Practice device

Abstract

Various methods and devices for improving the eye-hand coordination of a user are provided. In one embodiment, a practice device includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal that adapted to be mounted on a support structure, and a distal end having a target formed thereon. The target is adapted to dissipate energy when struck by a user, such that the device can exhibit a small range of motion.

1 . A practice device, comprising: 
 a flexible elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adapted to be mounted on a support structure; and    a target formed at the distal end of the flexible elongate member, the target serving to dissipate energy such that when the target is struck by a user, the target exhibits a small range of lateral motion.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a weighted portion that provides inertia when the target is struck by the user, thereby stabilizing the device.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the weighted portion is selected from the group consisting of a knot, a nut, a plastic member, a wooden member, a washer, and a ball bearing.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the weighted portion is surrounded by a covering.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the covering is a ball, and the target comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics and plastics.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a frayed member portion of the rope.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a conical piece of cloth coupled to the rope.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mount that is adapted to receive the proximal end of the flexible elongate member.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the mount is a cleat.  
   
   
       10 . A practice device, comprising: 
 a mount that is adapted to couple to a support structure;    an anchoring member having a first end adapted to couple to the mount such that the anchoring member extends laterally therefrom, the anchoring member further comprising a lumen extending from the first end to a second end;    an end cap that is adapted to be placed on the second end of the anchoring member; and    a flexible elongate member that is adapted to extend through the end cap and at least a portion of the lumen of the anchoring member, the flexible elongate member having a target formed at a distal end thereof that is adapted to dissipate energy such that the device has a small range of motion when struck by a user.    
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible elongate member is further adapted to extend through at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member and be wrapped around an outer circumference thereof, such that the flexible elongate member is securely held within the anchoring member.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a weighted portion formed on the flexible elongate member and located proximal to the target, wherein the weighted portion is adapted to provide inertia in response to the target being struck by the user, thereby stabilizing the device.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the weighted portion is selected from the group consisting of a knot, a nut, a washer, a plastic member, a wooden member, and a ball bearing.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the weighted portion is enclosed by a covering.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the covering is a ball, and the target comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics, and plastics.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a frayed portion of the rope.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a conical piece of cloth coupled to the rope.  
   
   
       18 . A method for improving eye-hand coordination, comprising: 
 mounting a device that includes a flexible elongate member having a target that is adapted to exhibit a small range of lateral motion when struck to a support;    adjusting a height of the target; and    striking the target.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein striking the target further comprises striking a frayed portion of the flexible elongate member that is formed on a distal end thereof.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein striking the target further comprises striking a conical portion of the flexible elongate member that is coupled to a distal end thereof.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the flexible elongate member further includes a weighted portion positioned proximally from the target, and wherein striking the target comprises striking at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics, and plastics.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the device further includes an anchoring member that is adapted to laterally extend from the support, and wherein adjusting the height of the target comprises: 
 threading the flexible elongate member through a center hole in a cap adapted to be placed on an end of the anchoring member;    threading the flexible elongate member through a lumen and at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member; and    mating the cap to the end of the anchoring member such that the flexible elongate member is securely held therein.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising wrapping the flexible elongate member around an outer surface of the anchoring member and threading the flexible elongate member through a second one of the plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member such that the flexible elongate member is securely positioned within the anchoring member.