Device and method for athletic training

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a training device are disclosed. The training device is a container that can include a net attached to the top of the container and a sloped surface dividing the container into a top section that returns lacrosse balls to the ground and a bottom section that can be used to stabilize the device. The training device can allow a user to practice precision shooting, cradling, and scooping skills without needing a practice field or a companion to practice with. A method of practicing shooting accuracy and other athletics skills using the training device is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training device, comprising:
 a container portion, a frame portion, and a net portion;   the container portion having an open top, at least one aperture in a sidewall, and a sloped surface disposed therein;   the frame portion being disposed from the container portion, such that the frame portion extends over the open top of the container portion;   the net portion being disposed within the frame portion, such that it extends over the open top of the container portion.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the container portion is substantially cylindrical or substantially cuboidal. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the net portion is comprised of lacrosse mesh pocket material. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein wheels are disposed on the container portion. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises two vertical members. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises two vertical members and a horizontal member. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is expandable. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one target is disposed on the training device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one support member is disposed from the training device. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one support member includes a ground stake portion. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the edges of the net portion are coupled to the frame members and the central portion of the net interacts with the at least one support member to creating depth in the net portion. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sloped surface is removable. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sloped surface is comprised of an impact absorbing material. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a handle or strap is provided for maneuvering the training device. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a lid is provided for sealing the open top of the container portion. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one ball return aperture is provided above the sloped surface disposed within the container. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the sloped surface angles toward and aligns with a lower edge of the at least one ball return aperture. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein at least one door member can close the at least one ball return aperture. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a sealable loading aperture is disposed in a sidewall of the container below the sloped surface. 
     
     
         20 . A method of practicing shooting accuracy, scooping, and other various sports skills comprising:
 providing a training device, having a container portion, a frame and net portion, a sloped surface disposed within the container portion, and a ball return opening;   projecting a ball into the net and frame portion or the container portion of the athletic training device;   allowing the ball to eject from the ball return opening of the athletic training apparatus;   retrieving the ball; and   repeating as desired.