Abstract:
A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net having tension to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and having tension to allow the sports projectile to pass downward, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile, the target positioned in front of the return net, whereby a passage is formed between the target and the return net; and an attachment member adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/741,325, filed Jan. 14, 2013, and tilted “Sports Training Target and Methods Thereof”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/586,700, filed Jan. 13, 2012, and titled “Sports Training Target and Methods Thereof,” the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a sports training target and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sports training target having return capabilities making recovery of a successful shot less burdensome during practice. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The sport of lacrosse is played with a solid rubber ball and a long handled stick having a netting at one end. A lacrosse player may use the stick to carry the ball and attempt to score a goal. Goals are scored by successfully propelling the ball into a goal net. To prevent players on opposing teams from scoring, goal nets are typically defended by a player referred to as the goalie. Goalies may attempt to prevent opposing players from scoring a goal by positioning their bodies and equipment in front of the goal at angles that minimize scoring chances. Because the goal net opening is larger than the physical size of the goalie and his or her equipment, even when a goalie is optimally positioned in front of the goal, openings still exist. A shooting player may be able to propel or “shoot” the ball into one of these openings and advance the ball past the goalie and into the goal net. Shooting the ball into one of these relatively small openings requires an accurate shot. An accurate shot is a skill that may be acquired by practice. 
     Practice nets and practice aids exist that are adapted to attempt to improve a players shooting accuracy. These practice nets and aids allow the player to shoot the ball into the net and may simulate the typical positioning of a goalie. After the player successfully shoots the ball into nets fitted with practice aids, however, the player must manually remove the ball from the net by walking up to the net and retrieving the ball. None of these practice aids return the ball to the shooter, and much of practice time must be spent retrieving balls from the net. Similarly, other sports also utilize practice nets and practice aids that do not return the shooting object to the shooter. For example, existing practice aids for shooting accuracy for soccer or hockey do not return the ball or puck, respectively, to the user. Thus, a need exists for a sports training target having return capabilities making recovery of a successful shot less burdensome during practice. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a sports training target and methods thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise: a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target kit may comprise: a frame comprising a top bar and a pair of side posts; a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by the frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a standard lacrosse goal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a side cross-sectional view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, showing a ball passing therethrough, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side cross-sectional view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, showing a ball passing therethrough, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict a soccer goal and a hockey goal, respectively, having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word may is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a sports training target and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sports training target having return capabilities making recovery of a successful shot less burdensome during practice. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a standard lacrosse goal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A standard lacrosse goal  100  generally comprises a frame  110  and a net  120 . The frame  110  often comprises at least a top bar  112  (often called a “cross bar”), a pair of side posts  114 , and a pair of base bars  116  (collectively, often called a “flat-bottom base”). As shown in the Figure, a lacrosse goal generally comprises a substantially square opening on its front surface (i.e., the opening), through which a player could score, and a substantially triangular base. Such design generally makes lacrosse goals quite easy to recognize to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In many embodiments, the lacrosse goal  100  comprises any type of common or typical lacrosse goals. In one embodiment, the lacrosse goal  100  comprises a regulation high school, NCAA, professional, or similar type of known lacrosse goal  100 . In another example, the lacrosse goal  100  may comprise a collapsible frame, such as a portable lacrosse goal. The lacrosse goal  100  may generally be made of an extruded metal, and in alternative embodiments, the lacrosse goal  100  may be a practice goal, made from any type of material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the lacrosse goal  200  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , having a frame  210  and a net (not shown for simplicity). Similarly, the frame  210  comprises the top bar  212 , the side posts  214  and the base  216 . However, the lacrosse goal  200  also comprises a sports training target thereon. 
     The sports training target generally comprises a target  230 , having one or more target positions (i.e., gaps or openings for which a player may aim), and a return net  240 . In many embodiments, the target  230  and the return net  240  are affixed together, through stitching, adhesive, or the like. However, in certain embodiments the two components may be provided separately. The sports training target often comprises the target  230  positioned over the return net  240 , such that the target  230  faces a player who may be practicing on the lacrosse goal  200 . In some embodiments, the return net may be adapted to substantially cover an opening formed by the frame  210 . 
     The sports training target generally comprises a means for attaching the sports training target to the frame  210 . In many embodiments, the means for attaching comprises a plurality of straps  232 , having hook and loop fasteners, plastic and/or elastic ties, snaps, buckles, buttons, or similar type of mechanical fastener capable of holding the target to the frame. In some embodiments the means for attaching, attachment means, or attachment member, may comprise an elastic tie, a plastic tie, and pair of straps, the pair of straps having at least one of a snap set, a buckle set, a hook and loop fastener set, and a button set disposed thereon. As shown, the means for attaching the target to the frame may positioned around most of the target for affixing to the top bar  212  and the side posts  214 . 
     The target  230  may comprise any type of material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. For example, the target may comprise any type of polymer, leather, or any similar natural or synthetic material capable of withstanding the impact of a lacrosse ball and/or other sports projectile being shot at it at high velocity. The net  240  may similarly comprise any type of material suitable for embodiments of the present invention. In many embodiments, the net comprises the same or similar density, composition and strength as a typical lacrosse net known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Generally, the net  240  is positioned behind the target  230  with sufficient tension to allow a ball and/or other sports projectile propelled from an originating location to pass through a target position in the target  230 , pass downward along the net  240 , pass out/exit along a bottom portion of the net  240 , and return in the general direction of the originating location. In embodiments where the net  240  and target  230  are preattached, such tension may be easily set by the manufacturer. However, in other embodiments, where the net  240  and target  230  are separate articles, the player may have to set such tension by adjusting the means for attaching the target to the frame (e.g., by adjusting the straps—one set of straps for the target, another set of straps for the return net). 
     Optionally, in many embodiments, the sports training target further comprises a return bar  250  to assist in the return of the ball and/or other sports projectile after a successful practice shot is taken. In such embodiments, the return bar  250  comprises a weighted bar, or similarly functioning structure, positioned at or near the bottom of the return net  230 . The return bar  250  may be attached to the return net  240 , or in some embodiments, be affixed thereto in a pouch, pocket, via connection means (e.g., straps or similar connective structure), or the like. 
     In some embodiments the return bar  250  comprises a metal bar, a metal rod, or wooden dowel capable of ensuring proper tension in the return net  240  and/or providing a physical device, which when passed over and/or contacted by a ball and/or other sports projectile passing down along the return net (as described herein) forces the ball and/or other sports projectile to return outward towards the player, away from the net in the general direction of the originating location. In some embodiments, the return bar  250  comprises several smaller bars, a telescoping bar, or a collapsible bar. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line 3-3 of  FIG. 2 , of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, showing a ball passing therethrough, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although a ball is depicted in  FIG. 3 , other sports projectiles may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, a hockey puck or a soccer ball may also be used. Further, although a lacrosse goal  200  is depicted in the Figures, other types of goals may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a hockey goal or a soccer goal may be used. To clarify the basic structure and operation of the lacrosse goal  200  of  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  provides a simplified schematic of how a sports training target may work in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the Figure, a single lacrosse ball  260  is shown in various locations as the lacrosse ball  260  passes through the sports training target. In the embodiment depicted, the lacrosse ball  260  may be thrown towards the target  230  and pass through a target position. Once it passes through the target position, the lacrosse ball  260  hits the return net  240 . Due to the tension in the net, the lacrosse ball  260  often immediately begins to roll downward along the net. Once the lacrosse ball  260  gets to the bottom of the return net  240 , the lacrosse ball  260  may encounter the optional return bar  250 . By hitting the return bar  250 , the lacrosse ball  260  is forced forward, such that it rolls back towards where the player initially shot the lacrosse ball  260 . 
     As the return net  240  generally covers the entirety of the back of the target  230 , regardless of which target position is hit, the return net  240  will likely force the ball downward and out from the bottom of the return net. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, rather than a return bar  250 , the return net  240  may be connected to some type of storage assembly (for storing a plurality of lacrosse balls), a long channel (to feed the lacrosse balls back to a particular location, or the like. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the Figure, the lacrosse goal  400  is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , having a frame  410  and a net (not shown for simplicity). Similarly, the frame  410  comprises the top bar  412 , the side posts  414  and the base  416 . The lacrosse goal  400  also comprises a sports training target thereon, similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 . The sports training target generally comprises a target  430 , having one or more target positions (i.e., gaps or openings for which a player may aim), and a return net  440 . The sports training target generally comprises a means for attaching the sports training target to the frame  410 . In many embodiments, the means for attaching comprises a plurality of straps  432 , having hook and loop fasteners, plastic and/or elastic ties, snaps, buckles, or similar type of mechanical fastener capable of holding the target to the frame. 
     In addition, in many embodiments, the sports training target further comprises a return flap  454  to assist in the return of the ball after a successful practice shot is taken. In such embodiments, the return flap  454  comprises a weighted piece of fabric, textile, or similarly functioning material, positioned at or near a bottom portion of the return net  430 . The return flap  454  may also be non-weighted. The return flap  454  may also comprise a substantially rigid material, such as metal or plastic. The return flap  454  may be attached to the return net  440 , or in some embodiments, may be detachably attached. In some embodiments the return flap  454  is made of the same material as the target  430 . The return flap  454  may be adapted to direct a ball and/or other sports projectile away from the return net and in the direction of the originating location, i.e., the player, when the return flap  454  is passed over and/or contacted with the ball and/or other sports projectile. In some embodiments, the sports target may also comprise one or more reinforcing members  452  for adding supports to the edges of the target positions/openings. By way of example, the reinforcing members  452  may comprise a piece or pieces of reinforcing fabric, tape, plastic, or the like, adapted to reinforce the edges of the target positions/openings and substantially prevent and/or reduce damage to the edges, such as tearing, fraying, or the like. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a side cross-sectional view along the line 5-5 of  FIG. 4 , of a lacrosse goal having a sports training target thereon, showing a ball passing therethrough, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. To clarify the basic structure and operation of the lacrosse goal  400  of  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  provides a simplified schematic of how a sports training target may work in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a single lacrosse ball  460  is shown in various locations as the lacrosse ball  460  passes through the sports training target. In the embodiment depicted, the lacrosse ball  460  may be thrown towards the target  430  and pass through a target position. Once it passes through the target position, the lacrosse ball  460  hits the return net  440 . Due to the tension in the net, the lacrosse ball  460  often immediately begins to roll downward along the net. Once the lacrosse ball  460  gets to the bottom of the return net  440 , the lacrosse ball  460  may encounter the optional return flap  454 . By hitting the return flap  454 , the lacrosse ball  460  is forced forward, such that it rolls back towards where the player initially shot the lacrosse ball  460 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict a soccer goal and a hockey goal, respectively, having a sports training target thereon, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. While many of the embodiments described herein are directed to lacrosse goals, embodiments of the present invention may be provided on various other types of sports goals, as would be recognizable by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a soccer goal  670  or a hockey goal  680  may easily be adapted to receive a sports training target thereon. Any other type of sport goal may also be adapted to receive an embodiment of the sports training target in further embodiments of the present invention. 
     In many embodiments, the sports training target is provided as a kit, separate from any type of goal. As such, embodiments of the present invention may be independent of any particular or specific goal, but rather, comprise at least a target, a return net, a means for attaching the sports training target to a frame, and optionally, a return bar. In some embodiments, the sports training target may be provided as a kit with a frame. When provided as a kit with a frame, the sports training target may be free-standing and may not require a goal net to be used. 
     While the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and should be considered part of this disclosure, as if described fully herein.