Strike Zone Marker

Abstract

This invention relates to volleyball training devices. More particularly, it relates to a system of marker devices affixed to a volleyball net for use in training volleyball players in hitting the volleyball toward the most vulnerable area in the opposing team's defense. The maker body may include a deflector to cause balls to be deflected at various angles to simulate blocking by a defensive player.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A volleyball training system which includes a zone marker device having an upper end, a lower end and front and back faces, said zone marker device attachable to a volleyball net to extend substantially vertically above the net and define designated strike zones in the opposing team's formation. 
     
     
         2 . A training system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said zone marker device comprises a vertically elongated body with an upper end and a lower end and attachment means for removeably securing said elongated body to said net. 
     
     
         3 . A training system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said attachment means comprises an elongated strap with a first end thereof secured to the lower end of said body and second end secured to said body at a point removed from said lower end with the net entrapped between said strap and said elongated body. 
     
     
         4 . A training system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said elongated body supports at least one deflector on said front face. 
     
     
         5 . A training system as defined in  claim 4  wherein said deflector comprises a horizontal bar attached to said front face. 
     
     
         6 . A training system as defined in  claim 5  wherein said horizontal bar has a downwardly sloping upper surface. 
     
     
         7 . A training system comprising:
 a) a volleyball net erected for use; and   b) at least one marker element comprising an elongated body having an upper end, a lower end and front and back faces arranged substantially vertically with its lower end secured to said volleyball net and its upper end extending above the volleyball net.   
     
     
         8 . A training system as defined in  claim 7  including at least two said marker elements positioned substantially parallel with each other and spaced apart to define a strike zone therebetween.