IE970179A1 - Practice device for the game of hurling - Google Patents

Abstract

A practice device (1) is disclosed which is suitable for practising the game of hurling or camogie. The device (1) comprises a support post (3), arms (5) disposed substantially symmetrically about the or each rotation joint (4). A ball is connected or tethered at the end of each arm (5). <Fig.1>

Description

The present invention relates to a practice device devoted to the game of hurling and its derivative camogie.

Hurling is a ball and stick game played in many countries but especially in Ireland where it is the national sport. It is distinguished from other ball and stick games by a set of rules which gives rise to various specific features.

The rules permit and encourage both aerial and ground play. The stick, or hurley, may be raised at any level when striking the ball and is deliberately designed to suit both aerial and ground play. The ball is relatively inelastic and can be readily intercepted and retained with the stick. It is permitted to strike the ball from either side of the body of the player and it is also permitted to catch the ball and then toss and hit it with the stick. These features result in hurling being held to be the fastest field game in the world. Although shots are sometimes taken from a stationary position, the ball will usually come into play moving relatively fast and from almost any direction. It can come into play at any height and frequently requires the player to jump for additional height, or to hit the ball as it bounces upwards from the ground. The player may be stationary or moving when the ball is struck. The player is commonly required to hit the ball on in the same direction as it approaches the player and at other times is required to return the ball in the opposite direction.

Practice devices for ball and stick games are known in the prior art.

One type of practice device comprises a ball tethered to a short arm 30 which can rotate about a central post. This type of device is not suitable for practising the game of hurling for several reasons. It does not provide the variety of shots which are commonly encountered in hurling. It does not dissipate the energy transferred by the stick quickly enough to allow the ball to return in a controlled manner to the 35 player within a short period of time. It doe LUU OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 «JNL No. ./.^2/.......qf J possibility of the tether becoming entangled with the post or arm when a ball is struck out of the natural orbit of the tether.

The present invention is defined in the appended Claims 1 to 24 which are incorporated into this description by reference thereto.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows a side view of the device set to rotate in a horizontal plane and with the arms set at a high level; Figure 2 shows a side view of the device, similar to Figure 1, again set to rotate in a horizontal plane but with the arms set such that the ball position is just above the level of the ground; Figure 3 shows a side view of the device set to rotate in a plane which is oblique to the horizontal and with the arms set such that the ball position is just above the level of the ground at the lowest point of the orbit; Figure 4 shows a side view of the device with a post which is longer than that shown in Figures 1 to 3. The device is set to rotate in a vertical plane and the arms are set such that the ball position is just above the level of the ground at the lowest point of the orbit; Figure 5 shows a side view of the joint assembly of the device on a larger scale to that shown in Figures 1 to 4. The device is set to rotate in a horizontal plane and the arms are set in a raised position; Figure 6 shows an end view on Y-Y of Figures 7 and 8 of a setting joint on a larger scale to that shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a sectional side view on X-X of Figure 6 of the setting joint where the joint is locked; Figure 8 shows a similar view to Figure 7 where the joint is open; Figure 9 shows a sectional side view of the ball and tether assembly where the tether is retracted and the arm is at rest. The tether is shown as a dashed line; Figure 10 shows a side view of the ball and tether assembly where the tether is extended and the arm is in motion; and Figure 11 shows side views of two alternative shapes of elbow which may be used in the arm assembly.

The following is an index of the reference numerals used in the drawings:- 1 . Practice Device 17. Rotation joint shaft 2. Stand 18. Rotation joint housing 3. Support post 19. Setting joint bolt 4. Rotation joint 20. Setting joint bush 5. Arm 21. Elbow 6. Tether assembly 22. Elbow bend 7. Ball 23. Elbow rotation joint 8. Leg 24. Retaining plug 9. Leg joint 25. Sleeve 10. Support post extension 26. Tether 11 . Joint assembly 27. Swivel joint 12. Tilt setting joint 28. Setting joint washer 13. Arm setting joint 29. Setting joint teeth 14. Setting joint disk 30. Alternative elbow 15. Disk joining member 31. Additional elbow bend 16. Setting joint tightening nut The device and its operation will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

The device 1 comprises a support 3 in the form of a stationary support post 3, a rotation joint 4 and a pair of arms 5 which can rotate about the support post 3 by means of the joint 4. The support post 3 is supported by a stand 2 or post hole. A ball 7 is connected to the end of each arm 5 by a tether assembly 6. Striking of the balls in play causes the arms 5 to revolve about the rotation joint 4.

Two arms 5 are provided and are set symmetrically, or substantially symmetrically, about the rotation joint 4 to assist balance of the centrifugal forces as rotation takes place and also to reduce and equalise the waiting time between potential strokes at any given position. They also assist balance of gravity forces when rotation takes place in an inclined plane. Alternatively, three or more arms 5 can be provided in which case they should be set symmetrically, or substantially symmetrically, about the rotation joint 4 to similarly assist balance of the centrifugal and gravity forces and to equalise the waiting time between potential strokes.

The overall arm 5 length, measured directly from the rotation joint 4 to the ball 7, should be greater than 750 mm to promote a realistic movement of the ball. An overall length of around 1600 mm has been found particularly suitable where two arms 5 are provided. The greater part of the length of the arms 5 is of rigid construction so as to support the balls 7 at the desired heights.

The practice device is also provided with a tilt setting joint 12 which allows the axis of the rotation joint 4 to be set at various angles relative to the vertical support post 3.

Referring to Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, the tilt setting joint comprises two setting joint disks 14, a bolt 19, a bush 20, a washer 28 and a tightening nut 16. Each disk 14 is provided with a set of engagement projections or teeth 29 which allows it to lock with the other disk 14 by engaging the teeth 29 when the disks 14 are held face-to-face. The disk 14 shown in Figure 6 comprises a set of radial teeth 29, the radial lines of the figure representing the alternating crests and troughs of the teeth 29. Figure 7 shows the two disks 14 held face-to-face, by the bolt 19 and tightening nut 16. The teeth 29 on the disks 14 are engaged and relative rotation of the disks 14 is prevented. Figure 8 shows the tightening nut 16 slackened and the disks 14 separated. In this instance, the teeth 29 are not engaged and the disks 14 are free to rotate relative to each other.

One of the disks 14 is connected to the bolt 19 and to the top of the support post 3. A disk joining member 15 is used to strengthen and support the connection. Where steel components are used, the disk 14 may be welded to the head of the bolt 19 and the disk joining member 15 may be welded to the disk 14, the head of the bolt 19 and the top of the support post 3. The other disk 14 is connected to the bush 20 and to the rotation joint 4 assembly. A disk joining member 15 is also used to strengthen and support this connection. Where steel components are used, the disk 14 may be welded to the bush 20 and the disk joining member 15 may be welded to the disk 14, the bush 20 and the rotation joint 4 assembly. The bush 20 may comprise a short length of heavy walled tube with a bore which is slightly bigger than the shank of the bolt 19. The bush 20 has two functions. Firstly, it helps to support the connected disk 14, particularly when the disks 14 are separated. Secondly, it spaces the tightening nut 16 away from the disks 14 and thereby facilitates access to the tightening nut 16. The tightening nut 16 may conveniently comprise a wing nut with relatively large wings. A washer 28 may be positioned between the bush and tightening nut 16 to facilitate relative movement between them.

The following dimensions have been found adequate for the tilt setting joint 12 when made in steel. The bolt 19 has a shank diameter of 12 mm. The disk 14 has a thickness of 3 mm thickness and a diameter of 75 mm. The teeth 29 are arranged at 12° intervals with a radial length of about 12 mm and a crest to trough depth of about 2 mm. Disks 14 with these dimensions can be readily formed by conventional presswork.

The tilt joint 12 setting determines the inclination angle of the plane of orbit of the balls 7. Where the angle of the plane of orbit is set horizontally, the balls 7 describe orbits where their height remains constant relative to the ground. At all other angles, henceforth referred to as tilted angles, the balls 7 alternately rise and descend with each revolution of the arms 5. The tilt setting joint 12 can accordingly be used to simulate the flight of rising or descending balls 7 at various angles. A tilted angle setting can also be used to provide the player with a choice of ball 7 heights without the need to change the setting of the practice device 1 as the ball 7 height presented to the player will depend where the player stands in relation to the practice device 1.

The practice device 1 is additionally provided with two arm setting joints 13 which allow the arms 5 to be set at various angles relative to the axis of the rotation joint 4. The arm setting joints 13 are constructed in the same or similar manner as the tilt setting joint 12 described earlier. One of the disks 14 is connected to the bush 20 and to the rotation joint 4. A disk joining member 15 is again used to strengthen and support the connection in a similar manner to that described for the tilt setting joint 12. The other disk 14 is connected to the bolt 19 and to the arm 5. A short length of tube of greater diameter and thickness than the main tube used in the arm 5 may be used to strengthen and support this connection. Where steel components are used, the short length of tube may be welded to the disk 14 and the head of the bolt 19. The end of the arm 5 tube is fitted inside and fixed to the short length of tube by means such as a pin fitted through matching holes in the tubes.

The arm setting joints 13 allow the heights of the balls 7 to be varied for any given setting of the tilt joint 12. Usually both arm setting joints 13 will be set at the same angle in order that each successive ball 7 is presented at the same height at any point relative to the practice device 1. However, it is also possible to set the arm setting joints 13 at different angles to facilitate, for example, simultaneous play by two players of different height or play by a player who desires a variety of alternating heights.

Where very high shots are required, it may be necessary to use the arm setting joints 13 in combination with a tilted setting of the tilt setting joint 12 because the rotation joint 4 will function better with the arm 5 angled away from the rotation joint 4 axis.

The arm setting joints 13 also allow the arms 5 to be folded together when the device 1 is out of use. In addition to providing a convenient size reduction when out of use, the folding facility also prevents loss or damage of loose parts and allows the possibility of pre-assembled distribution.

In the preferred embodiment, the support post 3 comprises a demountable joint which readily allows separation of the upper and lower parts of the practice device 1 for convenient transport and storage. A length of square profiled tube, which comprises part of the support post 3, is connected to the lower end of the joint assembly 11. A length of square profiled tube is also connected to the top of the stand 2. The dimensions of the square profiled tubes are arranged such that one is a sliding fit inside the other and the joint is held together by the weight of the upper part of the practice device 1 being supported by the lower part. The ends of the larger and smaller square profiled tubes are flared outwards and inwards, respectively, to facilitate entry of one into the other and also to ensure that accidental minor damage to the ends will not prevent the demountable joint being assembled. One of the square profiled tubes may be dimpled or otherwise mechanically altered in order that the tubes wedge closed when fully engaged to avoid the possibility of the joint rattling. Square or similarly profiled tubes are used to prevent the demountable joint rotating when the practice device 1 is in use.

Further height variations can be achieved by providing one or more intermediate support extensions 10 as shown in Figure 4. In the preferred embodiment, these extensions 10 comprise square profiled tubes at each end, one of which fits inside the larger square profiled tube of the practice device 1 demountable joint and the other of which fits outside the smaller square tube of the practice device 1 demountable joint. In alternative embodiments of the invention, variation of the support post 3 height is achieved by providing a telescopic support post 3 sleeve with locking means such as a captive pin and a series of holes or a split collar and tightening screw.

Referring to Figure 5, the rotation joint 4 comprises a shaft 17, which is connected to the tilt setting joint 12, and a housing 18, which is connected the arm setting joints 13. The shaft 17 and housing 18 are connected by bushes or bearing which allow low friction relative rotation between the shaft 17 and housing 18. The housing 18 is axially retained on the shaft 17 by means of an end plate and collar fixed to the shaft 17. The arm setting joints 13 are connected to the lower end of the housing 18 in order to minimize overhang of the joint assembly 11 when the tilt setting joint 12 is set at a tilted angle.

Alternatively, a single setting joint 12, 13 may be used to set the angle between the support 3 and the axis of rotation of rotation joint 4 or set the angle between an arm 5 and the axis of rotation of rotation joint 4, by providing a rotation joint 4 above and below the angle setting joint 12, 13 and by providing means to lock or prevent rotation of either of the rotation joints 4. If the top rotation joint 4 is locked, the setting joint 12, 13 sets the angle between the arms 5 and the axis of rotation of the bottom rotation joint 4. If the bottom rotation joint 4 is locked, the setting joint 12, 13 sets the angle between the support 3 and the axis of rotation of the top rotation joint 4.

As shown in Figure 9, the end of each arm 5 is provided with a rotatable arm end, or elbow 21, with a bend 22 and a tether assembly 6. The elbow 21 is restrained from leaving the arm 5 end but is free to rotate within an elbow rotation joint 23 within the arm 5 end. In an alternative arrangement, the elbow rotation joint 23 is on the outside of the arm 5. The elbow 21 serves several purposes. It allows a proportion of the strike energy to be taken up in rotation about the joint 23. It provides a downturn which ensures that the ball 7 comes to rest below the arm 5. It also restrains or partly restrains outward movement of the tethered ball assembly due to centrifugal force, thereby advantageously reducing the likelihood of the stick hitting the tether 26. It also provides an additional degree of freedom when the ball 7 is hit and allows better simulation of real play where the ball 7 may be struck down or up.

The elbow 21 comprises a length of rigid round tube, with a bend 22 near its distal end and with its inner end fitted coaxially within the distal end of the arm 5, which comprises a rigid round tube of greater diameter. The inner end of the elbow 21 comprises a straight section of tube and is fitted within a tubular bush to form the elbow rotation joint 23. A retaining plug 24 fixed in the inner end of the elbow 21 has a retaining shoulder of diameter greater than the inner diameter of the tubular bush but less than its outer diameter. The plug serves to retain the elbow 21 in the bush and also serves as an anchor for the inner end of the tether 26. The tubular bush of the elbow rotation joint 23 is retained within the arm 5 by any suitable means such as bonding or mechanical staking.

Alternatively, the tubular bush may be omitted and the retaining plug 24 restrained by other means. For example, the plug 24 may be provided with a circumferential groove and the arm 5 tube provided with one or more internal projections which engage in the groove and allow rotation of the retaining plug 24 but retain it in the same axial position in the arm 5 tube. The internal projections may comprise short pins, screws or rivets fitted through holes in the arm 5 tube. In a further example, the plug 24 is provided with a swivel joint which is linked to a fixed restraint further along the arm 5 tube.

Alternatively, the elbow 21 may be substituted by an elastic member such - 10 as a coil spring or conical rubber part which fits into the end of the arm 5 but is not capable of rotation. This arrangement loses some of the advantages of the elbow 21 but is simpler and can be provided at less expense.

The bend 22 in the elbow 21 is made at an obtuse angle. By providing a bend angle greater than 90°, the effective radius of rotation of the elbow 21 is shortened but the length of the connected tether assembly 6 remains the same. The shorter radius has the potential advantage that the elbow 21 will return to rest more quickly. The obtuse angle also has the advantage that it prevents the tether assembly 6 facing inwards towards the post 3 in circumstances where the arm 5 is tilted and at the lower region of its orbit. A bend 22 angle of 135° has been found suitable with an overall arm 5 length of 1600 mm.

The tether 26 is provided with an elastic property. This helps to prevent shock damage to the tether 26 and other parts. It also helps to prevent shock being transmitted through the stick to the player. It additionally permits natural movement of the ball 7 when struck by allowing it to temporarily move away from the device 1, the main parts of which have relatively high inertia and rotate at relatively constant speed during play. The elastic property is provided by constructing the tether 26 from an elastic material such as stranded rubber covered in a braided protective sheath. The necessary length of elastic material is achieved by passing the tether 26 through the tubular elbow 21 and anchoring it at the plug 24 at its inner end. The elastic extension is appropriately limited to prevent the possibility of entanglement. Care should be taken to ensure that the tether 26 is not progressively wound as the elbow 21 rotates. To prevent such winding the inner end of the tether 26 is arranged such that it rotates with the elbow 21 and the distal end may be provided with a swivel joint 27.

In the preferred embodiment, the elastic property is provided by two or more side-by-side elastic members acting in parallel. This provides a safety feature in that if one of the elastic members breaks, the ball 7 - 11 will not be released but the altered performance of the practice device 1 will alert the player to replace the failed elastic members.

Alternatively, the elastic property may be provided by using a tension spring in series with a relatively inelastic line. The tension spring may be located at the inner end of the tether 26 within the elbow 21.

The tether 26 is arranged to be pretensioned when the device 1 is at rest. This ensures a constant tether 26 length, other than for a very brief period when the ball 7 is struck. It also ensures more rapid return of the tether 26 to its rest position. The pretension is achieved by restraining retraction of all or part of the elastic extension of the tether 26 by a tubular member which is longer than its natural rest length and which is comprised of the elbow 21 and a flexible tether sleeve 25.

The flexible tether sleeve 25 is fitted to the distal end of the elbow 21 and the tether 26 passes through it. The pretensioned tether 26 pulls the ball 7 up against the distal end of the sleeve 25 when it is at rest. The sleeve 25 serves several purposes. Its relative stiffness, compared to the tether 26, prevents entanglement of the tether 26 and assists in controlling the motion of the ball 7 and in promoting rotation of the elbow 21. It similarly prevents any tendency for the ball 7 and the tether 26 to become entangled with the stick if the ball 7 is not hit cleanly, it also provides a safe distance between the rigid elbow 21 and arm 5 for the player and the stick. As discussed earlier, it also restrains retraction of the tether 26 to provide the pretension facility. The sleeve 25 comprises a length of flexible polymer tube with one end fitted over the distal end of the elbow 21.

The shape and form of the elbow 21 and sleeve 25 are arranged without sharp corners or edges which might accidentally strike a player.

In the embodiment described above, the ball is connected by an eye to the end of the tether 26 and is held by the pretension force against the - 12 distal end of the sleeve 25. In an alternative arrangement, the tether 26 is supplied with a small stopper which is held by the pretension force against the distal end of the sleeve 25 and the ball 7 hangs from the stopper.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the practice device 1 may be supported by a stand 2 which comprises three or more legs 8 connected by leg joints 11 which are connected to the support post 3. The legs 8 comprise suitably bent round tubes with vertically disposed straight ends which fit inside the leg joints 11 which comprise short lengths of round tube with an inner diameter a little greater than the outer diameter of the legs 8. The legs 8 are provided with collars or other suitable members, not shown in the figures, which prevent axial movement within the leg joints 11 but allow rotational movement. This rotational movement allows the legs 8 to be folded side-by-side to facilitate storage or transportation. One of the legs 8 may be permanently fixed in the operational position and means are provided to hold the other legs 8 in position when the device is in use.

Figure 11 shows an alternative elbow 30 with an additional bend 31 alongside a view of an elbow 21 of the type already described in the embodiment of the invention. The purpose of the additional bend 31 is to position the ball closer to the player when the arm 5 is steeply tilted and the ball 7 is at a low level as the player might otherwise be inhibited by the proximity of the rigid elbow 21 and the arm 5. The shape of the alternative elbow 30 allows gravity to return the ball 7 to the same position after each stroke.

Alternatively, the ball 7 may be positioned closer to the player by providing the device 1 with a biasing means for biasing the rest rotational angle of the elbow 21 on the arm 5 away from the post 3. In one embodiment, the rest rotational position of the elbow 21 is set by a torsion spring with one end connected to the elbow 21 and the other end connected to the arm 5 and arranged coaxial with the elbow rotation joint 23. The coils of the torsion spring are external to the arms 5 - 13 and the connections of the arms are made to collars, one of which is fixed to the elbow 21 and the other to the arm 5, the collars being spaced apart the length of the torsion spring. When a ball 7 is struck, the elbow 21 will briefly rotate from the rest position and wind or unwind the torsion spring. When rotation stops, the spring will rewind the elbow 21 back to the original rest position.

The setting means comprises two annular members, coaxial with each other and with the elbow rotation joint 23, and the two annular members are urged together with a spring. The annular members are provided with notches such that when together the notches engage and prevent relative rotation between them, but when apart the notches disengage and relative movement is possible. One annular member is connected to one end of the torsion spring and the other annular member is connected to the arm 5 or elbow 21. To set the rest position, the player moves one of the annular members to disengage the notches, rotates the elbow 21 to the desired position and then releases the annular member to re-engage the notches. Alternatively, the setting means may be provided by means such as an arrangement comprising a split collar and tightening screw replacing the arrangement of the annular members with notches.

The biasing and setting means may also be occasionally used to provide an inclined elbow angle which facilitates practice strokes where the ball is hit upwards.

The embodiment of the invention as described is suitable for various types of practice and some examples are shown in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show side views of the device 1 set to rotate in a horizontal plane, one with the arms 5 set at a high level and the other with the arms 5 set such that the ball 7 position is just above the level of the ground. The device 1 may be set with the balls 7 at a wide range of intermediate positions by appropriate adjustment of the arm setting joints 13. It may additionally be set in a dead ball position with the ball 7 making contact with the ground. - 14 Figure 3 shows a side view of the device 1 set to rotate in a plane which is oblique to the horizontal and with the arms 5 set such that the ball 7 position is just above the level of the ground at the lowest point of the orbit. For each position of the tilt setting joint 12, there is an equivalent setting for the arm setting joints 13 which will give the lowest point of the orbit just above ground level. Each of these settings has a different practice characteristic with different angles of ascent and descent of the balls 7. It is also, of course, possible to set the device at a wide range of settings with the tilt joint 12 tilted but with the lowest point of the orbit well above ground level or in a dead ball position with the ball 7 making contact with the ground.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the device 1 with a support post 3 which is longer than that shown in Figures 1 to 3. The device 1 is set to rotate in a vertical plane and the arms 5 are set such that the ball 7 position is just above the level of the ground at the lowest point of the orbit. In this case, the balls 7 are vertically ascending and descending at the mid position of the orbit.

A wide range of other practice settings can be achieved by varying the support post 3 height.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (24)

CLAIMS:

1. A practice device (1) comprising a ball (7), a support (3) and one or more rotation joints (4) connected to the support (3), characterised in that the device (1) comprises two or more arms (5) disposed substantially symmetrically about the or each rotation joint (4) and balls (7) are connected or tethered at the end of the arms (5), whereby the device (1) is suitable for practising the game of hurling or camogie.

2. A practice device (1) according to Claim 1, where the overall length of each of the arms (5) is greater than 750 mm.

3. A practice device (1) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, where the greater part of the length of the arms is of rigid construction.

4. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, in which setting means (12, 13) are provided for varying the orbit of the ball (7) by setting the angle between the support (3) and the axis of a rotation joint (4) or between an arm (5) and the axis of a rotation joint (4).

5. A practice device (1) according to Claim 4, where the angle between each arm (5) and the axis of a rotation joint (4) may be independently set.

6. A practice device (1) according to Claims 4 or 5, in which the setting means includes a setting joint (12) between the support (3) and a rotation joint (4), the setting joint (12) including engagement projections (29) and a holding means.

7. A practice device (1) according to Claims 4, 5 or 6, in which the setting means includes a setting joint (13) between each arm (5) and a rotation joint (4), the setting joint (13) including engagement projections (29) and a holding means.

8. A practice device (1) according to Claims 6 or 7, in which the - 16 engagement projections (29) comprise corresponding sets of radial teeth (29) and the holding means comprises a threaded member (19) and a tightening nut (16).

9. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, in which means are provided for varying the height of a rotation joint (4).

10. A practice device (1) according to Claim 9, in which the height of a rotation joint (4) can be varied by adding or removing intermediate support sections (3) or by providing a telescopic support (3) with locking means such as a captive pin and a series of holes or a split collar and tightening screw.

11. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, in which the support (3) includes one or more demountable joints which comprise two profiled tubes, one of which is a sliding fit inside the other.

12. A practice device (1) according to Claim 11, in which the ends of the larger and smaller profiled tubes are flared outwards and inwards, respectively.

13. A practice device (1) according to Claim 11 or 12, in which one of the profiled tubes is dimpled or otherwise mechanically altered in order that the profiled tubes wedge closed when fully engaged.

14. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, in which the end of each arm (5) is provided with a rotatable arm end, or elbow (21), with the ball (7) connected to its distal end and where the elbow (21) is restrained from leaving the arm (5) end but is free to rotate about a joint within or external to the arm (5) end.

15. A practice device (1) according to Claim 14, in which the elbow (21) comprises a member such as a length of rigid round tube, with a bend (22), with one end fitted coaxially within the end of the arm (5) which comprises a rigid tube of greater diameter. - 17

16. A practice device (1) according to Claims 14 or 15, in which the bend (22) in the elbow (21) is at an obtuse angle.

17. A practice device (1) according to Claims 15 or 16, in which the elbow (21) is provided with an additional bend (31) closer to its distal end and in the direction of the player when the device (1) is in use.

18. A practice device (1) according to Claims 14, 15, 16 or 17, in which the rest rotational position of the elbow (21) is set by a biasing means such as a torsion spring with one end connected to the elbow (21) and the other end connected to the arm (5) and arranged coaxial with the elbow rotation joint (23).

19. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, in which the ball (7) is connected to the arm (5) by a tether (26) and the tether (26) is provided with an elastic property by all or part of it comprising an elastic material such as rubber or comprising a tension spring in series with a relatively inelastic line.

20. A practice device (1) according to Claim 19, in which two or more members of elastic material or springs are used in parallel whereby the ball (7) is retained if one of the members or springs break.

21. A practice device (1) according to Claims 19 or 20, in which the tether (26) is arranged to be pretensioned when the device (1) is at rest by restraining retraction of all or part of the tether assembly (6) by one or more tubular members which are longer than the natural rest length of the tether (26).

22. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, which includes a flexible tether sleeve (25) connected to the arm (5) or elbow (21) and through which a tether (26) passes and where the sleeve (25) comprises a length of flexible polymer tube. - 18

23. A practice device (1) according to any preceding claim, which includes a stand (2) which comprises three or more legs (8) connected by leg joints (9) to the practice device (1) and where two or more of the legs (8) comprise vertical sections which are capable of rotation 5 relative to the leg joints (9) whereby the legs (8) may be folded to facilitate storage or transportation.

24. A practice device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.