Abstract:
A volleyball spike training system comprises a ball holder and an optional net. The training holder comprises a wheeled chassis supporting a vertical stanchion projecting upwardly that supports a hopper and a ball feeding apparatus. The stanchion includes a crank system for vertically adjusting telescoped stanchion segments. Balls dropping from the hopper travel by gravity down an inclined ramp at the top of the frame towards a discharge throat. Balls travelling down the ramp are indexed by a Z-shaped lever that serially separates them. A pair of downwardly projecting hands, one fixed and one pivoted, receive dropping balls and temporarily hold them for shooting. The pivoting hand controls the indexing lever to jam successive balls when the device is loaded. When a ball is shot and removed from between the feed hands, another ball is freed by the indexing lever to automatically drop into a shooting position between the hands.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to volleyball training devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to training devices that store and serially feed volleyballs to a discharge position suitable for spiking of the ball. Known prior art is classified in U.S. Class 473, Subclasses 422, 449, 459, and 473. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Participation in the sport of volleyball is rising substantially throughout the world. Volleyball teams both male and female players have become increasingly popular both at the high school and college level, and volleyball is now an Olympic sport. Volleyball can be played with minimal equipment over playing surfaces varying from modern basketball courts with precision wooden floors, to beach areas with imprecise courts formed in the sand. Thus over recent years volleyball has experienced a significant growth in popularity, both as a spectator and as a participant sport. 
         [0005]    A volleyball game involves a pair of teams disposed upon a net strung over a playing surface. Hitting, spiking, and serving the ball are some of the important aspects of the game. The game is begun when a player serves a ball over the net to the receiving team on the opposite side. The receiving team must react to the served ball, and prevent it from hitting the floor or ground. Normal rules provide three contacts to return the ball over the net. typically these three contacts will include a pass to the net area, a set to an attacker, and an attack, which usually consists of a spike across the net. The spiking player seeks to drive the ball over the net and unto the floor or ground in the opposing team&#39;s court area in order to score. When a spiking play is developing, it can be apparent to the opposing team, necessitating formation of a defense. This makes the art of spiking even more difficult since the spiking player must not only coordinate his or her moves with that of ball, but he or she must watch opposing players, analyze their defense, and properly spike the ball to avoid them. 
         [0006]    Naturally, the opposing team will defend against the spike, usually by executing a block, where control of the ball is established. The block may be executed by one or more defending players depending on circumstances and strategy. The object of the block is to intercept and gain control of the ball before it hits the ground. If the defenders are successful, they will soon turn to offense and spike the ball towards their opponents. 
         [0007]    Thus spiking proficiency is an important facet of volleyball. Rigorous practice is required for most players to develop spiking skills suitable for their level of play. Spiking requires a high level of skill and coordination of volleyball athletes. It is, therefore, desirable to provide means for practicing the spike shot in volleyball. 
         [0008]    Spiking defense, on the other hand, involves one or more players jumping at the appropriate time and location, and presenting a barrier with their open hands and arms. If successful, the defense players cause a rebound at high velocity and unpredictable direction. 
         [0009]    During practice, volleyball must be located above the top of the volleyball net proximate the player&#39;s side of the net. The volleyball spiker typically jumps up, and then vigorously hits the ball downwardly at angle, aiming within the boundary lines of the volleyball court. The spike is a particularly effective shot in volleyball. The skilled volleyball athlete is able to direct the spiked ball in a desired direction and at a fast rate of speed. Because of this, defending a spike is not easy. Skilled spiking is, therefore, a favored attribute of volleyball athletes. 
         [0010]    Spiking is one of the most interesting facets of volleyball, and one of the most difficult tasks to master. It involves more required coordination on the part of the spiking player than any other play in the sport and consequently, is more difficult than any other volleyball play. Successful spiking requires that the ball be set, that is, lofted by a companion player into position such that it begins its descending arc almost vertically and in a position adjacent to the net that is not readily accessible to defensive players. 
         [0011]    Various volleyball training devices have been proposed for spiking practice. Training apparatuses have been developed to support a game ball at selected elevations for practice hitting. Simple spiking training devices may involve frame or projection hand-held by one player that holds an elevated ball for striking by a companion player. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,395 issued Aug. 26, 1997 discloses a hand-held volleyball device for practicing spiking. The device manually positions a volleyball at a desired elevation above a playing surface so a training player can hit an elevated ball. The device comprises a generally C-shaped head and a support pole attached to the head grasped by an assistant or trainer. The head releasably retains a volleyball for subsequent impact and travel. After each shot the device must be manually reloaded. 
         [0012]    The art also includes stationary, ground or floor mounted holders that temporarily secure a ball for player impact. Some of these devices simply clamp the ball between a pair of hands or holders that are biased together. These devices must also be manually reloaded after each practice shot. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,439,916 discloses a floor-supported training device that positions a football between a pair of biased arms for practice kicking. A football is manually positioned between the support arms at a selected height above a base where it is releasably held. A similar ball holding arrangement is seen in the volleyball spiking practice device illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,950 issued Aug. 5, 1975. The latter device elevates practice volleyballs at selected elevations near a volleyball net with an elevated stanchion supporting a pair of arms that compressively secure the volleyball temporarily. 
         [0013]    Volleyball training devices also include apparatus that is mounted directly upon or proximate the net. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,056 issued Nov. 28, 1995 discloses a practice device comprising an auxiliary net secured proximate a game net to impede the movement of a ball. The frame includes a top member and two side members, and one end of each of the two side members is attached to the top of a game net such that a target area at which the moving ball can be directed is defined by the frame and the top of the game net. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,205 issued Jan. 9, 2001 discloses volleyball training device comprising a frame removably fastened to the volleyball net, and a pedestal extending upwardly from the frame for holding a volleyball above the net. 
         [0014]    Some spike training devices tether a single ball or multiple balls. Tethered balls return to a practice position after impact, and reloading is unnecessary. In such devices, a volleyball is tethered to a tether line coupled to a rigid support. The ball is restricted in movement after being hit by the tether line. Tethered arrangements obviate the necessity of reloading after a practice shot. A problem is that tethers do not allow the ball to move along its natural flight path. Consequently the ultimate success or failure of the spiking shot is unknown. Moreover, tether type devices can interfere with proper targeting of the ball, leading to diminished performance by the user. 
         [0015]    An example of a tethered volleyball training device is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,946 issued Oct. 29, 1991, which discloses a volleyball training device that includes an adjustable stanchion rising upwardly from a lower base. A practice volleyball is connected to the terminal end of an elevated arm extending outwardly from the stanchion via a tether cord to provide a practice target. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,251 issued Aug. 24, 1993, discloses a volleyball training apparatus comprising a horizontally outwardly extending resilient arm that tether a ball. The latter device includes a telescoping stanchion supported by a wheeled base that is slidably adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. Application No. 2009/0137349 published May 28, 2009 illustrates another device with a “tethered” ball for practicing spiking. A frame supports a single target ball secured upon an elastically connected, displaceable arm. After ball impacts, the arm is deflected and then returns to its striking position. 
         [0016]    Some training devices tether the volleyball on two sides. U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,016 issued May 9, 2006 shows a volleyball spiking training system where a single ball is secured by tethers on each side, and elevated by a stanchion over a net for practice 
         [0017]    Multiple balls are tethered by the training device seen in U.S. Pat. No. Application No. 2010/0130312, published May 27, 2010. The latter training device has a lower base supporting a vertical stanchion that holds a plurality of suspended balls that are tethered to upright supports. The tethered balls may be addressed by a player, and impacted balls return to their access position by gravity, being held by the tethers. Reloading is unnecessary. 
         [0018]    We have discovered that it is advantageous to train spiking with an elevated ball feeding device that serially positions balls automatically in a “hit” position. Such devices need not be reloaded after each shot, and the ball trajectory derived during practice more closely resembles that of an actual spike. Some designs known in the art include a hopper communicating with a serial ball feeder, both of which are elevated over ground by a vertical pedestal or post. The vertical post may extend from a weighted base or support disposed on the playing surface proximate the net, which may or may not be wheeled. 
         [0019]    A prior art design of the latter general natures is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,939,705 issued Jul. 12, 1957. The latter reference discloses a vertically upright basketball practice device that serially feeds basketballs. An adjustable stanchion extends vertically upwardly from a lower base. An inclined hopper atop the stanchion stores a plurality of basketballs that are gravity fed down an inclined ramp. Serially fed balls are temporarily stored one-at-a-time upon a ball receiving loop forming a discharge point. Serial feeding is controlled by a mechanical trip lever near the discharge point. 
         [0020]    A similar design involving an inclined discharge chute is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,397 issued May 28, 1996. This upright volley ball practice apparatus gravity feeds balls from an upper storage hopper to a striking position via an inclined guideway or ramp. A triggering mechanism serially advances volleyballs from the hopper onto the inclined ramp, where they travel by gravity towards an impact position from which a player may spike the ball. Other devices including gravity feeding ramps are seen U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,390, 7,001,289, and 7,393,290. 
         [0021]    Designs including elevated hoppers, gravity operated chutes, and elevated hoppers are as described above are preferred for rapid shooting, and training sessions involving multiple players making numerous, repetitive spike shots. However, the hoppers must be designed so as to hold numerous balls, while discharging them smoothly without jamming. Frames and supporting stanchions or pedestals must be easily adjusted to accommodate players of different sizes and ages. Importantly, the discharge ramp apparatus must function smoothly to establish an orderly flow of balls without interruption. In other words, the discharge apparatus and the required indexing arrangements must reliably establish a “one-at-a-time” serial flow of balls and flawlessly to prevent jamming and unwanted interruptions. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Our preferred spike training system comprises a spike training device and an optional target net. The training device and the auxiliary net each are wheeled so that they can be quickly moved to a practice site. Once the training device is positioned, preferably proximate a conventional playing net, the chassis can be locked, and to keep from tipping over there is ballast container to add stabilizing weight. An elevated stanchion projects upwardly from the training device chassis to support the ball feeding components. The stanchion includes a crank system for vertically adjusting telescoped stanchion segments so that a proper playing height can be achieved. 
         [0023]    The hopper atop the stanchion holds several volleyballs. The balls travel by gravity down an inclined ramp at the top of the frame leading from the hopper towards a discharge throat. As the balls travel down the ramp, they are indexed by a mechanical lever that separates the balls so that they enter a strike point one-at-a-time. A pair of downwardly projecting hands receive balls dropping from the ramp and temporarily hold them for shooting. In the best mode, one hand is fixed in position, and its companion is deflectable. A holding point from which balls may be manually struck by a player or trainee is thus established between the hands. Once a ball is stricken, and thus removed from its temporary position between the hands, the next sequential ball will be freed by the indexing lever, and the ball will automatically drop into position between the hands for subsequent spiking. 
         [0024]    Thus a basic object of our invention is to provide a volleyball training and practice device. 
         [0025]    Another basic object is to provide training device of the character described that is particularly adapted for training volleyball players to properly spike the ball. 
         [0026]    It is also a primary object of this invention to provide an improved volleyball spiking training apparatus adapted to be placed anywhere upon the playing court, that can be easily adjusted to suit the training conditions. 
         [0027]    Similarly, it is an object to provide an adjustable spike training device that accommodates players of different ages, heights, and levels of experience. 
         [0028]    It is another important object of our invention to provide a spike practice device which allows a person to practice alone, and without constantly reloading the ball impact point. 
         [0029]    It is another object of the invention to provide a reliable ball hopper and feeding apparatus for reliably feeding sports balls to a discharge point without jamming. 
         [0030]    Another basic object of the present invention to train players in proper volleyball spiking techniques. 
         [0031]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary isometric view illustrating the best mode of our new volleyball training device, showing it in use proximate a volleyball net near an adjacent target; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred ball hopper and feeding apparatus; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a further enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred feeding apparatus discharge point, showing a ball travelling towards the feed throat; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred discharge point similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing a ball temporarily captivated between the discharge hands; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred discharge point similar to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , but showing a ball to be spiked captivated between the discharge hands and a second ball rolling down the feed ramp; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of the preferred discharge point similar to  FIGS. 3-5 , additionally showing a ball temporarily restrained within the feed throat by the indexing lever; 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view of a discharge hand showing its mounting, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged, frontal fragmentary isometric view of the flexible discharge hand and the preferred indexing levers, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged, fragmentary rear isometric view of the flexible discharge hand and the preferred indexing levers as they appear when a ball is captivated between the hands, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged, fragmentary rear isometric view of the flexible discharge hand and the preferred indexing levers as they appear when a ball is ready to be dropped towards the hands, with portions thereof omitted for brevity; 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric assembly view of the indexing levers and flexible discharge hand; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  is fragmentary plan view of a preferred indexing lever, showing it in a closed position to block a ball, with portions shown in section for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  is fragmentary plan view of a preferred indexing lever, showing it in an open position to feed a ball, with portions shown in section for clarity or omitted for brevity; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the feed throat region and the discharge hands; 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view showing telescoped portions of the preferred vertically adjustable stanchion; 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary plan view of the vertically adjustable stanchion, taken from a position generally to the left of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary rear isometric view of the preferred auxiliary target net for collecting properly aimed, spiked balls; and, 
           [0050]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged, fragmentary frontal isometric view of the preferred auxiliary target net. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0051]    With initial reference directed now to  FIG. 1  of the appended drawings, our new Volleyball Spiking Training Device is illustrated as part of a volleyball training system  20 . The training system includes our spiking training device  22 , constructed generally in accordance with the best mode of the invention. The training device  22  is illustrated disposed upon a volleyball or basketball court  26  proximate a standard volleyball net  28  including webbing  29  suspended between standard support poles at its opposite ends. An auxiliary target net assembly  24  spaced upon the opposing court surface is preferable as an aiming point, and it collects shot balls as described hereinafter. The training device  22  receives and temporarily stores a plurality of playing balls  27  vertically above the playing surface  26 . Balls are serially fed towards a discharge point generally indicated by the reference numeral  30 , for spiking by a typical player or trainee  32 . When a ball  34  is properly stricken by player  32 , it will travel over net  28  towards a target point, such as auxiliary net assembly  24 , or it will be directed onto the opposing court. As soon as ball  34  is stricken, a replacement ball will drop into place for a subsequent spike. Feeding is continuous and automatic, and does not require repetitive manual reloading of the discharge hands. Balls are periodically tossed into the hopper  36  atop training device  22 , and they drop from the hoper onto the feed ramp below. The hopper act as a guide chute and processes one ball at a time. 
         [0052]    With joint reference directed now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  15 , and  16  the practice device  22  preferably comprises a wheeled chassis  38  that supports a vertically upright stanchion  40  secured to lower horizontal strut  42 . A lower companion strut  43  extends from strut  42  to a somewhat rectangular subframe  44  that mounts a ballast container  45 , which is generally in the form of a parallelepiped. Container  45  is normally filled with weights appropriate to counterbalance and stabilize the training device  22 . Caster wheels  47  secured to strut  42  and subframe  44  provide wheeled support for the training device  22  to provide mobility. As explained hereinafter, the vertically adjustable stanchion  40  supports the hopper  36 , various playing balls  27 ,  34  and the feeding mechanism above the playing court  26  so that a proper training elevation suitable for player  32  is established. 
         [0053]    The adjustable stanchion  40  comprises a rigid, elongated lower section  50  that is welded to chassis strut  42  and secured by chassis brace  51  ( FIG. 1 ). The outer and lower hollow channel steel stanchion section  50  telescopingly receives an internal extension  52  that supports an upper I-shaped bracket  54  that in turn mounts the feeding and hopper assemblies. As best viewed in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a manually cranked drive assembly  56  is secured to stanchion section  50  at a conveniently accessible height for elevation adjustments. The crank assembly  56  comprises a mounting bracket  58  that supports a rotatable spindle  60  that controls drive cable  62 . Spindle  60  is turned by a manual crank handle  64  that is coupled to spindle  60  by suitable reduction gearing  66 . Cable  62  is entrained about idler pulley  67  and enters stanchion section  50 , with an end  69  terminating in a connection to the upper, internal telescoping stanchion section  52 . A pair of slidable centering blocks  59  ( FIG. 15 ) are affixed to the lower portion of internal stanchion section  52  for centering and alignment. A pair of resilient alignment pads  72  above idler pulley  67  are disposed within a enshrouding housing  74 . The housing  74  for the guide material  72  is located at the top of the stanchion. The guide material  72  ( FIG. 15 ) is preferably glued to housing  74 , but could also be attached in other ways such as rivets. 
         [0054]    With primary reference now directed to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  14 , the preferred feeding apparatus has been generally designated by the reference numeral  80 . An elongated, inclined ball feeding ramp  82  receives balls dropped from hopper  36  through hopper output passageway  37  ( FIG. 2 ). Hopper  36  comprises upwardly outwardly flared sidewalls  37 A,  37 B  FIG. 2 ). The ball feeding ramp comprises a pair of spaced apart and parallel rails  84  ( FIG. 4 ) extending from the uppermost point of the ramp below hopper  36  (i.e., at the left side of  FIG. 2 ) to a spaced-apart, lower point proximate a discharge throat  85  (i.e., at the right side of  FIG. 2 ). Ramp rails  84  terminate in a discharge subframe  83  ( FIG. 14 ) comprising a crosspiece  86  secured between subframe sides  87  and  88  that are braced by crosspiece  89  ( FIG. 7 ). The ball discharge throat  85  is bounded by and between sides  87  and  88  and crosspieces  86  and  89 . Balls drop downwardly through hopper output passageway  37  and serially traverse the inclined ramp  82 , traveling from left to right (as viewed in  FIG. 2 ) by gravity. The indexing lever system described later allows balls to drop one-at-a-time through the discharge throat, where they fall into contact between the hands. 
         [0055]    The discharge hands  95  and  96  are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1-13 . In  FIG. 1 , a ball  34  that may is to be spiked is shown temporarily held between hands  95  and  96 . Balls  27  ( FIG. 2 ) travelling down the ramp  82  drop from ramp rails  84  ( FIG. 7 ) towards the discharge throat  85 , where they may be either blocked or passed by the indexing system described hereinafter. Balls permitted to travel through discharge throat  85  by the indexing system will drop downwardly into contact between hands  95  and  96 . Dropping balls are restrained within and between hands  95  and  96 , as illustrated by ball  34  in  FIG. 2 , where they are releasably and temporarily held for a practice spike. 
         [0056]    In the best mode, hand  95  is fixed, and hand  96  is pivotally displaceable. Fixed hand  95  comprises a resilient, preferably plastic cradle  100  with a central channel  101 , the shape of which aids in grasping a volleyball. In the best mode the cradles that are shaped to cradle the ball, and are preferably made of foam or any pliable material that can retain shape. Cradle  100  is held by a pair of downwardly angled struts  103  (i.e.,  FIG. 4 ) projecting from a mounting block  104  that is secured to crosspiece  86  by nut and bolt fasteners  107  (i.e.,  FIG. 14 ). As seen best in  FIG. 14 , the resilient hand strut  103  is secured to a mounting block  104  that is secured to throat struts  86  by nut-and-bolt fasteners  107 . Block  104  is generally in the form of a parallelepiped, and is preferably comprises a solid block of plastic. Alternatively block  104  could be made of wood or metal. 
         [0057]    Similarly, displaceable hand  96  ( FIG. 7 ) has a resilient, preferably foam cradle  110  similar to cradle  100 . There is a central channel  111  that is similar to channel  101  (i.e.,  FIG. 14 ). Struts  114 , similar to struts  103  discussed above, extend from a mounting block  115  that is similar to block  104  discussed above. Block  115  secures movable hand  96  and its cradle  110  to a hinge  118  (i.e.,  FIGS. 9-11 ). Hinge  118  has an upper leaf  118 A welded to discharge strut  89  proximate the discharge throat  85 , and a lower leaf  118 B to which block  115  is attached by nuts  119 B that threadably mate to studs  119 A ( FIG. 11 ). The hinge pivot axis  116  is formed between leaves  118 A and  118 B. Block  115  is similar to block  104  discussed above. The upper leaf  118 A of hinge  118  is fastened beneath discharge throat crosspiece  89  ( FIGS. 8-10 ), preferably by welding. Preferably there is a weight  121  disposed beneath the hinge (FIGS.  8  and  11 - 13 ) that operates the indexing lever system explained below in response to gravity. 
         [0058]    The moving hand  96  automatically drops to a ball receptive orientation ( FIG. 3 ) by gravity when there is a ball formerly held between hands  95 ,  96  is shot or dislodged. Weight  121  moves hand  96  towards the fixed hand  95  for reloading. When a ball thereafter drops through the discharge throat  85  (i.e.,  FIG. 7 ) and falls downwardly into contact between hands  95  and  96 , hand  96  is pivotally displaced towards the right (as viewed in  FIG. 4 ) with the ball  34  being restrained and captivated between the resilient cradles  100 ,  110 . Ball contact however, move hand  96 . Travel of the displaceable hand  96  is limited by contact of the nuts  119 B ( FIG. 12 ) with upper leaf  118 A of hinge  118  discussed earlier. The preferred critical indexing structure will prevent a ball  27  ( FIG. 6 ) rolling down the ramp  82  from traversing the discharge throat  85  when the practice device  22  is already “loaded”—i.e., when there already is a ball  34  to be shot held between hands  95  and  96  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0059]    There is a generally Z-shaped lever indexing system  120  is mounted above displaceable hand  96 . The automatic lever indexing system  120  comprises a pair of similar, preferably aluminum, Z-shaped levers  124 ,  125  disposed upon opposite sides of the hinge  118 . The Z-shape is employed in the best mode, but other shapes (i.e., S-shaped) may be used. 
         [0060]    As viewed in  FIGS. 11-13 , each indexing lever preferably has three portions, comprising a lower portion, an upper portion, and an intermediate portion joining the upper and lower portions. In the best mode the lowermost horizontal segment  130  of each preferably Z-shaped lever is affixed at the underside of hinge leaf  118 A, sandwiching hand-mounting block  121  therebetween. The rectangular weight  121  is threadably connected between opposing lever segments  130  ( FIG. 11 ) by fasteners  126  extending through orifices  127  in lever segments  130 , that threadably seat in threaded block orifices  129 . In  FIG. 12  it will be observed that weight  121  is positioned between the hinge pivot point  116  and the fastener nut  119 B. It will also be observed that the thickness of fastener nuts  119 B limit pivoting by contacting the upper lead  118 A of the hinge, and thus nut size is important for proper operation. 
         [0061]    Each lower horizontal index lever segment  130  is integral with a vertical segment  134  and an upper, generally horizontal segment  136 . Proper ball contact is enhanced by proper spacing of the two Z-shaped indexing levers. When hands  95  and  96 , and thus cradles  100 ,  110 , contact and center a loaded ball being restrained, the upper segments  136  of the indexing levers point towards and contact and restrain a ball  27 E ( FIG. 6 ) that is waiting its turn to drop through the discharge slot  85 . The Z-shaped levers are thus deflected to block another incoming ball when a ball to be spiked is secured between the hands. 
         [0062]    Hand  96  drops by gravity to the position of  FIG. 3  after a shot in response to the weight  121  ( FIG. 11 ). In the latter position, it will be observed that lever segment  136  is maximally spaced apart from a ball  27  travelling down the ramp  82 . However, after spiking, when a replacement ball drops through the discharge throat  85 , it contacts the hands  95 ,  96 , displacing hand  96  towards the right (as viewed in  FIG. 6 ), moving the indexing lever system into contact with a subsequent ball  27 E ( FIG. 6 ) that is blocked from further travel until released by the lever segments  136  pushing towards it. When ball  34  ( FIG. 6 ) for example, is discharged by a hit or spike, lever segments  136  will pivot away from ball  27 E which will drop between hands  95 , and  96  again pivoting the index levers  124 ,  125  so that ball  27 B will be restrained and ball  27 E ( FIG. 6 ) will be dropped into a loaded position. Weighted mounting block  121  assists hand  96  to fall into the open position shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  10 , and  13 ). Alternatively a spring or counter weight could be used to assist hand  96  to be moved into the open position. 
         [0063]    The optional or auxiliary target training net assembly  24  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Net assembly  24  comprises a rigid, lower, generally C-shaped chassis  160  comprising a pair of forwardly projecting legs  161 ,  162  secured at their rear by a transverse strut  164 . A vertically oriented stanchion  170  that supports the net  169  is secured to strut  164 . Stanchion  170  is extensible and adjustable, comprising a fixed base section  171  in which upper, displaceable section  172  is telescoped. A handle assembly  173  adjusts stanchion  170  in the same manner discussed previously in conjunction with  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Caster wheels  174  are provided for mobility. 
         [0064]    The net  169  is held by a strut  175  projecting at a selected angle from between sides of a guide bracket  177  that allows the selection of varying angles. A net subframe is formed by spaced horizontal struts  180  and  181 , vertical struts  183 ,  184  and lower horizontal segments  185 ,  186 . A rigid, generally rectangular frame  190  ( FIG. 18 ) is disposed at the net front, being held by struts  180 - 185 . The upper horizontal segment of frame  190  supports frontal webbed netting  194  that hangs down generally perpendicularly to the playing surface  26 . Peripheral netting  197  is arrayed to the sides of netting  194 , being suspended between frame sides  199 ,  200  and the struts  180 ,  181 ,  185  and  186  described earlier ( FIG. 17 ). Struts  185  and  186  are secured to bottom of frame  190 , being welded to frame bottom  202  ( FIG. 18 ). 
         [0065]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0066]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0067]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.