Systems and methods for training the execution of a safe slide

Abstract

A slide training apparatus is provided including a slide support structure. The slide support structure includes side supporting elements and a cross bar supported by the side supporting elements and having an adjustable height. The side supporting elements may be attached at lower ends to feet, wheels, or base support elements. The apparatus may further include a mat disposed at least partially under the slide support structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A slide training apparatus comprising:
 a slide support structure comprising:
 a first and a second base support, each base support having a base support length; 
 a first side beam extending perpendicular to the first base support from a midpoint of the first base support and a second side beam extending perpendicular to the second base support from a midpoint of the second base support, wherein each of the first and the second side beams have a side beam length; 
 a cross bar extending between the first side beam and the second side beam, the cross bar perpendicular to each of the first and the second side beam; and 
 a plurality of wheels coupled to the first and the second base supports, the plurality of wheels elevating the slide support structure above a surface, wherein the slide support structure is configured to roll along the surface when a player grasps the slide support structure and slides under the cross bar. 
   
     
     
         2 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first plurality of brackets coupled to the first side beam and a second plurality of brackets coupled to the second side beam,
 wherein the brackets are configured to support the cross bar between the first and the second side beams.   
     
     
         3 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the side beam length is less than the base support length. 
     
     
         4 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first side beam and the second side beam further comprising a spring mechanism configured to compress and lower the cross bar when weight is placed on the cross bar. 
     
     
         5 . The slide training apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first side beam comprises a first lower side element removably attached to the first base support, and a first upper side beam removably attached to the first lower side element;   the second side beam comprises a second lower side element removably attached to the second base support and a second upper side element removably attached to the second lower side element;   the cross bar comprises a first end removably attached to the first upper side element and a second end removably attached to the second upper side element;   the first base support comprises a pair of first base elements and a first base connect element, wherein the first base connect element is removably attached between the pair of first base elements and removably attached to the first lower side element; and   the second base support comprises a pair of second base elements and a second base connect element, wherein the second base connect element is removably attached between the pair of second base elements and removably attached to the second lower side element.   
     
     
         6 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the cross bar comprises a first corner joint removably attached to the first upper side element and a second corner joint removably attached to the second upper side element. 
     
     
         7 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mat positioned at least partially between the first side beam and the second side beam and at least partially underneath the cross bar, the mat having a surface configured to permit a player to slide on the mat. 
     
     
         8 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wheels are removably coupled to the first and second base supports. 
     
     
         9 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first sleeve disposed circumferentially around the cross bar and rotatable therearound; and   a second sleeve disposed circumferentially around the cross bar and rotatable therearound.   
     
     
         10 . A slide training apparatus comprising:
 a slide support structure configured to be supported on a surface, the slide support structure comprising:   a first side beam and a second side beam;   a first pair of support legs, each connected at an upper end thereof to the first side beam, and configured to hold the first side beam such that it extends in a first direction perpendicular to the surface;   a second pair of support legs, each connected at an upper end thereof to the second side beam, and configured to hold the second side beam such that it extends in the first direction;   a cross bar;   a first plurality of brackets attached to the first side beam; and   a second plurality of brackets attached to the second side beam;   wherein each of the first plurality of brackets is configured to support a first end of the cross bar, and each of the second plurality of brackets is configured to support a second end of the cross bar, such that when positioned with the first end in one of the first plurality of brackets and the second end in one of the second plurality of brackets, the cross bar extends in a second direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and   wherein the slide support structure is configured to be supported on a surface and move along the surface while the first side beam and the second side beam remain perpendicular to the surface when a player grasps the slide support structure and slides under the cross bar.   
     
     
         11 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a mat disposed at least partially between the first side post and the second side post and at least partially underneath the cross bar, the mat having a surface configured to permit a player to slide on the mat. 
     
     
         12 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a mat positioned at least partially between the first side beam and the second side beam and at least partially underneath the cross bar, the mat having a surface configured to permit a player to slide on the mat, wherein the mat is configured to slide on the surface. 
     
     
         13 . The slide training apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein each of the first side beam and the second side beam further comprising a spring mechanism configured to compress and lower the cross bar when weight is placed on the cross bar.