Apparatus for improving the accuracy of shots on goal
A sports goal target uses a visual barrier to train and develop a psychological mind set to improve shooting accuracy during practice and subsequent games. The barrier has an upper edge corresponding to the length of the upper member of the goal and two side edges having a length corresponding to the length of the side members of the goal. The inner edge is spaced apart from the outer edge to define a width, and a plurality of fasteners for attaching the barrier just inside the goal. The barrier may be composed of a flexible material or rigid or semi-rigid panels. The barrier is colored with a bright or fluorescent color intended for players to remember after the barrier is removed for practice without the barrier or a real game. The barrier may be sized for various games, with the dimensions being varied to suit the particular sport.
1. A practice aid for a sports goal having two spaced-apart side members extending up from a ground surface to a horizontal upper member, the members defining a goal opening, the practice aid comprising:
three separate panels, including a top panel and two side panels, each panel having a length and opposing, first and second parallel side edges defining a width;
a plurality of fasteners for attaching the first edge of the top panel to the upper member of the goal and the first edge of each side panel to a respective one of the side members of the goal;
each panel being constructed from a flexible material including a pair of stiffening rods running lengthwise along the side edges of each panel, such that the panels assume a generally flattened, upside-down U-shaped barrier parallel to the goal opening when attached, with second edges of the members defining a smaller goal opening for practice purposes with a goal tender.
2. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the panels are colored with a bright or fluorescent color.
3. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the width of each panel is in the range of 2 to 12 inches.
4. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the width of each panel is in the range of 5 to 6 inches.
5. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein:
the side panels have bottom edges when attached; and
the bottom edges are spaced apart from the ground surface so as not to interfere with the movements of a goal tender.
6. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the upper edge of the panel includes a central notch to accommodate a central goal pipe.
7. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is sized for a hockey goal, such that the length of the upper edge of the barrier measures about 72 inches, and the two side edges measure about 36 inches.
8. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is sized for a soccer goal, such that the length of the upper edge of the barrier measures about 24 feet, and the two side edges measure about 8 feet.
9. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is sized for a lacrosse goal, such that the length of the upper edge of the barrier measures about 6 feet, and the two side edges also measure about 6 feet.
10. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is sized for a field hockey goal, such that the length of the upper edge of the barrier measures about 12 feet, and the two side edges measure about 7 feet.
11. The practice aid of claim 1 , wherein the barrier is sized for a water polo goal, such that the length of the upper edge of the barrier measures about 148 inches, and the two side edges measure about 58 inches.