Apparatus and method of training a sports player

Abstract

An apparatus for training a sports player is enclosed. The apparatus may comprise one or more static training aid and/or one or more dynamic training aid. The static training aid and the dynamic training aid each includes a base and a pole vertically extending from the base. The static training aid may also include a light source extending along the pole from a point to a second end of the pole. In some embodiments, the static training aid includes one or more accessory parts. The one or more accessory parts may include a connector transversely connecting two static training aids. The one or more accessory parts may include a stick coupled to the pole of the static training aid. The dynamic training aid may include a first stick pivotally coupled to the pole of the static training aid. The first stick may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the pole. Aspects of the invention relate to methods of training a sports player using the static training aid and/or the dynamic training aid.

1 . An apparatus for training a hockey player, comprising:
 a base; and   a pole extending vertically outwardly from one end to a point along the pole and therefrom continually extends to an opposing other end, wherein the one end is secured to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a light source arranged to extend from the point to the other end of the pole, the light source being operable to illuminate light in one or more colors; and   means for controlling a visual output at the light source.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the light source is arranged within a housing of the pole, wherein the housing comprises one or both surfaces that are transparent or translucent to allow light illuminate therethough. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the point is positioned between about ⅓ to about ½ along a length of the pole measured from the one end. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the means for controlling a visual output at the light source comprises a user control device electronically coupled to a receiver and a control unit, wherein the user control device is configured to control a illumination of a desired color at the light source. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second base;   a second pole extending vertically outwardly from one end to an opposing other end, wherein the one end is secured to the second base;   a connector connecting the first pole to the second pole, wherein the connector extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a stick having a first end coupled to the pole extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end being spaced-apart from the base. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the stick comprises an elongated portion and an arm projecting transversely from the elongated portion. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the elongated portion. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprises:
 a first stick having a first end coupled to the pole and extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end is spaced-apart from the base;   means for driving a movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole; and   a sensor operative to detect a presence of the hockey player, the sensor being electronically coupled to the driving means such that the first stick moves in response to a detected presence of the sports player.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the sensor is positioned away from the base and the pole. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising a second stick having a first end coupled to the pole and extending downwardly to an opposing second end, wherein the second end is spaced-apart from the base; and wherein the means for driving a movement of the first stick additionally drives a movement of the second stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the driving means comprises:
 a receiver electronically coupled to the sensor;   a control unit electronically coupled to the receiver; and   a driving mechanism electronically coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit activates the driving mechanism to drive the movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the control unit is programmed to activate the driving mechanism to drive the movement of the first stick relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole in accordance with one or more randomized parameters. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more randomized parameters include one or more of speed, direction, angle, and duration of movement. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the first stick comprises an elongated portion and an arm projecting transversely from the elongated portion. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the elongated portion. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the driving means is positioned within the base.