Training apparatus for passing a projectile

Abstract

A training apparatus for practicing precision and controlled passing of a puck, in the case of ice hockey, or a ball in the case of street hockey, has a bar which is spaced above the playing surface by paired stacks of hockey pucks positioned at each end of the bar. Each stack in the pair is positioned to the side of the bar by an arm connected to the bar to provide stability for the bar and prevent tipping if hit by a pass. The space under the bar and between the supports provides a target which is sized so that only a precise and controlled pass where the puck is running on a flat surface or the ball can pass through.

1 . Apparatus adapted for use in practicing athletic skills related to aiming and passing of a hockey puck on or above a playing surface comprising: 
 a bar for forming an upper extent of the apparatus;    support members, positioned at first and second ends of the bar for spacing the bar above the playing surface and creating an aperture therebetween, the aperture having a length sufficient to permit passing of the hockey puck therethrough and a first height sized so as to permit passing of the hockey puck thereunder when the hockey puck is on a controlled path and running on the playing surface; and    gripping means protruding from a bottom of the support members for gripping the playing surface.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein the upper extent of the apparatus further defines a second height over which the hockey puck may be passed in a controlled path.  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein the support members further comprise a transverse extent which is wider than a width of the bar for creating a turning moment for resisting overturning.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as described in  claim 5  wherein the support members further comprise: 
 transverse arms connected at each of a first and second end of the bar at about a centre point of the width of the bar; and    two stacks of hockey pucks, each stack fastened adjacent ends of each transverse arm.    
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as described in  claim 6  wherein each stack comprises two or more hockey pucks.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as described in  claim 7  wherein the two or more hockey pucks in each stack are fastened together using a fastener.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as described in  claim 8  wherein a bottom surface of a bottom puck in each stack has an opening formed therein for accommodating the fastener, permitting the stack to sit flush on the playing surface.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as described in  claim 1  wherein the gripping means are spikes protruding from a bottom of the support members for gripping the playing surface.  
   
   
       11 . A method of training for precision passing of a hockey puck on or above a playing surface comprising: 
 providing a training apparatus having a bar having support members, spaced apart and positioned at first and second ends of the bar for spacing the bar above the playing surface and creating an aperture therebetween, the support members have a transverse extent to create a turning moment which resists overturning;    sizing a length of the aperture to pass the hockey puck therebetween and sizing a first height of the aperture sufficient to permit passage of the hockey puck therethrough only when the hockey puck is on a controlled path and running on the playing surface;    sequentially aiming one or more hockey pucks at the training apparatus for releasing a pass directed between the spaced apart support members.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein one or more of the hockey pucks is aimed for releasing a pass directed over the bar.