprise a portion having at least a partially spherical surface [16] The coaching apparatus may comprise a base, wherein the arm, preferably the first end, is secured to the base. The arm may extend away from the base. An angle formed between the base and the arm may be in the range of 60° to 120°, preferably 75° to 105°, more preferably 85° to 95°. The arm may extend substantially perpendicularly, or perpendicularly, from the base. The base may be configured to act as a counterweight to the deformation of the arm.

The base may be at least partly hollow, and configured to be filled with a weighting material such as water or sand.

[17] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of coaching a racket sport using the coaching apparatus defined in the first aspect, comprising: striking the striking surface with a racket.

[18] The method may comprise further steps, as defined herein. Further preferred features of the method of the second aspect are defined hereinabove in relation to the apparatus of the first aspect, and may be combined in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[19] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: [20] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a coaching apparatus according to a first example of the invention; [21] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the coaching apparatus of FIG. 1; [22] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coaching apparatus of FIGs 1 and 2; [23] FIG. 4A-B are side plan views of the coaching apparatus of FIGs 1-3 in use; and [24] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coaching apparatus according to a first example of the invention.

[25] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components.

The skilled person will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various example embodiments. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[26] In overview, examples of the invention provide a coaching apparatus that comprises a resiliently flexible arm, with a striking surface arranged toward one end of the arm. Upon striking the striking surface with a racket, the arm deforms away from the racket, before returning to its original position. Accordingly, a player can repeatedly and consistently strike the striking surface, thereby improving their technique and assisting them in warming up.

[27] FIGs 1-3 and 4A-B show a coaching apparatus 100 according to an example of the invention. The coaching apparatus 100 comprises an arm 110 and a base 120.

[28] The base 120 is arranged for placement on a floor or other such surface. The base 120 is substantially cuboid in shape. The base 120 is weighted, so as to prevent the apparatus 100 from falling over in use. In one example, the base 120 weighs approximately 5kg.

[29] The arm 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112. The first end 111 is secured to the base 120, such that the arm 110 extends upwardly away from the base 120. In one example, the arm 110 extends substantially perpendicularly upward from the frame, so that the arm 110 is retained in a substantially vertical plane. It will, however, be appreciated that the angle A formed between the arm 110 and the base 120 may be varied, for example in the range of 60°-120°. In one example, the arm 110 is approximately 500-700mm in length.

[30] The second end 112 of the arm 110 is a free end. In other words, the second end 112 remains unattached to any other part of the apparatus 100.

[31] As is discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the arm 110 is resiliently deformable. In other words, the arm 110 is configured to flex or bend upon receipt of a force, and then subsequently return to its initial position (i.e. the position shown in FIGs 1-3). In one example, the arm 110 is formed from a resilient foam material. The arm 110 may further comprise one or more reinforcements (not shown) -for example flexible rods disposed in an interior of the arm.

[32] The arm 110 is a substantially planar member having a first face 113 and a second face 114, the first face 113 being disposed on opposite the second face 114. The thickness of the arm 110 (i.e. the distance between the first and second faces 113/114) is approximately 30-80mm.

[33] As can be best seen in FIGs 2 and 3, the arm 110 is shaped such that side edges 115 taper outwards (i.e. the distance between the side edges 115 increases) from as they descend downwardly from the second end 112, before tapering inward (i.e. the distance between the side edges 115 decreases) just before reaching the first end 111. Accordingly, when viewed from the front, the arm 110 has the appearance of a first trapezium placed on top of a second, inverted trapezium.

[34] The arm 110 further comprises a striking element 130. The striking element 130 is arranged on the arm 110, proximate to the second end 112. The striking element 130 is adapted to be struck by a racket (not shown).

[35] As can be best seen in FIGs 1 and 3, the striking element 130 comprises a support portion 131 and a bulbous portion 132, wherein the bulbous portion 132 defines a striking surface 133 adapted to be struck by the racket. The support portion 131 extends substantially perpendicularly from the first face 133. The bulbous portion 132 is arranged at the distal end of the support portion 131 (i.e. the end not attached to the first face 113). Accordingly, the bulbous portion 132 is spaced apart from the arm 110 by the support portion 131. In one example, a target is disposed on the striking surface 133.

[36] The bulbous nature of the bulbous portion 132 means that the striking surface 133 is substantially spherical in radius, and thus simulates the shape of the ball.

[37] Use of the apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B. As shown in FIG. 4A, a user applies a force in a direction F to the striking surface 133 by swinging a racket (not shown) and hitting the striking surface 133. Upon receipt of the force in a direction F, the arm 110 flexes away from the racket strike in direction D, with free second end 112 generally arcing, whilst the first end 111 remains stationary. The base 120 acts as a counterweight to the striking force, ensuring that the apparatus 100 does not fall over.

[38] FIG. 4B shows the arm 110 during its deformation. After reaching a point of maximum deformation, the arm 110 moves in a return direction R, which is the reverse of direction D. This returns the arm 110 to its initial position as shown in FIG. 4A.

[39] It will be appreciated that the level of deformation of the arm 110 (i.e. how far the arm 110 travels in direction D) is proportionate to the force applied by the user. In addition, it will be understood that the arm 110 may travel in the direction R past the initial position, and for example oscillate somewhat around the initial position before coming to rest.

[40] The user is able to rapidly and repeatedly strike the striking surface 133, which simulates the feel of the striking the ball. Accordingly, the user can rapidly improve their technique by consistently practicing the same motion. In addition, if the user has not followed through with their strike, the return of the arm 110 to the initial position causes the striking surface 133 to contact the racket, highlighting the deficiency in technique.

[41] FIG. 5 shows a coaching apparatus 200 according to a second example of the invention. The coaching apparatus 200 is substantially the same as coaching apparatus 100 in most respects, and therefore for clarity only the differences will be discussed in detail. Elements in common with coaching apparatus 100 are labelled with the same reference numerals, incremented by 100.

[42] Coaching apparatus 200 comprises a substantially circular, rather than cuboid, base 220.

[43] In addition, coaching apparatus 200 comprises a pair of striking elements 230A and 230B. The striking elements 230A/B are arranged on opposing faces 213/214 of the apparatus 200. In one example, the striking elements 230A and 230B are respectively labelled "F" and "B", for forehand and backhand striking.

[44] In use, a user stands in a position perpendicular to the major plane of the arm 210 (i.e. such that both faces 213 and 214 extend away from the user). The user then alternafingly delivers forehand strokes to one striking element 230A and backhand strokes to the other striking element 230B.

[45] Various modifications and alterations to the examples outlined above would be apparent to the skilled person from the disclosure herein. For example, different configurations of base 120/220 may be employed. In one example, the base is substantially hollow, with a sealable aperture. The base may then be filled with sand, water or another material by the user before being sealed. In other example, the base may be omitted entirely, with the arm instead attached directly to a floor or wall Whilst the arm extends upwards from a base in the examples above, in other examples the arm may descend downwardly from a ceiling or other surface.

[46] Furthermore, different shapes of arm may be employed, provided that the arm is configured to deform from, and return to, the initial position. In addition, whilst the striking surface has been described above as having a spherical radius, it will be appreciated that the striking surface may differ in shape.

[47] It will be further appreciated that the resilience of the arm (i.e. the force required to move the arm from the initial position) may be altered. For example, the resilience of the arm may be altered so that the force required simulates the force required for striking a squash ball, tennis ball, racketball ball or the like. In addition, in a further example the resilience may be altered (e.g. reduced) in order to render the apparatus particularly suitable for use by children. In such an example, the apparatus could be provided with a hitting device of soft material.

[48] The above-described apparatus and methods advantageously provide a compact and convenient means for practicing and coaching shots in racket sports such as squash, tennis, table tennis and the like. The compact nature of the apparatus enables the user to practice shots in their own home. In addition, the relatively simple construction and few moving parts involved means that the device may be produced cost effectively.

[49] Furthermore, the stationary nature of the device permits the user to rapidly practice the same stroke or shot, allowing the user (for example under the close supervision of a coach who need not be occupied feeding the ball) to improve their technique, assisting them in more quickly learning the correct technique for striking the ball. In particular, the apparatus advantageous permits the user to focus on their grip of the racket without being distracted by moving their body to the correct position to strike a moving ball. In addition, the ability to repeatedly strike the same shot allows a user to rapidly warm-up, engaging the relevant muscles required for striking the ball.

[50] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[51] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[52] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[53] The invention is not restricted to the adetails of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSA coaching apparatus for racket sports, comprising: an arm securable to a base, floor or other surface, the arm comprising a striking surface for striking with a racket; wherein the arm is resiliently deformable, such that the arm is adapted to deform from an initial position upon receipt of a racket strike on the striking surface, before returning to the initial position.
2. The coaching apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm comprises: a first end securable to the base, floor or other surface, and a second end, wherein the second end is free.
3. The coaching apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the arm is in the range of 300mm to 1500mm.
4. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the arm is formed of a resilient foam.
5. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the arm comprises a first face, the first face is substantially vertical in the initial position, and the striking surface is arranged on the first face.
6. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the arm comprises a striking element, the striking element comprising: a support portion extending from the arm, and a striking portion connected to the support portion and comprising the striking surface.
7. The coaching apparatus of claim 6, wherein the striking portion is bulbous.
8. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the arm comprises a pair of opposing faces, wherein each face comprises a striking surface arranged thereon.
9. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the striking surface comprises a portion having at least a partially spherical surface..
10. The coaching apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a base, wherein the arm, is secured to the base.
11. The coaching apparatus of claim 10, wherein an angle formed between the base and the arm is in the range of 60° to 120°.
12. The coaching apparatus of claim 11, wherein the arm extends substantially perpendicularly from the base.
13. The coaching apparatus of any of claims 10-12, wherein the base is configured to act as a counterweight to the deformation of the arm.
14. The coaching apparatus of any of claims 10-13, wherein the base is at least partly hollow, and configured to be filled with a weighting material such as water or sand.
15. A method of coaching a racket sport using the coaching apparatus defined in any preceding claim, comprising: striking the striking surface with a racket.