The invention, which can be utilized by a player to practice his or her competence in any sport in which a ball is hit, thrown, kicked, or otherwise propelled, comprises a ball-returning device in conjunction with an imaging device disposed in relation to the ball-returning device such that a practicing player can observe his or her form while propelling balls against the backboard. In a first embodiment the invention comprises a substantially vertical backboard having as at least one portion thereof a mirror surface. The mirror surface may be part of the backboard which would normally return a ball hit against it or the mirror surface may be a portion of the backboard which is not normally hit by practice balls projected against the backboard. Lines of various sorts may be provided on the backboard surface to delimit desired areas of the backboard at which it is desirable to aim practice strokes. In one alternative embodiment, a see-through barrier (such as an elastic net or transparent plastic partition) serves as the ball-returning component of the device, with a mirror disposed in back of the barrier to reflect an image of the practicing player. In other alternate embodiments, a video camera and monitor are disposed in relation to the backboard or transparent barrier so as to allow the practicing player to see himself or herself while practicing.
The present invention provides for a swing training device for golfers which allows a golfer to receive immediate visual feedback as to his stance, form, and technique. The training device includes a break-resistant mirror and long support legs mounted behind the reflective surface. These legs not only support the mirror in an upright position, but act as shock absorbers so that the golfer can repeatedly hit practice balls or throw a weighted training ball into the mirror. The legs deflect and then spring back, thereby reorienting the mirror back to its original position and allowing the golfer to remain in substantially the same location while training.
