AN APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING MOTOR FUNCTION

The present invention relates to a training apparatus for improving motor function and in particular to a training apparatus for improving a person's ability to catch a ball. Competitive sports and in particular competitive ball sports have become an integral part of modern day society. Ball games are played at schools by both boys and girls and a child's participation in these games can help them develop both emotionally and physically and are an integral part of children adopting a healthy life style at an early age. The benefits of good sports clubs to local communities where team games are practiced and developed are well known. The ongoing development and improvement of the skills of all of the participants playing these games is highly desirable both for the individual's sense of self achievement and for the improvement of the team as a whole. As the playing of these games moves onto the competitive arena, coaches and managers want their players competing at their maximum performance level in terms of both fitness and skill. Some of these sports which are played with a ball require the players to move around a playing area, often at high speeds and the players are occasionally or regularly required to catch the ball. There is a very high level of skill involved in a person catching a ball which is above their head height especially when the player is moving at speed. To execute this manoeuvre involves a complex combination of motor functions combining running, jumping, raising of arms, positioning of hands, catching a ball, landing and preferably moving off at speed. Other variables which form an integral part of this technique are the timing of the jump, visualization and interpretation of ball speed and position. In many games such as Gaelic football, Australian Rules football, rugby, soccer, basketball, netball, baseball and cricket players are required to perform overhead catches in a variety of circumstances. This technique is difficult to coach because setting up the correct conditions so that players can practice catching a ball above their heads can be a slow and haphazard training exercise. It is dependent on the skills of the players themselves being able to deliver a ball into the correct position above their own head or a partners head to practice a high catch. It is also

[4] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems outlined above.

[5] Accordingly, the present invention provides a training apparatus for improving motor function comprising a support means having mounting means for releasably mounting the support means onto a support surface, the support means having a support member carrying at least one cross member, the support means having means for carrying at least two flexible lines, each flexible line having means for releasably fixing a target means thereon.

[6] Advantageously, the apparatus assists participants to improve their skill levels in the art of high catching by providing a controlled environment in relation to the position of the target means such as a ball. This allows the participants to repeatedly practice their high catching without the fear of injury to their face and fingers thereby removing the inherent fear factor associated with a free falling ball. The apparatus allows the participant to concentrate solely on their own motor functions such as running, jumping, catching and landing thereby allowing their bodies to learn from repeated practice without the fear factor. This type of training apparatus helps the participants to more fully understand the complex interrelationship between these aspects of the high catch by repeatedly carrying out the practice drill.

[7] The apparatus thereby helps participants by instilling confidence in their own abilities on the practice field which should translate into the competitive playing arena when required. Furthermore, use of the training apparatus improves the efficiency of a high catch drill which is notoriously difficult to successfully set up and maintain. The apparatus also allows the participants to work at the upper end of their ability during every repetition. The apparatus is also simple and quick to erect and can be used in almost any location including indoor and outdoor. The apparatus is also suitable for use with participants with special needs and has significant advantages in developing the motor skills and confidence of special needs participants because of the ease of repeatability of the exercise.

[8] Ideally, the support means has means for conveying at least two flexible lines along the support means.

[9] Preferably, the conveying means comprises guide means for guiding the at least two flexible lines along the support means and flexible line adjustment means.

[10] Ideally, the guide means comprises pulley means mounted along the support means.

[11] Ideally, the flexible line adjustment means is manually adjustable.

[12] Preferably, the manually adjustable flexible line adjustment means comprises a flexible line measuring means movably mounted external of and substantially parallel to the support member and a support means extending laterally from the base of the flexible line measuring means into the support member via a slot in the support

member and a weight resting on the support means, the weight being movably mounted on the flexible line.

[13] Ideally, the weight has a pulley mounted on it to receive the flexible line.

[14] Preferably, the support member has an opening in its wall and the flexible line extends back up the support member from the pulley and out through the opening to a clamp mounted on the support member.

[15] Ideally, the slot extends along the support member allowing an operator to raise the measuring stick which consequently raises the support shelf and ultimately the weight. The location of the weight within the support member determines the height that the target such as a football is located above the ground.

[16] Preferably, the measuring stick can be fixed about its upper end by the same clamp housing the flexible line.

[17] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means comprises a recoil reel.

[18] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means is adjustable electrically, electronically, pneumatically, hydraulically or any combination of these.

[19] Ideally, the flexible line adjustment means comprises a recoil reel and flexible line wound onto the reel, a pair of measuring rollers being spatially adjustable relative to one another for dispensing and recoiling lengths of flexible line and weight means being releasably clamped onto the flexible line.

[20] Preferably, the measuring rollers are adjustable via an electromechanical adjuster so that the flexible line can be nipped between the rollers to prevent the flexible line moving relative to the rollers.

[21] Ideally, the rollers are powered by an electric motor operating on rechargeable batteries or the mains depending on the location of the training apparatus.

[22] Preferably, a feeder roller is located at the base of the support member and a weight rests on its floor. The weight has a longitudinal central through bore extending along the central longitudinal axis of the weight for receiving the flexible line. The weight also has a central transverse through bore extending transverse the weight with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central through bore for receiving a spring operated clamp. The spring operated clamp has a central opening for receiving the flexible line and is normally biased into a flexible line engaging position by a biasing member such as a spring. A solenoid clamp is located laterally of the weight so that the actuation member of the solenoid clamp is in alignment with the spring operated clamp so that operation of the solenoid clamp causes the actuation member to move into engagement with the spring operated clamp causing the spring operated clamp to disengage from the flexible line. In order to accurately align the spring operated clamp and the solenoid clamp, a magnet is located in a weight collar mounted on the floor of the support member. A magnetically sus-

ceptible material is located in a recess in the weight and an air gap or a piece of material is maintained between the magnet and the ferris material. [23] Ideally, break means are provided for fixing the position of the flexible line relative to the support means.

[24] Preferably, the length of the support member is adjustable.

[25] Ideally, the support member is a telescopic arrangement.

[26] Preferably, the length of the at least one cross member is adjustable.

[27] Ideally, the mounting means for releasably mounting the support means on a support surface is selected from a group consisting of spike means for mounting the support means on a grass pitch, a weighted base for indoor and outdoor use and an arrangement for mounting the support means to a roof. [28] Preferably, the means for releasably fixing the target means to the flexible line is selected from the group consisting of suction means, male and female connectors and hook and loop fastening means. [29] Ideally, the training apparatus has measuring means for monitoring progress of users.

Advantageously, this allows coaches and participants alike to set goals and to measure progress on a weekly or monthly basis of the training season. [30] Preferably, the measuring means comprises a ruler display extending along a portion of the flexible line. Advantageously, the ruler allows the participant to set the football at a certain measurable height above the ground to measure a player's performance and improvement and to ensure that the player is practicing at their maximum potential for each practice session.

[31] Ideally, the measuring means comprises an electronic display.

[32] Preferably, weight means are provided on the flexible line.

[33] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means are mounted on the support means.

[34] Ideally, the flexible line adjustment means store additional length of flexible line.

[35] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means recoils the flexible line whenever the target is forced away from the support means and subsequently released by a participant. [36] Ideally, the brake means comprise releasable clamp means mounted on the support means. [37] Preferably, the releasable clamp means releasably engage the flexible line so as to fix the target means a predetermined distance from the support means. [38] Preferably, the conveying means comprise a plurality of pulleys on the support means at or about locations of the support means where the flexible line changes direction.

[39] Ideally, the support means comprises a T-shaped support frame.

[40] Ideally, the T-shaped support frame has conveying means along mutually opposing

sides of the frame and a flexible line extends along both of the conveying means so that two target means are releasably fixable onto the ends of the two flexible lines.

[41] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means comprises a recoil reel mounted on the support means.

[42] Preferably, the flexible line adjustment means comprises a pair of recoil reels mounted on a central pole of the T-shaped frame.

[43] Preferably, the suction means comprises a suction cup mounted on the free end of the flexible line for engaging a curved surface of a ball.

[44] Ideally, the male and female connectors comprise a male connector mounted on the free end of the flexible line and a female connector provided by the valve of the ball.

[45] Preferably, the hook and loop fastening means comprises a patch of hook material mounted on the free end of the flexible line and a patch of loop material mounted on the ball or vice versa.

[46] Ideally, a first weight is mounted proximal to the free end of the flexible line. Advantageously, this weight returns the fee end of the line to its normal ball carrying position if a ball is to be removed off the end of the flexible line during a practice drill.

[47] Preferably, a second weight is mounted on the flexible line proximal to the recoil reel. Advantageously, this weight acts as a counterweight to the first weight.

[48] Ideally, the weights are movable along the length of the flexible line.

[49] In a second embodiment of apparatus, the support means comprises a central pillar having a plurality of cross members mounted thereon, the central pillar and cross members having means for carrying and conveying flexible lines which are movably mounted along the carrying and conveying means, each flexible line having means for releasably fixing a target on a free end thereof so that each releasable fixing means is suspended from the end of each flexible line spaced laterally from the central pillar.

[50] The means for carrying and conveying each flexible line is similar to the same means described above in relation to the first embodiment for the same purpose. The means for releasably fixing a target on a free end of each flexible line is similar to the same means described above in relation to the first embodiment for the same purpose. The second embodiment has conveying means, releasable clamp means, measuring means and weights for each flexible line carrying out the same function as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[51] In the second embodiment, the support means is rotatable relative to the mounting means. Preferably, the support means is rotatable via remote control.

[52] Ideally, the support means is rotatable electrically, electronically, pneumatically, or hydraulically.

[53] Preferably, at least one sensor is mounted on the support means for measuring the height the player jumps off the ground. Ideally, the sensor has an associated digital

display for displaying the height jumped. Preferably, the sensor and digital display are mounted below the recoil means.

[54] Preferably, the flexible line is elastic.

[55] Ideally, lights are fitted to the training apparatus for use at night.

[56] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example only four embodiments of an apparatus for improving motor function in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:

[57] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus;

[58] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a second embodiment of the apparatus;

[59] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the apparatus;

[60] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

[61] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of apparatus in a stowed configuration;

[62] Figure 6 is a second perspective view of the third embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[63] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of the third embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[64] Figure 8 is a side elevation of the third embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[65] Figure 9 is a top view of the third embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[66] Figure 10 is a partial sectional view of the third embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[67] Figure 11 is a detail view of a telescopic locking arrangement;

[68] Figure 12 is a detail view of a base of the third embodiment of apparatus;

[69] Figure 13 is a sectional detail view of the telescopic locking arrangement;

[70] Figure 14 is a detail view of a portion of the base of the third embodiment of apparatus;

[71] Figure 15 is a detail view of a clamp bracket of the third embodiment of apparatus;

[72] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of apparatus in a stowed configuration;

[73] Figure 17 is a second perspective view of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[74] Figure 18 is a front elevation view of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[75] Figure 19 is a side elevation view of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a

partially extended position;

[76] Figure 20 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[77] Figure 21 is a partial sectional view of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a partially extended position;

[78] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the electromechanical components of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a normal operating position;

[79] Figure 23 is a sectional view of the electromechanical components of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a flexible line measuring position; and

[80] Figure 24 is an isometric view of the electromechanical components of the fourth embodiment of apparatus in a normal operating position.

[81] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for improving motor function such as ball skills. The apparatus 1 has a support arrangement 2 with a mounting member 3 for releasably mounting the support arrangement 2 on a support surface. The support arrangement 2 has a vertical support member 8 carrying one horizontal cross member 9. The support arrangement 2 has an arrangement 4 for carrying and conveying two flexible lines 5 which are movably mounted along the carrying and conveying arrangement 4. An arrangement 6 is provided for releasably fixing a target 7 on a free end of each flexible line 5 so that a target 7 is suspended from the end of each flexible line 5 distal from the vertical support member 8. This significantly reduces the risk of a player coming into contact with the support frame of the apparatus 1.

[82] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 helps participants improve their skill levels in the art of high catching by providing a controlled environment in relation to the position of the target 7 which in this case is a football 7. This allows the participant to repeatedly practice their high catching without the fear of injury to their face and fingers thereby removing the inherent fear factor associated with a free falling football 7. The apparatus 1 allows the participant to concentrate solely on their own motor functions such as running, jumping, catching and landing thereby allowing their bodies to learn from repeated practice without the fear factor. This type of training apparatus 1 helps the participants to more fully understand the complex interrelationship between these aspects of the high catch allowing physical learning by the body whilst repeatedly carrying out the practice drill.

[83] The apparatus 1 thereby helps participants by instilling confidence in their own abilities on the practice field which should translate into the competitive playing arena when required. Furthermore, use of the training apparatus 1 improves the efficiency of a high catch practice drill which is notoriously difficult to replicate. The apparatus 1 also allows the participants to work at the upper end of their ability during every

repetition. The apparatus 1 is also simple and quick to erect and can be used in almost any location including indoor and outdoor. The apparatus 1 is also suitable for use with participants with special needs and has significant advantages in developing the motor skills and confidence of special needs participants because of the ease of repeatability of the exercise. The advantages outlined above apply to all of the embodiments of the training apparatus.

[84] Two flexible line recoil members 11 are mounted on the vertical support member 8 of the support arrangement 2 and these flexible line recoil members 11 store additional length of flexible line 5 and recoil the flexible line 5 whenever the football 7 is forced away from the horizontal support member 9 and subsequently released by the participant during a high catch practice drill. The flexible line recoil members 11 are provided by recoil reels 11 mounted on the vertical support member 8 of the support arrangement 2. The vertical support member 8 is formed from 50mm diameter hollow aluminum tube.

[85] Releasable clamp members 12 are also mounted on the vertical support member 8 of the support arrangement and these releasable clamp members 12 releasably engage the flexible line 5 so as to fix the football 7 a predetermined distance from the horizontal support member 9 and the ground. The horizontal support member 9 is a 100 mm x 50 mm aluminum box member.

[86] The mounting member 3 for releasably mounting the support arrangement 2 on a support surface is provided by a weighted base 15 for indoor and outdoor use. A spike 20 for mounting the support arrangement 2 on a grass pitch can be used and a further alternative arrangement can be provided for mounting the support arrangement 2 to a roof. The arrangement 4 for carrying and conveying flexible line 5 comprises a pair of pulleys or roller wheels 16 at the junction of the vertical support member 8 and the horizontal support member 9 of the support arrangement 2 and a second pulley or roller wheel 17 at or about each end of the horizontal support member 9. The pulleys or roller wheels 16, 17 are mounted at or about locations of the support arrangement 2 where the flexible line 5 changes direction. The support arrangement comprises a T- shaped support frame 18 and the T-shaped support frame 18 has the arrangement 4 for carrying and conveying flexible line 5 along mutually opposing sides of the T-shaped frame 18. The flexible line 5 extends along both of the carrying and conveying arrangements 4 so that a football 7 is releasably fixed onto the end of each flexible line 5.

[87] The arrangement 6 for releasably fixing the target 7 to the flexible line 5 is provided by a suction cup 21 mounted on the end of the flexible line 5 for engaging a curved surface of the football 7. In an alternative arrangement for releasably fixing the football 7 to the flexible line 5, male and female connectors having a male connector mounted on the end of the flexible line 5 and a female connector provided by the valve of the

football 7 can be used. In a further alternative arrangement hook and loop fastening means such as Velcro ® can be used where the hook and loop fastening means comprises a patch of hook material mounted on the end of the flexible line 5 and a patch of loop material mounted on the football 7 or vice versa.

[88] The training apparatus 1 has a measuring arrangement for monitoring progress of users. Advantageously, this allows coaches and participants alike to set goals and to measure progress on a weekly or monthly basis of the training season. The measuring arrangement comprises a ruler display extending along a portion of the flexible line 5. Although the term football has been used in the description, it will of course be appreciated that any ball that can be caught is interchangeable with a football and the invention is in no way limited to its use with footballs.

[89] Weights are provided on the flexible line 5 with a first rubber weight 24 mounted proximal to the free end of each flexible line 5 and a second counter weight 23 mounted on the flexible line 5 proximal to the recoil reel 11. The weights 23, 24 are movable along the length of the flexible line 5.

[90] Referring to the drawings and now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, there is shown the second embodiment of apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 31. The apparatus 31 has a central pillar 32 onto which four cross members 39 are mounted. The central pillar 32 and four cross members 39 have an arrangement 34 for carrying and conveying eight flexible lines 35 which are movably mounted along the carrying and conveying arrangement 34. An arrangement 36 is provided for releasably fixing a target 37 on a free end of each flexible line 35 so that the target 37 is suspended from the end of each flexible line 35 distal from the central pillar 32. The arrangement 34 for carrying and conveying the flexible lines 35 of the second embodiment is similar to the arrangement 4 of the first embodiment described above for the same purpose. The arrangement 36 for releasably fixing a target 37 on a free end of each flexible line 35 is similar to the arrangements described above in relation to the first embodiment for the same purpose. Apparatus 31 has a recoil reel 41, a releasable clamp 42, a ruler and weights 43, 44 for each flexible line 35 carrying out the same function as the weights described above in relation to the first embodiment. The central pillar 32 and cross members 39 of the second embodiment are rotatable relative to the mounting arrangement to increase the functionality of the apparatus 31. The central pillar 32 is provided by a hollow round aluminum tube with a diameter of 200mm.

[91] In use, a player, coach or grounds man takes the apparatus 1, 31 out of the store room and depending upon the location the apparatus 1, 31 is to be used, the person selects the relevant mounting member 3 from a spike arrangement 20 for grass pitches, a roof mounting support member or a weighted base 15 as shown in Figure 1. The weighted base 15 allows the apparatus 1, 31 to be used both indoors and outdoors and is the

most versatile mounting member 3. The person mounts the support arrangement 2, 32 onto the weighted base 15 at the desired location where the high catching practice drill is to take place. The person then selects the type of ball 7, 37 to be used with the apparatus 1, 31 and the ball 7, 37 in this case is an O'Neills Gaelic football which is attached to the end of the flexible lines 5, 35 via a suction cup 21. The person setting up the practice drill can then use the clamp members 12 to set the ball 7 at a predetermined height above the ground based on the players' abilities. In the practice drill, the player has the option of performing the catch and pulling the ball 7, 37 off the flexible line 5, 35 completely. Alternatively, the player can catch the ball 7, 37 and release it again before it becomes detached from the suction cup 21.

[92] The apparatus 1 allows two lines of players to line up in alignment with the balls 7 on both sides of the vertical support member 8 and to take turns at practicing their high catching. When a large number of players are training then it is beneficial to leave the balls 7, 37 on the flexible lines 5, 35 when practicing the high catch. If a player is using the apparatus at home by themselves then they can readily pull the ball 7 off the flexible line 5 every time to practice landing with the ball 7 held in their hands.

[93] The second embodiment of apparatus 31 shown in Figures 2 to 4 accomodates a large number of players each pulling the ball 37 completely off the flexible line 35 during their turn in the high catch practice drill. Again two lines of players can line up in alignment with the balls 37 on diametrically opposed sides of the central pillar 32 and take turns at practicing their high catching. When the player catching the ball 37 pulls the ball 37 off the flexible line 35, the central pillar 32 can be rotated remotely by a coach for example to bring another ball 37 into alignment with the player about to perform their high catch practice drill. When the practice drill is complete, the apparatus 1, 31 can be easily disassembled and stored.

[94] Referring to the drawings and now to Figures 5 to 10, there is shown a third embodiment of training apparatus for improving ball skills indicated generally by the reference numeral 41. The training apparatus 41 has a mounting arrangement provided by a base 42 of the open top box 46 type manufactured from a heavy material such as lead. The base 42 has an arrangement for facilitating carriage provided by a pair of wheels 43 mounted on two corners 44 of one side of the base 42 to allow the training apparatus 41 to be easily transported. The support arrangement is provided by a double barrel telescopic arrangement 45 having a first pair of hollow tubes 47 mounted onto the floor 48 of the base 42, see especially Figure 14. The first pair of hollow tubes 47 are supported in the upright position by a pair of support struts 49 spanning between the top of two opposing sides walls 51 of the open top box 46 and opposing sides of the first pair of hollow tubes 47. The pair of support struts 49 provide lateral stability to the first pair of hollow tubes 47 which will ultimately carry the weight of the

remainder of the support arrangement. A tilting handle 53 is mounted onto one side of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 above the support struts 49 to allow an operator to pivot the training apparatus 41 onto its wheels 43 for transporting the training apparatus 41.

[95] A second pair of hollow tubes 54 are telescopically engaged within the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and a third pair of hollow tubes 55 are telescopically engaged within the second pair of hollow tubes 54. A locking arrangement 56 is provided between the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and the second pair of hollow tubes 54 and a further identical locking arrangement 56 is provided between the second pair of hollow tubes 54 and the third pair of hollow tubes 55 to fix the relative positions of the pairs of hollow tubes 47, 54 and 55 when the support arrangement is in an extended position see figures 6 to 10 and also to allow relative telescopic movement between the hollow tubes 47, 54 and 55 when the support arrangement is being moved between the extended position and the stowed position, see figure 5. The structure and operation of the telescopic locking arrangement 56 is explained in more detail below with reference to figures 11 and 13.

[96] The support arrangement has a cross member 61 comprising a centre piece 62 mounted atop the third pair of hollow tubes 55. An inner arm 63 is hinged to the centre piece 62 by a hinge 64 and an outer arm 65 is hinged to the inner arm 63 to allow the cross member 61 to be folded into a stowed configuration as shown in figure 5. Toggle clamps 66 are also provided between the inner arm 63 and the centre piece 62 and between the inner arm 63 and the outer arm 65 to retain the cross member 61 in the extended in use position see figures 6 to 10. A flexible line 60 passes from a target which is a football 7 in this case along the outer arm 65 and the inner arm 63 through the centre piece 62 and down the aligned hollow tubes of the third 55, second 54 and first 47 hollow tubes of the telescopic arrangement 45. The arrangement for carrying and conveying flexible line 60 comprises a pair of pulleys or roller wheels at the junction of the third pair of hollow tubes 55 and the centre piece 62 and a second pulley or roller wheel at or about each free end of the outer arms 65. The pulleys or roller wheels are mounted at or about locations of the support arrangement 2 where the flexible line 60 changes direction.

[97] Referring now more particularly to figure 12 a weight 67 is located in the base of each barrel 68 (only one weight 67 shown in the drawing) of the first pair of hollow tubes 47. The weight 67 has a pulley 70 mounted on it to allow the flexible line 60 to be displaced by a different distance than the weight 67. The flexible line 60 passes around the pulley 70 and extends back up the barrel 68 of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and through an opening in the wall of the barrel 68 to a flexible line clamp 71 mounted on both barrels 68 on opposing sides of the first pair of hollow tubes 47. A

measuring stick 73 is mounted external of and substantially parallel to each of the barrels 68 and a support shelf 74 extends laterally from the base of each of the measuring sticks 73 into each barrel 68 via a slot 75 in each wall of the barrels 68 to rest below each weight 67 in use. Each slot 75 extends along a barrel 68 of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and allows an operator to raise each measuring stick 73 which consequently raises the support shelf 74 and ultimately the weights 67. The location of the weight 67 within the barrel 68 determines the height that the target such as a football 7 will be located above the ground. The measuring stick 73 can be fixed about its upper end by the measuring stick clamp 78 mounted on the same clamp bracket 79 see figure 15 housing the flexible line clamp 71.

[98] Referring to figures 11 and 13 there is shown two detail views of a telescopic locking arrangement 56 having a pair of plates 81 on opposing sides of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 spanning a gap 80 between the pair of hollow tubes 47 at or about their upper end. One of the plates 81 houses a fixed shaft 82 projecting from the plate 81 into the gap. The second plate 81 houses a rotatable shaft 83 having a bore 84 for receiving the fixed shaft 82 at a shaft coupling end 85 projecting into the gap 80 with the other end carrying an operating handle 86. The shaft coupling end 85 of the rotatable shaft 83 has a double headed locking member 87 rotatable between a first position where the double headed locking member 87 is housed within the body of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 so that the second pair of hollow tubes 54 is free to slide relative to the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and a second position as shown in figures 11 and 13 where two opposing heads of the double headed locking member 87 pass via two mutually opposing apertures 91, 92 in the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and into two mutually opposing openings 93, 94 in the second pair of hollow tubes 54. In this position, the location of the second pair of hollow tubes 54 is fixed relative to the first pair of hollow tubes 47 thereby setting the height of the telescopic arrangement 45. An identical telescopic locking arrangement 56 is provided between the second pair of hollow tubes 54 and the third pair of hollow tubes 55 of the telescopic arrangement 45. It will of course be appreciated that the second pair of hollow tubes 54 and the third pair of hollow tubes 55 could have more than one pair of mutually opposing openings 93, 94 to allow more than one fixed position for the telescopic arrangement 45.

[99] Referring to the drawings and now to figure 15 there is shown the clamp bracket 79 which retains the flexible line 60 after it passes around the pulley 70 on top of the weight 67 and extends back up the barrel 68 of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 through an opening in the wall of the barrel 68. A flexible line clamp 71 is provided by a bore 98 extending through the main body and along the top of the clamp bracket 79 and a flexible plate 97 screwed onto the side of the clamp bracket 79 for pinching flexible line 60 to the clamp bracket 79. A clamp bracket 79 is mounted on both barrels 68 on

opposing sides of the first pair of hollow tubes 47. The measuring stick 73 is fixed about its upper end by the measuring stick clamp 78 mounted on the same clamp bracket 79 housing the flexible line clamp 71. A swivel clamp member 100 has a swivel clamp through bore in alignment with a pair of bracket plate through bores each allowing the measuring stick 73 to pass therethrough. The swivel clamp member 100 is rotatable between a measuring stick clamping position and a measuring stick releasing position to allow an operator to adjust the position of the measuring stick 73 and ultimately the position of the target 7 off the ground.

[100] Referring now to figure 14 there is shown a sectional view of a first pair of hollow tubes 47 and a weight 67 and a flexible line 60 wherein the first pair of hollow tubes 47 are mounted to the lead base 42 by a pair of mounting plates 110. The mounting plates 110 provide additional strength and stability to the location where the telescopic arrangement 45 is mounted to the base 42.

[101] In use, an operator grabs the training apparatus 41 in the stowed configuration as shown in Figure 5 by the tilting handle 53 to pivot the training apparatus 41 onto its wheels 43 to transport the training apparatus 41 to the desired location. The operator then folds out the outer arm 65 and the inner arm 63 on both sides of the cross member 61 about their hinges 64 and secures them in a fixed position by closing the toggle clamps 66. An operator can attach targets such as footballs 7 to the end of the flexible lines 60 by the same arrangements as described in relation to the first two embodiments. The operator then removes the flexible lines 60 from each of the flexible plates 97 of the flexible line clamp 71 and pushes/pulls the third pair of hollow tubes 55 away from the second pair of hollow tubes 54. As the telescopic arrangement 45 extends the flexible line 60 is drawn through the hollow tubes 47, 54 and 55. The operator fixes the position of the third pair of hollow tubes 55 relative to the second pair of hollow tubes 54 by turning the operating handle 86 of the uppermost telescopic locking arrangement 56 so that the two opposing heads 88, 89 of the double headed locking member 87 pass via two mutually opposing apertures 91, 92 in the second pair of hollow tubes 54 and into two mutually opposing openings 93, 94 in the third pair of hollow tubes 54. The operator then repeats this procedure to extend and fix the second pair of hollow tubes 54 relative to the first pair of hollow tubes 47. The flexible lines 66 are then fixed to their respective clamp brackets 79 by the flexible plate 97 and the position of the target above the ground is set to suit the age group or specific needs of the group to be trained by vertically adjusting the position of the measuring stick 73. It will of course be appreciated that the target will move twice the distance of the measuring stick 73 because the flexible line 60 is wrapped around pulley 70. It will also be appreciated that the flexible line 60 can be made to pass around any number of pulleys 70 to increase the ratio of displacement between the measuring stick 73 and the

target 7 such as three times or four times by any of the techniques well known in the art. Once the target height has been set, the participants can start with the practice drill.

[102] Referring to the drawings and now to Figures 16 to 21, there is shown a fourth embodiment of training apparatus indicated generally by the reference numeral 131. The structural arrangements of the third embodiment are identical to the structural arrangements of the second embodiment in relation to the base 42, the double barrel telescopic arrangement 45, the telescopic locking arrangements 56 and the cross member 61 and so corresponding components have been referenced with identical reference numerals for simplicity. Additional electromechanical components indicated generally by the reference numeral 132 have been added to reel in and dispense the flexible lines 60 on both sides of the telescopic arrangement 45 in a motorised fourth embodiment.

[103] Referring to the drawings and now to Figures 22 to 24, there is shown a recoil reel 133 mounted in a housing 134 and the flexible line 60 is wound onto the reel 133. A pair of measuring rollers 135 are located adjacent the recoil reel 133 and the flexible line 60 is fed from the recoil reel 133 via the measuring rollers 135. The position of at least one of the measuring rollers 135 is adjustable by an electromechanical adjuster so that the flexible line 60 can be nipped between the rollers 135 to prevent the flexible line 60 moving relative to the rollers 135. The rollers 135 are powered by an electric motor operating on rechargeable batteries or the mains depending on the location of the training apparatus 41. A feeder roller 137 is located at the base of the barrels 68 of the first pair of hollow tubes 47 and a weight 138 rests on a floor 139 of the barrels 68. The weight 138 has a longitudinal central through bore 141 extending along the central longitudinal axis of the weight 138 for receiving the flexible line 60. The weight 138 also has a central transverse through bore 142 extending transverse the weight 138 with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central through bore 141 for receiving a spring operated clamp 143. The spring operated clamp 143 has a central opening for receiving the flexible line 60 and is normally biased into a flexible line 60 engaging position as shown in Figure 23 by a biasing member such as a spring. A solenoid clamp 145 is located laterally of the weight 138 so that the actuation member 146 of the solenoid clamp 145 is in alignment with the spring operated clamp 143 so that operation of the solenoid clamp 145 causes the actuation member 146 to move into engagement with the spring operated clamp 143 causing the spring operated clamp 143 to disengage from the flexible line 60. In order to accurately align the spring operated clamp 143 and the solenoid clamp 145, a magnet 148 is located in a weight collar 149 mounted on the floor 139 of each barrel 68 of the first pair of hollow tubes 47. A magnetically susceptible material 151 is located in a recess 152 in the weight 138 and an air gap or a piece of material is

maintained between the magnet 148 and the ferris material 151.

[104] In use, under normal operating conditions where the weight 138 freely rises and falls as the player grabs or hits the target 7, the electromechanical devices are in the position shown in Figure 22 and 24. The spring operated clamp 143 is biased into a flexible line engaging position where the flexible line 60 is compressed against the right hand side of the central longitudinal through bore 141 passing through the weight 138. The actuation member 146 of the solenoid clamp 145 is in the withdrawn position as shown in Figures 22 and 24. The pair of measuring rollers 135 are in the separated position so that the flexible line 60 is free to pass through the measuring rollers 135 as the target 7 moves raising and lowering the weight 138. In this position the flexible line 60 is freely wound off and rewound back onto the recoil reel 133 as the weight 138 rises and falls with the movement of the target 7.

[105] When an operator wants to raise or lower the height of the target 7 relative to the ground, they can press the target raise or lower button 150 on a control panel 151 and the following sequence of events occur. Initially, a solenoid of the electromechanical adjuster for adjusting the distance between the measuring rollers 135 is powered on to move the lower measuring roller 135 upwards towards the upper measuring roller 135 or vice versa as shown in Figure 23. The measuring rollers 135 pinch the flexible line 60 to prevent the flexible line 60 reeling out from the recoil reel 133 under the weight of the target 7. The solenoid clamp 145 is then powered on so that the actuation member 146 moves from the withdrawn position as shown in Figures 22 and 24 into the extended position as shown in Figure 23. In the extended position, the force acting on the actuation member 146 overcomes the biasing force of the spring normally biasing the flexible line 60 against the weight 138 so that the flexible line 60 is free to move through the central through bore 141 relative to the weight 138. At this point the measuring rollers 135 are powered on to rotate for a predetermined time to wind a set length of flexible line 60 onto the recoil reel 133 or alternatively to reel out a set length of flexible line 60 from the recoil reel 133 to adjust the height the target 7 rests above the ground. A single press of either button will adjust the height of the target 7 from the ground by a predetermined amount. The operator can repeatedly press the button until the visual read out on the digital display 202 on the control panel 151 gives the required height. This feature is particularly useful where individuals of various abilities are training after each other or within the same group so a coach can adjust the height for individuals.

[106] When the target 7 has been located at the correct height from the ground, the solenoid clamp 145 is switched off allowing the actuation member 146 to once again move into the withdrawn position wherein the biasing force of the spring operated clamp 143 applies a compression force onto the flexible line 60 compressing it against

the weight 138 again. This releasably fixes the position of the flexible line 60 relative to the weight 138. The solenoid of the electromechanical adjuster is switched off allowing the lower measuring roller 135 to return to its normal spaced apart position from the upper measuring roller 135 thereby releasing the flexible line 60 to freely run through the measuring rollers 135. The electromechanical components have been restored to their original position to allow normal use of the training apparatus 141 with the football 27 at the new distance above the ground. The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.