Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING AND/OR TRAINING BALL SKILLS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/203218
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus (10; 100; 210) for developing and/or training ball skills comprising a ball (12; 112; 212) having a passage there through receiving therein an outer sleeve (14; 217) having first and second opposite open regions (217.1; 217.2), first and second hollow fastening formations (26; 126; 226.1; 226.2) each engaging the outer sleeve, and each providing a collar arrangement (229) abutting against opposite outer surfaces of the ball (12, 1 12; 212) the first and second hollow fastening formations (26; 126; 226.1; 226.2) preventing displacement of the sleeve away from the ball. The apparatus (10; 100; 210) further comprises first and second bearing assemblies (28; 228.1; 228.2) received into the first and second hollow fastening formations (26; 126; 226.1; 226.2), respectively, and a securing means including an inner sleeve (228) received within, but spaced from the outer sleeve, and first and second opposite members (240; 242) protruding inwardly through the first and second hollow fastening (26; 126; 226.1; 226.2) formations, respectively, and through the first and second bearing assemblies (28; 228.1; 228.2), respectively, to securingly engage the inner sleeve (238).

Inventors:
BRORSON GRAEME MARK (ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/052988
Publication Date:
November 08, 2018
Filing Date:
April 30, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
BRORSON GRAEME MARK (ZA)
International Classes:
A63B67/10
Foreign References:
US20040072632A12004-04-15
US20120252637A12012-10-04
US20020198085A12002-12-26
US0426944A1890-04-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DESSINGTON MARAIS INC. (ZA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough receiving therein an outer sleeve having first and second opposite open regions;

first and second hollow fastening formations matingly engaging the first and second opposite open regions of the outer sleeve, respectively, and each first and second hollow fastening formation extending and protruding outwardly providing a first and second collar arrangement abutting against opposite outer surfaces of the ball, respectively, the first and second hollow fastening formations preventing displacement of the sleeve away from the ball;

first and second bearing assemblies matingly engaging and received into the first and second hollow fastening formations, respectively;

a securing means including an inner sleeve received within, but spaced from the outer sleeve, and first and second opposite members protruding inwardly through the first and second hollow fastening formations, respectively, and protruding through the first and second bearing assemblies, respectively, to securingly engage the inner sleeve,

such that in use,

the ball rotates together with the outer sleeve and the first and second hollow fastening formations about the first and second bearing assemblies, whilst concomitantly the inner sleeve and first and second opposite members do not rotate.

2. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein each of the first and second opposite members includes a first and second loop formation, respectively. 3. The apparatus according to Claim 2, further comprising first and second guidelines connected to and extending away from each of the first and second loop formations, respectively.

4. The apparatus according to Claim 3, further comprising first and second handles at each free end of the first and second guidelines, respectively.

5. The apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the first and second guidelines are elastic.

6. The apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the ball is spherical such as a soccer ball, or ovoid such as a rugby ball. The apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein each of the first and second loop formations are mounted to first and second guide formations, respectively.

The apparatus according to Claim 7, further comprising a pair of first and second guidelines connected to, and spaced apart by, first and second end zones of the first and second guide formations, respectively, wherein the ball is displaceable along a length of the pair of first and second guidelines.

The apparatus according to Claim 8, further comprising first and second stopping formations located at opposite ends of each of the first and second guidelines forming the pair of guidelines, such that in use, the first and second stopping formations limit displacement of said ball along the length of the pair of first and second guidelines.

The apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the first and second stopping formations are provided as first and second uprights, such that in use, said uprights being spaced apart therein tensioning the pair of guidelines.

The apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the first and second uprights provide adjustable lengths and the pair of guidelines are secured along varied positions along each length of the first and second uprights.

The apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the first and second uprights are telescopic.

The apparatus according to Claim 12, further comprising a tether in use connecting the ball and/or the first and/or second guide formations to a trainee (user) of the apparatus, such that in use the ball may readily be retrieved by the trainee when the user applies a force to the tether.

An apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough provided as a sleeve;

first and second fastening formations at opposite ends of the sleeve to prevent displacement of the sleeve away from the ball;

a guideline having first and second handles located at first and second end regions thereof, wherein the guideline being matingly engaged through the passage; and a securing means to constrain the ball at a certain position along the length of the guideline and prevent displacement along the length of the guideline whilst concomitantly facilitating rotational motion of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the guideline.

The apparatus according to Claim 14 further comprising first and second bearing assemblies in register with the first and second fastening formations, respectively, in use providing rotation of the ball about the guideline without concomitant rotation of the guideline.

Description:
APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING AND/OR TRAINING BALL SKILLS

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills. Particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills in the game of football (soccer).

BACKGROUND Numerous approaches have been provided for the development and/or training of ball skills for athletes. For example U.S. patent no. 5,556,104 describes a practice device including a frame and a rebound surface therein practicing a trainee's kicking accuracy and response reflex. A trainee kicks a ball such that the ball strikes the device and rebounds. Should the trainee not possess a certain threshold degree of ball skill, control over the trajectory of the rebounded ball will be lost. Other rebound type devices are also known, as described in U.S. patent no. 5,938,546.

Another training device that allows for kicking training only, and is additionally portable, is described in U.S. patent no. 5,830,089. The various known approaches typically allow a trainee to displace a ball in a direction away from said trainee, and requires said trainee to exercise skill in order to regain control of the ball. Known approaches also focus on one skill set at a time, and as such holistic and/or integrated hand-eye -foot coordination and/balance training is not provided for. A problem experienced during the development and/or training of ball skills, typically amongst minors, is the displacement of the ball away from a trainee to a position where said trainee cannot regain control of the ball. Associated with the aforementioned is a problem of providing proper development and/or training of ball skills in confined spaces. Many trainees may live in confined spaces such as apartments where a loss of control over an aerially displaced ball may provide for health and safety risks. Consequently, there is a need for apparatuses that are compact, readily mobile and hinder a loss of control over a ball during a training and/or development exercise. A further problem experienced in the prior art disclosures includes separate training and/or development of foot (leg) ball skills from hand (arm) ball skills which precludes integrated hand-eye -foot coordination and/or balance training. The invention described herein seeks to ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages known in the prior art and/or described above.

SUMMARY Broadly, in accordance with a first aspect of this invention there is provided an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising a ball having a passage therethrough, and a guideline having first and second stopping formations located at first and second end regions thereof. The guideline may be matingly engaged through the passage. The ball may be configured to allow displacement thereof along a length of the guideline and allow rotation around a longitudinal axis the guideline, wherein the first and second stopping formations limit displacement of said ball along the length of the guideline.

The first and second stopping formations may be provided as first and second uprights, such that in use, said uprights being spaced apart therein tensioning the guideline. The first and second uprights may provide adjustable lengths and the guideline may be secured along varied positions along each length of the first and second uprights. The first and second uprights may be telescopic.

The apparatus may further include a tether in use connecting the ball to a trainee (user) of the apparatus, wherein the ball may readily be retrieved by the trainee when the trainee applies a force to the tether.

The passage may be provided as a sleeve. The sleeve may be a plastics material such as, but not limited, to nylon or rubber. The sleeve may be metal. In a certain embodiment of the invention the sleeve may include fastening formations at opposite ends of the sleeve to prevent displacement of the sleeve away from the ball.

The sleeve may be in rotational communication with at least one bearing assembly to facilitate rotational motion of the ball around the guideline when the apparatus is in use. Typically, the sleeve may be in rotational communication with two bearing assemblies located at or near opposite open ends of the passage through the ball. Typically, the two bearing assemblies being located at opposite open ends of the passage through the ball provide in use for rotation of the ball about the guideline without concomitant rotation of the guideline. It is to be understood that the two bearing assemblies may be located elsewhere within the passage and/or sleeve.

The guideline may be elastic. The ball may be spherical such as a soccer ball, or ovoid such as a rugby ball.

The apparatus may further include a securing means to constrain the ball at a certain position along the length of the guideline and prevent displacement along the length of the guideline whilst concomitantly facilitating rotational motion of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the guideline. The securing means may be provided by the guideline one either side of the ball adjacent the fastening formation. Alternatively, the securing means may engage through the sleeve and be adapted to prevent displacement along the length of the guideline.

This first aspect of the invention may allow a trainee (user) to set the guideline and ball at a predetermined height above ground to allow for developing and/or training header ball skills typically associated with the game of soccer. The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is portable and constrains displacement of the ball along a certain trajectory facilitating development and/or training of ball skills, providing greater control over a displaced ball and/or limiting health and safety risks.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough rotatably mounted to a guide formation;

a pair of first and second guidelines connected to, and spaced apart by, first and second end zones of the guide formation, wherein the ball is displaceable along a length of the pair of guidelines; and

first and second stopping formations located at opposite ends of each of the guidelines forming the pair of guidelines, such that in use, the first and second stopping formations limit displacement of said ball along the length of the pair of guidelines.

The guide formation may be elastic or rigid. Typically, the guide formation is a rope of plastics material such as nylon. Alternatively and/or additionally, the guide formation may be a metallic wire material, and/or any combination of the aforementioned. The first and second stopping formations may be provided as first and second uprights, such that in use, said uprights being spaced apart therein tensioning the pair of guidelines. The first and second uprights may provide adjustable lengths and the pair of guidelines may be secured along varied positions along each length of the first and second uprights. The first and second uprights may be telescopic.

The apparatus may further include a tether in use connecting the ball and/or guide formation to a trainee (user) of the apparatus, such that in use the ball may readily be retrieved by the trainee when the user applies a force to the tether. The passage may be provided as a sleeve. The sleeve may be a plastics material such as, but not limited to, nylon or rubber. The sleeve may be metal. In a certain embodiment of the invention the sleeve may include fastening formations at opposite ends of the sleeve to prevent the displacement of the sleeve away from the ball. The sleeve may be in rotational communication with at least one bearing assembly to facilitate rotational motion of the ball around a longitudinal axis of the guide formation when the apparatus is in use. Typically, the sleeve may be in rotational communication with two bearing assemblies located at or near opposite open ends of the passage through the ball. Typically, the two bearing assemblies being located at opposite open ends of the passage through the ball provides in use for rotation of the ball about the guideline without concomitant rotation of the guideline. It is to be understood that the two bearing assemblies may be located elsewhere within the passage and/or sleeve.

The guide formation may be connected to the pair of guidelines via connection formations. Connection formations may include hooks and/or loops which facilitate the displacement of the ball along a length of the pair of tensioned guidelines.

Particularly, the guide formation may provide at its end zones connection means for operative connection to the pair of guidelines whilst allowing for displacement along the length of the guidelines. The connection means may include hooks and/or loops which facilitate the displacement of the ball along the length of the pair of tensioned guidelines when in use.

The guidelines may be elastic. The ball may be spherical such as a soccer ball, or ovoid such as a rugby ball. The apparatus may further include a securing means to constrain the ball at a certain position along the length of the guide formation and prevent displacement along the length of the guide formation whilst concomitantly facilitating rotational motion of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the guide formation. The securing means may be provided by the guide formation on either side of the ball adjacent the fastening formation. Alternatively, the securing means may engage the sleeve and be adapted to prevent displacement along the length of the guideline.

This second aspect of the invention may allow a trainee (user) to set the pair of guidelines and ball at a predetermined height above ground to allow for developing and/or training header ball skills typically associated with the game of soccer. The apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is portable and constrains displacement of the ball along a certain trajectory facilitating development and/or training of ball skills, providing greater control over a displaced ball and/or limiting health and safety risks. Having a pair of guidelines provides for less constrained access of a user's head against the ball when compared to the embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

Broadly, and in accordance with a third aspect of this invention there is provided an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough;

a guideline having first and second handles located at first and second end regions thereof, wherein the guideline being matingly engaged through the passage; and

a securing means to constrain the ball at a certain position along the length of the guideline and prevent displacement along the length of the guideline whilst concomitantly facilitating rotational motion of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the guideline. The passage may be provided as a sleeve. The sleeve may be a plastics material such as, but not limited to, nylon or rubber. The sleeve may be metal. In a certain embodiment of the invention the sleeve may include fastening formations at opposite ends of the sleeve to prevent the displacement of the sleeve away from the ball. Typically, two bearing assemblies are located at or near opposite open ends of the passage through the ball and provide in use for rotation of the ball about the guideline without concomitant rotation of the guideline. It is to be understood that the two bearing assemblies may be located elsewhere within the passage and/or sleeve and/or fastening formations. The securing means may be provided by the guideline one either side of the ball adjacent the fastening formations. Alternatively, the securing means may engage the sleeve and be adapted to prevent displacement along the length of the guideline. The sleeve may be in rotational communication with at least one bearing assembly to facilitate rotational motion of the ball around a longitudinal axis of the guideline when the apparatus is in use. Typically, the sleeve may be in rotational communication with two bearing assemblies located at or near opposite open ends of the passage through the ball. The guideline may be elastic. The ball may be spherical such as a soccer ball, or ovoid such as a rugby ball.

In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough provided as a sleeve;

first and second fastening formations at opposite ends of the sleeve to prevent displacement of the sleeve away from the ball;

a guideline having first and second handles located at first and second end regions thereof, wherein the guideline being matingly engaged through the passage; and

a securing means to constrain the ball at a certain position along the length of the guideline and prevent displacement along the length of the guideline whilst concomitantly facilitating rotational motion of the ball around the longitudinal axis of the guideline.

The apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention may further comprise first and second bearing assemblies in register with the first and second fastening formations, respectively, in use providing rotation of the ball and first and second fastening formations about the guideline without concomitant rotation of the guideline.

This third aspect of the invention may allow a trainee (user) to develop and/or train ball skills in a confined space and provides for greater control over a displaced ball being kicked by the user. Surprisingly, the apparatus according to this third aspect of the invention develops and/or trains arm (hand) - eye - leg (foot) coordination concomitantly since the user holds the handles whilst kicking the ball. This facilitates the trainee developing and/or training improved coordination and/or balance skills. The Applicant is unaware of other known devices in the same field of endeavor that provide for concomitant hand-eye-foot and/or balance development and/or training.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of this invention there is provided an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills, the apparatus comprising:

a ball having a passage therethrough receiving therein an outer sleeve having first and second opposite open regions;

first and second hollow fastening formations matingly engaging the first and second opposite open regions of the outer sleeve, respectively, and each first and second hollow fastening formation extending outwardly providing a first and second collar arrangement abutting against opposite outer surfaces of the ball, respectively, the first and second hollow fastening formations preventing displacement of the sleeve away from the ball;

first and second bearing assemblies matingly engaging and received into the first and second hollow fastening formations, respectively;

a securing means including an inner sleeve received within, but spaced from the outer sleeve, and first and second opposite members protruding inwardly through the first and second hollow fastening formations, respectively, and through the first and second bearing assemblies, respectively, to securingly engage the inner sleeve,

such that in use,

the ball rotates together with the outer sleeve and the first and second hollow fastening formations about the first and second bearing assemblies, whilst concomitantly the inner sleeve and first and second opposite members do not rotate.

Each of the first and second opposite members may include a first and second loop formation, respectively.

In a particular embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise first and second guidelines connected to and extending away from each of the first and second loop formations, respectively. The particular embodiment may further comprise first and second handles at each free end of the first and second guidelines, respectively.

In the particular embodiment the first and second guidelines may be elastic. In the particular embodiment, the ball may be spherical such as a soccer ball, or ovoid such as a rugby ball.

In the particular embodiment, each of the first and second loop formations may be mounted to first and second guide formations, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment to the fourth aspect of the invention, the apparatus may further comprise a pair of first and second guidelines connected to, and spaced apart by, first and second end zones of the first and second guide formations, respectively, wherein the ball is displaceable along a length of the pair of guidelines.

In the alternative embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise first and second stopping formations located at opposite ends of each of the first and second guidelines forming the pair of guidelines, such that in use, the first and second stopping formations limit displacement of said ball along the length of the pair of first and second guidelines.

In the alternative embodiment, the first and second stopping formations are provided as first and second uprights, such that in use, said uprights being spaced apart therein tensioning the pair of guidelines. In the alternative embodiment, the first and second uprights provide adjustable lengths and the pair of guidelines are secured along varied positions along each length of the first and second uprights.

In the alternative embodiment, the first and second uprights are telescopic. In the alternative embodiment the apparatus may further comprise a tether in use connecting the ball and/or the first and/or second guide formations to a trainee (user) of the apparatus, such that in use the ball may readily be retrieved by the trainee when the user applies a force to the tether.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of this invention there is provided a kit for an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention above.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the kit comprises:

a ball adapted according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention herein above; a pair of first and second guidelines; first and second uprights being selectively attachable to opposite ends of the pair of guidelines; and

first and second handles being selectively attachable to opposite ends of a guideline, respectively. The kit may further comprise a guide formation as described herein above. The kit may further comprise any other element forming part of any one or more of the first to fourth aspects of this invention described herein above.

The kit according to the preferred embodiment may be utilized to assemble any one of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of this invention. The kit allows selective development and/or training of header -, leg (foot) -, and arm (hand) ball skills.

There is further provided for an apparatus and/or a kit substantially as herein described and/or illustrated and/or exemplified with reference to any one of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows an apparatus in accordance with a third aspect of this invention when in use by a trainee (user);

FIGURE 2 shows a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3 shows a three dimensional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 4 shows an apparatus in accordance with a second aspect of this invention when in use by a trainee (user); and

FIGURE 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a ball forming part of an apparatus in accordance with a fourth aspect of this invention;

FIGURE 6 shows a partial cross-section side exploded view of the ball shown in Figure 5; and FIGURE 7 shows a ball in accordance with any one of the aspects according to the invention adapted for use in a swimming pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In general terms, the first to the fourth aspects of the invention, as per the Summary, are repeated herein. However, the invention is further described, illustrated and/or exemplified herein with reference to non- limiting embodiments thereof. Figures 1 to 3 show, in accordance with the third aspect of this invention, an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills. The apparatus is provided with the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a ball 12 having a passage 14 therethrough and a guideline 16 having first and second handles 18, 20 located at first and second end regions 22, 24 thereof, wherein the guideline 16 being matingly engaged and threaded through the passage 14.

The apparatus 10 further includes a securing means (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) to constrain the ball 12 at a certain position along the length of the guideline 16 and to prevent displacement along the length of the guideline 16. In Figures 1 to 3 the ball is secured midway along the length of the guideline 16. It is to be understood that the guideline may be referred to as first and second guideline referring to a first portion extending outwardly from one side, and a second portion extending outwardly from an opposite side of the ball 12. The securement along a position of the guideline 16 does not hinder rotational motion of the ball 12 around the longitudinal axis of the guideline 16. The securing means may be of varying type and is not shown specifically in Figures 1 to 3. The securing means may be external to the ball 12 or internal to the ball 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the passage 14 is provided as a sleeve. It is to be understood that the sleeve 14 may be a plastics material such as, but not limited to, nylon or rubber. The sleeve may, for example, be metal. The sleeve 14 includes fastening formations 26 at opposite ends of the sleeve 14 to prevent the displacement of the sleeve 14 out of and/or away from the ball 12. The securing means may, for example, be provided by the guideline 16 one either side of the ball 12 adjacent the fastening formation 26.

The sleeve 14 is shown to be in rotational communication with at least two bearing assemblies 28 located at opposite open ends of the passage through the ball 12 to facilitate rotational motion of the ball 12 around a longitudinal axis of the guideline 16 when the apparatus 10 is in use. The bearing assemblies 28 and the fastening formations 26 are shown to be concentric relative to each other and are substantially flush with an outer surface the ball 12, as best illustrated in Figure 3. The bearings 28 allow the ball 12 to rotate about guideline 16 without concomitant rotation of the guideline 16. Typically, the fasting formations 6 rotate together with the ball 12.

The guideline 16 is manufactured from a plastics material typically used in skipping ropes. It is to be understood that the guideline 16 may be of any other suitable material. The ball 12 is spherical in shape and is a modified soccer ball. It is to be understood that the ball 12 may be manufactured from rubber, plastic, leather and/or any other suitable material for soccer balls.

This third aspect of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, allows a trainee (user) 30 to develop and/or train ball skills in a confined space and provides for greater control over a displaced ball being kicked by the trainee (user) 30. Since the trainee (user) 30 holds both handles 18, 20 suspending the ball 12 substantially above the ground and around the guideline 16, the ball 12 cannot be kicked away from the trainee 30 beyond his/her control.

Surprisingly, the apparatus 10 according to this third aspect of the invention develops and/or trains arm (hand) - eye - leg (foot) coordination concomitantly since the trainee (user) 30 holds the handles 18, 20 whilst kicking the ball 12 which is suspended around the guideline 16. This facilitates the trainee 30 developing and/or training improved coordination and/or balance skills. The Applicant is unaware of other known devices in the same field of endeavor that provide for concomitant hand-eye-foot and/or balance development and/or training. Figure 4 illustrates an apparatus for developing and/or training ball skills according to the second aspect of the invention. The apparatus according to the second aspect is provided with reference numeral 100.

The apparatus 100 comprises a ball 112 having a passage 114 therethrough rotatably mounted to a guide formation 115. The apparatus 100 further includes a pair of first and second guidelines 116.1, 116.2 connected to, and spaced apart by, first and second end regions 122, 124 of the guide formation 115, wherein the ball 112 is displaceable along a length of the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2.

The apparatus 100 further includes first and second stopping formations located at opposite ends of the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2, such that in use, the first and second stopping formations limit displacement of said ball 112 along the length of the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2. In Figure 4 only the first stopping formation 118 is shown to indicate that the length of the pair of guidelines 116.2 and 116.2 may vary. The guide formation 115 is a semi-rigid metallic wire. The first and second stopping formations are provided as first and second uprights 118, such that in use, said uprights being spaced apart therein tensioning the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2. Although not shown, the first and second uprights may provide adjustable lengths and the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2 may be secured along varied positions along each length of the first and second uprights 118. The first and second uprights 118 may, for example, be telescopic (although this is not shown).

The apparatus 100 may further include a tether (not shown) in use connecting the ball 112 and/or guide formation 115 to a trainee (user) 300 of the apparatus 100, such that in use the ball 112 may readily be retrieved by the trainee 300 when the trainee applies a force to the tether. The passage 114 is provided as a sleeve. The sleeve 114 may be a plastics material such as, but not limited to, nylon or rubber. The sleeve 114 may, for example, be metal. The sleeve 114 includes fastening formations 126 at opposite ends of the sleeve 114 to prevent the displacement of the sleeve 114 away from the ball 112. The sleeve 114 is in rotational communication with at least two bearings assemblies (not shown) located at opposite open ends of the passage through the ball 112 to facilitate rotational motion of the ball 112 around a longitudinal axis of the guide formation 115 when the apparatus 100 is in use. The bearings and the fastening formations are concentric relative to each other and are substantially flush with an outer surface the ball 112.

The guide formation 115 is connected to the pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2 via connection formations 132. Connection formations 132 are illustrated herein as loops which facilitate the displacement of the ball 112 along a length of the pair of tensioned guidelines 116.1, 116.2. The apparatus 100 according to the second aspect of the invention is portable and constrains displacement of the ball 112 along a certain trajectory facilitating development and/or training of ball skills, providing greater control over a displaced ball and/or limiting health and safety risks. Having a pair of guidelines 116.1, 116.2 provides for less constrained access of a user's head against the ball 112 when compared to the embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. Figures 5 and 6 show a partial cross-sectional view of a ball forming part of an apparatus which can be employed in any of the aspects of the invention described herein. Particularly, Figure 5 and 6 shows a ball 212 in accordance with an apparatus 210 described in the fourth aspect of this invention. The apparatus 210 comprises a ball 212 having a passage 214 therethrough. The passage 214 receives therein an outer sleeve 217 having first and second opposite open regions 217.1, 2.17.2. The apparatus 210 is shown to further comprise first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2 matingly engaging the first and second opposite open regions 217.1, 217.2 of the outer sleeve 217, respectively. Particularly, each of the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2 provides a grooved recess 227 to facilitate mating engagement with the first and second opposite open regions 217.1, 217.2 of the outer sleeve 217, respectively.

Each first and second hollow fastening formation 226.1, 226.2 extends and protrudes outwardly providing a first and second rounded collar arrangements 229.1, 229.2 abutting against opposite outer surfaces 231 of the ball 212, respectively. In use, the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2 prevent displacement of the outer sleeve 217 away from the ball 212. The collars 229.1, 229.2 are shown to each include a ring 233.1, 233.2 which is typically cut off after the manufacturing process and is non-essential.

The apparatus 210 further comprises first and second bearing assemblies 228.1, 228.2 matingly engaged and received into the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2, respectively, and fitting against first seats 234 provided by each of the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2.

The apparatus 210 is shown to further comprise a securing means 236 (seen in the exploded view of Figure 6) including an inner sleeve 238 received within, but spaced from the outer sleeve 217, and first and second opposite members 240, 242 protruding inwardly through the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2, respectively, and through the first and second bearing assemblies 228.1, 228.2, respectively, to securingly engage the inner sleeve 238. The first and second opposite members 240, 242 are ribbed to facilitate improved securing with the inner sleeve 238. In use, the inner sleeve 238 may be filled with a plastics material and/or glue to further improve securement of the first and second opposite members 240, 242 therein.

The inner sleeve 238 locates substantially adjacent to second seats 244 provided by each of the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2. When in use, the ball 212 rotates together with the outer sleeve 217 and the first and second hollow fastening formations 226.1, 226.2 about the first and second bearing assemblies 228.1, 228.2, whilst concomitantly the inner sleeve 238 and first and second opposite members 240, 242 do not rotate, or vice versa.

Figure 5 and 6 further show the apparatus 210 wherein each of the first and second opposite members 240, 242 each include a first and second loop formation 246, 248, respectively. The first and second opposite members 240, 242 may connect to the first and second loop formation 246, 248, respectively, via an interlocking mechanism 250 known in the art. First and second guidelines (not shown in Figures 5 and 6) typically attach to first and second opposite members 240, 242, respectively, and may each terminate in a handle. It is advantageous for the ball 212 to rotate without the concomitant rotation of the first and second opposite members 240, 242 and/or the guidelines. The ball 212 is shown to still include an inflatable bladder 252, although the Applicant envisages embodiments without such bladder 252.

The apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention particularly highlights internal mechanics of the ball 212. The ball adapted and configured according to the fourth aspect can be employed in a variety of use configurations described earlier above.

Figure 7 shows the ball 12 connected to a guideline 16 attached to a circular looping means 41. The circular looping means 41 being displaceable along a length of a rod 43. The configuration as shown in Figure 7 is for use in a swimming pool 45 by a user 30.

The invention in general terms may have application in other sports such as water polo, volley ball, and the like.

The Applicant believes that the invention described herein at least ameliorates one of the disadvantages known in the current state of the art.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments and/or examples thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to these embodiments. For example, varying kits may be provided for to allow for the assembly of any one or more of the various aspects of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the claims and any equivalents thereto, which claims are appended hereto.