Pickleball volley zone training apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a training apparatus for practicing pickleball volleys and dink shots. The training apparatus simulates the position of the net and the target return window from the position of a player performing a volley. The training apparatus permits a player to practice volleys and/or dink shots without needing to be physically present on a pickleball court and to practice in conditions preferred by the player.

1 . A pickleball training apparatus comprising:
 a frame that includes an upper section at least partially defining a target window for hitting a pickleball against or therethrough, wherein the upper section has a height of 6 inches to 30 inches, and   a lower section disposed beneath the upper section, wherein the lower section is optionally covered with a barrier, wherein the lower section has a height of 24 inches to 46 inches; and   one or more base members attached to the bottom of the frame to support the frame in an upright position.   
     
     
         2 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier comprises a net that fills and extends to the limits of the lower section. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper section has a height of 12 inches to 24 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the upper section has a height of approximately 18 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the frame is 2 feet to 8 feet. 
     
     
         7 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the frame is 2.5 feet to 6 feet. 
     
     
         8 . The training apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the distance between the bottom of the frame and the bottom of the base members is sized to allow a pickleball ball to pass underneath the frame. 
     
     
         9 . The training apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein a distance between the bottom of the frame and a bottom of the base members is 3 to 6 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each base member comprises 2 or more legs extending out from the frame substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the frame. 
     
     
         11 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the legs of the base members are foldable or bendable to enable movement to a position substantially aligned with the plane of the frame. 
     
     
         12 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the legs have a length of 6 inches to 4 feet. 
     
     
         13 . The training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the legs are selectively extendable/contractable. 
     
     
         14 . The training apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a flexible member is connected to the frame and/or to a base member. 
     
     
         15 . The training apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the distance between the frame and a distal end of the flexible member is about 7 feet. 
     
     
         16 . The training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises an upper horizontal member, a lower horizontal member, and two opposing vertical members, and wherein the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member include in-line hinges to enable folding of the frame to reduce a width of the apparatus. 
     
     
         17 . The training apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the vertical members include in-line hinges to enable folding of the frame to reduce a height of the apparatus. 
     
     
         18 . A pickleball training apparatus comprising:
 a frame that includes
 an upper horizontal member, 
 a lower horizontal member, 
 a pair of opposing vertical members, 
 a middle horizontal member and/or a net extending between the vertical members, 
 an upper section defined by the upper horizontal member, the middle horizontal member or a top of the net, and the vertical members, the upper section having a height of 6 to 30 inches and a width of 2 feet to 8 feet to define a target window for hitting a pickleball therethrough, and 
 a lower section defined by the lower horizontal member, the middle horizontal member or a top of the net, and the vertical members, the lower section having a height of 24 inches to 46 inches and a width substantially equal to the upper section; and 
   one or more base members attached to the bottom of the frame to support the frame in a substantially vertical position, wherein the base members are adjustable between an extended position substantially perpendicular to a plane of the frame and a folded position substantially aligned with the plane of the frame.   
     
     
         19 . The training apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the upper horizontal member and the lower horizontal member include in-line hinges to enable folding of the frame to reduce a width of the apparatus, and optionally wherein the vertical members include in-line hinges to enable folding of the frame to reduce a height of the apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A pickleball training apparatus comprising:
 a frame that at least partially defines a target window for hitting a pickleball against or through, wherein the target window has a height of 12 inches to 24 inches and a width of 2.5 feet to 6 feet;   a barrier associated with at least the target window, the barrier being configured to rebound a pickleball hit toward the target window back to a player, the upper barrier comprising targets that enable the player to practice aiming; and   one or more base members attached to the bottom of the frame to support the frame in an upright position.   
     
     
         22 . The training apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein at least a lower portion of the barrier comprises a net.