Patent Application
20130267355
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a tennis teaching device, and more specifically to a tennis teaching device configured to train a tennis player to strike a tennis ball with consistent precision and accuracy.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Tennis is a hugely popular sport enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. The sport of tennis challenges the players both physically and mentally. As such, mastery of the game includes physical aspects as well as mental aspects. The physical aspects relate to the player's physical ability to make certain shots, i.e., serves, approach shots, volleys, etc at a high rate of success. Exemplary physical tools required for each shot include the player's grip of the racquet, the player's form and balance through the swing, and the player's swing speed. The mental aspects of the game relate to the player's ability to focus on the match and not be distracted by other external factors, such as the weather, intimidation by the opposing player, etc. The mental aspects of the game also include the player's ability to know which shots the player can hit with greater success, as well as the shots the player can hit with less frequent success. The mental aspects further relate to a player's ability to create a game plan before a match and implement that game plan during the match. In this regard, the game of tennis is not simply hitting the ball over the net. Rather, the game requires precision and accuracy, wherein a successful player can hit the ball to a specific targeted zone.
Mastery of both the physical and mental aspects of the game requires practice and repetition of the various shots. Once a player has practiced a shot with repeated success, the player will gain confidence in his ability to successfully make the shot during competition.
In view of the need for repetition to master one's shot making ability, several tennis training devices and techniques have been developed to aid in tennis training. One particular device that is commonly used by tennis players is a ball machine, which feeds the player tennis balls during training exercises. The ball machine allows the user to practice without a hitting partner and delivers the balls with reliable consistency. Therefore, the user can repeatedly practice a particular shot.
Although the ball machine provides the player with certain advantages, the ball machine also suffers from certain deficiencies. In particular, the ball machine generally does not provide any feedback to the player. In this regard, if the player is focusing on hitting the balls into a specific target zone, such as the corners of the baseline, the ball machine does not monitor the player's success in hitting those zones, and thus, leaves the player wondering what his success rate is for hitting the ball into the intended target zones.
Another tennis training technique that is commonly employed for targeted hitting is to set up tennis ball cans or traffic cones in the areas of the court which the player wants to target. For instance, the player may set up a can or cone in each corner of the baseline and aim his shots toward the cans or cones. The player will know that he has successfully targeted that area when the ball hits the can or cone.
A problem with the targeted tennis ball can approach is that the tennis ball cans generally provide a very small target at which to aim. Furthermore, if the player is successful in knocking down the can, the player is generally required to interrupt his training session and reset the tennis ball can.
As is apparent from the foregoing, there is a need in the art for an improved tennis training system which allows the player to repeatedly practice targeted shot making, and also provides the user with feedback as to the success of the player's shot making. The present invention addresses this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.
There is provided a tennis training device for training a tennis player to hit a tennis ball to a targeted area with consistency. The tennis training device includes a target mat placeable on a surface for the tennis player to aim toward when hitting the tennis ball. The target mat includes a mat body and a detector coupled to the mat body. The detector is configured to detect contact between the tennis ball and the mat body and to generate a detection signal in response to detection of contact between the tennis ball and the mat body. The target mat further includes a transmitter in communication with the detector to receive the detection signal therefrom. The tennis training device includes a scoring device including a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive the detection signal therefrom. A signaling device is in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a scoring signal in response to receipt of the detection signal.
The detector may be configured to detect an acoustic signal in response to the tennis ball contacting the mat body. As an alternative, the detector may be configured to detect a pneumatic signal in response to the tennis ball contacting the mat body. The mat body may define an internal reservoir filled with a fluid.
The transmitter may be configured to wirelessly communicate the detection signal. The transmitter may be configured to communicate the detection signal over a WiFi communication network. The receiver may be in wireless communication with the transmitter.
The signaling device may be configured to generate a visual scoring signal. The signaling device may also be configured to generate an acoustic scoring signal.
The tennis training device may include one mat or more than one mat. In embodiments with more than one mat, the various mats may be operatively linked to define a training sequence, wherein the player attempts to land the tennis ball on the mats in a defined sequence, i.e., alternating shots in the base line corners.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is shown a tennis training system 10 for use in training a tennis player 12 to hit a tennis ball 14 to a targeted area with reliable precision. When a tennis player 12 practices with the tennis training system 10, the player 12 will gain confidence in his ability to make particular shots. The player 12 will also identify his strong shots, as well as his weak shots, while being able to statistically track their improvement. The training system 10 is configured to provide immediate feedback when a shot is hit well. The player 12 will be able to play with set goals in mind, and over time, have confidence that the goals are being achieved. After practicing with the training system 10, the player 12 will develop a high level of confidence in his shot making abilities, which will improve his outlook of the game, as well as his ability to set up points. The training system 10 will develop the player's strength and allow the player 12 to build a game plan he can rely on when playing.
Referring now specifically to
As will be explained in more detail below, when the player 12 successfully strikes the ball 14 such that the ball 14 lands on one of the target mats 18a-18f, the target mat 18 detects the ball 14 landing on the mat 18 and generates a detection signal. The detection signal is communicated to a signaling device 24, such as a counter display box 24a or a smart phone 24b, to provide an indication to the user that the shot was successful.
Referring now to
In order to enhance the vibration of the mat 18 when the tennis ball 14 lands thereon, the mat 14 may include acoustic isolation feet 30 to mitigate vibration dampening by the court 16. In other words, the acoustic isolation feet 30 may be connected to the mat body 26 to slightly elevate the mat body 26 over the court surface to allow the mat body 26 to vibrate freely, as opposed to being dampened by the court surface.
The size of the mat body 26 may be varied, and may depend on the intended usage thereof, or the skill of the player 12. For instance, a smaller mat body 26 may be used to practice serves, whereas a larger mat body 26 may be used to practice shots along the base line. Furthermore, more skilled players 12 may benefit more from a smaller mat body 26, whereas a beginner player may benefit more from a larger mat body 26. Along these lines, a smaller mat body 16 defines a smaller target area, which may provide a suitable challenge for a more experience player 12, while the larger target area defined by a larger mat body 26 may be more suited to the skill level of a beginning player 12.
The mat 18 further includes an acoustic pickup 32 to detect vibrations in the mat 18 caused by the tennis ball 14 landing on the mat 18. The acoustic pickup 32 is operative to generate an electrical detection signal in response to the vibration detection. The acoustic pickup 32 may include a dynamic microphone, condenser microphone, piezo electric sensor or any other transducer known in the art capable of converting vibrations into an electrical signal.
The electrical detection signal generated by the acoustic pickup 32 is transmitted to an analog signal processing circuit 34, which is in electrical communication with the acoustic pickup 32. The analog signal processing circuit 34 is configured to amplify and filter the electrical signals from the acoustic pickup 32. The processing circuit 34 may employ special filtering algorithms to reject unwanted sounds, such as sounds associated with passing aircraft, people speaking, or the tennis ball 14 landing on the tennis court 16 near the mat 18. Thus, the signal received at the analog signal processing circuit 34 is filtered to remove portions of the signal that do not correspond to the vibrations associated with the tennis ball 14 hitting the mat 18. A valid ball strike signal is generated by the analog signal processing circuit 34 which directly relates to the vibrations/sound generated from the tennis ball 14 landing on the mat 18. The valid ball strike signal may be a simple electrical signal or a digital interface to further processing.
The valid ball strike signal is communicated from the analog signal processing circuit 34 to the digital code encryption processor circuit 36, which is operative to generate a unique digital pulse code. The unique digital pulse code may be transmitted by a wireless transmitter 38. The unique digital code encryption circuit 36 mitigates other nearby target mats 18 from falsely affecting the score count of the intended target mat counter. In this regard, each target mat 18 is uniquely coded to correspond with a matching count receiver and display. Therefore, the training system 10 is not only capable of detecting a tennis ball 14 landing on a target mat 18, but it can also identify the specific mat 18 on which the ball 14 landed.
The wireless transmitter 38 is in operative communication with the digital code encryption circuit 36 to receive the signal therefrom and to covert the digital signal into a wireless signal. The wireless signal may be an RF signal at any frequency. The wireless signal may utilize amplitude modification, frequency modification or digital spread spectrum technology. Although the foregoing describes the wireless signal as being an RF signal, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other wireless communication signals, such as, Bluetooth™ signals, WiFi™ signals, infrared signals, or other known wireless signals may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment includes a wireless transmitter 38, it is also contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may employ wired transmission means.
The signal transmitted by the transmitter 38 is received by a signaling device 24a, 24b. The signaling device 24a includes a receiver 40, preferably a wireless receiver. Once the signal is received by the receiver 40, the signal is converted into an electrical signal that is communicated to a digital decode processor circuit 42. The digital decode processor circuit 42 serves to decode the signal from the receiver 40 and generate a valid count trigger to be counted on the display 44. This count trigger may be a simple electrical signal or a digital processor interface of any type.
The counter box display 44 accepts the count signal from the digital decode processor circuit 42 and increments the count display for the user. The counter display box 44 defines a large numerical display that is readable in sunlight and that counts each valid ball trigger on the target mat 18. The counter display box 44 may also include controls for resetting, incrementing or decreasing the count.
Various embodiments of the present invention may also include an acoustic signaling device 46 configured to provide an audio feedback cue each time the target mat 18 registers a valid ball strike. The acoustic signal may include a beep, buzzer or artificial voice cue. The acoustic signaling device 46 may also include a mute option, as well as volume control.
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that although the various components comprising either the target mat 18 and the signaling device 24a are described above as being separate components, that any of the components may be combined into a signal component to simplify the final design.
In addition to the foregoing, it is also contemplated that the wireless transmitter 38 may be configured to transmit a signal to signaling device 24b, which is a remote electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer, personal computer or the like. The transmission to the remote electronic device 24b may be in addition to the transmission to the signaling device 24a, or as an alternative to the transmission to the signaling device 24a.
It is contemplated that the tennis training system 10 may be programmed to guide the user through a training sequence, wherein the user targets specific mats 18a-18f in a particular sequence. For instance, the player may alternate between mats 18a and 18b to train for base line rallies. Alternatively, the player may target mats 18a, then 18b, then 18c, then 18f, and repeat the sequence to attain a command of placing the ball at various locations throughout the court. As noted above, each mat 18 may generate a unique signal such that the signaling device 24a, 24b can identify the specific mat 18 which generated the signal. Thus, the signaling device 24a, 24b can track the success at which the user can target the various mats 18 through the sequence. The player may program the desired sequence into the signaling device 24a, 24b. In this regard, the signaling device 24a, 24b may include on or more pre-programmed sequences which the user may select, or alternatively, the user may program the desired sequence into the signaling device 24a, 24b. Therefore, with the sequence programmed into the signaling device 24a, 24b, the signaling device 24a, 24b compares the sequence of signals received from the mats 18 with the sequence defined by the user.
It is further contemplated that the mats 18 may include a target indicator, such as a light or sound, to guide the user through the sequence. In this regard, the mat 18 may illuminate the light or transmit the sound from the particular mat 18 that is next in the sequence. The target indicator may remain ON until the user strikes the mat 18, or the target indicator may be ON for a certain period of time, i.e., 1-5 seconds, and then sequence to the next mat 18. Thus, the mats 18 may be in communication with each other and the signaling device 24a, 24b to sequence the target indicator in accordance with the training sequence.
Referring now specifically to
The pneumatic mat 50 further includes a pressure transducer 56 which detects the pressure spike within the inner reservoir 54 and converts the detected pressure spike into an electrical signal. The electrical signal from the pressure transducer 56 is communicated to the analog signal processing circuit 58.
The analog signal processing circuit 34, digital code encryption processor circuit 42, wireless transmitter 38, wireless receiver 40, digital decode processor circuit 42, and counter display box 44 shown in
When used, the tennis training system 10 offers more than conventional hit-at-a-spot tennis products. Indeed, the tennis training system 10 allows the user to practice with a purpose. In this regard, the player will be focused on hitting the ball 14 to a particular area, which during a match may be a winning shot, or may position the player for to take advantage of a poorly hit shot from the opponent. The player will gain confidence in his/her ability to make particular shots, identify their strong shots and weak shots, as well as obtain a statistical analysis of their improvement. The system 10 provides instant positive feedback when the tennis ball 14 is hit well. For instance, the counter box 44 may provide a visual and/or audible signal that the tennis ball 14 successfully landed on a target mat 18. The system also allows the player to practice with set goals in mind and to monitor and track those goals over time. The feedback provided by the system 10 will foster player confidence in their shot making abilities. Moreover, the player will develop a new outlook of playing and setting up points. For instance, the player will develop, strengthen, and gain solutions to building a game plan that can be implemented when playing.
The player's focus will also improve after practicing with the target tennis system 10. In particular, the player will be able to focus on shot production, and should not be distracted by anything else when trying to achieve their targeted goals. When a player practices using the target tennis system 10, the player will develop a mindset of hitting to areas on the court instead of worrying or focusing on the opponent. This allows the player to keep each point as important as any other and can help the player from outside distractions. Further, the player will obtain the best results utilizing the target tennis system 10 in practice sessions to simulate actual tennis match competition, i.e. “practice like you play and play like you practice”. This type of practice session can additionally help overcome nervousness typically encountered in match play since the same has already been encountered numerous times during the practice session.
The target tennis system provides a measurable number related to the player's improvement of making particular shots. For instance, the system 10 may track the player's improvement of hitting ground strokes deep to the corners, cross court, or down the lines. The system 10 will also allow the player to quickly determine which shots the player can make at a high percentage and what shots the player can make at a low percentage (and thus, require additional practice). This type of information will also help the player make decisions during competition, i.e., the player will know to make the shot which he can make at a higher percentage. In addition, this type of information informs the tennis player which particular shots need more practice.
The following section will discuss various tennis shots made during normal competition, and how the target tennis system 10 may be used to improve those shots. Turning first to the “approach shot,” a common reason players get passed at the net and lose the point is due to short approach shots. The tennis target system 10 will help a player correct this problem. In particular, the tennis target system 10 will improve the player's ability to take advantage of the opponent's short ball and gain consistency in driving the tennis ball 14 deep into the corners. As the player learns to strike the ball 14 with greater velocity, the opponent has less time to get to the ball 14, the opponent has a much more difficult return shot, which will likely set up an easier volley to put the ball 14 away.
Turning now to the “volley,” the tennis training system 10 will allow the player to gain confidence in his ability to hit a volley on the target which will help set up an easier second short or which may be an outright winner. By coming up to the net, the player will have much greater area of the court to gain an advantage over the opponent. The player will have more angles to make it more difficult for the opponent to reach the ball 14 and force the opponent to hit a more difficult shot. Therefore, the odds of winning a higher percentage of the shots will increase.
The tennis training system 10 may also be used to improve a player's “serve.” Conventional methods of practicing service placement included placing a tennis ball 14 can at the desired location on the court. This conventional method was not preferred because it provided an extremely small target, and once the target was knocked down, the can needed to be replaced.
The target tennis system 10 provides the player with an enhanced ability to practice and improve the player's serves, particular when compared to the conventional practicing methods described above. In particular, the target tennis system 10 will allow the player to aim for a spot, hit the target, have the shot counted, all without disrupting the practice session to reset the target.
Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.
