Cricket: Revolutionary training net gets McCullum seal of approval

Olivia Lobb tries out the 'Batting Forever' net at Cobham Oval. Photo/Michael Cunningham

A Kerikeri local has come up with a new batting training apparatus and it already has the backing of former New Zealand test captain Brendon McCullum.

Peter Robb is the innovator who came up with 'Batting Forever', which uses a bungee cord and two nets which fires the ball back to the batsman to help with technique.

Robb said the seed was planted during a Christmas batting session with a cricket ball in a sock suspended from a rafter.

"From that day ideas developed, drawings and prototype construction began in the back yard using bamboo, fishing net and bungee cord as the main materials," he said.

The pivotal moment came when a prototype warped under the pressure causing the net to become V shaped.

Two converging net panels are the key to the design and function of the batting unit. The repetitive motion and precise ball return created when a cricket ball on a string is struck into the V shaped net means hours of practice can be squeezed into a short coaching drill.

The invention strengthens good batting technique and encourages and strengthens play in "the V".

It functions well on any surface and works exceptionally well indoors as well as out. The design has been patented.

Robb teamed up with Whangarei avocado specialist Stephen Wade to bring the invention to market. They are the directors of V Ltd, who own the IP to the design that has been liecenced to Puma.

Robb said McCullum gave him an endorsement when they met last year.

"During the 2015 Cricket World Cup I had the opportunity to demonstrate the invention to Brendon," he said.

"He liked it, endorsed it and was keen to get one for the Black Caps and one for his children."

After completely selling out last season, they will be back on the shelves in a couple of weeks.