GB2614030A

GB2614030A - Training apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2614030A
Application number: GB2114322.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Hardy Kenneth
Original assignee: Aimputt Ltd
Current assignee: Aimputt Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-06
Filing date: 2021-10-06
Publication date: 2023-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-06
Also published as: GB202114322D0; GB2614030B; GB2624800A; GB2624800B

Abstract

A training apparatus for use when striking a ball, such as a golf ball for improving putting, comprises a base 10 for standing on a surface across which a ball is to be struck in use and a post 20. The base 10 has a support structure extending both upwardly and laterally, e.g. in an arch or gate, to define an open volume 30 through which a ball can pass. The post 20 is mounted to the support structure so as to extend above open volume 30 of the base 10. The post 20 being detachable from the base 10 and has a length that is greater than the height of the base 10. A method of use is disclosed in which the training apparatus is selectively positioned in use on a surface, between a ball and a target, such that the ball can move through the open volume and beneath the post when struck towards the target. The user positions themselves such that a post appears to intersect with the target, indicating to the user that they are correctly positioned to strike the ball. Also disclosed is a method of using the training apparatus where the base is positioned over a ball to be struck such that the ball is directly over the post.

Description

Training apparatus The present disclosure comprises a training apparatus for practising how to strike a ball, particularly for practising putting golf balls.

Introduction

Many sports require a ball to be hit in a straight line. Golf is one such example where hitting a ball straight is a prerequisite in order to play with any sort of proficiency. A problem area for many golfers, particularly amateurs, is putting and one in which their score can dramatically improve with practice.

A common problem most amateurs or inexperienced players suffer from is incorrectly aligning their body when putting. When taking the shot, the golfer's head should be positioned directly above the ball and aligned with the hole.

Deviations from this position will tend to result in the golfer missing the shot.

As a result, a plurality of training apparatuses have been developed in order to help the golfer improve their putting stance. One such example is US5913732 which discloses a putting training apparatus in which a string is hung over a golf ball and hole, such as to create a target line when the golfer correctly positions their head over the string. However, the aid is cumbersome as it requires two posts to hang the string between and therefore is impractical over large distances. The training apparatus (and others of similar design) are also inaccurate as the string may become slack or be effected by the weather such as wind or rain.

US2013288828 discloses a putting aid comprising two vertical posts in which the aid is placed between the ball and the hole. The golfer then aligns themselves such that the hole is approximately halfway between the vertical posts. However, the system relies on the golfer to estimate the position of the hole relative to the posts and therefore is subject to inaccuracies that may lead the golfer to missing the shot. The golfer would then be unaware if the miss was due to them not correctly positioning themselves or to other errors in their game.

It is the aim of the present invention to overcome or mitigate all or some of the problems described above.

Summary of invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is a training apparatus for use when striking a ball, comprising a base having a formation arranged to stand on a surface across which a ball is to be struck in use, the base having a support structure extending both upwardly and laterally with respect to the formation so as to define an open volume through which a ball can pass; a post mounted to the support structure at a location that is vertically and laterally offset from the formation such that the open volume is beneath an end of the post, wherein the training apparatus is to be selectively positioned in use on a surface, between a ball and target, such that the ball moves through the open volume and beneath the post when struck towards the target.

The training apparatus aids the user when striking a ball across a surface towards a target by ensuring the user is correctly aligned. The training apparatus is suitable for use in any sport wherein a ball is intended to be struck at a target/hole, for example golf. As the ball is correctly struck by the user, it passes through the volume beneath the post.

The support structure may comprise an armature.

The support structure may extends between the formation and the post such that the ball can pass beneath the post without contacting the base. The support structure may comprise one or more arm members arranged to extend between the formation and post. For example, the support structure may comprise one or more arm members that are arranged to define; one or more upright portions, and/or one or more diagonal portions, and/or one or more lateral portions, and/or one or more curved or arched portions. The arm members that are defined as upright, diagonal, lateral or curved portions can be arranged in any combination required for the support structure to bridge the lateral and vertical distance between the formation and the post.

The training apparatus may be portable.

The post provides an indicator for mitigating parallax error such that the user knows when they are correctly aligned to strike the ball. In use, the post will appear substantially in front and/or in vertical alignment with the target. The user will have a visual indication of correct positioning/alignment above the ball by a line defined by the post intersecting with the target. It has been found that this visual indication of correct positioning can help correct alignment errors that can otherwise lead to the user incorrectly striking the ball.

The formation provides a contact point/face for standing the training apparatus on the surface. The formation may comprise an end or bottom of the support structure, e.g. an arm/upright member thereof. The formation (e.g. the end or bottom thereof) may define a first axis that extends upwardly away from the formation. The first axis may extend substantially perpendicularly from the formation. The support structure (e.g. an arm member thereof) may extend from the formation at an angle to the first axis. For example, where the arm member extends parallel to the first axis, the arm member defines an upright portion. Where the arm member extends at an angle to the first axis, the arm member defines a diagonal portion. Alternatively, the arm member may be curved and extends from the formation in a curved manner.

The formation may be planar. The first axis and/or post may be perpendicular to the formation (e.g. the contact face).

The post may extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis thereof. The post may be straight/rigid. The post may be vertically above the open volume, e.g. the centre of the open volume.

The post may be offset from the first axis. The longitudinal axis of the post may be substantially parallel with the first axis.

The lateral extending portion of the support structure provides a means for offsetting the upright portion from the post, such that the ball is able to pass directly beneath the post (i.e. through the open volume) when struck, without hitting a portion of the base.

The post may extend above the support structure (e.g. the laterally extending portion or lateral portion thereof). The post may be longer in length than the height of the base, and/or any upright portions, and/or height of the open volume. When the training apparatus is used by golfers to putt a golf ball, the post is preferably sufficient in height to intersect with a target (e.g. a hole) in the user's line of sight such that the post appears to be in front of the target to the user.

Optionally, the length of the post may be at least twice the height of the open volume or base, e.g. comprising upright and lateral portions. Optionally, the length of the post may be at least three, four or five times the height of the open volume or base. Optionally, the length of the post may be at least 5 or 6 times the height of the open volume or base.

The post may be greater than 10cm in length. Optionally, the post may be at least 20cm, 30cm or 40cm in length. Optionally, the post may be at least 50 cm in length. Optionally, the post may be up to or greater than 60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm or 100cm in length. Optionally, the post may be greater than 150cm in length.

The post could, in part, extend below the lateral portion or into the open volume, e.g. if desired to provide close alignment with the location with which the ball is intended to pass through the open volume.

The base may comprise two or more formations for selectively standing the base on the surface. The formation may each comprise an end or bottom for contacting the surface. The support structure may each comprise one or more arm member(s) that extend from/between the formations. For example, the arm members may extend upwardly, diagonally, laterally or curvedly and may define upright portions, and/or diagonal portions, and/or lateral portions, and/or curved portions.

The support structure of the base may comprise first and second spaced upright portions. A lateral portion of the support structure may extend between the first and second upright portions. The upright(s) and lateral portions may be separable or integrally formed.

Where the base comprises two or more formations, the post may be equidistant from at least two of the formations. The post may be centrally mounted to the base and/or above the centre of the open volume, e.g. such that the post appears centred with respect to the training apparatus.

The upright and/or lateral portion may be sloping, curved or arched. The upright portion may be perpendicular to the contact formation where the upright is adjacent or immediately adjacent thereto. The orientation of the upright portion relative to the contact formation or surface (in use) may alter (e.g. being obliquely angled) at a distance spaced from the contact formation. The orientation may alter continuously with distance from the contact formation, e.g. in the form of a curve or arch.

The laterally extending portion may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis or longitudinal axis of the post at a point where the lateral portion contacts the post. The orientation of the laterally extending portion relative to the first/longitudinal axis may alter (e.g. being obliquely angled) at a distance spaced from the axis. The orientation may alter continuously with distance from the axis, e.g. in the form of a curve or arch.

Where the support structure comprises a curved arm member, the base may be substantially horseshoe shaped.

The laterally extending portion of the support structure (e.g. a lateral portion, a diagonal portion, or a curved portion thereof) may comprise an apex of the base. The post may extend from the apex.

The support structure (e.g. a lateral portion, a diagonal portion, or a curved portion thereof) may comprise a port/spigot or other receiving formation for receiving the post. The receiving formation may comprise a male or female formation, e.g. being arranged to receive the post within it, or else being arranged to be received within the post. The receiving formation may comprise an opening, e.g. to receive the post.

The receiving structure may comprise a collar for receiving post. The receiving structure may be adjustable, e.g. an adjustable/rotatable collar.

The receiving formation may comprise a projection from the support structure (e.g. a lateral portion, a diagonal portion, or a curved portion thereof), such as a spigot. The receiving formation may have an axial length/depth dimension, e.g. being sufficient to ensure alignment of the post in the correct longitudinal axis. The length dimension of the receiving formation may be at least double the width dimension of an opening thereof.

The base may comprise one or more feet for contacting the surface. The feet may be located on or extend from the formations. The feet may be located on or extend from the proximal end of the arm members proximal to the formation (e.g. upright portions or curved portions or diagonal portions thereof). The feet may comprise plates and be welded or integrally formed to the base. The feet may comprise laterally extending portions. The laterally extending portion may taper as they extend from their respective arm members. Where the base comprises two feet, the feet may extend substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the feet may be obtusely angled to one another such that they appear outwardly pointing. The feet provide greater stability to prevent the training apparatus from toppling. It has been found by the inventor that obtusely angled feet provides better stabilisation of the base.

At least one of the feet may comprise one or more apertures, suitable for receiving an insert to secure the training apparatus to the ground to prevent toppling. The insert may comprise a fastener such as a bolt, nail or screw. Where the training apparatus is specialised to golf, the insert may be a golf tee. The aperture may be contoured to the shape of the insert, for example the aperture may be tapered such as to receive the head of a golf tee.

To prevent the base from toppling, the centre of mass of the training apparatus is relatively close to the surface with respect to the overall height of the training apparatus. Where the training apparatus comprises two or more arm members, the centre of mass may be located in the open volume. As such, the base may be made from a relatively heavy material when compared with the post. For example, the base may comprise a metal, such as iron, steel or aluminium. The lower portions of the base may be relatively heavier than the top, for example, the top regions may be hollowed where as the lower portions may be solid. The base may comprise a material with a greater density than that of the post.

The post may be made from a relatively lightweight material, for example carbon fibres or plastics such as PET, PETE, HDPE, PVC or PP. The post may be substantially hollow.

The post may be connected to the base via a tube/spigot. The spigot may be releasably attachable to both the base (e.g. the support structure thereof) and the post. The spigot may be locatable in/to the port of the base. The spigot may be threadedly engaged to the base, and/or comprise one or more protrusions that a complementary shaped to recesses in the base. The post may locate into a recess in the spigot. The recess of the spigot may comprise a protrusion or rib that engages with a complementary shaped groove on the post such as to ensure that the post and spigot are tightly engaged.

The post may be pivotably connected to the base (e.g. the support structure thereof) or spigot such that the post indicates a true vertical even when the base is located on a slope. The spigot may be pivotably connected to the base such that the post is able to rotate with respect to the base when engaged with the spigot. A portion of the post and/or spigot may be weighted to ensure that the post remains vertical.

The post may comprise one or more markings such as to provide an indication of the distance of the target when aligned with one of the markings. The post may be extendible, for example the post may be telescopic such that the height of the post may be adjusted as desired.

The base may be configured to receive one or more reduction member, such as an insert. The reduction member(s) may be configured to reduce the size of the volume, such as to change the difficulty of the shot. For example, the member may comprise a cut-out portion such as to define a passage or opening or tunnel for the ball to pass through. The size of the cut-out portion for different reduction members may be different such that different members provide different levels of difficulty.

The base may comprise engagement means for engagement of the one or more reduction members. For example, the engagement means may comprise a groove. The groove may extend around a portion of the open volume. For example the groove may extend along a portion of the upright and/or lateral portion. The groove may extend around the entirety of the open volume, for example where the open volume is defined to be enclosed by two uprights and the lateral portions, the groove may extend along both upright portions and lateral portion. Alternatively or in addition to, the engagement means may comprise a clip or magnet.

The reduction member/insert may comprise a plate.

The base and/or support structure may comprise a removable marker. The marker may be laid on the surface, or otherwise applied to the surface, adjacent or around the ball, e.g. to indicate a intended direction or region n which the ball is to be struck. The marker may be used to indicate a position of the ball on the surface, e.g. if the ball is removed and later replaced. The reduction member may be removable to provide the marker (e.g. a visual aid) for a user.

The training apparatus may comprise a transport and operational condition. In the transport condition the training apparatus may comprise a plurality of separable portions for ease of transport. For example, the post may be detachable from the base. The base may be made from a plurality of separable arm members. For example, a lateral portion may be separable from an upright or multiple upright portions. The reduction member/insert may engage with the base in the transport condition. For example, the reduction plates may locate into the groove. The base may comprise multiple grooves, each suitable for receiving one or more reduction plates in the transport condition.

According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of using a training apparatus for striking a ball, comprising the steps of, providing a training apparatus comprising a base and post, wherein the base defines an open volume suitable for allowing a ball to pass therethrough, wherein the training apparatus is selectively positioned on a surface between a ball to be hit and a target, wherein the user positions themselves proximate the ball such that the post appears to intersect with the target, such that the post is either in front of or is vertically aligned with the target, indicating to the user that they are correctly positioned to strike the ball, striking the ball such that it passes through the volume.

The difficulty of the shot may be altered by attaching a releasably attachable reduction member/insert such as to alter the size of the volume.

According to another aspect of the invention there is a method of using a training apparatus for striking a ball, comprising the steps of, providing a training apparatus comprising a base and post, wherein the base defines an open volume suitable for allowing a ball to pass therethrough, wherein the training apparatus is to be selectively positioned on a surface over a ball to be struck such that the post is directly over the ball, wherein the user positions themselves directly over the post such that a datum appears centred.

The datum may be the tip of the post, or be the end of the post. The datum may be a marking. The datum may be differently coloured from the post. The user may know that they are correctly positioned when the sides of the post are no longer visible.

Any of the optional or essential features defined in relation to any one aspect of the invention above may be applied to any further aspect, wherever practicable.

Those optional feature combinations have not been explicitly repeated only for conciseness.

Workable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a front view of the training apparatus.

Figure 2 shows a front view of the base of the training apparatus.

Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the base.

Figure 4 shows a front of a reduction plate Figure 5 shows a front view of a base with a reduction plate.

Detailed description of figures

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the training apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the training apparatus is used to practise putting golf balls however, it should be understood that this is non-limiting and the training apparatus can be used to practise in any sport that requires a ball to be struck at a target.

The training apparatus 100 comprises a base 10 and a post 20. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the base comprises feet 11 and a support structure comprising a curved member 18 which extends both laterally and vertically such as to define an open volume 30 suitable for allowing a ball to pass underneath the post 20.

The base comprises two formations 19 for contacting the surface, each formation being located on the bottom end of the base and/or foot 11.

The base 10 comprises feet 11 which extend laterally from the support structure (e.g. the curved arm), such as to increase the size of the formation for contact with the ground, therefore providing better stability. The foot extends from beneath the support structure, i.e. the curved arm in this example.

The area/envelope of the/each foot 11 in plan is typically greater than the cross-sectional area of the support structure 18. The foot is thus enlarged relative to the supporting armature that depends therefrom to support the post 20. The foot may extend forwardly and/or outwardly from the support structure but ideally not inwardly into the volume 30. The foot may be ramped/tapered towards its end.

In this example, the formation comprises an underside of the foot, which may be flat/planar in form.

The post is laterally offset from a first axis 80 defined to be perpendicular to the formations 19 such that when a ball travels centrally through the volume 30 and/or underneath the post 20, the ball does not hit any portion of the base 10. The spacing of the feet 11 and/or lateral dimension of the volume 30 is wider than the ball to be struck during use.

The base may also be weighted to prevent the training apparatus from toppling.

The base may comprise, or be made from, a metal, preferably iron/steel to this end. A lower portion of the base (e.g. feet 11) may be weighted to a greater extent than the remainder of the base. The feet and/or lower portion of the base may be solid whereas an upper portion may comprise one or more hollow region.

In some examples the base may formed of a non-metal material but may comprise a weight element, e.g. of metal, therein. The base may have a mass of at least 150g or 200g.

The support structure 18 of the base (i.e. the arm extending upwardly and laterally from the foot 11) could be tubular, box/section, I-beam or H-beam in profile to this effect. As such the centre of mass of the training apparatus is preferably below the mid-point of the base such as to prevent toppling. In other examples, the base could be formed of a lighter-weight material, such as a plastics material, and the feet could comprise additional weights.

The post 20 is elongate in form, e.g. having a length dimension that is at least an order of magnitude greater than its width/diameter dimension. The length of the post 20 may be at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 times its width/diameter dimension. The post may be less than or equal to 2cm, 1.5cm or 1cm wide. The post may be greater than or equal to 30cm, 40cm, 50cm or 60cm long/tall.

The post may be described as a stick or pole. The pole is preferably straight and rigid/stiff in form, e.g. such that it can provide an accurate upright alignment cue to a user. The post is preferably relatively inflexible such that is does not bend or flex significantly under wind loading. The post may be formed of a composite, for example comprising carbon fibre and/or plastics.

The post 20 in this example is formed of a different material from the base 10. The post material may be lighter and/or stiffer than the material of the base.

Figure 2 shows a front of a base 10. The base comprises two formations 19 which 5 are connected via the curved arm of the support structure.

At the apex of the curved arm there is a holder 14 for receiving the post 20. In other examples, instead of a curved arch, the support structure could comprise upright arm members and an intermediate/horizontal arm member, e.g. perpendicular to the upright arm members, to support the holder 14 above the open volume 30.

The holder 14 receives the bottom end of the post 20. The post 20 and holder 14 are correspondingly shaped, e.g. to be a close/tight fit. In this example the holder comprises a female connector, i.e. having a port or opening to receive the post, although in other examples the post could comprise an opening to receive a projection or male formation on the base.

In figures 1-3 it can be seen that the post-receiving holder formation 14 comprises a tubular wall or spigot which projects upwardly from the apex/centre of the support structure 18. The holder 14 has an upwardly-facing opening to receive the post. The holder 14 has a height dimension that is greater than the diameter of the opening. This is so that a sufficient length of the post 20 may be received in/by the holder to ensure correct alignment of the longitudinal axis of the post 20 in use.

The height of the holder 14 and/or its opening is therefore an important consideration. The height of the holder 14 and/or its opening may be at least 1, 1.5 or 2 times the width of the opening. The height may be at least 2cm, 2.5cm or 3cm.

The holder 14 is provided at a central region or point between the feet 11. The holder 14 is provided on a mounting portion 15 of the support structure 18. The mounting portion 15 may comprise a wider and/or stronger portion of the support structure immediately below the holder 14. The opening of the holder could extend into the depth of the mounting portion 15 if required.

The holder 14 may take the form of a collar. The holder 14 may be adjustable, e.g. being rotatable, to vary the size of the opening for receiving the post. An adjustable/threaded collar may be used to bias an internal receiving member into engagement about the post upon rotation of the collar. As such rotation of the collar may tighten/loosen the fitment with the post. An adjustable holder 14 could accommodate different sizes of post for example or else ensure close fit of a common post design, accommodating any manufacturing tolerances therein.

The feet 11 comprise apertures 15 that are suitable for receiving inserts (not shown) for securing the base 10 to a surface. The inserts may be screws, bolts or golf tees. Best shown in figure 3, the feet 11 are obtusely angled with respect to one another, such that they appear to be outwardly pointing.

In figures 4 and 5, there is shown a reduction component 40 (herein referred to as a reduction insert) that defines the size/shape of the open volume 30 through the base. The reduction insert 40 may be a different material from the remainder of the support structure.

The reduction insert has a desired profile for the open volume 30, e.g. which may be the same or different from the inside profile of the base 10 or support structure 18. The reduction insert 40 is a curved arch in this example, e.g. to follow or correspond with the profile of the support structure 18. However different profiles are possible.

Best shown in figure 3, the base 10 comprises a plurality of grooves 16 that extend along the edge enclosing the open volume 30. The grooves 16 are suitable for receiving and retaining a reduction insert 40 (shown in figure 4). In the embodiment shown, the base 10 comprises four grooves 16, although it should be understood that the number of grooves 16 may be varied. The reduction insert 40 may be removably attachable to the base 10. The reduction insert 40 may comprises one or more engagement members, e.g. along an outer edge 41 thereof, for engagement with the base. The engagement member may be a portion of an edge 41 of the reduction insert that is contoured to at least a portion of the groove 16.

Figure 4 shows a front view of a reduction insert 40, e.g. in the form of a plate. The insert comprises a cut-out portion 42. The purpose of the reduction insert 40 may be to alter the size of the volume 30 such as to alter the difficulty of the shot. Each reduction insert 40 could comprise a unique cut-out 42 size or profile to represent a different difficulty level. Figure 5 shows the base 10 with a reduction insert 40 located within a groove 16 such as to make the size of the volume 30 smaller.

The reduction insert can also act as a marker for a ball in use, e.g. being laid flat on the support surface adjacent a ball in order to indicate the position or intended direction of striking the ball. The insert may lie flat such that it does not obstruct striking of the ball.

Operation The training apparatus may be used for practicing putting golf balls. In operation, the user positions the training apparatus on a golf green, between a golf ball and target (i.e. a hole). The post is adjusted such that it substantially extends above the base.

The user then positions themselves in a traditional putting stance over the golf ball. By adjusting their position such that the post appears to the user to extend in front of the golf hole, the user will know that they are correctly positioned to take the shot. The user then putts the ball which travels towards the training apparatus, through the open volume, substantially beneath the post and onwards into the hole.

Deviations between the post and path travelled by the ball will indicate to the user how to amend their shot. For example, where the ball passes through the volume to the left of the post will indicate that the user has skewed their shot. The user can make the necessary adjustment in the subsequent shot.

As the users ability improves, they may increase the difficulty of the shot by reducing the size of the open volume by attaching a reduction insert to the training apparatus. The user selects the reduction insert comprising a cut-out of desired size appropriate to the level of difficulty they desire. The reduction plate is then located into a groove of the base. The user takes the shot using the same methodology described above. If the shot is skewed, the ball will hit the reduction plate.

Additionally, the training apparatus can be used to make sure the user's head is correctly positioned above the ball. In use, the training apparatus would be placed over the golf ball such that the ball is in alignment with, i.e. beneath, the post. The user can then adjust their position such that as they are looking downwardly towards the ball, only the end of the post is visible (i.e. the cylindrical sides of the post are not visible). The mounting portion 15 may be rounded/circular in plan to obscure the ball when correctly located beneath the post.

In some examples, the base (e.g. the support structure thereof) may be adjustable, such that the size of the open volume and position of the post with respect to the formation or formations can be adjusted. Where the support structure comprises a plurality of arm members, one or more of the arm members may be adjustable with respect to one another such as to change the size of the open volume and/or position of the post with respect to at least one of the formations.

In alternative embodiments, the base may be arranged alternatively such that the support structure comprises one or more different arm members that bridge both the lateral and vertical distance between the formation and the post. For example, the base may comprise a single formation with two arm members, one extending upwardly from the formation such as to define an upright portion, and the second arm member extending laterally from the upright portion such as to define a lateral portion. The post may extend from the lateral portion. Alternatively, the base may comprise two formations, where the arm members extend at an angle with respect to the formation and/or surface such as to define diagonal portions.

Claims

Claims 1. A training apparatus for use when striking a ball, comprising a base having a formation arranged to stand on a surface across which a ball is to be struck in use, the base having a support structure extending both upwardly and laterally with respect to the formation so as to define an open volume through which a ball can pass; a post mounted to the support structure at a location that is vertically and laterally offset from the formation such that the open volume is beneath an end of the post, wherein the training apparatus is to be selectively positioned in use on a surface, between a ball and a target, such that the ball can move through the open volume and beneath the post when struck towards the target.
2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post extends vertically from the support structure.
3. A training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the post extends above the support structure.
4. A training apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, wherein a first axis is defined to be perpendicular to the surface and extends from the formation, and wherein the post is laterally offset from the first axis, such that a ball can pass beneath the post without hitting the training apparatus.
5. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base comprises a second formation, wherein the support structure extends laterally such as to connect the formations.
6. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support structure is comprised of a plurality of arm members.
7. A training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the arm members is separable or adjustable from a second arm member.
8. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base is substantially horseshoe shaped.
9. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the post is located equidistantly between the two formations.
10. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base comprises at least one foot.
11. A training apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least one foot extends from the support structure, proximal to the end comprising a formation.
12. A training apparatus according to claims 10 or 11, wherein at least one foot comprises at least one aperture for receiving an insert to secure the training apparatus to the surface.
13. A training apparatus according to claims 10-12, wherein the training apparatus comprises two or more feet and wherein the feet are obtusely angled with respect to one another such that they appear to be outwardly pointing.
14. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising at least one removably attachable reduction plate, configured to alter the size of the open volume.
15. A training apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the training apparatus comprises a plurality of removably attachable reduction plates, each plate comprising a cut-out portion.
16. A training apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the base comprises at least one groove for receiving at least one reduction plate.
17. A training apparatus according to claim 16, where in the base comprises a plurality of grooves, each suitable for receiving at least one reduction plate.
18. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least a portion of the base comprises a metal, preferably a ferrous metal.
19. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the post comprises a composite material, such as a carbon fibre composite.
20. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the post is substantially tubular.
21. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims wherein the post is extendable, preferably telescopic.
22. A training apparatus according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a spigot or collar for receiving the post so as to connect the post to the base.
23. A method of using a training apparatus for striking a ball, comprising the steps of, providing a training apparatus comprising a base and post, wherein the base defines an open volume suitable for allowing a ball to pass therethrough, wherein the training apparatus is positioned on a surface between a ball to be hit and a target, wherein the user positions themselves such that a post appears to intersect with the target, such that the post is either in front of or is vertically aligned with the target, indicating to the user that they are correctly positioned to strike the ball, striking the ball such that it passes through the open volume.
24. A method of using a training apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the difficulty of the shot can be altered by attaching a releasably attachable reduction plate such as to alter the size of the open volume.
25. A method of using a training apparatus for striking a ball, comprising the steps of, providing a training apparatus comprising a base and post, wherein the base defines an open volume suitable for allowing a ball to pass therethrough, wherein the training apparatus is to be selectively positioned on a surface over a ball to be struck such that the post is directly over the ball, wherein the user positions themselves directly over the post such that a datum appears centred.