Agility training ladder

Abstract

A speed training mat is formed from a continuous sheet of material having a grid formed thereon. The training mat allows for use on various surfaces and inhibits misalignment of the training mat. The training mat may be formed with various different training patterns on the two sides of the mat, or on a single side of the mat. The use of a training mat allows for easier and safer use than conventional training devices such as individual dots, circles, etc. The training mat is also designed for easy storage and deployment for use.

1 . A training mat comprising: 
 a continuous sheet of material having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;    at least one line formed on a first side of the sheet of material, the at least one line defining a series of rectangular areas such that one edge of all of the areas define a first straight line and a second edge of all of the areas define another straight line parallel to the first straight line.    
   
   
       2 . The training mat of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one training pattern selected from the group consisting of dots, zigzag, X shaped markings, circles, squares, diamonds, and combinations thereof formed on a second side of the continuous sheet of material.  
   
   
       3 . The training mat of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one line comprises a grid.  
   
   
       4 . The training mat of  claim 3 , wherein the grid defines two rows of generally square areas.  
   
   
       5 . The training mat of  claim 3 , wherein the grid defines a single row or generally square areas.  
   
   
       6 . The training mat of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more squares formed on the second side of the continuous sheet of material.  
   
   
       7 . The training mat of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one line comprises a plurality of lines.  
   
   
       8 . The training mat of  claim 1 , wherein the first side and second side of the continuous sheet of material comprise non-slip surfaces.  
   
   
       9 . A training mat comprising: 
 a continuous sheet of material defining a first side and a second side;    a first agility training pattern formed on the first side of the continuous sheet of material; and    a second agility training pattern formed on the second side of the continuous sheet of material.    
   
   
       10 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the first agility training pattern is selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, diamonds, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       11 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the first agility training pattern comprises a first area having a first pattern being selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, and diamonds, and a second area having a second pattern different from the first pattern, the second pattern being selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, and diamonds.  
   
   
       12 . The training mat of  claim 10 , wherein the second agility training pattern is selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, diamonds, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       13 . The training mat of  claim 10 , wherein the second agility training pattern comprises a first area having a first pattern being selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, and diamonds, and a second area having a second pattern different from the first pattern, the second pattern being selected from the group consisting of a grid, dots, zigzag lines, X shapes, squares, circles, and diamonds.  
   
   
       14 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the continuous sheet is configured for storage by rolling the continuous sheet into a roll.  
   
   
       15 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the agility training patterns are formed on the continuous sheet with paint.  
   
   
       16 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the agility training patterns are formed on the continuous sheet with tape.  
   
   
       17 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the agility training patterns are formed integrally with the continuous sheet.  
   
   
       18 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the agility training patterns are raised above the surface of the generally continuous sheet.  
   
   
       19 . The training mat of  claim 18 , wherein the agility training patters are raised above the surface of the generally continuous sheet by at least 1/16 of an inch.  
   
   
       20 . The training mat of  claim 9 , wherein the continuous sheet is generally an elongate rectangle.  
   
   
       21 . A training mat comprising: 
 a continuous sheet of material defining a first side and a second side;    a first agility training pattern formed on the first side of the continuous sheet of material.    
   
   
       22 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the first agility training pattern comprises a single pattern.  
   
   
       23 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the first agility training pattern comprises a repeated pattern.  
   
   
       24 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the first side of the continuous sheet comprises a first training pattern and a second training pattern different from the first training pattern.  
   
   
       25 . The training mat of  claim 24 , wherein the second side of the continuous sheet comprises a third training pattern.  
   
   
       26 . The training mat of  claim 25 , wherein the third training pattern is different than the first and second training patterns.  
   
   
       27 . The training mat of  claim 25 , wherein the second side further comprises a fourth training pattern different than the third training pattern.  
   
   
       28 . The training mat of  claim 27 , wherein the first, second, third, and fourth training patterns are all different.  
   
   
       29 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the generally continuous sheet is flexible.  
   
   
       30 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the generally continuous sheet has non-slip surfaces.  
   
   
       31 . The training mat of claim of  claim 21 , wherein the training patterns are raised above the surface of the generally continuous sheet.  
   
   
       32 . The training mat of  claim 21 , wherein the continuous sheet is configured for rolling into a roll.  
   
   
       33 . A method for increasing agility comprising: 
 selecting a training mat, the training mat comprising a continuous sheet of material having a grid formed on at least one side thereof, the grid defining a series of generally square areas, the areas being disposed in a linear alignment such that an edge of each of the areas is disposed along a straight line;    placing the training mat on a surface; and    causing an individual to move between the areas so as to increase agility.