Skill training apparatus method of manufacture

Abstract

In most sports, defensive acuity is integrally linked to a person's footwork. The training of fundamentals is critical in helping an athlete develop proper footwork by developing muscle memory that allows them to naturally and subconsciously position their bodies, including the appropriate posture, for engaging an offensive player in the most efficient manner. This technology relates generally methods of making and using systems designed to enhance athletic skill development and, more particularly, to methods of maintaining proper foot alignment for certain activities that require agility and consistency.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a training system, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a mold having an outer and an inner surface, a tubular member receiving region and mold material receiving region, the mold having an open and closed configuration such that in its closed configuration the mold can hold a predetermined quantity of material to be molded;   providing at least one hollow tubular member having a first and second end and middle section therebetween, the tubular member to be introduced into the tubular member receiving region of the mold;   providing a release agent to facilitate the removal of the tubular member having a material molded to an end thereof; the release agent applied to the inner surface of the mold;   adding a predetermined quantity of pre-mold material is added to the mold via mold material receiving region;   wherein the hollow tubular member has an end region characterized by a radius larger than the radius of the middle section thereof.   allowing the pre-mold material to set form in order for the material to couple with an end of the tubular member.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the time required for the pre-mold material to set is about between 10-30 minutes. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the time required for the pre-mold material to set is about 10 minutes. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a polishing step, wherein debris and or excess material is removed from the increased radius sections.