Training and Coordination Device

Abstract

A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.

1 . A training and coordination device comprising:
 a projectile member; and   an elastic string having a first end which is associated with a support and a second end attached to the projectile member, at least an end portion of the string extending up to the second end comprising a multiple strand portion, whereby the multiple strands and the elasticity of the string generate random motion of the projectile member when the projectile member is hit or thrown.   
     
     
         2 . The training and coordination device of  claim 1 , wherein the string is made of polyester. 
     
     
         3 . The training and coordination device of  claim 1 , wherein the string is made of rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The training and coordination device of  claim 1 , further comprising a loop attached to the projectile member. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the string is threaded through the loop. 
     
     
         6 . The training and coordination device of  claim 1 , wherein the projectile member has a reinforced top portion. 
     
     
         7 . The training and coordination device of  claim 6 , wherein the reinforced top portion comprises a clip to attach the string. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the projectile member comprises a sack containing a filling material. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple strands comprise at least three strands. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple strands comprises comprise an odd number of strands. 
     
     
         11 . A method of improving coordination of a user with a training and coordination device, the method comprising:
 a user making a first contact with a projectile member at a second end of an elastic string associated at its first end with a support;   the string having a multi-strand end portion extending up to the second end;   setting the projectile member into a random motion due to the first contact made by the user;   as the projectile member travels away from the contact, moving to make further contact with the projectile member prior to the projectile member returning to a rest position.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein making contact with the projectile member includes tossing the projectile member. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein tossing the projectile member comprises tossing the projectile member toward a specific target 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the moving to make further contact comprises taking one or more steps forward and making a second contact with the sack. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein making further contacting comprises catching the ball. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising standing directly below where the projectile member is affixed to the support before making a first contact with the ball. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein making contact with the projectile member comprises punching the projectile member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the user makes contact with the projectile member and follows up with subsequent contacts as the projectile member moves away from the user. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein making contact comprises kicking the projectile member. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the user makes contact with the projectile member while outside the circumference of a marked circle. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the user avoids contact with the projectile member after making contact with the projectile member. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of making contact comprises propelling the projectile member towards a target location. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of making contact includes one of blocking, kicking, punching, striking, tagging and hitting the ball. 
     
     
         24 . A method of improving coordination of users with a training and coordination device, the method comprising:
 associating a first end of an elastic string with an overhead support suspending a projectile member secured to a second multi-strand end portion of the string from the support;   a plurality of users assembling around the suspended projectile member;   one of the users making a first contact with the projectile member using at least one allowable predetermined body part and avoiding contact with other, non-allowed body parts;   setting the sack into a random motion due to the first contact made by the user;   any of the plurality of users making a second contact with the projectile member with at least one allowable predetermined body part while avoiding contact with the projectile member by any non-allowed body part.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising computing scores against users which comprise a count for any contact by a non-allowed body part of the user with the projectile member predetermined avoidable body part accounts for a score against the user. 
     
     
         26 . The method  claim 24 , wherein making contact with the training and coordination device using open hands is prohibited. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the plurality of users are assembled in a circle around the training and coordination device. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising stopping play when a user contacts the projectile member with a non-allowed body part, followed by the user who contacted the projectile member throwing the projectile member back into play. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the step of making first contact comprises a user of the plurality of users standing facing into a circle formed by the plurality of users around the training and coordination device and throwing the projectile member over their shoulder and out of the circle. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , further comprising the plurality of users moving in a predetermined direction each time a user makes contact with the training and coordination device using a non-allowed body part. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the predetermined direction is one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.