AU2020203906A1 - Sports Practice Aid - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for intercepting a projectile such as a ball, which has been kicked or thrown at a target zone by a skills-practicing or -developing participant comprises goal posts defining a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient barrier located a distance behind the goal posts for arresting a projectile striking it, a base on which the goal posts and barrier are operatively mounted and adjustment means to permit adjustment of the gap by repositioning the goal posts on the base. The user is able to adjust the gap so as to practice aiming the projectile at a smaller target, thereby to improve accuracy in kicking, throwing or hitting, without having to retrieve the projective after most attempts. SHEET 1 OF 3 10 iiiiianse18 12a 16a iammm 34 in!imd ini 12b 40 ---------iii i ii lii i J44iliilii !!! 28aliinilin|!!! 28a2 4a 16b8 24a 30b 422 36a 20b 46a 3828b 422 48b 46b 24b FIGURE 1

Description

Apparatus for intercepting a projectile such as a ball, which has been kicked or thrown at a target zone by a skills-practicing or -developing participant comprises goal posts defining a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient barrier located a distance behind the goal posts for arresting a projectile striking it, a base on which the goal posts and barrier are operatively mounted and adjustment means to permit adjustment of the gap by repositioning the goal posts on the base. The user is able to adjust the gap so as to practice aiming the projectile at a smaller target, thereby to improve accuracy in kicking, throwing or hitting, without having to retrieve the projective after most attempts.

SHEET 1 OF 3

iiiiianse18

12a

16a iammm 34 in!imd ini 12b ---------i iii i ii lii

J44iliilii !!! 28aliinilin|!!!

28a2

4a 16b8

24a 30b 422 36a 20b

46a 3828b

422

48b 46b 24b FIGURE 1

Title: Sports Practice Aid

Field of invention

[001] This invention relates to the development of sporting skills and provides

apparatus for intercepting a projectile such as a ball, which has been kicked or thrown at a target zone by a skills-practicing or -developing participant.

Background to the invention

[002] The prior art is replete with goal posts for use in allowing children to learn skills

of football and other sports disciplines. In the case of "The Beautiful Game" of soccer, or Association Football, miniature goal posts often come equipped with a net to catch goal

bound kicks. However, the net does not arrest a kick that misses the goal posts (unless the ball hits the side netting. Kicks that miss the goal entirely have to be retrieved

sometimes from far away, or, for kids fortunate enough to live in a relatively affluent suburban environment, over a neighbour's fence. Worse still, an off-target kick may

cause collateral damage, for example a broken window or an injury to a younger sibling

in the vicinity of the goal.

[003] In the example of basketball, there is a backboard behind the net. Children

playing basketball in their back yards or parks mayfind the board useful for causing errant shots to rebound instead of continuing on past the target. The disadvantage of a

backboard is that it is not really meant for this purpose and is in any case relatively small. In the case of netball, there is little incentive to practice longer shots, as the net has no

form of ball barrier at all for arresting errant shots.

[004] The problem this invention seeks to alleviate is that of a ball going astray and

having to be retrieved or being lost altogether. This inhibits the enthusiasm and exuberance of a young child trying to develop his sporting discipline skills. This results in

the child holding back in their kicking attempts, becoming over-cautious and possibly

underachieving in a competitive situation.

[005] In the case of practice walls for the game of tennis, the problem of a player

missing the wall is partially alleviated by mounting a length of fence on the top of the wall.

[006] The problem can be alleviated by ensuring that the child plays or practiceswith

a companion. The companion can be stationed to fetch stray balls. The children can take turns in kicking or hitting the ball at the goal or at the wall. The problem with this

approach is the risk of perception arising that one of the children is having fewer turns than the companion at kicking or hitting the ball. This tends to lead to disputes and

arguments and an end to the exercise.

Objects of the invention

[007] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a practice aid that is suitable for use in arresting a misdirected ball.

[008] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to

facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated

that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at

the priority date of the present application.

[009] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and

the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense

of "including, but not limited to".

Summary of invention

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sports practice aid comprising goal posts defining a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient

barrier located in spaced relationship behind the goal posts adapted to arrest a projectile striking it, a base on which the goal posts and barrier are operatively mounted and means

configured to permit adjustment of the gap by repositioning the goal posts on the base.

[0011] In a preferred form of the invention, the resilient barrier comprises first and

second uprights operatively supporting a resilient projectile-arresting membrane.

[0012] Preferably, the membrane comprises a net having a mesh spacing selected for

arresting travel of said projectile.

[0013] In a further preferred form of the invention, the gap does not exceed the resilient barrier in width.

[0014] Further, according to the invention the base comprises a plurality of goal post engaging locations linearly arranged generally parallel to the barrier and configured for

selection by a user for removably receiving an end portion of each goal post, whereby the gap width is adjustable and whereby the posts assume upright orientation, extending

from the base, when operatively located.

[0015] In a still further preferred form of the invention, the base comprises first and

second pedestals spaced apart by an inter-connecting spacer bar.

[0016] The spacer bar in a preferred embodiment comprises said goal post-engaging locations. The locations may comprise sockets. The sockets may be complementally

shaped for receiving the end portions of the goal posts.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, each pedestal comprises a hollow body

and an interior access port rendering the body fillable with a weight-providing fluid.

[0018] Each pedestal is preferably adapted for engageably supporting one of said

uprights in operative upright orientation. The pedestal is adapted by having a formation into which an end of the upright is receivable in a snug fit.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sports

practice kit comprising a base, first and second goal posts mountable in operative orientation on the base to define a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient

barrier locatable to be operatively supported by the base in spaced relationship behind the goal posts when operatively located, the resilient barrier when operatively located being adapted to arrest a projectile striking it, and means configured to permit adjustment of the gap by repositioning the goal posts on the base.

[0020] The adjustment means in a preferred form of the invention comprises a

plurality of post-receiving locations linearly arranged on the base, generally parallel to

the barrier when operatively located, and configured for removably receiving an end of each goal post according to selection by a user, whereby the posts assume upright

orientation, extending from the base, when operatively located.

[0021] The resilient barrier preferably comprises first and second uprights operatively

supporting a resilient projectile-arresting membrane.

[0022] The membrane in a preferred embodiment comprises a net having a mesh

spacing selected for arresting travel of said projectile.

[0023] In a preferred form of the invention the gap does not exceed the resilient

barrier in width.

[0024] In a further preferred form of the invention, the base comprises first and second pedestals and a spacer bar configured to interconnect the pedestals in spaced

relationship.

[0025] The spacer bar preferably comprises said goal post-engaging locations. The

spacer bar may be provided in two or more separate connectable sections.

[0026] The spacer bar may comprise an elongate channel in an upper surface, the

channel having formations defining the post-engaging locations.

[0027] In an embodiment, the locations are defined by sockets adapted to receive end

portions of the posts.

[0028] Each pedestal further preferably comprises a hollow body and an interior access port rendering the body fillable with a weight-providing fluid.

[0029] Preferably each pedestal in the kit is adapted for engageably supporting one of said uprights in operative upright orientation. The adaptation may comprise a recess in an upper surface of the pedestal, defining a receiving socket for an end of the upright to be supported.

[0030] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of facilitating practice of a

sporting discipline involving launching of a projectile, the method includes the steps of:

a. providing a barrier adapted for arresting travel of a launched projectile,

b. providing a base on which the barrier is mountable in operative

orientation,

c. providing a set of goalposts for erecting to define between them a target

goal includes a gap at which to launch the projectile,

d. removably mounting the goal posts in operative orientation on the base to

define the goal, and

e. erecting the barrier in operative orientation on the base at a location

behind and spaced from the goal defined by the goal posts.

[0031] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes providing the base in connectable components comprising first and second pedestals and a spacer bar

connectable to each between them, the spacer bar having formations at which the goal posts are mountable to define a goal of selectable width.

[0032] The method may further include the step of removing at least one of the goal posts and remounting it at a different location on the base thereby to adjust the width of

the gap.

Brief description of drawings

[0033] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical

effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 shows in upper perspective view a preferred embodiment of the practice aid of this invention in which the goal posts are set at maximum spacing.

Figure 2 shows in upper perspective view the practice aid of Figure 1 in which the goal posts are set at less than maximum spacing.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a base in an alternative embodiment of the invention having a laterally extensible barrier module.

Figure 4 illustrates in schematic plan view an alternative embodiment to Figure 3 of sockets for receiving goal post inserts.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a connector arrangement for axially connecting tube sections employed in an embodiment of the apparatus.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used

herein to designate like elements throughout, various views and embodiments of an aid for practicing a sporting discipline such as kicking in Australian Rules Football are

illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been

exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the

following examples of possible embodiments.

[0035] Although the preferred embodiment is described with Australian Rules Football in mind, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to other disciplines

which involve kicking at goal with minimal adaptation. These include the examples of association football or soccer, rugby union, rugby league, American Football, Irish

Football, International Rules Football and the like.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, the practice

aid for use in kicking exercises is generally denoted by the number 10 and shown in a

front perspective view from the upper right side. The apparatus has a pair of front posts 12a, 12b behind which a barrier net 14 is supported between uprights 16a, 16b, a

crosspiece 18 and a lower crosspiece 20. The crosspieces are made of canvas tape of the kind that is used for supporting the net on a tennis court. In an alternative embodiment, the crosspieces are made from plastics tubing, by way of non-limiting example, high density polyethylene (HDPE) of 40mm nominal diameter, preferably larger. They may be of the same diameter as the uprights and be connected by elbow pieces (not shown).

Other rigid plastics compounds may advantageously be used for the structural elements, for example acrylics, polyaryl ether ketones such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK),

polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ter polymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and the like.

[0037] A cross-bracing member may be included for increasing structural stability. The cross-bracing member may extend generally diagonally between the uprights or the

top and lower crosspieces. In this embodiment, the cross-bracing member is omitted.

[0038] The upright elements, being posts 12a, 12b, 16a, 16b are mounted on a base

structure 22, which comprises first and second pedestals 24a, 24b and a connecting

spacer bar comprising detachable portions 26a,26b. The pedestals are hollow bodies having upper surfaces 30a, 30b, adapted by having sockets 28a,28b, each for receiving

an end portion of the net-supporting posts 16a,16b, so that the posts stand upright when these ends are inserted into the sockets. In this preferred embodiment, the sockets have

a hexagonal profile to receive a post of like axial profile. However, it will be appreciated that other profiles may be employed, for example rectangular, pentagonal, heptagonal

or even circular (although circular is less preferred). The hexagonal and other non circular profiles prevent the posts twisting under ball impact and help maintain spacing

and structural stability of the net assembly.

[0039] The pedestals are spaced apart in constant relationship by connected spacer bar sections 26a, 26b. The pedestals each have a slot 32a, 32b into which the opposite

ends of spacer bar sections 26a,26b are inserted to fit snugly, resisting displacement. The slots are rectangular and prevent relative displacement of the pedestals under impact of

a ball into the net 14 or against any of the uprights or cross-pieces. The slots and the end

portions of the spacer bar sections may be formed in other complemental shapes, including shapes to provide a dovetail join between respective ends of sections 26a, 26b and the slots 32a,32b. However, a dovetail join is optional because uprights 16a,16b in sockets 28a,28b respectively hold the pedestals a constant distance apart and the snug fits of bar sections 26a,26b in slots 32a 32b ensure that the pedestals cannot pivot relative to each other and splay outwardly at their front ends where the spacer bar sections are received, relative to the rear ends where net 14 is supported.

[0040] Spacer bar 26 is adapted to receive the goal post uprights 12a, 12b so that the

goal posts stand upright at a selectable distance 'G' apart, as indicated by the black arrow. Between the goal posts is the gap 34, which defines the goal to be aimed at by kicking, or

hand-passing a ball 40 in the direction of the arrow K.

[0041] There is a plurality of discrete locations at which the lower ends of the posts

may be planted. There is a maximum width location defined by outermost sockets 36a, 36b respectively adjacent the opposite ends of spacer bar sections 26a, 26b. On each

section 26a, 26b, there is also a rack 38a, 38b of formations defining a line of

circumferentially intersecting additional sockets 42, providing alternative locating positions for posts 12a, 12b. The alternative locating positions are arranged progressively

closer to the centre of the spacer bar, where sections 26a,26b meet. To practice increasing their kicking accuracy, the user may relocate the goal post uprights 12a, 12b

at any of the sockets more centrally located along the spacer bar. Should they wish to practice passing, they may elect to widen the "goal" space 34, or vice versa.

[0042] The extent of a goal or target zone is therefore adjustable by placing the ends in any of the available sockets in the rack or at the lateral extremes of the spacer bar. In

Figure 1, the goal 34, defined between posts 12a, 12b, is shown at its widest - essentially

having a width substantially equal to the width of net 14 behind. An errant kick taken in front of the goal will therefore miss the net behind. This can be addressed in an

alternative embodiment by providing one or more further pedestals and a second spacer bar and ancillary side-netting assembly, so as to increase the width of the barrier behind

the goal in a modular manner. The base layout for this embodiment is illustrated

schematically in Figure 3 in plan view.

[0043] Before discussing Figure 3, the pedestals in the embodiment of Figures 1 and

2 have a hollow, fluid-retaining interior and have removable screw caps 44a, 44b that provide access for filling and emptying. It will be appreciated that filling the pedestals

with water or other suitable non-toxic fluid would weigh them down for resisting

displacement when hit by a ball or other projectile. Similarly, spacer bar sections 26a, 26b which preferably also have hollow interiors, are equipped with removable screw caps

46a, 46b for permitting filling with and draining of fluid.

[0044] A further feature of the pedestals is a recess 48a,48b providing a finger grip

formation to facilitate dragging or lifting for relocation or storage.

[0045] The net height is selected in the preferred embodiment described above to be

about 4m. However, it may be greater or less. Its maximum height will be limited by structural considerations, such as the weight of the base portion, the depth of the

sockets, the material of construction for the uprights, the barrier membrane and other

factors.

[0046] The uprights supporting the net in operative position may be constructed of

telescopically connected sections, or may be designed in sections that can be engaged with each other, for example by bayonet-type fittings or screw threaded connections or

other suitable known engagement or fastening means. Similarly, the goal posts may be constructed to be extensible or to allow for additional sections to be added, to increase

the height. The kit may therefore be adapted for use in a school or club environment and not just in the confines of a domestic back yard.

[0047] A modified base structure compared with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2

is illustrated in Figure 3 with main pedestals 124a, 124b being flanked by auxiliary pedestal bodies 52, 54. Like parts carry like numbering. It is preferable to add such

bodies in pairs with corresponding net sections. However, individual single sections may be added.

[0048] It will be observed that the main pedestals 124a, 124b differ from those of

Figures 1 in that they have a second slot 50a, 50b formed in their outerflanks, these being the flanks opposite to the side in which spacer bar sections 26a, 26b are respectively received.

[0049] The auxiliary pedestals are connected to the goal post supporting base

structure 22 by means of connecting bars 56, 58, which may be slotted into slots provided

in the base pedestals they connect, or may be fastened by other known means. As discussed in relation to the sections 26a, 26b and the net-supporting uprights in sockets

28a, 28b forming a stable structure resistant to splaying, the same principle applies when a side net is supported between supporting posts inserted in sockets 62 and 28a and

sockets 64 and 28b. The sockets are shown to have hexagonal profiles. This is not to be construed as limiting the profile shape, as noted earlier in this description.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the connecting bars 56, 58 are omitted, so that the auxiliary base pedestals are not directly connected to the main pedestals that support

the goal posts. This simplifies assembly of the overall back-netting support structure.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative example of the racks 38a, 38b of sockets 42 for providing a greater range of locations for receiving the posts than the range of Figures

1 and 2. Here the sockets are more interlinked and have a generally hexagonal shape individually. Like numbering denotes like parts in the previous figures.

[0052] The net portions may be attached to hook eyes mounted on the uprights. Alternative fastening means may of course be used without departing from the scope of

the invention.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the net may be replaced with an alternative form of

barrier. Preferably, the barrier is not rigid, as rebounding is not altogether desirable, as

this may cause other foreseeable consequences, for example the ball rebounding away from the kicker. Especially when the ball being used is oval, the bounce is unpredictable

and it is preferable to arrest it as soon as possible, hence the net or other soft or pliable barrier. An alternative is a fabric that may be relatively loosely supported between the

uprights 16a,16b in Figure 1. The barrier may comprise a semi-rigid mesh, made for

example of wire or plastics. Such a barrier is resiliently deformable when struck but tends to allow a degree of rebound of the projectile that strikes it. A bracing member may not be needed between the supporting uprights in such an embodiment, because of the structural resilience. However, in the case where a soft net is employed, such as a net of nylon twine, a bracing member may be found advantageous. A soft net has low rebound properties, meaning that a projectile striking it is permitted to lose its momentum without gaining rebound momentum from the barrier.

[0054] The invention brings various advantages, some of which will now be described:

[0055] A child player experiences greater freedom to experiment and to kick the ball

without restraint. He or she is freed up to kick "through" the ball, secure in the knowledge they will probably not lose the ball. This feeling of freedom allows for a better

kicking technique to be developed than would be possible under constraint.

[0056] The child can play by themselves, as no companion "ball fetcher" is required.

[0057] The child is empowered to move the front posts close togetherto practice their

goal kicking, resulting in better outcomes than a product in which the posts are in a single, fixed position. This will encourage the child's kicking foot to travel on a straight line

through the ball and to the target represented by the chosen adjusted space between the goal posts.

[0058] The child can set the front posts wider distance apart to practise their passing skills or they can get remove the two front posts entirely so as to have a really good

unobstructed kick into the net.

[0059] The apparatus structure is easy to assemble as it made of HDPEtubing. Lengths

of tubing plug into each other. This means the posts and the front arm can be separated

so the product can be taken away in a travel bag. To facilitate connections between tubing sections, the apparatus in an embodiment includes joining pieces, as exemplified

in Figure 5. In an exploded view seen in Figure 5(a), hollow, open-ended tube sections 116a, 116b of the kind found in uprights 12a, 12b, 16a, and 16b and crosspieces 18, 20 in

Figure 1, and requiring connection for providing an extended length, are brought end on

into general axial alignment with connecting piece 120. Piece 120 has a generally round cylindrical form and may be a solid or hollow body with diameter selected to allow opposite end portions 120a and 120b to slide into the hollows of tubes 116a and 116b respectively, and to be engaged therein in a relatively loose friction fit. Fitting is achieved by inserting the end of the connector into the hollow tube as suggested by directional arrow D. The relatively loose friction fit allows the tubes to be disconnected by withdrawing them for dismantling the apparatus when required. Of a permanent fit is required, a tighter fit may be engineered by resizing the components, or by applying a suitable adhesive to the insertable portion of the connector piece.

[0060] To prevent piece 120 being completely inserted into either of the tube pieces, there is a thickened central portion 122 having a diameter exceeding the bore of the

tubes. This portion serves to stop over-insertion. Figure 5(b) illustrates the tube assembly when connected. It will be appreciated that a reverse arrangement may alternatively be

employed, that is one in which the connector is a hollow tube having a diameter that

allows it to fit on the outside surfaces of the tubes. The connector piece in such an embodiment has an end stop positioned internally to prevent it sliding down the inserted

upright tube section.

[0061] The base of the apparatus has drain plug holes, so that if the user prefers to

keep the device at home all the time rather than relocated it for use elsewhere, such as in a local part, then they can fill the base with water to keep the device heavier and

steadier under the impact of a received ball.

[0062] The modular form of construction allows for the addition of further, flanking

net-widening sections.

[0063] The locations at which the goal posts may be received are described above as sockets. It will be appreciated that they may also be protruding formations over which

the hollow end portions of the posts may be received to fit. However, protrusions are considered less desirable than sockets because of the risk of a child falling on to such

protrusion, or of a projectile striking one being ricocheted away from the net.

[0064] The children using the invention are at liberty to grab their ball at anytime and

go out to have a good session of practice kicking, without the need for anyone else to be around. They are at liberty also to have goal kicking contests with their friends to see who

among them is the best kicker on the day.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this practice aid may be used not only for ball kicking, but for other sports

disciplines requiring the launching of a projectile capable of being arrested by the barrier. The projectile need not be a ball. For example, it may be an item of field athletics

apparatus, for example a discus.

[0066] As indicated above, the apparatus is not limited to use in the practicing of

kicking, but may also be employed in improving throwing and ball-hitting accuracy. Examples of sporting codes in which participants could benefit include cricket, hockey

and curling.

[0067] The drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner: They are not intended to be limiting to the

particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and

embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the accompanying claims. It is intended that the

claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and the like.

[0068] These embodiments merely illustrate examples of the method of providing for

sports practice, the kit and assembled product of the invention. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further

embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims (22)

Claims The claims defining the invention are:

1. A sports practice aid comprising goal posts defining a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient barrier located in spaced relationship behind the goal posts

adapted to arrest a projectile striking it, a base on which the goal posts and barrier are operatively mounted and means configured to permit adjustment of the gap by

repositioning the goal posts on the base.

2. The aid of claim 1, wherein the resilient barrier comprises first and second

uprights operatively supporting a resilient projectile-arresting membrane.

3. The aid of claim 2, wherein the membrane comprises a net having a mesh spacing selected for arresting travel of said projectile.

4. An aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gap does not exceed the resilient barrier in width.

5. An aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises a plurality of goal post-engaging locations linearly arranged generally parallel

to the barrier and configured for selection by a user for removably receiving an end portion of each goal post, whereby the gap width is adjustable and whereby the posts

assume upright orientation, extending from the base, when operatively located.

6. The aid of claim 5, wherein the base comprises first and second pedestals spaced apart by an inter-connecting spacer bar.

7. The aid of claim 6, wherein the spacer bar comprises said goal post-engaging locations.

8. An aid according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each pedestal comprises a

hollow body and an interior access port rendering the body fillable with a weight providing fluid.

9. The aid of claim 8, wherein each pedestal is adapted for engageably supporting

one of said uprights in operative upright orientation.

10. A sports practice kit comprising a base, first and second goal posts mountable

in operative orientation on the base to define a target gap for which to aim a projectile, a resilient barrier locatable to be operatively supported bythe base in spaced relationship

behind the goal posts when operatively located, the resilient barrier when operatively located being adapted to arrest a projectile striking it, and means configured to permit

adjustment of the gap by repositioning the goal posts on the base.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the adjustment means comprises a plurality of post-receiving locations linearly arranged on the base, generally parallel to the barrier

when operatively located, and configured for removably receiving an end of each goal post according to selection by a user, whereby the posts assume upright orientation,

extending from the base, when operatively located.

12. A kit according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the resilient barrier comprises

first and second uprights operatively supporting a resilient projectile-arresting membrane.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the membrane comprises a net having a mesh

spacing selected for arresting travel of said projectile.

14. A kit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the gap does not exceed

the resilient barrier in width.

15. A kit according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the base comprises first

and second pedestals and a spacer bar configured to interconnect the pedestals in spaced relationship.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the spacer bar comprises said goal post-engaging locations.

17. The kit of claim 16 wherein the spacer bar comprises an elongate channel in

an upper surface, the channel having formations defining the post-engaging locations.

18. A kit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein each pedestal comprises

a hollow body and an interior access port rendering the body fillable with a weight providing fluid.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein each pedestal is adapted for engageably supporting one of said uprights in operative upright orientation.

20. A method of facilitating practice of a sporting discipline involving launching of a projectile, the method includes the steps of:

a. providing a barrier adapted for arresting travel of a launched projectile,

b. providing a base on which the barrier is mountable in operative orientation,

c. providing a set of goalposts for erecting to define between them a target goal that includes a gap at which to launch the projectile,

d. removably mounting the goal posts in operative orientation on the base to define the goal, and

e. erecting the barrier in operative orientation on the base at a location behind and spaced from the goal defined by the goal posts.

21. The method of claim 20 including providing the base in connectable

components comprising first and second pedestals and a spacer bar connectable to each between them, the spacer bar having formations at which the goal posts are mountable

to define a goal of selectable width.

22. The method of claim 21including the step of removing at least one of the goal

posts and remounting it at a different location on the base thereby to adjust the width of the gap.

SHEET 1 OF 3 12 Jun 2020

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16a 34 12b 40

K 44a

28a 30a 16b 24a 22 36a 20 48a 38a 44b 46a 28b 38b 32a 30b 42 26a 36b 26b 38b 32b 42 48b 46b 24b FIGURE 1

SHEET 2 OF 3 12 Jun 2020

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16a 12b

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12b K 44a

20

44b

30b

36a 42 48a 26b 24b 46b 48b

FIGURE 2

SHEET 3 OF 3 12 Jun 2020

56 28a 124a 26a,b 28b 58 64 62 54 50b 2020203906

50a 52 42 36b 124b 28 48a 36a

FIGURE 3

42 42 38a 38b 26a 26b

FIGURE 4

120 116a 120a 122 120b 116b

(a) D

(b) 116a 116b

122

FIGURE 5