Abstract:
A device for significantly enhancing the ability of ice hockey players of all experience levels for developing stick control and correct shooting movements while also increasing strength, balance and accuracy thereof which includes a framework defining a practice zone thereunder wherein a flexibly resilient member is secured to uniquely configured apertures defined in the blade of the training hockey stick to encourage correct stick movement and to discourage incorrect stick handling and shooting movements. The apertures are preferably located in the heel, the toe and/or the tip of the blade of the stick and are attached to the resilient member for building up strength and providing resistance thereto. The resilient member is knotted and positioned extending through one or more of the apertures in the stick blade and the apertures are shaped such as to retain the knot of the stick extending through the aperture responsive to correct stick movements and to release the knot responsive to incorrect stick movements. This teaching mechanism is achieved by forming apertures which includes a wider area on the tip side of the aperture and including narrow or more restricted areas on the heel part of the apertures.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field Of The Invention 
     The present invention deals with the field of devices for sports training. In particular this device is usable for training of those individuals playing ice hockey wherein skating while simultaneously stick handling and shooting of a puck is an important skill to be learned. 
     2. Description Of The Prior Art 
     Numerous training devices for ice hockey and similar sports have been patented such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,335 patented Jun. 22, 1971 to J. D&#39;Antonio, Sr. on a “Golf Practice Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,489 patented Jan. 9, 1973 to T. Holleran et al on a “Hockey Skill-Testing, Practice And Game Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,794,318 patented Feb. 26, 1974 to L. Holmes on a “Hockey Puck Practice Shooting Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,815 patented May 11, 1976 to G. Deschesnes on a “Hockey Training Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,017 patented Jan. 24, 1978 to R. Lombardi on a “Hockey Practice Shooter”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,842 patented Aug. 26, 1986 to R. Daoust on an “Exercising Apparatus For Use By Hockey Players To Practice Their Slap And Wrist-Shots”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,641 patented May 5, 1987 to L. Peyret, Jr. on a “Golf Club Swing Training Device And Method”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,872 patented Oct. 25, 1988 to D. Bisbee on a “Golf Swing Alignment Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,451 patented Dec. 3, 1991 to K. Martens et al on a “Hockey Practice Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,263 patented Aug. 18, 1992 to A. Feo and assigned to May Lee Feo on a “Golf Swing Alignment Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,799 patented Nov. 10, 1992 to M. Nandra on a “Hockey Practice Apparatus Kit”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,821 patented Jul. 13, 1993 to J. Murphy et al and assigned to Stickmaster, Inc. on a “Hockey Training Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,797 patented Oct. 5, 1993 to W. Dowhy on a “Hockey Training Apparatus”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,958 patented Nov. 14, 1995 to P. Brun on an “Off-Ice Hockey Shooting Practice Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,652 patented Apr. 23, 1996 to E. Woronets on a “Hockey Practice Alley”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,386 patented May 28, 1996 to J. Sasko on a “Hockey Stick Training Weight”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,481 patented Dec. 17, 1996 to M. Caluori et al and assigned to Michael J. Caluori on “Training Accessories For Goal-Making Games”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,197 patented Nov. 18, 1997 to P. Peeters et al on a “Method And Apparatus For Training Goalkeepers”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,007 patented Jul. 7, 1998 to G. Kendall et al and assigned to George Kendall on a “Putting Practice Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,945 patented Oct. 6, 1998 to P. Todd et al on a “Hockey Training Device”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,511 patented Mar. 28, 2000 to R. Bullock on a “Hockey Training Apparatus”. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a uniquely configured ice hockey training apparatus which is usable particularly for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of the user. 
     The apparatus includes a main framework which has an upper bar member which is longitudinally extensible to facilitate use of the apparatus by users of different sizes which would require different lengths of movement of the stick head during shooting or stick handling exercises. The main framework also includes a first support member which is detachably securable with respect to the upper bar member in order to support it above the ground surface therebelow. In a preferred configuration this first support member will include a first leg extending downwardly from the upper bar member to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation from the environmental surface in order to facilitate defining of a practicing zone therebeneath. A second leg will also be preferably included extending downwardly from the upper bar to facilitate support thereof in spaced relation to the environmental structure in order to facilitate defining of the practicing zone therebeneath. This second leg will extend outwardly away from the first leg in order to define a guide orifice therebetween which is adapted to receive the longitudinally extending member therethrough. In this manner the longitudinal member will be guided from a fixed securement exterior to the main framework to a position within the practicing zone defined therein. 
     A second support member is also preferably detachably securable with respect to the upper bar member at a position spatially disposed from the first support member for further supporting thereof above the ground surface. This first support member and the second support member together define a practicing zone therebeneath at a position below the upper bar in order to facilitate use of the ice hockey training apparatus of the present invention. 
     A longitudinal device is preferably included secured to an environmental member or other external member such that it extends into the practicing zone between the first support and the second support below the upper bar member. This longitudinal bar is flexibly resilient longitudinally and preferably includes a knot means tied therein to facilitate restricted attachment and detachment thereof to the apertures defined in the blade means. 
     The apparatus of the present invention further includes a training stick which includes a handle capable of being grasped by a user during training. Such handles often include tape wound therearound to facilitate gripping. The blades of hockey sticks are often removable from the handles of currently used sticks and the unique head of the present invention is usable with a conventional or standard stick or can be used with a training stick if desired. The training or standard stick further includes a blade fixedly secured to the handle which is adapted to be moved within the practicing zone beneath the upper bar member and between the first support member and the second support member in order to enhanced development of strength, balance and accuracy in stick handling by the user. The blade defines at least one aperture therein. The blade is adapted to receive the longitudinal linear device extending through the aperture defined therein to facilitate detachable securement therewith. The longitudinal means provides flexible resilience to movement of the blade of the training or standard stick within the practicing zone in such a manner as to increase the strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user. 
     The blade preferably includes a heel section adjacent the handle. This heel section defines the aperture in such a manner as to include a heel aperture which has a narrowed heel opening area in the region thereof closest to the handle in order to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal device within the heel aperture during proper practice shooting. Such proper practice shooting occurs when the tip portion of the blade is turned over downwardly during the follow through after a practice shot. The heel aperture further includes a widened heel opening area in the region thereof most distant from the handle in order to facilitate release of the longitudinal device from the heel aperture during improper practicing shooting wherein the tip section of the blade is turned facing upwardly during the follow through after a practice shot. The heel aperture defined in the heel section of the blade is preferably shaped similar to teardrop with the widest area closest to the tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to the handle to facilitate release of the longitudinal device therefrom responsive to an improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal device therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through. 
     The tip section is further included spatially disposed distant from the handle and the heel area. The tip defines the aperture means such as to include a tip aperture. The tip aperture includes a narrowed tip opening area in the region thereof closest to the handle to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal means within the tip aperture during proper practice shooting. Such proper practice shooting is where the tip section of the blade is turned over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot. The tip aperture further includes a widened tip opening area in the region thereof most distant from the handle to facilitate release of the longitudinal device from within the tip aperture during improper practice shooting. Such improper practice shooting occurs when the tip section of the blade is turned facing upwardly during the follow through after a practice shot. 
     In the preferred configuration the tip aperture actually comprised a tip open notch means wherein the notch is defined in the tip area of the blade. This tip aperture preferably is also teardrop shaped with the widest area thereof closest to the tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to the handle to facilitate release of the longitudinal device therefrom responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal device in the aperture responsive to proper shot follow through. 
     A central section is also defined intermediate between the heel area and the tip area. This central section defines the aperture to include a central aperture. 
     The central aperture includes a narrowed central opening area in the region thereof closest to the handle to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal device within the central aperture during proper practice shooting. Such proper practice shooting occurs when the tip section of the blade is turned over downwardly during follow through after a practice shot. The central aperture further includes a widened central opening area in the region thereof most distant from the handle in order to facilitate release of the longitudinal device from within the central aperture during improper practice shooting. The central aperture is defined in the central section of the blade means preferably having a teardrop shape with the widest area thereof closest to the tip area and the narrowest area thereof closest to the handle in order to facilitate release of the longitudinal means responsive to improper shot follow through and to facilitate retaining of the longitudinal device therewithin responsive to proper shot follow through. 
     A target may be included within the practice area of this device. This target device may be secured to the second support member immediately adjacent the practicing zone to provide a target for shooting and stick handling practice therewithin. The target preferably is made of a hard rubber and is shaped to simulate a hockey puck to enhance use thereof as a target during shooting and stick handling practice within the practice zone. 
     A weighted means may be positioned adjacent the first support member outside of the practice zone for attachment of the longitudinal member thereto for fixed securement thereof. This weighted device preferably defines a closable chamber opening means providing access to a ballast chamber defined therewithin. This ballast chamber is defined to receive ballast such as liquid or sand removably placed therein for providing a significantly heavy weighted device while at the same time allowing emptying thereof to enhance portability and movement thereof. The weighted means is important to provide a firm secure location for attaching of the longitudinal member thereto in order to make use of the flexible resilience thereof for strength training during movement of the hockey stick within the practicing zone. 
     In the preferred configuration the weighted means will include two pairs of connecting locations. Each pair of locations are preferably located diametrically opposite from one another to balance the force exerted on the weighted means during use thereof by several athletes such as occurs during team practice sessions. Each of these locations can includes a hook or loop to facilitate tethering of the four individual flexible resilient members thereto. 
     To reduce fatigue and to enhance the hockey-like experience two rotatable platforms may be included in the present invention such that the user can place his left foot on one of the platforms and his right foot on the other platform. These platforms will be rotatable with respect to the surrounding surface to simulate sliding movement on the ice during shooting as well as to simulate the slightly elevated position that the ice hockey player is in when taking a shot due to the vertical height of the blade extending downwardly from the hockey skates normally used in such games. 
     For this purpose a first rotatable platform will be adapted to be placed adjacent the main framework and will be adapted to be stood upon by the user and be rotatable during use of the training apparatus for facilitating shooting and stick handling to simulate ice conditions and for reducing fatigue. The first rotatable platform includes a first lower plate as well as a first upper plate with a first bearing means located therebetween. 
     Similarly a second rotatable platform means may be included adapted to be placed adjacent the main framework. This second rotatable platform means will be adapted to be stood upon by the other foot of the user and is rotatable during use of the training apparatus for shooting and stick handling to facilitate simulation of on-ice conditions and for reducing fatigue during practicing. The second rotatable platform will include a second lower plate and a second upper plate rotatably movable with respect to one another with a second bearing means therebetween to facilitate this relative movement. Each of the rotatable platforms may include rubber padding on the upper and/or lower surface to facilitate firm engagement thereof with respect to the feet of the user as well as with respect to the ground therebeneath. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein closing of the toe of the blade of a hockey stick during follow through after a shot is encouraged. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein maintaining of the blade face of a hockey stick facing upwardly and outwardly in an improper manner after shooting during the follow through is discouraged. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user which is extremely portable. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user which utilizes a minimum number of moving parts. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user which is easily maintained. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user which gives the user a feel closely simulating true ice hockey play conditions. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein shooting and stick handling is made more simple and significantly strengthened. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein a specific target is provided in the shape of a hockey puck for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein uniquely shaped apertures are defined in the blade of a practice hockey stick through which a longitudinally resiliently extensive member extends which provides resistance for strengthening hockey stick manipulation. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein rotating disks are utilized to more accurately simulate ice hockey playing conditions. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein the size of the stick manipulation area can be varied by increasing the length of the upper bar member as desired for different sizes of stick and for different sizes of individual users. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an ice hockey training apparatus usable for increasing strength, balance and accuracy in shooting and stick handling of a user wherein stick manipulation area can be varied by increasing the length of the upper bar member as desired for different positions assumed by the player to replicate forehanded and backhanded shots and passes. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an embodiment of an ice hockey training apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a training stick for use with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an illustration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with the longitudinal means extending therethrough depicting a toe-down correct shooting follow through; 
     FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment with the longitudinal means extending therethrough depicting a tow-open incorrect shooting follow through and FIG. 4 also shows the optional configuration with the blade being detachable from the stick handle; 
     FIG. 5 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a first rotatable platform for use in the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the second rotatable platform of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 7 is an alternative configuration for the rotatable platform of the present invention wherein two rotatable upper members are mounted in an adjustment slot defined in the upper surface of a single lower plate member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a uniquely configured ice hockey training apparatus for use by a user  10  which includes a main framework  12  comprising an upper bar member  14  as well as a first support member  16  and a second support member  24  preferably positioned at opposite ends thereof, as shown in this preferred embodiment. 
     The upper bar member  14  preferably is longitudinally extensible such as by telescoping in order to vary the distance between the first support member  16  and the second support member  24  and in this manner vary the size of the practicing zone  26  defined therebetween. 
     In the preferred configuration shown herein the first support member  16  will include a first leg  18  and a second leg  20  spaced from the first leg to define therebetween a guidance orifice  22 . 
     Guidance orifice  22  is adapted to receive a longitudinal member such as a flexibly resilient member made of rubber or the like  28  extending therethrough. The longitudinal member  28  is defined to be secured to a fixed location which may be an environmental structure or could be a weighted means  30 . Weighted means  30  is of sufficient weight such that the longitudinal member  28  when secured thereto will be flexibly resilient thereagainst. Weighted means  30  preferably defines a ballast chamber  32  therein adapted to receive ballast through a closable chamber opening  34  in fluid flow communication therewith. The ballast chosen may be water or sand which allows the weighted device  30  to be significantly heavy when utilized to provide a firm and fixed support for the longitudinal member  28  while at the same time allowing it to be portable merely by emptying the ballast from the ballast chamber  32  therein. In this manner portability is significantly enhanced. Preferably weighted device  30  can include two sets of loops or hooks or other attachment means thereon. Each pair of such connecting locations will be diametrically oppositely positioned on the weighted device  30  for balance the forces exerted thereon when multiple players are using multiple practice devices simultaneously. Normally only one weighted device  30  need be used with as many as four practice devices and the forces need to be apply thereto oppositely to maintain stability thereof. 
     A training stick  36  is preferably included with the present invention including a handle  38  adapted to be grasped by a user  10  and a blade  46  preferably at the lower end of the handle  38 . Handle  38  commonly includes tape wound around the portion being grasped by the user  10  such as shown in FIG.  1 . The blade  46  preferably includes a heel section  40  immediately adjacent the handle and a tip section  42  spatially disposed most distant from the handle and a central section  44  intermediate between the heel section  40  and the tip section  42 . A hockey puck can be directed as desired by a user  10  by causing contact thereof with the tip section  42  or the heel section  40  or the central section  44  for various different effects during a hockey game. 
     The training aspect of the training stick  36  of the present invention is defined by having one or more individual apertures  48  defined in the blade  46  of the training stick  36 . The individual apertures can comprise a heel aperture  50  defined in the heel area or a tip aperture  56  defined in the tip area or a central aperture  62  defined in the central or intermediate area. As shown in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4  all three such apertures can be included in a single blade to provide a more universal usage for the training stick  36 . 
     In the preferred configuration of the present invention the longitudinal member  28  which is of a flexibly resilient material such as rubber will be secured with respect to the fully ballasted weighted means  30 . The longitudinal member  28  will then extend through the guidance orifice  22  between the first and second leg members  18  and  20  into the practicing zone  26 . At this point the longitudinal member  28  will then be placed through the heel aperture  48 , the tip aperture  56  or the central aperture  62  and the user will tie a knot in the end preferably of the longitudinal member  28  as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 3. This knot will then tend to retain the longitudinal member  28  within the particular aperture  48  through which it extends. This knot will restrict but will not completely prevent removal of the longitudinal member  28  therefrom. 
     The configuration of the individual apertures is important to consider in accordance with the present invention since the present invention is designed to encourage proper stick handling and shooting practice movements, most particularly the use of the correct follow through movements. When shooting it is most preferable to point the tip section  42  of the blade  46  toward the target after shooting. Thus the blade  46  is closed or turned downwardly toward the user  10 . It is improper to allow the tip section  42  to extend outwardly such that the blade faces upwardly when performing follow through after shooting since this is a much less accurate manner of shooting a hockey puck. 
     To enhance proper practice procedures the heel aperture  50  will preferably be formed of a non-uniform width wherein a narrowed heel opening area  52  will be positioned closest to the handle  38  and a widened heel opening area  54  will be positioned in the portion of the heel aperture  50  closest to the tip section  42 . This will form a generally teardrop shaped aperture. 
     The effect of this teardrop shape is that as the user practices shooting, if the follow through after the shot is toe down such that the blade  46  turns toward the user  10  which is the correct manner of shooting, the knot  29  of the longitudinal member  28  will be retained since it is urged to move toward the narrowed heel opening area  52 . 
     On the other hand, if the user  10  shoots in such a manner that the blade  46  faces upwardly and outwardly which is the improper follow through method, the longitudinal member  28  will move toward the widened heel opening area  54  to allow release thereof rearwardly causing disengagement between the longitudinal member  28  and the blade  46 . This disengagement will signal to the user that they have performed the improper follow through after shooting. 
     A similar corrective operation will be achieved by the teardrop shape preferred in the tip aperture  56 . The tip aperture means  56  preferably includes a narrowed tip area  58  in the portion thereof closest to the handle  38 . The tip aperture  56  further includes a widened tip opening area  60  in the area thereof closest to the tip of the blade  46  or furthest from the handle  38 . In the most preferred configuration the tip aperture  60  will be shaped as a tip open notch  61  opened to the tip and thereby not forming a completely closed aperture in the blade  46 . With either shape the knot  29  of the longitudinal member  28  will move toward the narrowed tip opening area  58  whereas on the other hand, if an incorrect follow through is made with the blade  46  in the opened position, the knot  29  of longitudinal member  28  will move to the widened open area  60  and thereby be released from blade  46 . 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 show the engagement of knot  29  of the longitudinal member  28  with respect to the central aperture  62  in a more detailed manner. This central aperture  62  preferably is formed such as to have a narrowed central opening area  64  furthest from the handle  38  and a widened central opening area  66  in the portion of the central aperture  62  closest to the handle  38 . This will form a teardrop shaped central aperture  62 . The portion thereof closest to the handle will be the narrowed area  64  which will have the greatest capability of grasping of the knot  29  of the longitudinal member  28 . Thus when a proper shot follow through  86  is made with the blade tip turning over toward the user into a closed position, the knot  29  of the longitudinal member  28  will move toward the narrowed central opening area  64  facilitating grasping thereof. Thus, in this situation, the knot  29  will not be released. 
     On the other hand, if the improper shot follow through as shown by arrow  88  in FIG. 4 is performed, then the knot  29  of longitudinal member  28  will be caused to move toward the widened central opening area  66  of the central aperture  62  which will allow the knot  29  to move through this larger or widened central opening area  66  thereby disengaging the longitudinal member  28  from the central aperture  62 . This release will comprise a manner of teaching to the user  10  that they have performed an improper shot follow through as shown by  88  and should concentrate on making the proper shot follow through as shown by arrow  86  in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 4 also illustrates the capability of using the apparatus of the present invention with a hockey stick configuration where the blade  46  is designed to be selectively detachable with respect to the handle  38 . Screws  90  show only one of many possible detachable securement means capable of securely holding the blade to the handle while still allowing detachment if desired. With this design a hockey player can use his own handle with the instructional blade  46  of the present invention. 
     The actual shape of the apertures  48  can be teardrop shaped or can be keyhole shaped or any shape wherein the portion on the blade  46  closer to the handle  38  is narrower and the portion of the aperture more distant from the handle  38  is larger to allow the knot to more easily pass therethrough. 
     With the apparatus of the present invention a target  68  may be included preferably which is formed of a hard rubber in a round shape similar to a hockey puck. This is shown in FIG.  1  and is the target against which the user when operating with proper shooting and passing manipulations will cause the tip section  42  of the blade  46  to bear against. Thus, contacting of the tip section  42  against the puck-shaped target  68  will be another indication to the user that they have performed the proper shot follow through  86  with the blade tip turning over toward the user and ending pointing in the direction that the puck is being passed or shot. 
     One of the important characteristics of the present invention is in the necessity of giving the user  10  the feeling that they are on ice. There are two main characteristics of being on the ice rather than in normal street shoes that are important to simulate when taking shots. The first is the decreased coefficient between the bottom of the user&#39;s feet and the surface. Commonly when taking the shot or passing a hockey puck using a stick  36  the user&#39;s feet will slide on the ice. This sliding can be simulated by positioning two rotatable platforms one under each shoe of the user. These platforms also raise the user off of the ground or surrounding earth and substrate to an extent to approximately simulate the added elevation caused by a blade being beneath the boot of a user during normal ice hockey conditions. 
     This simulation will be achieved by forming a first rotatable platform  70  having a first lower plate  72  placed on the ground and a first upper plate  74  adapted to receive the user&#39;s foot. A first bearing means  76  is positioned between the first lower plate  72  and the first upper plate  74  for allowing them to rotate relative to one another. In a similar manner a second rotatable platform  78  may be defined formed from a second lower plate  80  and a second upper plate  82  rotatably mounted with respect to one another and including a second bearing  84  therebetween to facilitate this relative rotational movement. When a user  10  places one foot on the first upper plate  74  and the other foot on the second upper plate  82  the increased elevation will simulate the increased elevation of being on skates with a skate blade under foot and the movability with respect to the surrounding environmental ground surface will simulate the lower coefficient of friction achieved between skates and the ice as opposed to normal footwear and the ground. This simulation will greatly enhance the overall feel of the shooting and stick handling of the ice hockey training apparatus of the present invention. 
     An alternative configuration for the foot placement device is shown in FIG.  7 . Here a single lower plate  92  is included which defines an adjustment slot  94  in the upper surface thereof. Both the first bearing means  76  and the second bearing means  84  are mounted in the slot  94  to allow adjustment in the lateral dimension between the two bearing members based upon the width of the stance of the particular individual currently utilizing the practice device. With this configuration both the first upper plate means  74  and the second upper plate means  82  will be separately movable as with the configuration having two separate lower plate means  72  and  80 . A locking wing nut means  96  may extend through the second upper plate means  84  to facilitate securement thereof with respect to the lower plate  92  as desired for stability or for width stance distance adjustment. 
     There are several other possible configurations of which the present invention can be significantly enhanced, for example as shown in FIG. 1 the second support member  24  can also be formed with two leg members similar to the first support member  16 . Also the individual legs can each include an enlarged foot area to facilitate contact with the horizontal surface. Also the weighted means  30  can be of significant weight such as to allow a multiple individual main framework to extend outwardly therefrom in one, two or as many as four or more directions to provide multiple training sites such as during a team practice. 
     While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent, that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.