APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING USERS TO PRACTICE BADMINTON SERVES

FIELD

[0001]The field relates to sport equipment, and more specifically, to apparatuses and methods for assisting a user to practice badminton serves.

BACKGROUND

[0002]In the game of badminton, players sometimes may want to execute a serve so that the birdie (or shuttlecock) is close to the top of the badminton net. This is because if the player serves the birdie too high above the badminton net, the opponent will then have the opportunity to offensively attack when returning the serve. For example, if a player serves the birdie too high above the badminton net, the opponent may take advantage of the bad serve, and drive the birdie back in a downward position with high speed, which may not be returnable by the player. On the other hand, if the player serves the birdie close to the top of the badminton net, by the time the birdie reaches the opponent, the birdie will descend to an elevation that is below the top of the badminton net. For such serve, the opponent will not be able to drive the badminton back with high speed because the birdie is already below the top of the net.

[0003]Currently, there is no effective sport equipment that can assist badminton players to practice badminton serves.

SUMMARY

[0004]An apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves includes: a blocker comprising a planar portion configured for placement at an elevation that is higher than a top edge of a badminton net; wherein the blocker is configured to cooperate with the badminton net to define an opening above the badminton net, wherein an area of the opening defines a target area for allowing the user of the apparatus to aim towards while performing a badminton serve during a training session.

[0005]Optionally, a vertical position of the blocker is adjustable relative to the badminton net between a first elevation and a second elevation to respectively define a first vertical dimension and a second vertical dimension for the opening above the badminton net; and wherein the first vertical dimension for the opening above the badminton net is different from the second vertical dimension for the opening above the badminton net, and wherein the first vertical dimension and the second vertical dimension implement different respective serving targets with different respective levels of difficulty for a user of the apparatus to aim towards during the training session.

[0006]Optionally, the opening is below the planar portion in elevation.

[0007]Optionally, the opening has a horizontal dimension that is at least 1 ft.

[0008]Optionally, the opening above the badminton net has a vertical dimension that is at least 3 inches.

[0009]Optionally, a vertical dimension of the opening is adjustable between 3 inches and 12 inches.

[0010]Optionally, the blocker is transparent.

[0011]Optionally, the apparatus further includes a connector configured to detachably couple with the badminton net.

[0012]Optionally, the connector is attached to the blocker.

[0013]Optionally, the connector is directly attached to the blocker.

[0014]Optionally, the connector is indirectly attached to the blocker.

[0015]Optionally, the connector is indirectly attached to the blocker via a support structure.

[0016]Optionally, the connector comprises a Velcro.

[0017]Optionally, the connector comprises a clamp.

[0018]Optionally, the apparatus further includes a connector configured to detachably couple with a post supporting the badminton net.

[0019]Optionally, the apparatus further includes a base, and a support structure coupled to the base; wherein the blocker is coupled to the support structure.

[0020]Optionally, the apparatus further includes wheels at the base.

[0021]Optionally, the apparatus further includes a sensor configured to detect a collision between a birdie and the blocker.

[0022]Optionally, a vertical position of the blocker is adjustable to adjust a vertical dimension of the opening.

[0023]Optionally, the vertical position of the blocker is adjustable between a first elevation and a second elevation to respectively define a first vertical dimension and a second vertical dimension for the opening above the badminton net.

[0024]Optionally, the first vertical dimension is less than the second vertical dimension, and wherein a first serving target implemented by the first vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension.

[0025]Optionally, the vertical position of the blocker is also adjustable to reach a third elevation to define a third vertical dimension of the opening.

[0026]Optionally, the first vertical dimension is less than the second vertical dimension, wherein the second vertical dimension is less than the third vertical dimension, wherein a first serving target implemented by the first vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension, and wherein the second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a third serving target implemented by the third vertical dimension.

[0027]Optionally, the apparatus further includes a motor configured to move the blocker vertically to adjust a vertical position of the blocker.

[0028]Optionally, the blocker is moveable relative to the badminton net such that an entirety of the blocker is lower in elevation with respect to the top edge of the badminton net.

[0029]Optionally, a horizontal position of the opening is adjustable.

[0030]Other and further aspects and features will be evident from reading the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals. In order to better appreciate how advantages and objects are obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting in the scope of the claimed invention.

[0032]FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves.

[0033]FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1, particularly showing the apparatus further having wheels.

[0034]FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate the apparatus of FIG. 1, particularly showing a vertical position of a blocker being adjustable.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves, particularly showing a blocker being detachably coupled to a badminton net.

[0036]FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves, particularly showing a blocker being detachably coupled to a post supporting a badminton net.

[0037]FIG. 6A illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves, particularly showing a blocker being detachably coupled to a post supporting a badminton net.

[0038]FIG. 6B illustrates a variation of the apparatus of FIG. 6A.

[0039]FIG. 7 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton services, particularly showing the apparatus having a motor configured to move a blocker.

[0040]FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves, particularly showing the blocker being moveable in a horizontal direction.

[0041]FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves, particularly showing the apparatus having a sensor.

[0042]FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves.

[0043]FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate methods of using an apparatus for assisting a user to practice badminton serves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044]Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. It should be noted that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages of the invention shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated or if not so explicitly described.

[0045]FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for assisting a user to practice badminton serves. The apparatus 10 is configured for placement next to a badminton net 12 supported by posts 14. As shown in the figure, the apparatus 10 includes bases 20, support structures 22, and a blocker 30. The support structures 22 are respectively couped to the bases 20. The blocker 30 has a planar portion 31 configured for placement at an elevation that is higher than a top edge 42 of the badminton net 12. The blocker 30 is configured to cooperate with the badminton net 12 to define an opening 32 above the badminton net 12. An area of the opening 32 defines a target area for allowing a user of the apparatus 10 to aim towards while performing a badminton serve during a training session.

[0046]During use, the apparatus 10 is placed next to the badminton net 12 in the manner shown in the figure. A user of the apparatus 10 may then practice his/her serve by trying to serve the badminton birdie through the opening 32 above the badminton net 12. If the serve is too low, the birdie will hit the net. If the serve is too high, the blocker 30 will block the birdie.

[0047]The apparatus 10 provides an effective way to assist a user to practice his/her badminton serves. Currently, when a badminton player practices his/her serves, the badminton player merely serves a number of birdies. If the serve is too low, the birdie will hit the net, which provides feedback to the badminton player that the serve just executed is too low. However, if the badminton player serves too high, the badminton player may not be able to tell (especially when the serve is just slightly higher than a targeted elevation). The apparatus 10 is advantageous because it provides immediate feedback to the user if his/her serve is too high. The opening 32 dimension may be configured to a desired difficulty level, so that even when the serve is slightly higher than the target elevation (defined by the top of the opening 32), the birdie will hit the blocker 30, providing immediate feedback to the user.

[0048]In the illustrated example, a vertical position of the blocker 30 is adjustable relative to the badminton net 12 between a first elevation P1 (FIG. 3A) and a second elevation P2 (FIG. 3B) to change a vertical dimension 40 of the opening 32—i.e., to respectively define a first vertical dimension and a second vertical dimension for the opening 32 above the badminton net 12. The first vertical dimension for the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 is different from the second vertical dimension for the opening 32 above the badminton net 12. The first vertical dimension and the second vertical dimension implement different respective serving targets with different respective levels of difficulty for a user of the apparatus 10 to aim towards during the training session.

[0049]As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the first vertical dimension of the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 (corresponding with the first elevation P1 of the blocker 30) is less than the second vertical dimension of the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 (corresponding with the second elevation P2 of the blocker 30). A first serving target implemented by the first vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension. This is due to the fact that the first vertical dimension is less than the second vertical dimension.

[0050]Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3B, the vertical position of the blocker 30 is also adjustable to reach a third elevation P3 to define a third vertical dimension of the opening 32 above the badminton net 12. In such cases, the first vertical dimension for the opening 32 (corresponding with first elevation P1) is less than the second vertical dimension for the opening 32 (corresponding with the second elevation P2), and the second vertical dimension is less than the third vertical dimension for the opening 32 (corresponding with the third elevation P3). A first serving target implemented by the first vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension, and the second serving target implemented by the second vertical dimension is more difficult to aim than a third serving target implemented by the third vertical dimension.

[0051]In some cases, the blocker 30 is moveably coupled with the support structure 22 by providing a slot 50 at the support structure 22 (see FIG. 1), and by placing a side of the blocker 30 in the slot 50. The side of the blocker 30 may be in frictional engagement with surfaces at the support structure 22 that define the slot 50. Accordingly, the blocker 30 is slidable relative to the support structure 22, and may be held in place by the support structure 22 after a desired position of the blocker 30 is achieved. Alternatively or additionally, the side of the blocker 30 may be detachably coupled to the support structure 22 via one or more Velcro's. Alternative or additionally, the blocker 30 may be detachably coupled to the support structure 22 via one or more mechanical connectors, such as one or more screws, one or more anchors, etc.

[0052]In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 32 is below the planar portion 31 of the blocker 30 in elevation.

[0053]In some cases, the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 has a horizontal dimension that is at least 1 ft, at least 3 ft, at least 5 ft, or at least 7 ft. In some cases, the opening 32 has a horizontal dimension that is less than 10 ft, or less than 8 ft.

[0054]Also, in some cases, the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 has a vertical dimension 40 that is at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, or at least 10 inches.

[0055]In some cases, a vertical dimension 40 of the opening 32 above the badminton net 12 is adjustable between 3 inches and 12 inches.

[0056]In some cases, the blocker 30 is transparent (e.g., fully transparent or semi-transparent). This is advantageous because it allows the user to see through the blocker 30 to view the floor of the badminton court on the other side of the badminton net 12. In other cases, the blocker 30 may not be transparent.

[0057]In the illustrated example, the apparatus 10 has two support structures 22 in the form of posts mounted to two bases 20. In other cases, the apparatus 10 may include only one support structure 22 mounted to only one base 20.

[0058]As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 may optionally further include a horizontal beam 24 coupled between the support structures 22. The horizonal beam 24 provides stability for the posts 22, and defines a horizontal distance between the posts 22. In other cases, instead of the horizontal beam 24, the apparatus 10 may include a plate or board connected between the posts 22. In further cases, the beam 24 is optional, and the apparatus 10 may not include the beam 24.

[0059]The apparatus 10 may optionally further include wheels 200 at the respective bases 20 (FIG. 2). In some cases in which the apparatus 10 has only one support structure 22 and only one base 20, the apparatus 10 may include one or more wheels at the base 20. The apparatus 10 may also include a wheel-lock (e.g., brake) that is manually actuatable to lock the wheel(s) at a fixed position, thereby preventing the apparatus 10 from being rolled away.

[0060]In the above example, the apparatus 10 is described has having support structures 22 and bases 20, wherein the blocker 30 is coupled with the support structures 22. However, the apparatus 10 may not include the bases 20 and the support structures 22 in other cases. Instead, the blocker 30 may be coupled, either directly or indirectly, to the badminton net 12. FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, particularly showing the blocker 300 being coupled to a support structure 400 (instead of the support structures 22). The support structure 400 is in a form of a vertical post. The apparatus 10 of FIG. 4 also includes a first connector 410 and a second connector 412 configured to detachably secure against the badminton net 12. In some cases, each of the first and second connectors 410, 412 may be a clip or a clamp configured to clamp against one or more strands of the badminton net 12.

[0061]In other cases, instead of having two connectors 410, 412, the apparatus 10 may include more than two connectors, or only one connector.

[0062]It should be noted that the support structure 400 of FIG. 4 is advantageous because it does not extend to the floor. Thus, the apparatus 10 does not have a significant presence, and will be less noticeable to the user. This allows the user to practice his/her serves in an environment that is very similar to that of a competition.

[0063]The support structure 400 may include the slot 50 like that described previously, thereby allowing the blocker 30 to slide relative to the support structure 400 to adjust an elevation of the blocker 30. Alternatively, the blocker 30 may be fixedly attached to the support structure 400. In such cases, the elevation of the blocker 30 may still be adjusted by moving the support structure 400 vertically, and attaching the connectors 410, 412 to different strands of the net 12.

[0064]In other cases, instead of detachably securing the support structure 400 against the badminton net 12, the apparatus 10 may include a connector 500 configured to detachably couple with the post 14 supporting the badminton net 12 (FIG. 5). In such cases, the support structure 400 may have a vertical part 402 and a horizontal part 404. The horizontal part 404 includes the connector 500 configured to detachably couple with the post 14. In the illustrated example, the vertical part 402 of the support structure 400 has the slot 50 like the slot 50 described with reference to FIG. 1, which allows the blocker 30 to slide relative to the support structure 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 500 may have a first arm 502 and a second arm 504 configured for placement on opposite sides of the post 14. The connector 500 may also include a hand-screw 506, which may be screwed manually to securely clamp against the post 14. In other cases, the connector 500 may have different configurations, and may utilize different techniques to detachably couple against the post 14.

[0065]The support structure 400 of FIG. 5 is advantageous because an entirety of the support structure 400 is higher in elevation than the top edge 42 of the badminton net 12. Thus, the support structure 400 may be mounted directly above the badminton net 12. As a result, the blocker 30 may also be placed directly above the badminton net 12.

[0066]It should be noted that the length of the horizontal part 404 is not limited to that shown in the figure. In other cases, the horizontal part 404 may be shorter than that shown. For example, in other cases, the horizontal part 404 may have a length that is the same as the width of the connector 500. In further cases, the support structure 400 may not include the horizontal part 404. In such cases, the connector 500 may be implemented at an end of the vertical part 402 of the support structure 400, or at a location along the length of the vertical part 402 of the support structure 400. This configuration is advantageous because it allows the vertical part 402 to be placed closer to the post 14.

[0067]As shown in FIG. 5, the support structure 400 is detachably coupled to a top of the post 14. In other cases, instead of being detachably coupled to a top of the post 14, the support structure 400 may be configured to detachably couple to a side of the post 14. As shown in FIG. 6A, the apparatus 10 has a support structure 400 to which the blocker 30 slidably coupled. The support structure 400 has a first connector 602 and a second connector 604 that are both configured to detachably couple with the side of the post 14 supporting the badminton net 12. In some cases, each of the connectors 602, 604 may be a clamp configured to clamp against opposite sides of the post 14. The clamp may be spring-actuated. In other cases, each of the connectors 602, 604 may include a hand-screw, like that described with reference to the connector 500 of FIG. 5. In further cases, each of the connectors 602, 604 may be an elastic strap, an adjustable ring, etc., configured to wrap around the post 14. It should be noted that the apparatus 10 of FIG. 6A is not limited to have two connectors 602, 604, and that the apparatus 10 may include more than two connectors or only one connector in other embodiments.

[0068]In some cases, the blocker 30 may be moveable relative to the badminton net 12 such that an entirety of the blocker 30 is lower in elevation with respect to the top edge 42 of the badminton net 12. During use, the blocker 30 may be positioned above the badminton net 12, such as at the position P1 shown in FIG. 6A. Optionally, the blocker 30 may also be moved to position P2 or position P3 to change a size of the opening 32, thereby varying a level of difficulty for the serving practice. After a training session has been completed, the blocker 30 may be moved downward such that the entirety of the blocker 30 is below the top edge 42 of the net 12, such as at the position P4 shown in the figure. When the top of the blocker 30 is at position P4, the entire support structure 400 is also below the top edge 42 of the net 12. This is advantageous because it allows the blocker 30 to be conveniently stored next to the net 12 when the apparatus 10 is not being utilized for serve-training, thereby allowing the badminton court to be used for normal playing, sparring, regular training, etc. Also, such configuration allows the apparatus 10 to stay mounted to the post 14 when the apparatus 10 is not be used in a serve-training session, while allowing the badminton court to be used for normal playing, sparring, regular training, etc.

[0069]In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A, the entire support structure 400 is below the top 42 of the badminton net 12. Thus, the apparatus 10 does not have a significant presence, and will be less noticeable to the user during use of the apparatus 10 for serving practice. This allows the user to practice his/her serving in an environment that is very similar to that of a competition. In other cases, the support structure 400 may include a part that extends above the top 42 of the badminton net 12.

[0070]In some cases, the support structure 400 may be configured to be mounted closer to the post 14. FIG. 6B illustrates a variation of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 6A, particularly showing the support structure 400 being detachably mounted directly next to the post 14. The support structure 400 is illustrated as extending higher than the top of the post 14. In other cases, the support structure 400 may extend to a same elevation as the top of the post 14, or to an elevation that is below the top of the post 14. As shown in FIG. 6B, the top of the blocker 30 may be selectively moved to any of the positions P1, P2, P3, P4 (as similarly described with reference to FIG. 6A). Positions P1, P2, P3 are for adjusting a size of the opening 32 to vary a level of difficulty for the serving practice. Position P4 is for storing the blocker 30 below the top edge 42 of the badminton net 12. The mounting position of the support structure 400 shown in FIG. 6B is advantageous because at that mounting position, the support structure 400 will not traverse the space that is directly above the badminton court, thereby allowing the badminton net 12 to be used for regular games and regular training when the apparatus 10 is not being used for serving practice.

[0071]In any of the examples described herein, the apparatus 10 may optionally further include a motor configured to automatically actuate the blocker 30 relative to a support structure (e.g., support structure 22, support structure 400, etc.). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 includes a support structure 400 to which the blocker 30 is slidably mounted. The apparatus 10 further includes a motor 700 coupled to the support structure 400. The apparatus 10 also includes the connector 500 configured to detachably couple to the post 14. In the illustrated example, the connector 500 is at the motor 700. In other cases, the connector 500 may be implemented at the support structure 400.

[0072]The motor 700 includes a manual switch 702 for activating the motor 700. During use, the switch 702 may be operated to activate the motor 700 to selectively move the blocker 30 upward or downward relative to the support structure 400. For example, the blocker 30 may be moved to any of the positions P1, P2, P3, P4 described herein. In some cases, the motor 700 may be attached to a cable that couples with the blocker 30 via one or more pulleys. In such cases, when the manual switch 702 is operated to activate the motor 700, the motor 700 will pull the cable, causing the blocker 30 to translate relative to the support structure 400. In other cases, instead of using a cable and pulley system, the apparatus 10 may include one or more gears and a rack (a linear gear) configured to moveably couple the motor 700 with the blocker 30.

[0073]In any of the embodiments describe herein, a horizontal position of the blocker 30 (and therefore the opening 32) is adjustable. FIG. 8 illustrates an apparatus 10 having a support structure 400 to which the blocker 30 is slidably mounted. The support structure 400 includes a first part 402 to which the blocker 30 slidably mounted, a second part 404 coupled to the first part 402, and a third part 406 to which the second part 404 is slidably mounted. The apparatus 10 includes the connector 500 at the third part 406, wherein the connector 500 is configured to detachably couple with the post 14. During use, the blocker 30 may be adjusted in its elevation to thereby change a vertical dimension 40 of the opening 32 above the top edge 42 of the badminton net 12. The blocker 30 may also be adjusted in its horizontal position with respect to the badminton net 12 by moving the first part 402 or the second part 404 relative to the third part 406. The horizontal movement of the blocker 30 is advantageous because it allows the position of the opening 32 to be adjusted horizontally. This allows the user to also practice the horizonal accuracy of his/her serve by placing the opening 32 (representing the serving target) at different horizontal positions above the net 12.

[0074]In some cases, the blocker 30 of the apparatus 10 of FIG. 8 may be positioned such that an entirety of the blocker 30 is below the top edge 42 of the badminton net 12, as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0075]Also, in any of the embodiments described herein, the apparatus 10 may optionally include a sensor configured to detect a collision between a birdie and the blocker 30. FIG. 9 illustrates an apparatus 10 having a support structure 400 to which the blocker 30 is slidably mounted. As shown in the figure, the apparatus 10 further includes a sensor 900 attached to the blocker 30. The sensor 900 is configured to detect a collision between a birdie and the blocker 30. For example, the sensor 900 may be a vibration sensor configured to detect a vibration of the blocker 30. As another example, the sensor 900 may be a sound sensor (e.g., microphone) configured to detect collision sound generated when a birdie collides with the blocker 30. The apparatus 10 may optionally also include a visual indicator 902 configured to provide a visual indicator indicating that a birdie has collide with the blocker 30. The visual indicator 902 is electrically connected with the sensor 900. In some cases, the visual indicator 902 may be one or more light emitters, such as one or more LEDs. In other cases, the visual indicator 902 may be a display that provides text and/or numbers. For example, when the sensor 900 detects that a birdie has collided with the blocker 30, the visual indicator 902 may display a text “Server too high” or “Too high”. Alternatively, the visual indicator 902 may display a number tracking a number of times the blocker 30 has been collided by birdies. In such cases, the apparatus 10 may include a digital counter that can be manually reset by the user. The digital counter is electrically coupled with the sensor 900. During use, the user may reset the counter to “0” in the beginning of a serve-training session. During the serve-training session, the user aims his/her serve at the opening 32. If a serve is too high, the blocker 30 will block the birdie. In response to the birdie colliding with the blocker 30, as detected by the sensor 900, the digital counter will increment by 1, and the indicator 902 will display the value of the number count.

[0076]The sensor 900 and/or the visual indicator 902 may optionally be included in any of the apparatuses 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

[0077]Although the sensor 900 is illustrated as being mounted to the blocker 30, in other cases, the sensor 900 may be mounted to the support structure 400.

[0078]Also, in other cases, instead of having one sensor 900, the apparatus 10 may include multiple sensors 900. For example, one sensor 900 may be a vibration sensor, and another sensor 900 may be a sound sensor (e.g., microphone).

[0079]Although the apparatus 10 has been described as having a support structure (e.g., support structure 22, support structure 400, etc.) to which the blocker 30 is slidably mounted, in other embodiments, the support structure is optional, and the apparatus 10 may not include the support structure. FIG. 10 illustrates an apparatus 10 for assisting a user to practice badminton serves. The apparatus 10 includes the blocker 30 having the planar portion 31 configured for placement at an elevation that is higher than a top edge 42 of a badminton net 12. The blocker 30 is configured to cooperate with the badminton net 12 to define an opening above the badminton net 12. An area of the opening defines a target area for allowing a user of the apparatus 10 to aim towards while performing a badminton serve during a training session. In the illustrated example, the apparatus 10 also includes a Velcro 950 for detachably coupling the blocker 30 to the post 14 supporting the badminton net 12. The Velcro 950 may have a first strip having loops, and a second strip having hooks. One of the first and second strips of the Velcro 950 may be attached to the post 14, and the other one of the first and second strips of the Velcro 950 may be attached to a side of the blocker 30. The blocker 30 may be detached from the post 14, and may be re-attached to the post 14 at a desired position, such as any of the positions P1, P2, P3, P4 described herein.

[0080]In other cases, instead of using Velcro 950 as the connector, the apparatus 10 may include any of other types of connector for detachably coupling the blocker 30 to the post 14. For example, the apparatus 10 may include a clamp that is attached directly to the blocker 30. In such cases, the clamp may be utilized to clamp against a side of the post 14. A vertical position of the blocker 30 may be selectively adjusted by unclamping the clamp, and re-attaching the blocker 30 to the post 14 via the clamp at a desired position, such as any of the positions P1, P2, P3, P4 described herein.

[0081]FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate methods of using the apparatus 10 for assisting a user to practice badminton serves. The apparatus 10 may be any of the apparatuses 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1-10. As shown in FIG. 11A, the apparatus 10 may be placed on a left side of a badminton court 1100. This allows a user 1102 at the right side (at position A) of the badminton court 1100 to practice his/her serve (serving from right to left from the perspective of the user 1102) using the apparatus 10. After the user 1102 is finished with practicing his/her serve at the right side of the badminton court 1100, the user may go to the opposite side of the badminton court 1100 (e.g., at position B). From that position, the user 1102 may practice his/her serve (this time serving from left to right from the perspective of the user 1102) using the apparatus 10. Accordingly, the apparatus 10 can be mounted to one side of the badminton court 1100, while allowing the user 1102 to practice his/her serves from opposite sides of the badminton court 1100.

[0082]Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B, after the user 1102 is finished with practicing his/her serve (serving from the right side to the left side) at the right side of the badminton court 1100 (e.g., at position A), the user may move the apparatus 10 to the right side of the badminton court 1100, like that shown in the dashed lines. Then the user 1102 may move to the left side of the badminton court 1100 at position B. From there, the user 110 may practice his/her serve by serving from the left side to the right side.

[0083]Also, in some cases, the same apparatus 10 may be utilized by two users simultaneously to practice their serves. For example, in the setup shown in FIG. 11A, the apparatus 10 is mounted to the left side of the badminton court 1100. A first user 1102 at position A may practice his/her serve (serving from right to left from the perspective of the first user 1102) using the apparatus 10. At the same time, a second user 1102 at position B on the opposite of the badminton court 1100 may practice his/her serve (serving from left to right from the perspective of the second user 1102) using the apparatus 10.

[0084]It should be noted that in any of the embodiments described herein, the support structure (e.g., support structure 22, support structure 400, etc.) of the apparatus 10 may be made from plastic, polymer, metal, alloy, wood, or composite materials. In one implementation, the support structure may be made from PVC pipe(s). In other cases, the support structure may be made from plastic member(s) that is transparent, thereby making the apparatus 10 less visible to the user.

[0085]Also, in any of the embodiments described herein, the blocker 30 may be made from plastic, glass, polymer, or any of other types of suitable materials.

[0086]Also, in any of the embodiments described herein, the blocker 30 may not be slidable relative to the support structure (e.g., support structure 22, support structure 400, etc.). Instead, the blocker 30 may be fixedly attached to the support structure, such that the blocker 30 is not moveable relative to the support structure.

[0087]Furthermore, in any of the embodiments described herein, the blocker 30 is not limited to having the shape and size shown in the figures. In other cases, the blocker 30 may have different shapes and sizes. For example, in other cases, the blocker 30 may not include the two vertical parts shown in the figures. In such cases, the blocker 30 may simply have a rectangular shape.

[0088]Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.