Tennis Training Device

Abstract

A training device for tennis provides multiple training stations for various tennis strokes.

It is claimed: 
     
         1 . A tennis training device comprising:
 a generally vertical pole assembly, the pole assembly adjustable in height;   a first training station having a first arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a first tennis ball at a height above the ground suitable for hitting the first tennis ball with a service stroke;   a second training station having a second arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a second tennis ball at a height above the ground suitable for striking the ball with a ground stroke;   a third training station having a third arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a third tennis ball above the ground at a height suitable for a volley or slice stroke;   a fourth training station having a fourth arm extending from the pole assembly and supporting a fourth tennis ball above the ground at an initial position, the fourth arm having at least a portion thereof made of resilient material such that the fourth tennis ball returns to its initial position after being struck;   and a base connected to the pole assembly, the base holding the pole assembly generally vertically.   
     
     
         2 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the tennis training device has a set of wheels positioned to contact the ground when the pole assembly is leaned away from the vertical, such that the device can be rolled between locations. 
     
     
         3 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the first, second, third and fourth arms are height adjustable. 
     
     
         4 . The training device of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first, second, third or fourth arms is attached to a ring connector, the ring connector slidable along a portion of the pole assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the pole assembly further comprises a plurality of telescoping rods, and wherein the pole assembly is adjustable in height by relative movement of telescoping rods. 
     
     
         6 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fifth training station having a fifth tennis ball attached to a cord, the cord attached to the device, the fifth tennis ball for reciprocal movement when struck. 
     
     
         7 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a net station comprising a tennis net attached or attachable at a first end to the pole assembly, the tennis net of regulation height, the tennis net attached or attachable at a second end to an end pole. 
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the tennis net is detachable from at least one of the pole assembly or end pole, and can be rolled up for storage. 
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting bracket attached or attachable to the pole assembly, the bracket for holding an audiovisual communications device. 
     
     
         10 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the first tennis ball is rotatable about a first axis, and wherein the axis is suitable for a service stroke. 
     
     
         11 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the second tennis ball is rotatable about a second axis, and wherein the second axis is suitable for a ground stroke. 
     
     
         12 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the third tennis ball is rotatable about a third axis, and wherein the third axis is suitable for a volley or slice stroke. 
     
     
         13 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of legs extending from the pole assembly, each leg connected to the pole assembly and another leg. 
     
     
         14 . A method of training for tennis comprising:
 striking with a tennis racket a first tennis ball with a service stroke, the first tennis ball mounted on a service arm attached to a vertical assembly;   striking with a tennis racket a second tennis ball with a ground stroke, the second tennis ball mounted on a ground stroke arm connected to the vertical assembly;   striking with a tennis racket a third tennis ball with a volley or slice stroke, the third tennis ball mounted on a volley or slice arm attached to the vertical assembly; and   adjusting the height of at least one of the service, ground stroke and volley or slice stroke arms.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein adjusting the height further comprises slidably moving one of the service, ground stroke and volley or slice stroke arms along a generally vertical rod of the vertical assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein adjusting the height further comprises telescoping cooperating rods of the vertical assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising attaching a tennis net to the vertical assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising striking with a tennis racket a fourth tennis ball mounted for reciprocal movement on a flexible arm attached to the vertical assembly.