Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2~7~32
The present invention relates to a practice device for the
game of Hockey.
8ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
During the last decade, the game of Hockey has changed
dramatically. Players are bigger, stronger, faster and more
skilled than ever before. Skills training has become an
essential component in obtaining and maintaining successful
careers. Players must focus upon the basic skills of skating,
passing and shooting the puck. Improvements in the these
skills are only acquired throuqh repetitious drills.
-~
A player can practice skating and shooting the puck in
isolation. It is virtually impossible for a player to practice
receiving a pass without the participation of other players.
There is a need for a suitable and practical device for
practicing his puck passing and receiving skills. The device
should reasonably accurately duplicate the characteristics of
a pass received from another player. The device should also
provide the player a relatively large number of passes in a
reasonable time period so that a concentrated, realistic and
beneficial practice can be experienced, without the necessity
of additional personnel being required.
" SUMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a practice device for the game of
-i Hockey which assists in the development of puck passing and
receiving skills.
According to the present invention there is provided a
practice device for the game of Hockey which is comprised of
a body having at least two support members. Means is provided
for securing the body to an ice surface, such that the at least
two support members are immediately adjacent the ice surface.
A resilient rebound member extends between the at least two
support members. The rebound member springs back with a
resilient force when struck by a hockey puck thereby increasing
the resulting rebound of the hockey puck.
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Although the rebound member can take a number of alternate
forms, in order to avoi.d the necessity of using springs and the
like it is preferred that the rebound member be an elongate
elastic band placed in tension between the support members.
The device is secured to an ice surface, preferably by a
set of pins which penetrate the ice. When a player shoots a
puck at the band the elasticity of the band provides an
enhanced rebound which varies depending on the angle and
velocity at which the puck strikes the band. By practicing
shooting the puck at the band at different velocities and from
different angles, the player can improve his skills in passing
the puck and receiving it back on his stick. The device is
designed for repetitive practice by a single player or a group.
There are many variations of practice drills applicable with
the device as will hereinafter be further described. Various
other drills may be devised for player rehabilitation and
fitness development, depending on the individual player~s
program.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the
use of the invention as described, even more beneficial results
may be obtained when the body has three support members in a
triangular configuration. It is preferred that the spacing
between the support members define an equilateral triangle.
When a triangular configuration is used, the puck can be
shot toward any of the three sides of the body. When an
equilateral triangular configuration is used a continuous band
can be used while still keeping the rebound responsiveness the
same from each of the three sides.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the
use of the device as described, even more beneficial results
may be obtained when means is provided to alter the relative
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spacing between the support members, thereby altering the
tension on the band.
This permits the tension in the band to be adjusted to
suit the practice requirements of the player or team. Through
prolonged use the band will inevitably stretch. With the
device as described the relative spacing of the support members
can be periodically adjusted to maintain constant tension even
after prolonged use. The preferred means for adjusting the
relative spacing of the support members is a mechanism
analogous to a cam arrangement in which at least two push rod
guides are secured to the body. At least two push rods are
received in the push rod guides and axially movable in relative
to the push rod guides between extended and retracted
positions. Each of the supports is attached to one of the push
rods, such that as the push rods move axially between the
extended and retracted positions the relative spacing of the
supports is altered. A guide track is secured to the body.
A movable member is slidably secured to the guide track. The
movable member being in communication with the push rods. Upon
movement of the movable member in one direction the push rods
are axially extended in relation to the push rod guides. Upon
movement of the movable member in a second direction the push
rods are axially retracted in relation to the push rod guides.
Means is provided for moving the movable member.
Although beneficial results can be obtained through the
use of the device as described, problems can on occasion be
experienced with the force of the hockey puck twisting the
band, resulting in the hockey puck passing under the band.
Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when
the band is of a cross-section which resists longitudinal
torsion. It is preferred that the band having an upper edge,
a lower edge, and being inwardly tapered from the upper edge
and the lower edge.
2 ~ 3 2
The flexible band is extruded from a polymeric material
selected for optimum physical parameters of cold resistance,
flexibility at low temperatures, weather resistance, resistance
to chemicals, dimensional stability, elongation range and
resistance to compression set. It is preferred that the band
be made from a thermoplastic material or thermosetting plastic
material which is resistant to impact and low temperatures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more
apparent from the following description in which reference is
made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a practice device for
the game of Hockey constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a underside section view taken along section
lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, with the band to its maximum elongation.
FIG. 3 is an underside section view taken along section
lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, with the band relaxed to its minimum
elongation.
FIG. 4 is a centerline sectional side view taken along
section lines 4-4 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional end view taken along section
lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional end view taken along section
lines 6-6 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional end view taken along section
lines 7-7 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross sectional side view taken
along section lines 8-8 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional end view taken along section
lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along section
lines 10-10 of FIG. 8.
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2~7~32
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross sectional side view,
partially cutaway, taken along section lines 11-11 of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional top plan view taken
along section lines 12-12 of FIGS. 4, 5 and 8.
5FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along
section lines 13-13 of FIGS. 4 and 12.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along
section lines 14-14 of FIGS. 4 and 12.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion
of the practice device for the game of Hockey illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 8.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the band.
FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the lower
end of the support showing the ice securing pin arrangement.
15FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a first drill.
FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of a second
drill.
FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a third drill.
FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a fourth
drill.
FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment
with supports in an extended position.
FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment
with supports in a retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a practice device for the game
of Hockey generally identified by reference numeral 1, will now
be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 21.
In its most elementary form device 1 consists of a body
20 having at least two support members 30. It is preferred
that pins 39 be used as means for securing body 20 to an ice
surface. When secured to an ice surface the support members
30 are immediately adjacent the ice surface. Support members
30 serve to support an elongate elastic band 40. Band 40 is
placed in tension between support members 30, such that the
2~79~32
elasticity of band 40 increases the resulting rebound when a
hockey puck 60 strikes band 40 to simulate a return pass. The
preferred embodiment which will be hereinafter described uses
three support members 30 arranged in an equilateral triangular
configuration. The form of band 40 which is used is
continuous. Means is provided to alter the relative spacing
between the support members, thereby altering the tension on
the continuous band.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the
drawings, the device 1 consists of an equilateral triangular
configured body 20 preferably fabricated from metal, with each
side equal in length, defined by corner post support assemblies
30 located axially 120 degrees apart, surrounded by a rebound
members in the form of a flexible polymeric band 40 adjustable
stretched equally on all three sides 45, 46 and 47 preferably
by a flexible band tension adjustment effected through a
movable member (51, 52, 55, 56) which is part of cam mechanism
50 (underneath the mounting plate assembly 20), that may be
selectively adjusted from a single point lO to provide a user
selected rebound rate for a hockey puck 60 passed to strike any
of the exterior vertical faces of the three sides 45, 46 and
-~ 46 of the flexible polymeric band 40 from any number of angles.
Device 1 provides an equal rebound rate from any one of
the exterior vertical faces of the three sides 45, 46 and 47
of the flexible polymeric band 40 irregardless of which side
is struck by the puck. Each side 45, 46 and 47 of the flexible
polymeric band 40 thus is equal in length and the flexible
polymeric band 40 has the same tension on each side as a result
; of equal stretch elongation of each side 45, 46 and 47 as
achieved by the single point 10 axial adjustment position of
the cam mechanism 50 eliminating unequal geometry of the corner
posts assemblies 30 positions relative one to another and
surrounded by the tension equalized flexible polymeric band 40.
FIG. 2 illustrates the underside of the device 1 and shows
the mounting plate assembly 20 and the flexible polymeric band
- ~
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2~79~3~
40 stretched to its maximum length between perimeter corner
post assemblies 30 as a result of the maximum linear adjustment
of the cam mechanism 50 shown in advanced extension axially
through the push rod guide 27 along the reference centerline
21 to the maximum limits of the parallel metal cam guide rods
41 and 42 and as established by screw threads 52 and 53 maximum
positional separation along the axial centerline 21 as
determined by the counterclockwise rotation of the adjusting
turnbuckle 54.
- 10 FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the device 1 and shows
the mounting plate assembly 20 and the flexible polymeric band
40 relaxed to its minimum length between perimeter corner post
assemblies 30 as a result of the minimum linear adjustment of
`~ the cam mechanism 50 shown in retracted position axially
through the push rode guide 27 along the reference centerline
- 21 to the minimum limits of the parallel metal cam guide rods
41 and 41 and the restrictive clearance between the ends of
screw threads 52 and 53 controlled along the axial centerline
21 by the clockwise rotation of the adjusting turnbuckle 54.
The mounting base assembly 20 is preferably fabricated of
heavy gauge sheet metal plate and rectangular section metal
-~ flat bar stock and generally of sufficient thickness to weld
or otherwise fasten component parts to the base plate 28
without distortion, warping or bending as stiffness of the
assembly is preferable for precise function of the device and
geometric positioning of component parts. The overall weight
of the assembly is preferably in the range of 12 Lbs (5.5Kg)
to 20 Lbs ~9Kg) in order to ensure minimal, and preferably no
- movement of the device 1 when placed on the ice surface and
repeatably impacted by hockey pucks passed to it as the device
1 is utilized.
Underside plan views FIGS. 2 and 3 and sectional views of
FIGS. 4 to 9 show various details of the base assembly 20 in
an equilateral triangular metal plate 1/16" (l.smm) to 1/4"
(6mm) thickness with dimensions of 18" (7cm) along each long
side edge.
2~7~32
The plate 28 along side edges are symmetrically disposed
one to another with an included angle of 60 degrees and aligned
at a 30 degree angle either side of bisecting centerlines 21,
23 and 24 with a reference center point 22 where all
centerlines intersect as shown on the FIGS. 2 and 3. At each
apex of the triangle, the plate 28 long edges are cut-off to
form a short edge 1~ (2.Scm) wide at a 90 degree angle to the
bisecting centerlines 21, 22 and 23 and are equally spaced
either side thereof.
The base plate 28 has flanges 29 formed at right angles
to the underside horizontal face of the plate 28 extending
downward on all perimeter edges of the plate 28 a preferable
distance of 1" (2.5cm). These flanges 20 may alternately be
fabricated of rectangular section metal flat band and attached
as by welding to each edge of the plate 28 at the 90 degree
angle desired.
Attached as by welding to the underside of the base plate
28 are various appurtenances as shown in the Figures and
details of FIGS. 2 to 9 and described hereinafter. Push rod
guides 25 and 26 are identical and each are fabricated from a
rectangular section metal spacer bar 4" (lOcm) long and two
; spaced cylindrical metal bushings welded thereto centered and
`, flush to each end of the spacer bar with the bushing hold bores
axially inline and of such a diameter so as to allow the guide
push rods 32 to pass through the bushings and reciprocate
linearly and freely with minimum friction and limited side play
tolerances. The sub-assemblies 25 and 26 comprised of the
bushings and spacer bar are attached as by welding to the
underside of the base plate 28 flush to the end cut-off apexes
of the plate 28 on the axial centerlines 23 and 24 with the
side of the spaced bar aligned vertically at a 90 degree right
angle to the base plate 28 undersurface. The bore holes of the
push rods guides 25 and 26 are aligned horizontally and
parallel to the undersurface of the base plate 28. FIG. 8
shows a side elevation view, partially cutaway, of these
assemblies and FIG. 9 shows a vertical cross section view
through the push,rod guide assemblies. The push rod guides 25
2 ~ 7~
and 26 vertical height is such that when the push rod 32
horizontal centerline is projected towards the center of the
device it intersects the horizontal centerline of the cam
mechanism 50 at the preferred distance of 1.5" (3.8cm) below
the underside face of the base plate 28. The shorter push rod
guide 27 shown in FIG. 4 is 2" (5cm) long and is fabricated and
positioned similarly as the rod guides 25 and 26 except that
it is located on the centerline 21 with the threaded end push
i rode 53 passing through the guide 27 as shown in FIGS. a, 3,
4 and 6.
The flexible band tension adjustment cam mechanism 50 is
guided linearly along the centerline 21 by a pair of round
metal bar cam guide rods 41 and 41 that are each positioned
parallel to and equi-distant from the centerline 21 by four
metal mounting lugs 43 welded to the underside of the base
plate 28. The lugs 43 have horizontal bore holes through and
cam guide rods 41 and 42 are aligned horizontally and parallel
to the undersurface of the base plate 28.
The lugs 43 hole bores are axially inline and of such a
diameter so as to allow the cam guide rods 41 and 42 to pass
through linearly freely with slight friction and close
tolerance fit. The cam guide rods 41 and 42 are retained in
position with cotter keys 44 inserted through a hole in each
end of the rods and the keys are spread apart to lock the guide
rolls in place. FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view, partially
cutaway, of these assemblies and FIG. 7 shows a cross section
- view through the mounting lugs and cam guide rods.
The base assembly 20 is shown on the drawings as
fabricated component weldments but it may be obvious to the
practioner of metal trades that many of the individual
components may be either stamped from sheet metal, cast as
monololithic sub-assemblies or injection-moulded from
reinforced, high impact rigid polymers such as glass-filled
polycarbonate or other high strength polymeric compounds or
structural composites materials.
As shown in FIG. 4 (perimeter corner post assembly 30
shown in retracted minimum position), one corner post assembly
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30 is comprised of a cylindrical, vertically positioned metal
bar 31 attached as by welding to an axially guided right hand
threaded metal push rod S3. The assembly 30 is free to move
:axially along the device centerline 21 located at a 120 degree
angle radially from each of the centerlines 23 and 24 and
perpendicular at a 90 degree angle to the end side plate 51 of
the cam assembly 50 with axial alignment controlled by the
position of rod guide assembly 27 and the relative linear
position of the cam assembly 50 as determined by the clockwise
rotation of the adjusting turnbuckle 54 shown in maximum
engagement of the opposing push rod 53 and the left hand
threaded metal cam push rod 52.
FIG. 8 (assembly 30 shown in retracted minimum position)
shows the details of the other two perimeter adjacent corner
: 15 post assemblies 30 which are comprised of a cylindrical,
vertically positioned metal bar 31 attached as by welding to
axially guided identical metal push rods 32 each of which are
fitted as by bolting with a pair of opposite end horizontally
mounted metal rollers 33. These assemblies 30 are free to move
axially along a path established by the device centerlines 23
and 24 located at 120 degrees angle apart and the push rods 32
axial alignment controlled by the positions of rod guide
assemblies 25 and 26. The rollers 33 bear perpendicularly at
.90 degrees against the face of the angled cam side plates 55
of the cam assembly 50 with contact maintained against the cam
sides 55 by the inwardly acting tension of the flexible
polymeric band assembly 40. Push rod rollers 33 are spaced
:apart vertically on either side of the top and bottom relieved
flats of the push rods 32 to provide a maximum bearing area
against the cam side plates 55 to resist the torsional effect
of the rod 32 mounted band support post 31 and maintain the
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical band support posts 31
plumb in a vertical position.
The rollers 33 are preferably fastened to the push rods
32 with a vertical disposed through metal socket headed cap
screw 34 centrally located in minimal clearance holes through
the roles 33 and push rods 32 as shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11.
2~7~2
11
The bolt 34 is secured by a nut 35 and a shakeproof lock washer
36. The nut 35 is tightened only to the extent that the
rollers 33 are free to rotate in a horizontal plane without
binding upon the relieved faces of the push rods 32. The
projecting exposed thread of the screw 34 is punch-pricked to
prevent the nut 35 from loosening off from its optimum assembly
; position.
FIG. 12 shows in an enlarged top plan cutaway view the
retracted (minimum) positional relationships of the flexible
band tension adjustment cam assembly 50 to the push rods 32 of
the band support post assemblies 30. The cam assembly 50
preferably is comprised of a plurality of metal components
assembled as by welding into an equilateral triangular
configuration with the metal side plates 51, 55 and 56 being
equal in length and of rectangular cross section.
The end plate 51 is a rectangular cross section metal
plate horizontally and vertically predisposed at 90 degrees to
the bisecting centerline 21 of the device 1 as shown in FIG.
12 and the cross sectional end view FIG. 13 taken generally
along the line 13 - 13 of FIG. 12. The plate 51 has two holes
spaced parallel to and equi-distance from the longitudinal
centerline 21 to receive the two cylindrical metal cam guide
- rods 41 and 42. On the centerline 21, the bottom edge of plate
- 51 is cutout symmetrically about the centerline 21 to provide
clearance for the cam adjusting turnbuckle 54 and the rod 52.
Two rectangular cross section metal side plates 55
vertically abut the end edges of the plate 51 at a horizontal
included angle of 60 degrees and are symmetrically predisposed
horizontally at 30 degrees either side of the bisecting
centerline 21 of the device. One apex of the triangular
assembly is truncated at 90 degrees to the centerline 21 and
is terminated by the rectangular cross section metal end plate
56 as shown in FIG. 14 section taken generally on the line 14 -
14 of FIG. 12. Plate 56 is butted between side plates 55 and
attached as by welding. End plate 56 has a centrally located
hole on the longitudinal axial centerline 21 to receive a
2~73~32
12
~ cylindrical metal left-hand threaded cam push rod 52 that is
- attached as by welding to the plate 56.
Bridging the two side plates 55 is a rectangular section
metal guide bar 57 affixed to the top edges of the plates 55
at a 90 degree angle to the centerline 21 and attached as by
welding as shown on the FIG. 14. The guide bar 57 has two
holes spaced parallel to and equi-distance from the
longitudinal centerline 21 to receive the two cylindrical metal
~ cam guide rods 41 and 42. These holes line up vertically and
; 10 horizontally with the two holes of the end plate 51.
The cam mechanism 50 assembly is free to reciprocate
linearly on the guide rods 41 and 42 along the axial centerline
21 with the guide rod rollers 33 engaged against the side
plates 55 of the cam.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged elevation view, partially cutaway,
of the flexible polymeric band 40 perimeter support post
assemblies 30 taken generally on the lines 4 - 4 and 8 - 8 of
FIGS. 2 and 3. The support post assembly 30 is comprised of
a vertically disposed cylindrical metal member machined to a
symmetrical profile that matches the inside face 48 of the
flexible polymeric band 40. The uppermost end of the post 31
is diametrically relieved to receive the upper inside flange
62 projection of the band 40 and the lowermost half of the post
31 is tapered to match the sloping inside lower wall 49 of the
band 40. The post 31 has a blind hole drilled into its
sidewall perpendicular to the post 31 vertical axis on the
horizontal centerline 21 of the push rod 32. The push rods 32
and 53 are fitted into this sidewall hole in their respective
posts 31 and attached as by welding. The lower end of the
posts 31 have a blind hold 37 drilled upwards on the vertical
centerline axis of the post. The hole 37 is threaded to
receive a threaded bolt 38 therein.
The enlarged elevation view, partially cutaway, FIG. 17
shows the device's ice securing pin arrangement. The depth of
hole 37 is such that when a pin 39 inserted through the
vertical hole of bolt 38 and the bolt 38 is screwed into the
hole 37, the head of the pin 39 is longitudinally seated
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2~7~32
~ 13
against the end of the hole 37 to secure the pin 39 in place
before the bolt 38 is screwed fully into the hole 37. The pin
39 is preferably of a hardened metal and of such length as to
extend through the bolt 38 and project a sufficient distance
downward to engage the ice surface 61 upon which the device is
played.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross sectional view through the
flexible polymeric band 40. The section shows an outward
facing side 47 and an inward facing side 48. The band 40 is
preferably moulded or extruded in a constant cross section
profile from a flexible polymeric thermoplastic material that
has physical properties of resiliency at low temperatures,
elongation stretchability, low compression set, chemical and
environmental atmospheric resistances and is economically
applicable to the device~s objects. The preferable material
has a hardness range of 60 to 80 Shore A durometer and is able
to be thermofusion joined together to form a continuous band
of sufficient length to circumvent the perimeter corner posts
. of the device.
: 20 The band 40 has an upper edge flange 62 projecting
~ inwardly to suit the relieved upper end of the post 31 to
"'"'! position the band vertically and prevent the band bottom edge
64 downward displacement from contacting the ice surface 61.
The lower inside face 49 of the band 40 has a downwardly
sloping wall thickening inwardly from the vertical center of
the post 31 towards the lowest bottom diametrical edge of the
post 31. The tapered thickness of the band 40 lower wall
provides resistance to the band~s horizontal axis torsional
forces and preferably the prevention of the hockey puck 60 from
rotating the band inwardly upon impact of the puck and allowing
the puck to pass under the band. The lower edge 64 of the band
40 has an inwardly projecting round-ended flange 63 that
engages the bottom end surface of the post 31. The flange 63
prevents the band 40 from upwardly displacing in its engagement
around the post 31. The band 40 preferably is generally equal
in height to a normal hockey stick's blade and each face
between perimeter corner posts 31 is generally of a length
.
2~7~3~
14
equal to the width of two hockey stick blades placed end to
end. The band 40 of the device described herein is generally
3" (76mm) high, has a midpoint thickness of 5/16" (8mm) and a
total assembled length of 62" (157cm) but may be length sized
proportionately as required for the device application and the
particular tension desired and as adjusted by the band
adjustment cam mechanism 50.
FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an alternate form of adjustment
mechanism. Three cams 102, 104, and 106 are mounted on a
common shaft 108. Rollers 33 from push rods 32 serve as
followers and follow the contours of cams 102, 104 and 106 as
- shaft 108 is rotated. A crank (not shown) is used to manually
adjust the positioning of shaft 108.
The use of device 1 will now be described with reference
to FIGS. 18 through 21. FIGS. 18 through 21 illustrated four
potential drills which demonstrate the utility of the
invention. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art
20 that there are an infinite variety of drills which can be
devised, depending upon the training needs of a team or an
individual player. Referring to FIG. 18, device 1 is anchored
to the ice even with a hockey net, generally identified by
reference numeral 100. The player passes hockey puck 60 to
25 device 1, receives a rebound from device 1 as a return pass and
shoots hockey puck 60 into the hockey net. Referring to FIG.
19, the player skates down the ice and passes hockey puck 60
to device 1. He continues to skate down the ice and receives
a rebound of hockey puck 60 from device 1 as a return pass.
30 By placing more than one of device 1 on the ice surface, the
drill can be made continuous around the ice surface. Part of
this second drill can include a shot at hockey net 100.
~ Referring to FIG. 20, the player passes hockey puck 60 to
f device 1 while skating slowly backwards or remaining
35 substantially stationary. He then receives a rebound of hockey
puck 60 from device 1 as a return pass. This simulates the
actions of a hockey defenseman. The drill can include a shot
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at hockey net loO. Referring to FIG. 21, the player circles
around device 1, making passes of hockey puck 60 to device 1
and receiving rebounds from device 1 as return passes.
Alternating directions enables the player to practise passing
and receiving passes on both his forehand and his backhand.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the
described drills help develop a players passing and pass
receiving skills while skating. The player is forced to keep
his head up, react on the move to the "return pass", and
improve the speed and accuracy of his passing. Overall fitness
levels can be increased through solo workouts.
It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that
various changes may be made in form, materials, details,
arrangement and proportions of the parts of the preferred
embodiment that has been disclosed and described in detail
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined in the claims.
