Apparatus and Method for Vertical Jump Training

Abstract

A vertical jump training apparatus may include a weighted base, a pole attached to the weighted base at a first end of the pole, and an arm attached to the pole at a second end of the pole. One or more targets may be attached to the arm and may hang down vertically from the arm. The pole may extend vertically from the base, the arm may extend horizontally from the pole, and the targets may hang vertically from the arm. The targets may have a variety of lengths that correspond to different jump heights. The apparatus may be used to train an athlete to increase their vertical jump height.

Claims

1. An apparatus for vertical jump training, comprising: a weighted base defining a reference plane; a pole attached at a first end of the pole to the weighted base, wherein the pole extends from the weighted base along a first axis that is perpendicular to the reference plane; an arm attached to a second end of the pole opposite the first end of the pole, wherein the arm extends from the pole along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and intersects with the first axis; and a target attached to the arm extending from the arm along a third axis that intersects with the second axis; wherein a weight and alignment of the weighted base is such that a center of gravity of the apparatus is horizontally aligned above the weighted base.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weighted base comprises steel, the pole comprises aluminum or plastic, the arm comprises aluminum or plastic, and the one or more targets comprise a molded plastic foam.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the weighted base comprising a transverse member, a first lateral member coupled to the transverse member, and a second lateral member coupled to the transverse member, wherein the pole is attached to a first end of the transverse member, wherein the first lateral member is proximal to the first end of the transverse member, and wherein the second lateral member is distal from the first end of the transverse member or is coupled to the transverse member at a second end of the transverse member opposite the first end of the transverse member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole is a telescoping pole.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole comprises one or more measurement markings along a body of the pole that indicate a height of a bottom edge of at least one of the one or more targets, the height corresponding to a linear distance from a plane parallel to and coplanar with a bottom surface of the weighted base.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more targets are pivotally coupled to the arm and hang vertically from the arm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more targets comprises a bell, wherein the bell is coupled to the arm by a first spring or wherein a clapper inside the bell is coupled to a second spring positioned between an inside surface of the bell and the clapper.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more targets comprises a surface that changes color in response to being struck.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the one or more targets comprises a mechanochromic polymer.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the one or more targets comprises a gel pouch having a clear outer surface, an opaque gel, and a colored background surface, wherein a strike on the clear outer surface displaces the opaque gel such that the colored background surface is visible through the clear outer surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a spacing of a first target of the one or more targets from the pole along the arm is at least 12 inches, at least 15 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 21 inches, or at least 24 inches, wherein the first target is closest to the pole of the one or more targets.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more targets comprises a first target having a first length and a second target having a second length, the first length longer than the second length, and wherein a height of a bottom edge of the first target from the reference plane is less than a height of a bottom edge of the second target from the reference plane.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pole comprises one or more measurement markings that correspond to a height of a bottom edge of the first target from the reference plane.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a leveling mechanism, comprising: an arm support attached to the pole below and adjacent to the arm; a vertical threaded bolt hole in the arm support; and a threaded bolt in the threaded bolt hole in the arm support wherein an upper end of the threaded bolt engage the arm such that rotating the threaded bolt raises or lowers the arm.

15. A method of vertical jump training, comprising: providing a vertical jump training apparatus, comprising: a weighted base defining a reference plane; a pole attached at a first end of the pole to the weighted base, wherein the pole extends from the weighted base along a first axis that is perpendicular to the reference plane; an arm attached to a second end of the pole opposite the first end of the pole, wherein the arm extends from the pole along a second axis is perpendicular to the first axis and that intersects with the first axis; and a target attached to the arm and extending from the arm along a third axis that intersects with the second axis, wherein a weight and alignment of the weighted base is such that a center of gravity of the apparatus is horizontally aligned above the weighted base; setting the vertical jump training apparatus to a target height, wherein the target height corresponds to a height of a bottom edge of the target from the reference plane; determining a raised-arm height of a jump trainee; providing one or more instructions to the jump trainee that instructs the jump trainee to jump and strike the target; determining whether the target has been struck by the jump trainee; in response to determining the target has been struck by the jump trainee, subtracting the raised-arm height of the jump trainee from the height of the target to determine a jump height of the trainee; and in response to determining the target has not been struck by the jump trainee: instructing the jump trainee to attempt to strike the target again; or lowering the height of the target.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the target is pivotally coupled to the arm, and wherein determining the target has been struck is based on a pivotal motion of the target.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein a color of the target changes in response to being struck, and wherein determining the target has been struck is based on observing a color change of the target.

18. A method of vertical jump training, comprising: providing a vertical jump training apparatus, comprising: a weighted base defining a reference plane; a pole attached at a first end of the pole to the weighted base, wherein the pole extends from the weighted base along a first axis that is perpendicular to the reference plane; an arm attached to a second end of the pole opposite the first end of the pole, wherein the arm extends from the pole along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and intersects with the first axis; a first target attached to the arm and extending from the arm along a third axis that intersects with the second axis, wherein a length of the first target extends along the third axis; and a second target suspended from the arm and extending from the arm along a fourth axis parallel to the third axis, wherein a length of the second target extends along the fourth axis, the length of the second target being shorter than the length of the first target, wherein a weight and alignment of the weighted base is such that a center of gravity of the apparatus is horizontally aligned above the weighted base; setting the vertical jump training apparatus to a first target height, wherein the first target height corresponds to a height of a bottom edge of the first target from the reference plane; determining a raised-arm height of a jump trainee; providing one or more instructions to the jump trainee that instructs the trainee to jump and strike the first target; determining the first target has been struck; subtracting the raised-arm height of the jump trainee from the first target height to determine a first jump height of the trainee; in response to determining the first target has been struck, providing one or more instructions to the trainee that instruct the trainee to jump and strike the second target; determining the second target has been struck; and determining an increased jump height of the trainee based on a difference between the length of the first target and the length of the second target.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein a length of the pole is adjustable, the method further comprising, in response to determining the second target has been struck, increasing the length of the pole.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the length of the pole is increased by an amount approximately equal to the difference between the length of the first target and the length of the second target.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of a vertical jump training apparatus and method. The description is not meant to limit the vertical jump training apparatus and method to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of the vertical jump training apparatus and method. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs.

[0019] FIGS. 1A-E illustrate various views of a vertical jump training apparatus, according to an implementation.

[0020] FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of a level adjustment mechanism, according to the implementation of FIGS. 1A-E.

[0021] FIG. 1G is a close-up isometric view of the level adjustment mechanism of FIG. 1F.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the pole with measurement markings, according to an implementation.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a bell with a spring, which may be used as a target, according to an implementation.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a color-changing target, according to an implementation.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of vertical jump training, according to an implementation.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of vertical jump training using multiple targets, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.

Definitions

[0028] The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.

[0029] As used herein, and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a substituent encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.

[0031] As used herein, for example, for instance, such as, or including are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.

[0032] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, bottom, above, upper, top, front, rear, left, right, and the like, may be used for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the materials in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if materials in the figures are inverted, elements described as below or beneath or under or on bottom of other elements or features would then be oriented above or on top of the other elements or features. Thus, the term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below, depending on the context in which the term is used, which will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. The materials may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, inverted, flipped) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0033] As used herein, the term configured refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a pre-determined way.

[0034] As used herein, the terms high, higher, medium, low, and lower are relative terms and do not denote a specific dimension or range of dimensions unless otherwise noted.

[0035] As used herein, reference to an element as being on or over another element means and includes the element being directly on top of, adjacent to (e.g., laterally adjacent to, vertically adjacent to), underneath, or in direct contact with the other element. It also includes the element being indirectly on top of, adjacent to (e.g., laterally adjacent to, vertically adjacent to), underneath, or near the other element, with other elements present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on or directly adjacent to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0036] As used herein, about or approximately in reference to a numerical value for a particular parameter is inclusive of the numerical value and a degree of variance from the numerical value that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand is within acceptable tolerances for the particular parameter. For example, about or approximately in reference to a numerical value may include additional numerical values within a range of from 90.0 percent to 110.0 percent of the numerical value, such as within a range of from 95.0 percent to 105.0 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 97.5 percent to 102.5 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.0 percent to 101.0 percent of the numerical value, within a range of from 99.5 percent to 100.5 percent of the numerical value, or within a range of from 99.9 percent to 100.1 percent of the numerical value.

[0037] As used herein, the term substantially in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0038] As used herein, the terms vertical, longitudinal, horizontal, and lateral are in reference to a major plane of a structure and are not necessarily defined by Earth's gravitational field. A horizontal or lateral direction is a direction that is substantially parallel to the major plane of the structure, while a vertical or longitudinal direction is a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the structure. The major plane of the structure is defined by a surface of the structure having a relatively large area compared to other surfaces of the structure.

[0039] As used herein same means sharing all features and similar means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein may should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of is regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to the disclosure and/or this disclosure refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.

Exemplary Embodiments

[0040] A vertical jump training apparatus and method as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of the vertical jump training apparatus and method. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein.

[0041] A conventional vertical jump training apparatus may include a set of horizontally oriented strips of plastic set at various heights. A trainee may jump and strike one or more of the strips, which may move or displace in response to being struck. The trainee's vertical jump height may be determined by the highest strip of plastic that is displaced. This process may be used in conjunction with other training methods to help the trainee increase their vertical jump height.

[0042] However, current vertical jump training solutions have several drawbacks. For example, the equipment is bulky and difficult to move. Because the strips are horizontally-oriented, extra equipment, such as a stick, is required to reset the strips after every jump. The equipment tends to be expensive, putting it out of reach for most athletes and trainers. The height of the strips tends to be fixed or too high, which makes the equipment unsuitable for younger athletes. And, there is no training program associated with the equipment, meaning an athlete has to spend additional money on hiring a trainer.

[0043] Implementations of the vertical jump training apparatus and method described herein address these issues. For example, the targets may hang vertically and, thus, reposition themselves after being struck. This makes the apparatus easier to use because the targets do not have to be manually reset after every strike. The apparatus is made of lighter materials with a low center of gravity, thus making it safer to use and less expensive to manufacture. In some implementations, the apparatus is collapsiblethe pole telescopes down and folds onto the base, and the arm folds down to the polemaking it easier to transport. Because the height of the targets is adjustable, it can be used for athletes of a variety of ages and skill levels. Calculating jump height may be as simple as standing the athlete next to the pole before they jump and doing simple addition and subtraction, making it quicker and easier to determine the athlete's performance and progress. Some implementations include features that are psychologically appealing, such as color-changing targets or a bell. In general, the apparatus and method described herein represents a significant improvement over conventional vertical jump training.

[0044] FIGS. 1A-E illustrate various views of a vertical jump training apparatus 100, according to an implementation. FIG. 1A is an isometric view; FIG. 1B is a side view; FIG. 1C is a front view; and FIG. 1D is a top view. FIG. 1E is a view with additional weights on the base. The vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include a weighted base 102, a pole 104 attached to the weighted base 102, an arm 106 extending from the pole 104, and targets 108 hanging down from the arm 106. The weighted base defines a reference plane that corresponds generally to the surface on which the base is situated.

[0045] The pole 104 may be attached at a first end 104a of the pole 104 to the weighted base 102. The pole 104 may extend from the weighted base 102 along a first axis 110 that intersects with a plane 112 that is parallel to and coplanar with a bottom surface 102a of the weighted base 102. When the vertical jump training apparatus 100 is set up for use, the first axis 110 may be approximately vertical. For example, the weighted base 102 may sit on the ground, and the pole 104 may extend from the weighted base 102 into the air above the weighted base 102.

[0046] The arm 106 may be attached to a second end 104b of the pole 104 opposite the first end 104a of the pole. The arm 106 may extend from the pole along a second axis 114 that intersects with the first axis 110. The second axis 114 may be approximately horizontal. In some implementations, the second axis 114 may intersect with the first axis 110 and the plane 112. For example, the arm 106 may extend from the pole 104 at a non-right angle.

[0047] One or more targets 108 may be attached to the arm 106. The targets 108 may extend from the arm 106 along a third axis 116 that intersects with the second axis 114. In some implementations, the third axis 116 may be parallel to the first axis 110. In some implementations, the third axis 116 may intersect with the first axis 110. As an example, the third axis 116 may be approximately vertical. The targets 108 may hang vertically from the arm 106. The targets 108 may hang below the arm 106 due to gravity.

[0048] A weight and alignment of the weighted base 102 may be such that a center of gravity 118 of the vertical jump training apparatus 100 is horizontally aligned on a side of the pole 104 opposite the arm 106 and/or above the weighted base 102. The center of gravity 118 may be closer to the weighted base 102 than the arm 106. The center of gravity 118 may change vertically as the pole 104 changes length, such as when the pole 104 telescopes in or out. In order to ensure a low center of gravity, the weighted base 102 may be made of a denser material, or may weigh more than, the pole 104, the arm 106, and/or the targets 108. For example, in one implementation, the weighted base 102 may be made of steel, the pole 104 may be made of aluminum or plastic, the arm 106 may be made of aluminum or plastic, and the targets 108 may be made of a molded plastic foam. A combined weight of the pole 104, the arm 106, and the targets 108 may be less than a weight of the weighted base 102.

[0049] In some implementations, the weighted base 102, the pole 104, and the arm 106 may be made of the same or similar material, such as aluminum, plastic, or steel. The weighted base 102 may include one or more pegs 102b. The pegs 102b may be configured for attachment to the weighted base 102 of one or more additional weights 120, e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1E. In some implementations, the one or more pegs 102b may be vertically-oriented and may be on a top surface 102c of the weighted base 102.

[0050] The weighted base 102 may include a transverse member 102d, a first lateral member 102e, and a second lateral member 102f. The first lateral member 102e and/or the second lateral member 102f may be coupled to the transverse member 102d. For example, the first lateral member 102e may be coupled to the transverse member 102d at a first end of the transverse member 102d, and the second lateral member 102f may be coupled to the transverse member 102d at a second end of the transverse member 102d opposite the first end of the transverse member 102d. The first lateral member 102e may be proximal to the first end of the transverse member 102d, and the second lateral member 102f may be distal from the first end of the transverse member 102d. The pole 104 may be attached to the first end of the transverse member 102d. The one or more pegs 102b may be positioned on or attached to the second lateral member 102f. In a specific implementation, the weighted base 102 includes two pegs 102b, one positioned at each end of the second lateral member 102f. In some implementations, the one or more pegs 102b may be positioned on the first lateral member 102e.

[0051] In some aspects, the pole 104 may be a telescoping pole. For example, the pole 104 may include two telescoping segments, three telescoping segments, four telescoping segments, and so forth. One or more clamps at the end of each segment may releasably secure the telescoping segments in a particular position, i.e., in a particular overall length of the pole 104.

[0052] In various implementations, one or more of the targets 108 may be pivotally coupled to the arm 106. In various implementations, the targets 108 may be fixed to the arm 106. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the targets 108 are pivotally secured to the arm 106 and a swinging motion of an individual target may indicate the target has been struck. As another example, in some implementations, one or more of the targets 108 are fixed to the arm 106. Another indicator, such as a change in color or appearance, may indicate whether a particular target has been struck. In some implementations, at least one of the targets 108 may be pivotally coupled to the arm 106 and at least one may be fixed to the arm 106.

[0053] In some implementations, the vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include a first target 108a and a second target 108b. The vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include one target, two targets, three targets, four targets, and so forth. In some implementations, the vertical jump training apparatus 100 includes six foam targets and a bell target. The first target 108a may be a closest target to the pole 104. A spacing of the first target 108a from the pole along the arm may be at least 12 inches, at least 15 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 21 inches, or at least 24 inches.

[0054] In some implementations, the first target 108a may have a first length and the second target 108b may have a second length. The first length may be longer than the second length. A height of a bottom edge of the first target from the plane 112 may be less than a height of a bottom edge of the second target 108b from the plane 112. The pole 104 may include one or more measurement markings, such as depicted in FIG. 2. The measurement markings may correspond to the height of the bottom edge of the first target 108a from the plane 112. In general, the vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include a plurality of targets, each with a different length. In some implementations, the vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include a plurality of targets, some having the same length as others.

[0055] The weighted base 102 may have a width and/or a length in a range from one foot to four feet. The pole 104 may have a height in a range from four feet to fourteen feet. The pole 104 may have a diameter in a range from one inch to three inches. The arm may have a length in a range from twelve inches to forty-eight inches.

[0056] The apparatus may, at times, be used on a surface that is not flat, which may introduce inaccuracies into the jump measurements. By adjusting the level of the arm (i.e., by adjusting the angle of the arm to the pole), the arm may be adjusted to actual horizontal for consistent measurement. FIGS. 1F-G show a close-up view of the top of the pole 104 and the connection to the arm 106. Arm support 122 extends from the pole 104 directed under the arm 106. The position of the arm 106 relative to the arm support 122 is adjustable using leveler 124. The leveler 124 comprises a threaded bolt inserted into a threaded hole. The top of the leveler 124 engages the arm 106 pushing it upward away from the arm support 122. The position of the arm 106 may be adjusted by rotating the leveler up or down. The arm may also include a level sensor or indicator (e.g., a bubble level).

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the pole 104. In some implementations, the pole 104 may include measurement markings 202. The measurement markings 202 may be along a body of the pole 104. The measurement markings 202 may indicate a height of a bottom edge of at least one of the one or more targets 108. The height may correspond to a linear distance from the plane 112.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a bell 302 with a first spring 304 and a second spring 308, which may be used as a target with the vertical jump training apparatus 100, according to an implementation. The bell 302 may be attached to the arm by the first spring 304. The first spring 304 may otherwise be coupled to the bell 302 or the arm and may be positioned between the bell 302 and the arm. This may dampen motion of the bell 302 that may otherwise be transmitted to the bell 302 when a trainee strikes a neighboring target or accidentally bumps the pole or another part of the vertical jump training apparatus 100. In some implementations, a clapper 306 of the bell 302 may be attached to a second spring 308, which may dampen motion of the clapper 306 that may otherwise be transmitted to the clapper 306 when a trainee strikes a neighboring target or accidentally bumps the pole or another part of the vertical jump training apparatus 100. The clapper 306 may be attached to the bell 302 by another mechanism, e.g., a string, and the second spring 308 may be positioned between the clapper 306 and an interior surface of the bell 302.

[0059] In some implementations, the bell 302 is the last and shortest target on the vertical jump training apparatus 100. This may provide an incentive for a trainee to increase their vertical jump high enough to strike the bell 302. Striking the bell 302 may provide the trainee with positive feedback and acknowledgment of their accomplishment.

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a color-changing target 402, according to an implementation. Before being struck, the color-changing target 402 may be a first color 402a. After being struck, at least a portion of the color-changing target 402, such as a surface of the target, may change to a second color 402b. In various implementations of the vertical jump training apparatus 100, at least one of the one or more targets is the color-changing target 402. The color-changing target 402 may, for example, be made of or include a mechanochromic polymer. As another example, color-changing target 402 may include a gel pouch having a clear outer surface, an opaque gel, and a colored background surface. A strike on the clear outer surface displaces the opaque gel such that the colored background surface is visible through the clear outer surface.

[0061] In various implementations, the vertical jump training apparatus 100 may include at least one target that emits a sound in response to being struck. The bell described above is one example. As another example, the target may include a button with circuitry coupled to a speaker. When the button is struck, the speaker may emit a sound. The speaker may be in the target or electronically coupled to the button, but positioned separate from the target. The sound may be unique to the target to differentiate between strikes to different targets. In some implementations, the circuitry may be coupled to a light that is activated when the button is struck. The light may emit a color particular to the target to differentiate between strikes to different targets. The light may be coupled to the target or electronically coupled to the button and positioned elsewhere.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 of vertical jump training, according to an implementation. The method 500 may include providing a vertical jump training apparatus (block 502). The vertical jump training apparatus may include a weighted base, a pole attached to the weighted base, an arm extending from the pole, and one or more targets hanging down from the arm, such as described above. The method 500 may include setting the vertical jump training apparatus to a target height (block 504). The target height may correspond to a height of a bottom edge of one of the targets, such as a longest one of the targets, from the plane coplanar with the bottom surface of the weighted base.

[0063] The method 500 may include determining a raised-arm height of a jump trainee (block 506). The raised-arm height of the jump trainee may be measured from the ground (e.g., the plane 112) to a tip of the trainee's tallest finger when the trainee's arm is raised vertically. In some implementations, the pole includes measurement markings for determining the raised-arm height of the jump trainee.

[0064] The method 500 may include providing one or more instructions to a trainee that instruct the jump trainee to jump and strike one of the targets (block 508). The method 500 may include determining whether the target has been struck by the jump trainee (block 510). For example, the target may be pivotally coupled to the arm. Determining the target has been struck may be based on a pivotal motion of the target. As another example, a color of the target may change in response to being struck. Determining the target has been struck may be based on observing a color change of the target.

[0065] In response to determining the target has been struck by the jump trainee, the method 500 may include subtracting the raised-arm height of the jump trainee from the height of the target to determine a jump height of the trainee (block 512). For example, the raised-arm height of the jump trainee may be six feet and ten inches. The height of the struck target may be ten feet. The jump height of the trainee may, accordingly, be thirty-eight inches. In response to determining the target has not been struck by the jump trainee, the method 500 may include instructing the jump trainee to attempt to strike the target again (block 514). In some implementations, the jump trainee may not be able to reach the lowest target, and the method 500 may include, in response, lowering the height of the target (block 516). For example, the pole of the vertical jump training apparatus may be telescoping, and the length of the pole may be adjusted to a lower height of the lowest target.

[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 of vertical jump training using multiple targets, according to an implementation. The method 600 may include providing a vertical jump training apparatus (block 602). The vertical jump training apparatus may include a weighted base, a pole attached to the weighted base, an arm extending from the pole, a first target hanging down from the arm, and a second target hanging down from the arm, such as described above. The first target may be next to the second target. The first target may be a closest target to the pole. Other targets may be positioned between the first target and the pole. The second target may be a shortest of the targets. The second target may be a furthest target from the pole.

[0067] The method 600 may include setting the vertical jump training apparatus to a first target height (block 604). The first target height may correspond to a height of a bottom edge of the first target from the plane parallel to and coplanar with the bottom surface of the weighted base. The method 600 may include determining a raised-arm height of a jump trainee (block 606). The method 600 may include providing one or more instructions to the jump trainee that instruct the trainee to jump and strike the first target (block 608).

[0068] The method 600 may include determining the first target has been struck (block 610). The method 600 may include determining a first jump height of the trainee by subtracting the raised-arm height of the jump trainee from the first target height (block 612). In response to determining the first target has been struck, the method 600 may include providing one or more instructions to the trainee that instruct the trainee to jump and strike the second target (block 614). The method 600 may include determining the second target has been struck (block 616). The method 600 may include determining an increased jump height of the trainee based on a difference between the length of the first target and the length of the second target (block 618).

[0069] In some implementations, a length of the pole is adjustable. The method 600 may further include, in response to determining the second target has been struck, increasing the length of the pole (block 620). The length of the pole may be increased by an amount approximately equal to the difference between the length of the first target and the length of the second target. The length of the pole may be increased by an amount approximately equal to a difference between a shortest target and a longest target of the vertical jump training apparatus.

[0070] Implementations of the disclosed apparatus may be disassembled into smaller parts that may be compactly stored

[0071] A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.

[0072] Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.

[0073] The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.

[0074] Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

[0075] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0076] The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite a element, a first element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

[0077] As used herein same means sharing all features and similar means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein may should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of is regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to the disclosure and/or this disclosure refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] As used herein regarding a list, and forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, or forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or Dis an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, and/or forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, Band C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an and/or list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.

[0079] Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.

[0080] All patents, published patent applications, and other publications referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0081] The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.