Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Practice or training device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-30
2001-09-04
Chapman, Jeanette (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Practice or training device
C473S438000, C473S459000, C128S876000, CD24S190000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283877
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a training apparatus and method for developing proper shooting technique in basketball players In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for training a basketball player to use one hand to shoot a basketball.
Development of proper shooting technique is important for success in playing the game of basketball. Proper shooting technique involves adopting such practices as facing the basket with both feet and shoulders the same distance from the basket, slightly bending the knees and keeping the elbows in.
A variety of training aids for developing proper shooting technique are in the background art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,217 discloses a device consisting of an arm band and a finger interconnected by a tension member that cocks the wrist of a basketball player prior to executing a shot and re-cocks it after the shot is taken. U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,342 discloses a device consisting of a loop situated around the thumb of the guide hand of a basketball player that is slidably connected to a harness fitted around the torso and over the shoulder of the player.
No devices or methods in the background art effectively and safely address a serious problem in shooting technique that is often adopted in error by beginning basketball players (particularly those less than 12 years of age): shooting with both hands. Shooting (propelling) a basketball toward a basket with both hands can impose a “bad” or sideways spin on the ball that keeps the ball from going where it was aimed. Attempts to correct this error by talking to the player are often not successful. While the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,342 was intended to address the problem, using it could result in injury to the player wearing it if the disclosed device were intentionally or unintentionally snagged or grabbed by another player. Such an approach also has the limitation of interfering with the natural operation and feel of the guide hand.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of the invention is to provide means for training basketball players not to shoot a basketball with two hands. Accordingly, an object of the invention is to enable training of basketball players in proper shooting technique. Another object of the invention is to provide means and a method for training a player to shoot a basketball with one hand. Yet another object of the invention is to provide means and a method for training basketball players to perform set and jump shots properly. A further object of the invention is to safely train basketball players.
One advantage of the invention is that it is simple to make and use. Another advantage of the invention is that it addresses a problem that can severely retard the development of young basketball playing skills. Yet another advantage of the invention is to address the problem of two-handed shooting in a way that is safe and in a way that not disturb the natural feel of the player. shooting in a way that is safe and in a way that does not disturb the natural feel of the player.
The invention is an apparatus and method for developing one hand shooting technique in basketball players. In particular, the invention assists players to learn to propel or “shoot” the ball with their dominant or strong hand (the right hand for right-handed players and the left hand for left-handed players) and to use their other (weak or guide) hand to guide, but not to propel, the ball.
The apparatus comprises a belt that is worn around the torso (preferably around the waist) of the basketball player, a band that is worn around the forearm (preferably around the wrist) of the weak or guide hand of the player and a line that connects the belt to the band. In use, the belt is placed around the waist of the player and the band is placed around the wrist of the weak hand of the player. One end of the line that connects the waist belt to the wrist band is permanently connected (fixed) to one of them, preferably to the wrist band. The line is adjustably connected to the other of the belt or the band (preferably to the belt on the same side of the player's body as the weak hand) by means of a clip, such as a snap hook or spring snap, or other device that allows the length of line between the two connection points to be varied. While the player assumes the shooting position, the length of line between the two connection points is adjusted so that the weak or guide hand cannot be further extended toward the basket and, thus, cannot be used to propel the ball. In a preferred embodiment, the band and/or the belt is configured to release from the player's body when the line is snagged or grabbed by another player.
In a training situation, the player puts the waist belt and wrist band on, and the length of the line connecting them is adjusted with the player in the shooting position as noted above. When the player is in the set shot shooting position, the ball is held just below eye level with the ball about one foot from the face. The player then takes shots with the device in place. The resistance to extending the weak hand toward the basket provided by the device prevents the use of the weak or guide hand in shooting. The device prevents the guide or weak hand from extending more than about 45 centimeters (18 inches) from the player's face, depending on the player's size and reach. In a jump shot situation, the device prevents the guide or weak hand from extending more than 3 to 15 centimeters (1 to 6 inches) above the player's head, depending on the player's size and reach.
In broad terms, the apparatus is comprised of the following elements: a belt placed around a player's torso, a band placed around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand and a line assembly connecting the belt and the band in such a way that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented during the, act of shooting.
In broad terms, the method is comprised of the following steps: placing a belt around a player's torso, placing a band around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand, adjusting the effective length of a line assembly connecting the belt and the band with the player's body in the shooting position so that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented during the act of shooting.
Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 350628 (1994-09-01), Williams
patent: 4359221 (1982-11-01), Taylor
patent: 4610244 (1986-09-01), Hammond
patent: 5165696 (1992-11-01), Saha
patent: 5320342 (1994-06-01), Houck
patent: 6095936 (2000-08-01), Kirkpatrick et al.
Aryanpour Mitra
Chapman Jeanette
Hunter Robert M.
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