Patent Publication Number: US-2019192942-A1

Title: Sports swing training system and method of operation

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/610,732, filed Dec. 27, 2018 and entitled SPORTS SWING TRAINING SYSTEM, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a sports swing training system and method of operation trains the proper swing of a shaft to hit a sports target, such as a ball or puck so as to drive the sports target at a proper direction and velocity; whereby the assembly provides a base, a height adjustable rod extends perpendicularly from base, a spring positioned between the base and the bottom end of the rod to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod, a target holder attached to top end of rod to retain a first sports target, a hub and a washer disposed at the bottom end of rod are rotatable about the rod, a rotating tethering mechanism extends from the hub, whereby the cable attaches to the tethering mechanism from a proximal end and attaches to a second sports target from an opposite end. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Generally, sports such as golf, baseball, hockey and tennis require the holding and swinging of a shaft, which may be a baseball bat, hockey stick, racket, or simply the leg or arm, to hit a sports target, such as a ball or a puck for the purpose of driving the sports target at the proper direction and velocity, while maintaining proper body position. The swinging of the shaft, including a leg or arm, requires skill and a lot of practice in order to perfect the angle and speed of the swing, as well as to develop muscle memory. 
     Typically, sports require a player to swing a shaft to strike a ball, such as baseball, softball, hockey puck, tennis, racquetball, squash, and cricket. In these sports, the ball is normally hit at an elevation above the ground, and sometimes from a bent or crouched position, so that the swing plane is substantially horizontal. It is known in the art that baseball, softball, soccer, and hockey players can improve their swing through repetition and muscle memory. This is usually accomplished with swing training assemblies that provide feedback regarding proper lower body positioning that is required to develop proper lower body position muscle memory throughout a swing. It is also important that a hitter keep the hips level and avoid lifting upward when hitting. 
     It is also known that improving a player&#39;s batting or swing form and technique is based on repetition and creating muscle memory. For example, softball hitters swing with the pivoting of the rear foot and stepping into a pitch with the forward foot. Thus, the most power and momentum in a batting swing a hitter creates torque in the hips by pivoting the rear foot, rotating the hips and stepping into a pitch with the forward foot. Similarly, when a player swings at a golf ball, the forward foot is kept stationary and the rear loot pivoted when swinging. 
     Other proposals have involved swing training devices. The problem with these swing training devices is that they do not allow for multiple types of balls and pucks to be attached, so as to enable for eclectic sports training. Also, the ball is not always tethered to the swing training system. Even though the above cited swing training devices meet some of the needs of the market, a sports swing training system and method of operation that trains the proper swing of a shaft to hit a sports target, such as a ball or puck so as to drive the sports target at a proper direction and velocity; whereby the assembly provides a base, a height adjustable rod extends perpendicularly from base, a spring positioned between the base and the bottom end of the rod to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod, a target holder attached to top end of rod to retain a first sports target, a hub and a washer disposed at the bottom end of rod are rotatable about the rod, a rotating tethering mechanism extends from the hub, whereby the cable attaches to the tethering mechanism from a proximal end and attaches to a second sports target from an opposite end, is still desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a sports swing training system and method of operation. Sports swing training system helps train a user in the proper stance and swing of a shaft, so as to strike a sports target in the most effective manner, and for multiple types of sports and sport targets. This enhances the player&#39;s swing through repetition and muscle memory. Repeated use of the swing training system also provides feedback regarding proper lower body positioning that is required to develop proper lower body position muscle memory throughout a swing. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, system supports and tethers to at least one first sports target and at least one second sports target in a position that allows a user to swing the shaft in order to hit a sports target. System is also unique in that the sports target can be retained on a top end of a vertical rod. The vertical orientation of the rod helps train the proper initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user&#39;s body, as well as develop an appropriate swinging motion that is driven initially by the user&#39;s hips instead of the arms. The sports target may also be tethered to a bottom end of the rod, so that after swinging and striking sports target, the user can quickly set up system for multiple swings. 
     Thus, by swinging at the sports target attached to system, the user can develop the skills necessary to drive the sports target at an appropriate direction and velocity to achieve the goal for that specific sport. The sports targets that detachably rest/tether to the top or bottom end of the resilient rod may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, a hockey puck, and a soccer ball. The shaft by which the user swings at the sports target may include, without limitation, a bat, racket, hockey stick, the leg, and the arm. 
     In one embodiment, the sports swing training system comprises a base that rests on a flat surface. The swing training system also includes a height adjustable rod that extends perpendicularly from the base. The rod is defined by a bottom end oriented towards the ground surface, and an oppositely disposed top end. 
     In another embodiment, the sports swing training system provides a spring disposed between the base and the bottom end of the rod. The spring is sufficiently resilient, so as to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod when a shaft strikes at the top end of the rod. In other embodiments, a target holder detachably attaches to the top end of the rod. The, the target holder retains at least one first sports target, at or near the top end of the rod. In some embodiments, the first sports target may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, and a cricket ball. In this manner, swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sports swing training system comprises a tethering mechanism that is rotatable about the top end of the rod. The sports swing training system may further include a resilient cable that is defined by a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the cable is joined with the tethering mechanism from the proximal end. The distal end of the cable detachably attaches to at least one second sports target. In this manner, swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod. In yet another embodiment, the first and second sports targets are interchangeable and replaceable from their respective target holder and distal end of the cable. 
     In another aspect, the base has a disc shape, or a truncated cone shape. 
     In another aspect, the target holder comprises a cylinder. 
     In another aspect, a height adjustment fastener, such as a screw, clamp ring, or other fastening means known in the art may be used to fasten the rod at the desired height. 
     In another aspect, the tethering mechanism comprises a thin disc defined by a central aperture and an edge. 
     Another aspect, the tethering mechanism comprises a bi-hook shaped protrusion extending from the peripheral region of the thin disc. 
     Still another aspect, the first end of the cable ties around the bi-hook shaped protrusion. 
     Yet another aspect, the cable is a resilient rubber cable. 
     One objective of the present invention is to train a user how to properly swing a shaft, such as a baseball bat, hockey stick, racket, or simply the leg or arm, in order to hit a sports target, such as a ball or a puck; whereby the player develops a perfect the angle and speed of the swing, while also developing muscle memory. 
     Another general objective is to provide a tethering cable to the sports targets to enable repetitive swings at a sports target attached to the swing training system, so that the user can develop the skills necessary to drive a ball or puck in a proper direction. 
     Still another objective is to help train the proper initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user&#39;s body, as well as develop an appropriate swinging motion that is driven initially by the user&#39;s hips instead of the arms. 
     Another objective is to provide a height adjustable rod that allows users of different sizes to swing at a baseball. 
     Another objective is to provide training a user how to swing a baseball bat that is easily manufactured and inexpensive. 
     Yet another objective is to provide a swing training system that is simple to use and adjustable so that multiple users can learn to swing a shaft, arm, or leg with a single device. 
     And another objective is to provide an easy to operate and assembly swing training system. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary sports swing training system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an elevated side view of the sports swing training system shown in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C  illustrate perspective views of a user swinging on the system, where  FIG. 3A  shows the user swinging on a baseball with a bat,  FIG. 3B  shows the user swinging on a hockey puck with a hockey stick, and  FIG. 3C  shows the user swinging on a soccer ball with the leg, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the sports swing training system shown in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary base and attached rod, and further shows a detached target holder, cable, and various types of sports targets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base and attached rod showed in  FIG. 5 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the rod with various sports target attachments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate perspective views of the rod with different sports targets, with  FIG. 9A  showing a hockey puck and  FIG. 9B  showing a baseball, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary rod and tethering mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a top view of an exemplary rod and tethering mechanism shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tethering mechanism defined by a disc, a central aperture, an edge, and a hooked protrusion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating a sports swing training system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A sports swing training system  100  and method  1300  of operation is referenced in  FIGS. 1-13 . Sports swing training system  100 , hereafter “system  100 ”, is configured to efficiently train a user in the proper stance and swing of a shaft, so as to strike a sports target in the most effective manner, and for multiple types of sports and sport targets. This is accomplished with an upright, flexible rod  104  that supports sports targets from a top end and a bottom end, depending on the type of sports target being used. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, system supports and tethers to at least one first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  and at least one second sports  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  target in a position that allows the user to swing a shaft  204   a ,  204   b ,  204   c  in order to hit the sports target. System  100  is also unique in that the first and/or second sports target may be tethered to its appropriate end of the rod  104 , so that after swinging and striking sports target, the user can quickly set up system for multiple swings. 
     Further, the vertical orientation of rod  104  helps train the proper initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user&#39;s body, as well as develop an appropriate swinging motion that is driven initially by the user&#39;s hips instead of the arms. The user&#39;s visual perception of the sports target is also enhanced through use of system  100 . Other swinging advantages are also developed through repetitive use of system  100 . 
     Thus, by swinging at the sports target attached to system  100 , the user can develop the skills necessary to drive the sports target at an appropriate direction and velocity to achieve the goal for that specific sport. The sports targets that detachably rest/tether to the top or bottom end of the resilient rod may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, a hockey puck, a tennis ball, and a soccer ball. The sports targets may be interchangeable between the top end and bottom end of the rod. The shaft by which the player swings at the sports targets may include, without limitation, a bat, racket, hockey stick, the leg, and the arm. 
     Generally, sports such as golf, baseball, hockey and tennis require the holding and swinging of a shaft  204   a - c , which may be a baseball bat  204   a , hockey stick  204   b , racket, or simply the leg or arm  204   c , to hit a sports target, such as a ball or a puck for the purpose of driving the sports target at the proper direction and velocity, while maintaining proper body position. The swinging of the shaft (or leg/arm) requires skill and a lot of practice in order to perfect the angle and speed of the swing, as well as to develop muscle memory. 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1 , system  100  is unique in providing a height adjustable, resilient rod  104  that provides the foundation towards which the swing is directed. Rod  104  is configured to support a first sports target  200   a - c  from a top end, and enable a tethered, rotational attachment to a second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  that can be swung at with shaft  204   a - c . First and second sports targets  202   a - c ,  202   a - c  may be interchanged to include any sports targets known in the art. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one possible embodiment in which first sports target  200   a , such as a baseball, rests at a top end  106   a  of the rod  104 , and second sports target  202   a , such as a hockey puck, is tethered to the bottom end  106   b  of rod  104  through a tethering mechanism  114  that rotates about rod, and a resilient cable  116 . 
     This unique support structure for the sports targets provides the user with the dual function of swinging at a stationary first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  that is also height adjustable; and repeatedly swinging at a second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  that rotates around the rod  104 . This creates a dynamic where the user has the opportunity to take repetitive swings; and thereby, maximize swing practice without requiring a partner to retrieve the second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c . System  100  also allows the user to interchange sports targets, so as to provide a flexible, adaptive swing training experience for myriad sports. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 3A , top end  106   a  of rod  104  may include a baseball resting stationary, thereon. As the user swings at the baseball, the resilient configuration of rod  104  allows for a side-to-side swaying motion if the baseball bat inadvertently hits the rod  104 .  FIG. 3B  shows second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c , of a hockey puck, tethered to cable  116 . As the user swings the hockey stick at second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  with a hockey stick, the hockey puck rotates around the rod  104  up to 360°, providing the user with unlimited swings without the need to retrieve the puck after every swing. Further, the user can initially position the puck at a desired distance, so as to customize the type of swing that is being trained. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 3C , the cable  116  that retains second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  of a hockey puck has been detached from the tethering mechanism  114 , and replaced with another second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c . A soccer ball is now being used, so that the user swings at the soccer ball with the leg. As the user swings the leg at the soccer ball, and hits the soccer ball with the foot, the soccer ball rotates around rod  104  up to 360°. Similar to the hockey puck, this rotatable configuration provides the user with unlimited swings at the soccer ball. 
     Thus, one of the disadvantages of playing these particular sports is that the swing of a club or the shaft occurs so fast, that it is almost impossible to figure out how you did it improperly unless the user repetitively swings at the sports target over a long period of time. The disclosed swing training system  100  helps solve this problem by positioning sports target for swing training, so that the user learns to drive the ball or puck in a proper direction through the initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user&#39;s body, as well as a swinging motion driven initially by the user&#39;s hips instead of the arms. 
     As referenced in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , system  100  provides a base  102  that firmly rests the system  100  on a flat surface. In one embodiment, base  102  has a disc shape, or a truncated cone shape. Base  102  provides a solid foundation about which system  100  operates, and also provides a point of reference for swinging at the sports targets. 
     System  100  further comprises a height adjustable rod  104  defined by a top end  106   a  and a bottom end  106   b . Rod  104  extends perpendicularly from base  102 . Bottom end  106   b  is detachably attached into an orifice in base  102 . Bottom end  106   b  of rod  104  and base  102  may couple in a friction fit relationship, or through fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as screws, bolts, magnets, and adhesives. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , rod  104  may include an elongated cylinder fabricated from a resilient polymer. Rod  104  may be height adjustable to enable differently sized users to swing at first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  resting on the top end  106   a  of rod  104 . The height adjustability may be through telescopic means; or by adding and removing sections of rod  104  to increase or decrease the height, respectively. A height adjustment fastener  128   a ,  128   b , such as a screw, clamp ring, or other fastening means known in the art may be used to fasten the rod at the desired height. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , rod  104  is sufficiently resilient to sway in a side-to-side motion when forcefully engaged by a shaft. For example, when a shaft strikes first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  and rod  104 , the first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  is driven off the rod  104 , and the rod  104  sways, so as to remain intact and not break from the impact of the shaft. This swaying motion helps train the user to visually decipher if the swing level of the shaft is too low; thereby causing rod  104  to sway from the impact. 
     In some embodiments, a spring may be disposed between the base  102  and the bottom end  106   b  of the rod  104  to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod  104 . In this embodiment, the rod  104  may not be resilient, but still sway, as the spring, which serves as a  nexus  between base  102  and rod  104 , provides a predetermined spring tension that allows the rod  104  enough lateral freedom to sway. In either case, the swaying motion of rod  104  helps train the appropriate swing position and velocity, as well as the proper stance when swinging. 
     In some embodiments shown in  FIG. 5 , a target holder  108  attaches to the top end  106   a  of rod  104  to retain a first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c . In one possible embodiment, target holder  108  comprises a cylinder that is shaped and dimension to support a baseball, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Target holder  108  may couple to top end  106   a  of rod  104  in a friction fit relationship, or through fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as screws, bolts, magnets, and adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  further comprises a hub  112   a  and a washer  112   b  that are coupled to the bottom end  106   b  of rod  104 , and also rotatable up to 360° about rod  104 . In one embodiment, hub  112   a  and washer  112   b  comprises a thumb screw that can be tightened with one hand and has a threaded bolt and a ribbed cap. Hub  112  and washer  112   b  may also be used to help rotate tethering mechanism  114 . In some embodiments, a pair of spacers  134   a ,  134   b  are also used to help in radial rotation and spacing. In one non-limiting embodiment, hub  112   a  and washer  112   b  are defined by a central opening that enables passage of rod  104 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , washer  112   b  has a generally flat, round shape, and may be constructed from metal. Washer  112   b  may also be thin, so as to minimize space around the orifice of base  102  ( FIG. 15 ). In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the hub and washer are a thumb screw with a threaded bolt and a ribbed cap that can be gripped with one hand.  134   b  and  112   b  in  FIG. 4  show the thumb screw separated. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , hub  112   a  may fit around the bottom end  106   b  of rod  104  at a distance that allows for rotation about the rod  104 . In one non-limiting embodiment, various washers  130   a , screws  130   b , bearings, and lubricants can be applied between hub  112   a  and the outer surface of the rod  104  to facilitate, and adjust the rate of rotation. As discussed below, hub  112   a  and washer  112   b  provide support and facilitate rotation for a tethering mechanism  114  used to attach second sports target  202   a - c.    
     In some embodiments shown in  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , a tethering mechanism  114  extends from hub  112   a . Tethering mechanism  114  is operable to enable tethering to a resilient cable  116 . In one non-limiting embodiment, a strap  132  joins tethering mechanism  114  to cable  116 . In this manner, cable  116  can be easily wrapped around the tethering mechanism  114  or strap  132 . In one non-limiting embodiment, tethering mechanism  114  is a rubber or resilient strap. 
     Thus as  FIGS. 10 and 11  show, cable  116 , the tethering mechanism  114 , the hub  112   a , and the washer  112  may rotate together in this arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment, tethering mechanism  114  comprises a thin disc  120  defined by a central aperture  122  and an edge  124  ( FIG. 12 ). In one non-limiting embodiment, a secondary cable  138  may also be used in conjunction with cable  116 . Secondary cable  138  allows multiple sports targets to be struck simultaneously. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the tethering mechanism  114  may include a bi-hook shaped protrusion  126  that extends from the edge  124  of disc  120 . Strap  132  may include a U-shaped rubber strap. Proximal end  118   a  of cable  116  ties around the bi-hook shaped protrusion  126  or rubber strap. This fastening means enables quick attachment and detachment of various cables with different types of sports targets, as  FIG. 9A  shows a hockey puck, and  FIG. 9B  shows a ball being attached to cable  116  and tethering mechanism  114 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, cable  116  attaches to tethering mechanism  114  from a proximal end  118   a . Cable  116  also attaches to second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  from a distal end  118   b . The length of cable  116  can be predetermined, depending on the type of swing required. For example, cable  116  can be lengthened when kicking a soccer ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, cable  116  may include a resilient material, such as nylon, rubber, or elastic. As can be seen from  FIG. 8 , the hooked shape of tethering mechanism  114  allows for facilitated winding and detachable attachment of cable  116  for easy interchangeability of second sporting targets  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c.    
     Thus, both sports targets  200   a - c ,  202   a - c  are interchangeable and replaceable, so as to accommodate different types of sports. For example, first sports target  200   a  can be replaced simply be resting the desired ball on the target holder  108 , and replacing with a different first sports target  200   b . Second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  can be changed by untethering the cable  116  from tethering mechanism  114  and replacing second sports target  202   a  with another second sports target  202   b , or another cable  116  having an attached ball or puck. 
     Thus in a method  1300  of operation, a user stands at a predetermined distance from the rod  104  and base  102 . The user uses either component as a point of reference. When the user swings at first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  at the top end  106   a  of the rod  104 , the first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  is hit, and this may cause rod  104  to flex and sway upon contact. 
     As  FIG. 7  illustrates, first sports target  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c  may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, and a croquet. Or, if the user swings at the second target at bottom end  106   b  of rod  104 , this causes the second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  to rotate in a circular pattern up to 360° about the rod  104 . Second sports target  202   a ,  202   b ,  202   c  may include, without limitation, a hockey puck, a soccer ball, and a volleyball. In one non-limiting embodiment, a helix member  136  may be used to improve rotation of rod and/or retain sports target  200   a - c.    
       FIG. 13  illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method  1300  for maneuvering an exemplary guide wire through a cavity. The method  1300  may include an initial Step  1302  of positioning a rod in a vertical orientation on a flat surface, the rod being defined by a bottom end and a top end, the rod further being joined to a base by a spring, whereby the rod sways when force is applied thereto. The method  1300  may further comprise a Step  1304  of extending a cable to a rotatable tethering mechanism at the bottom end of the rod. A Step  1306  includes attaching at least one second sports target to the distal end of the cable. 
     In some embodiments, a Step  1308  comprises facing, by a user, the rod in a swinging stance at a predetermined distance. A Step  1310  includes swinging a shaft at the second sports target, whereby swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod. In some embodiments, a Step  1312  may include resting at least one first sports target on a target holder at the top end of the rod. A Step  1314  comprises swinging the shaft at the first sports target, whereby swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact. A final Step  1316  includes interchanging first and second sports targets. 
     Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.