Patent Publication Number: US-11660516-B2

Title: Sport training apparatus and method

Description:
FIELD 
     This invention is in the field of sports training apparatuses and methods, and more specifically to hockey and/or soccer (e.g. football) training apparatuses and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Canadian patent application nos. 2,715,697 and 2,762,626, filed Sep. 30, 2010 and Dec. 22, 2011 respectively, discloses a training apparatus for use on a training surface. The training apparatus includes a sport-projectile stopping member and an elongated body substantially transverse to the sport-projectile stopping member. The elongated body has a first section, a second section, and a transition section between the first and second sections. A portion of the first section is positioned on the sport-projectile stopping member, and the first section is sized such that the sport-projection stopping member, the first section, the training surface and the transition section define an orifice through which a sport-projectile can pass through. 
     Canadian patent application no. 2,312,671, filed Jun. 28, 2000, discloses a hockey training device comprising a frame with skate-like and hockey stick-like members attached thereto, simulating an opposing player. This training device is intended to assist the novice hockey player in developing the skills associated with maneuvering the hockey puck around and/or through an opponent, and forces the novice to concentrate on the triangle presented by the skates and hockey stick of the opponent. The device consists of a frame supporting two downwardly disposed legs having skate-like elements attached, and a third leg having a stick-like element attached. The skate-like elements and stick-like elements have coplanar lower edges so that the entire device may be placed on the ice, resting on these edges. The frame may be weighted, and drag-inducing spikes may be incorporated into the skate-like elements to affect the motion of the device on the ice. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,821, filed Feb. 12, 1992, discloses a hockey training device that includes a base having a first end and a second end, a side having a bottom end and a top end, a telescoping connector, and at least one locating surface mounted on the hockey training device to support the hockey training device above a playing surface. The bottom end of the side is pivotally connected to the first end of the base and the telescoping connector is pivotally connected to the second end of the base and the top end of the side, such that the base, side and telescoping connector form a triangle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Any and all aspects as described herein, individually or in any combination consistent to one of skill in the art. 
     According to an aspect, a sport training apparatus may comprise: an elongated base member; at least one stick member coupled to the elongated base member; at least one support member extending from the elongated base member to rest on a training surface for permitting a passage of a projectile under the elongated base member; and the at least one stick member has an angle from about 0-degrees to about 180-degrees with respect to the elongated base member. The elongated base member may have a first end and a second end. A first slot located on the first end may receive a first set of the at least one stick member and a second slot located on the second end may receive a second set of the at least one stick member. The first set may be a pair of stick members and the second set may be a single stick member. The first set may be a pair of stick members and the second set may be a pair of stick members. 
     Each pair of the stick members may be angled toward a center of the elongated base member or away from the center of the elongated base member. The angle may be an obtuse angle or an acute angle. The pair of stick members may be about 180-degrees with respect to each other. Both the first set of the at least one stick member and the second set of the at least one stick member may have a same value of the angle. 
     The at least one stick member may comprise an insertion member for inserting into the first slot or the second slot of the base member. The at least one stick member may further comprises a shaft coupled to the insertion member forming the angle. The angle may be approximately 135-degrees from each of the pair of stick members. 
     The at least one stick member may comprise a horizontal leg coupled at an end to the shaft and another end coupled to a bow member connecting with a toe member that contacts the training surface. The horizontal leg may have an angle of approximately 90-degrees with respect to the shaft. The bow member may extend upward from the toe member between approximately 20-degrees to approximately 30-degrees. 
     The at least one support member may comprises a pair of support members. One of the pair of support members may be located under the first end and the other one of the pair of support members may be located under the second end of the elongate base member. The at least one support member may be triangular-shaped or disc-shaped. 
     The elongated base member may comprise an extension member coupled to the elongated base member to extend a length of the elongated base member in a longitudinal direction. The extension member may be an elongated telescoping body sized to be received in the elongated base member. The elongated base member may comprise a wider portion that tapers toward the first end; at least a portion of the wider portion rests on the training surface for prohibiting the projectile to pass. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, example embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where: 
         FIG.  1    is a photograph of a left-side perspective view of a training device according to one aspect; 
         FIG.  2    is a photograph of a right-side perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a photograph of a top perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a photograph of a left-end view of the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a photograph of a right-end view of the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a photograph of a top view of a left end of the training device of  FIG.  1    with a pair of sticks removed; 
         FIG.  7    is a photograph of a top view of the left end of the training device of  FIG.  1    with one stick inserted; 
         FIG.  8    is a photograph of a top view of the left end of the training device of  FIG.  1    with both sticks inserted; 
         FIG.  9    is a photograph of a top view of the right end of the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a photograph of a right-side perspective view of a training device according to another aspect; 
         FIG.  11    is a photograph of a top view of a support portion of the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a photograph of a top view of one end of the training device of  FIG.  10     
         FIG.  13    is a photograph of a side perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  1    used in conjunction with the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a photograph of a top view of the training device of  FIG.  1    used in conjunction with the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a photograph of a rear perspective view of the support of the training device of  FIG.  1    demonstrating a central stick member; 
         FIG.  16    is a photograph of a perspective view of the elongate base support of the training device of  FIG.  1    demonstrating swept back stick members; 
         FIG.  17    is a photograph of a perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  10    demonstrating a pair of swept back stick members and a pair of swept forward stick members on opposite ends respectively; 
         FIG.  18    is a photograph of a perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  10    demonstrating a swept back and swept forward stick member on the same end; 
         FIGS.  19  to  21    are overhead view sketches demonstrating three example drill patterns using the training device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  22    is an overhead view sketch demonstrating a “lobster” configuration and an example drill pattern using the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  23    is an overhead view sketch demonstrating a “spider” configuration and an example drill pattern using the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a top plan view of an end of the training device of  FIG.  1    and/or  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a top plan view of an end of the training device of  FIG.  1    and/or  FIG.  10   ; and 
         FIG.  26    is a top perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  10    demonstrating the “lobster” configuration; 
         FIG.  27    is a photograph of a perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  10    demonstrating another configuration of the stick member; 
         FIG.  28    is a close up photograph of the stick member of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a photograph of a perspective view the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a photograph of another perspective view of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with the training device of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  31    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  30   ; 
         FIG.  32    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  30   ; 
         FIG.  33    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  34    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  35    is a close up photograph of a stick member ready to couple to a central slot of a base support; 
         FIG.  36    is a close up photograph of a stick member ready to couple to a central slot of a base support; 
         FIG.  37    is a photograph of one configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  38    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  39    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  40    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  41    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  42    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  29    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  43    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  29    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  44    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  29    used in conjunction with a second training device; 
         FIG.  45    is a photograph of a stick member coupled into a slot of a base support; 
         FIG.  46    is a photograph of the stick member of  FIG.  45    compared with a traditional stick member; 
         FIG.  47    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  27    having a pair of sticks with horizontal toes; 
         FIG.  48    is a photograph of a configuration of the training device of  FIG.  47    used in conjunction with a second training device; and 
         FIG.  49    is a photograph of another configuration of the training device of  FIG.  47    used in conjunction with a second training device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The refinement of professional and/or amateur sports has become increasingly competitive and complicated necessitating improvements in training equipment. In particular, sports such as hockey, soccer (e.g. football), ringette, and other sports require improved training and understanding. Most of these sports are typically trained on big, open playing fields and/or train skills in isolation. However, these sports (among others) are games of obstacles, such as skates, sticks, nets, and opposing players. Obstacle-based training may improve and/or refine a player&#39;s skill by requiring the player to accurately place the sport projective through gaps of the obstacle(s), around the obstacle(s), and the player must avoid the obstacle(s). According to the aspects described herein, obstacle-based training may provide players with functional skills throughout practice and training sessions. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  to  9   , a training device  100  may comprise an elongate base support  102  that may rest on a playing surface, such as ice for ice hockey, a field, and/or gymnasium floor. The elongate base support  102  may generally be tubular and open at one end  122  to receive a telescoping member  106 . The elongate base support  102  may comprise a horizontally wider and/or vertically wider end  120 . The wider portion  120  may taper  104  towards the end  122  where the telescoping member  106  may be received. The wider portion  120  may have increased width in order to extend a distance a player must jump over the training device  100 . In other aspects, the wider portion  120  may prohibit a projectile (not shown), such as a ball, puck, etc. from passing under the elongate base support  102 . 
     The telescoping member  106  may comprise an elongate member sized in such a manner as to be received by the elongate base support  102 . A support  108  may be coupled generally perpendicular to the telescoping member  106 . At least a portion of the support  108  may rest on the playing surface in order to hold the telescoping member  106  and elongate base support  102  generally parallel to the playing surface. In this aspect, the support  108  may be located at or near the end opposite to the end received by the elongate base support  102 . The support  108  may resemble a rectangular prism or in other aspects may comprise one or more protrusions to contact the playing surface. In other aspects, the protrusions may be placed far enough apart to permit the projectile to pass under the support  108 . 
     In some aspects, the telescoping member  106  may be narrower than the wider portion  120  of the elongate base support  102  in order to permit passage of the projectile thereunder. Therefore, extending the telescoping member  106  may increase a length where the projectile may pass in addition to providing a longer obstacle for the player to avoid/jump. 
     The elongate base support  102  and/or the telescoping member  106  may comprise one or more slots  110 ,  112  for receiving one or more stick members  114 ,  116 . In this aspect, the elongate base support  102  comprises a single the slot  110  at the end  122  opposite to the telescoping member  106  and a single slot  112  at or near the support  108  of the telescoping member  106 . Also in this aspect, the slots  110 ,  112  may receive two stick members  114 ,  116  as further described in detail below. 
     The stick members  114 ,  116  may be mirror images of each other and therefore the description herein will only describe the stick member  116 . The elements and features of stick member  114  may be identical (but in mirror image) and provide the same benefits as the stick member  116  described. In this aspect, the stick member  116  may generally comprise a head of a hockey stick. The stick member  116  may comprise a horizontal toe  602  configured to rest on the playing surface. The toe  602  may be coupled to a bow  604  that extends upward from the toe  602  at approximately 20-degrees to approximately 30-degrees. The upper end of the bow  604  may be coupled to a generally horizontal leg  606  (e.g. the angle between the bow  604  and the leg  606  may be approximately 60-degrees). The opposite end of the horizontal leg  606  may be coupled to a shaft  608 . The horizontal leg  606  may have an angle of approximately 90-degrees to the shaft  608  in order to facilitate coupling of the stick members  114 ,  116  to the elongate base member  102 . 
     The shaft  608  may be coupled along one edge to an insertion member  610 . The insertion member  610  may be sized in order for two insertion members  610  to fit within the slots  110 ,  112 . In this aspect, the shaft  608  may be coupled to the insertion member  610  at an angle of approximately 45-degrees. Therefore, when the insertion member  610  of two sticks  114 ,  116  are placed within one of the slots  110 ,  112 , an angle θ may be approximately 90-degrees between the two sticks  114 ,  116  as shown in  FIG.  8   . When the stick  114 ,  116  is inserted into the slots  110 ,  112 , the toe  602  may rest on the playing surface in order to provide an obstacle (e.g. block the projectile). 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  10  to  11   , a non-telescoping training device  200  is presented. The non-telescoping training device  200  may comprise short, elongate base  202  having a pair of supports  208  for resting on the playing surface. The supports  208  raise the elongate base  202  above the playing surface and may permit the projectile from passing thereunder. Similar to the training device  100  of  FIGS.  1  to  11   , the elongate base  202  may comprise at least one slot  210 ,  212  for receiving one or more of the sticks  114 ,  116  therein. 
     Returning to  FIG.  1   , a substantial portion of the telescoping member  106  may be slid within the elongate base support  102 . As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the telescoping member  106  may be extended from the elongate base support  102  providing approximately double a length of the training device  100 . According to another aspect, if additional length may be required, the non-telescoping training device  200  may be used to further extend the training device  100  as shown in  FIGS.  12  to  14    as described below. 
     The end of the training device  100  to be extended is shown in  FIG.  12   . In this aspect, the slot  112  on the elongate base support  102  is shown, but this aspect may apply equally well to the slot  110  on the telescoping member  106 . One end of the elongate base  202  of the non-telescoping device  200  may be placed on top of one end of the elongate base support  102  as shown in  FIG.  13   . As may be observed in this aspect, the elongate base  202  may be raised by the elongate base support  102 . The slot  212  of the non-telescoping training device  200  may be aligned with the slot  112  of the telescoping training device  100  and a fastener (not shown), such as the insertion member  610 , may be placed through both slots  112  and  212 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  15   , there is presented another aspect where a central stick member  116   c  may be placed within the slot  110 . Although the  FIG.  15    presents the central stick member  116   c  placed in slot  110  of the telescoping member  106 , the central stick member  116   c  may be placed in any of the slots  110 ,  112 ,  210 ,  212  of the training device  100  or the training device  200 . For example, as further shown in  FIG.  26   , the central stick member  116   c  is placed on one end of the elongate base  202 . At the opposite end, the pair of stick members  114   f ,  116   f  may form a generally “lobster” configuration further described with reference to  FIG.  22    below. 
     Although the aspects herein demonstrate the stick members  114 ,  116  as forward swept, another aspect, presented in  FIG.  16    demonstrates a pair of backward swept stick members  114   b ,  116   b . The use of the term forward swept in this context means that the stick members  114 ,  116  extend away and past an end from the main body of the training device  100 ,  200 . For example, each respective stick member  114 ,  116  may extends past an end of the elongate base  202 , telescoping member  106 , or elongate base  202  respectively and forms an obtuse angle with the respective main body (e.g. elongate base  202 , telescoping member  106 , or elongate base  202 ) when viewed from above. The term backward swept in this context means that the stick members  114   b ,  116   b  do not extend past the end of the main body of the training device  100 ,  200 . For example, each respective stick member  114   b ,  116   b  does not extend past an end of the elongate base  202 , telescoping member  106 , or elongate base  202  respectively and forms an acute angle with the respective main body (e.g. elongate base  202 , telescoping member  106 , or elongate base  202 ) when viewed from above. 
     Turning to  FIG.  17   , a pair of forward swept stick members  114   f ,  116   f  are on one end of elongate base  202  of the training device  200  and a pair of backward swept stick members  114   b ,  116   b  are on the other end of the elongate base  202  of the training device  200 . Although  FIG.  17    presents this configuration on the training device  200 , the configuration may also be applied to the telescoping training device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     In some aspects, such as shown in  FIG.  18   , the forward swept stick member  116   f  may be used in conjunction with the backward swept stick member  114   f  (or vice versa, e.g.  116   b  may be used in conjunction with  114   f ). This configuration generally aligns the stick member  116   f  and stick member  114   b  to form a line segment across an end of the main body (e.g. in this case the elongate base  202 ). This configuration may equally apply to the telescoping training device  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  19  to  21   , a diagram of example drill patterns around the training device  100  are presented. In  FIG.  19   , a player path is presented and generally travels around the training device  100 . The path begins with a player approach  1902  to the pair of forward swept stick members  114   f ,  116   f . When the player reaches the stick members  114   f ,  116   f , the player performed a hip open  1904  and passes a puck under the stick member  114   f . The player continues and receives the puck at  1908 . When the player reaches the opening under the telescoping portion of the training device  100 , the player passes the puck under the telescoping portion at  1910 . The player circles around the support  108  of the training device  100  at  1912  and receives the puck at  1914 . As may be observed, as the training device  100  is telescoped, the portion where the puck may pass under increases but likewise so does the distance that the player traverses increasing difficulty. 
     In  FIG.  20   , the player may continue from step  1914  from  FIG.  19    where the player has received the puck. The player proceeds along the training device  100  at step  2002  and may pivot backward  2004 . During the pivot backward  2004 , the player passes the puck under the stick member  116   f  at step  2006 . The player then performs one or more hip opens from  2008  to  2012  as the player circles around the stick members  116   f ,  114   f . The player deflects the puck at step  2010  under the other stick member  114   f . The player then pivots forward at  2014  and receives the deflected puck at  2016 . 
     In  FIG.  21   , the player may continue from step  2016  from  FIG.  20    where the player has received the puck. The player proceeds towards the telescoping member  106  and passes the puck underneath the telescoping member  106  at  2102 . The player then performs a crossover  2104  by either stepping over or jumping over the training device  100 . The player receives the puck at  2106  and proceeds to skate away from the training device  100 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  22   , the training device  200  where the stick members  114   f ,  116   f  may be configured in a “lobster” configuration as shown. The player approaches (at step  2202 ) stick members  114   f ,  116   f  end of the training device  200 . The player maneuvers the puck in a zig-zag pattern at steps  2204  to step  2206  to step  2212  to pass the puck underneath the stick member  114   f  While the player is performing this zig-zag maneuver, the player pivots enters an open hips position at  2208 . Once the puck has passed under the stick member  114   f , the player continues to skate forward  2210  and receives the puck at step  2212 . The player then deflects the puck underneath the training device  200  at step  2214 . The player then circles around the end of the training device  200  at step  2216  to receive the puck at step  2218 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  23   , the training device  200  may have the stick members  114   f ,  116   f  on both ends of the training device  200 . This configuration may be commonly called a “spider” configuration. Similarly, the player approaches the training device  200  at step  2302 . The player then performs a plurality of hip opens at step  2308 . During the first few hip opens  2308 , the player weaves the puck through the stick member  114   f  at steps  2304  and  2306 . Once the puck has passed under the stick member  114   f , the player continues to perform hip opens  2308  until the player weaves the puck through the stick members  114   f ,  116   f  at the opposite end at steps  2310 ,  2312 , and  2314 . The player performs hip opens  2308  around the opposite end and receives the puck at step  2316 . The player then skates off at step  2318  completing the maneuver. 
     In another aspect shown in  FIG.  24   , instead of the support  108  resembling a rectangular prism, the support  108  may be replaced with a puck or plate-shaped support  2400 . The support  2400  may deflect the projectile away from the end of the telescoping member  106 . The puck or plate-shaped support  2400  may additionally reduce the length of the support  108  while providing a similar surface area in contact with the playing surface. The reduced length of the plate-shaped support  2400  may prevent the support  2400  from interfering with the player and/or projectile. 
     A similar or even larger surface area may also provide similar contact characteristics prohibiting the end of the telescoping member  106  from moving on the playing surface. For example, the support  108  may have a length of 6-inches and width of 3-inches has a maximum contact area of 18 sq. inches (assuming that the entire bottom surface of the support  108  is in contact with the playing surface). The support  108  extends outward 3-inches on either side of the telescoping member  106 . Whereas for the plate-shaped support  2400  having a radius of 2.5-inches, the plate-shaped support  2400  extends outward 2.5-inches on either side of the telescoping member  106 . But the area of the plate-shaped support  2400  is approximately 19.6 sq. inches (assuming that the entire bottom surface of the support  2400  is in contact with the playing surface). Although this aspect presents a complete cylinder for the plate-shaped support  2400 , other aspects may be semi-circular with the circular edge opposite the end of the telescoping member  106 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  25   , instead of the support  108  resembling a rectangular prism or a plate-shaped support  2400 , the support  108 ,  2400  may be replaced with a triangular-shaped support  2500 . The support  2500  may deflect the projectile away from the end of the telescoping member  106  similar to the plate-shaped support  2400  but may provide a more controllable deflection surface than the plate-shaped support  2400 . The triangular support  2500  may additionally reduce bounce back (e.g. where the projectile strikes the support  108 ,  2400  and results in the projectile moving in an opposite direction to the motion of the player) when the player approaches from an apex end  2502  of the triangular support  2500 . The only place where such a bounce back may occur is when the projectile strikes the apex of the triangle  2502 , which has a relatively narrow angle. 
     Although the aspects herein demonstrate a pair of sticks  114 ,  116  being received in each of the slots  110 ,  112 ,  210 ,  212 , other aspects may comprise more than two sticks  114 ,  116  being received in each of the slots  110 ,  112 ,  210 ,  212 . Other aspects may comprise only a single stick  114 ,  116  being received in each of the slots  110 ,  112 ,  210 ,  212 . Although the aspects herein demonstrate sticks  114 ,  116  only at one end, other aspects may comprise sticks  114 ,  116  in all of the slots  110 ,  112 ,  210 ,  212 . 
     Although the aspects herein demonstrate the support  108 ,  2400 ,  2500  at the end of the telescoping member  106 , other aspects may also have the support  108 ,  2400 ,  2500  at the end of the elongate base support  102 . Although the supports  108 ,  2400 ,  2500  may be described herein on the training device  100  of  FIG.  1   , other aspects may have these supports  108 ,  2400 ,  2500  on the training device  200  of  FIG.  10   . 
     In another aspect, the stick member  116  may comprise a vertical toe  602  configured to rest on the playing surface. For example the stick member  114   f ,  116   f , and  116   c  as shown in  FIG.  27    each has the vertical toe  602 . The toe  602  may be coupled to a vertical portion  604   a  of the bow  604 . A main body  604   b  of the bow  604  extends upward from the vertical portion  604   a  at approximately 45-degrees. An upper end of the main body  604   b  may be coupled to a generally horizontal leg  606 . In an aspect, the vertical toe  602  may be directly coupled to the main body of the bow  604 . In another aspect, the bow  604  and the horizontal leg  606  may be manufactured from one piece of material. The vertical configuration of the toe  602  may enable the stick member  116   c  to couple more easily into a slot of another base member. 
     In an aspect, the training device  100  may be extended via the central stick member  116   c  as shown in  FIGS.  28  to  30   , The toe  602  of the central stick  116   c  of the training device shown in  FIG.  27    may be placed in a slot of another base support  102 . The other end of the base support  102  may also be coupled with another pair of stick members  114   b  and  116   b . Unlike the configuration of  FIG.  17   , in this aspect, the two pairs of sticks  114   b ,  116   b  and  114   f ,  116   f  are both forward swept. 
     In another aspect, the two pairs of stick  114   b ,  116   b  and  114   f ,  116   f  of the training device  100  shown in  FIG.  30    could be configured to both backward swept as shown in  FIG.  31   . In another configuration, one pair of stick is forward swept and the other pair is forward swept as shown in and  FIG.  32   . Similarly, the training device  100  shown in  FIG.  27    could be configured such that one pair of sticks at one end may be backward swept and the other end may only have one single stick as shown in  FIG.  33   .  FIG.  34    shows yet another example of the training device  100  having a pairs of sticks at each of the two ends of the base support and the two pairs of sticks are both configured to have forward swept. 
     In some aspects, the slot may be located at approximately the central part of the base support and may be perpendicular to (or generally across) the longitudinal direction of the base support as shown in  FIG.  35    and  FIG.  36   . A stick toe of another training device can be inserted into the slot such that two training devices can be easily coupled together.  FIGS.  37  to  44    shows examples that a first training device  200  is coupled to a second training device  300  via the central slot  310 . In the examples of  FIGS.  37  to  44   , the base support of the second training device  300  has a central slot  310  perpendicular to the base support, The toe of one stick of the first training device may be inserted into the central slot  310  of the second training device  300 . The base support of the second training device may be perpendicular to the base support of the first training device. 
     In some aspects, the second training device  300  can have different configurations. For example, the second training device  300  in  FIG.  37    and  FIG.  38    may have a single stick coupled to each of the two ends while the second device training device  300  in  FIG.  39    only has one single stick coupled to one end.  FIG.  40    shows an example that the second training device has a pair of sticks coupled to each of the two ends while the second training device in  FIG.  41    has one pair of sticks coupled to one end and a single stick coupled to the other end. 
     In some aspects, the first training device could be the configuration of  FIG.  29    having an extended base support coupled by a central stick.  FIGS.  42  to  44    shows the examples that the first training device  200  with an extended base support is coupled to the second training device  300 . Similar to the examples of  FIGS.  37  to  41   , the second training device may have different configurations of the sticks. 
     Although the aspects herein describe that the central slot  310  located in the base support of the second training device  300 . The central slot  310  may be configured to be located in the base support of the first training device  200 . 
     In some aspects, the stick member may have a horizontal toe at one end and a vertical toe at the other end as shown in  FIGS.  45  and  46   . The stick member may have approximately a same width. The bow may extend smoothly upwards from the horizontal toe towards the horizontal leg. There may be a curved transition area between the horizontal toe and the bow, and a curved transition area between the bow and the horizontal leg. 
     In some aspects, the training device may have a pair of sticks with horizontal toes at one end and a single stick with a vertical toe at the other end as shown in  FIG.  47   . 
     In yet another aspect, the vertical toe of the single stick of the training device shown in  FIG.  47    may be inserted into a slot of a base support of a second training device. The second training device may have a single stick with a horizontal toe or a pair of sticks with horizontal toes as shown in  FIG.  48    and  FIG.  49   . 
     In some aspects, the telescoping member  106  and the elongate base support  102  may comprise one or more fasteners in order to prohibit the telescoping member  106  from moving relative to the elongate base support  102 . These fasteners may be to maintain the training device  100  in an in-use configuration and/or to maintain the training device in a storage configuration. 
     Although the aspects herein describe the support  108  as generally perpendicular to the telescoping member  106 , other aspects may have the support  108  at an angle with respect to the telescoping member  106 . 
     Although the aspects described herein refer to elements being coupled, other aspects may have the elements integrally formed. The components of the training devices  100 ,  200  and/or  300  may be constructed of fiberglass, plastic, rubber, and/or metal. 
     Although particular drill patterns have been described herein, these drill patterns are demonstrative and may be modified as is known to one of skill in the art. 
     Although the aspects herein demonstrate a particular height of the training devices  100  and/or  200 . Other aspects may have training devices  100 ,  200 , and/or  300  of different heights. For example, the height may be double what is presented herein in order to permit a soccer ball to pass therethrough. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.