Training ball

Abstract

A training ball that is operable to produce a different return trajectory versus a projected trajectory when thrown against a vertical wall as an apparatus and method of improving hand-eye coordination. The training ball includes a body that is partially elliptical in shape so as to have circumferential radius that will produce a second trajectory that is different from that of a first trajectory. The first trajectory occurs when the training ball is hurled at a vertical support surface. Furthermore, the second trajectory is the return trajectory. The method of use incorporates steps such as but not limited to tracking the training ball during its travel on its projected directory and its return trajectory.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A training ball, comprising:
 a body, said body being manufactured from a resilient material, said body comprising a shape with:   a circular cross-section along a z-axis;   a first truncated elliptical cross-section along a y-axis; and   a second truncated elliptical cross-section along an x-axis;   wherein the shape is symmetrical along at least two of the z-axis, the y-axis and the x-axis, and   wherein the training ball produces an erratic return trajectory when thrown against a suitable vertical support surface.   
     
     
         2 . The training ball of  claim 1 , wherein the combination of the first truncated elliptical cross-section and the second truncated elliptical cross-section forms an equatorial belt section in a region surrounding an equator of the body. 
     
     
         3 . The training ball of  claim 2 , wherein the equatorial belt section covers at least a quarter of a diameter of the circular cross-section. 
     
     
         4 . The training ball of  claim 1 , wherein the body is manufactured from one of: rubber, high-density foam, low density foam, and synthetic leather. 
     
     
         5 . The training ball of  claim 4 , wherein the body further comprises an internal inflatable bladder which is surrounded by the resilient material. 
     
     
         6 . The training ball of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable band connected to the body via a tether. 
     
     
         7 . The training ball of  claim 6 , wherein tether is formed from an elastic material. 
     
     
         8 . The training ball of  claim 6 , wherein the adjustable band is dimensioned to fit around a part of the human body. 
     
     
         9 . The training ball of  claim 8 , wherein the part of the human body is one of: wrist, ankle, waist, and head. 
     
     
         10 . The training ball of  claim 2 , further comprising an adjustable band connected to the body via a tether. 
     
     
         11 . The training ball of  claim 10 , wherein the tether is connected to the body at the equatorial belt.