U.S. patent application number 11/752512 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for training soccer ball.
Invention is credited to Stewart Brown.
Application Number | 20080293520 11/752512 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40072938 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080293520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Stewart |
November 27, 2008 |
Training Soccer Ball
Abstract
In the present invention, a training soccer ball includes an
initial contact area with a first set of designations and a
follow-through area with a second set of designations. The first
and second set of designations can be the numbers "1" through "12",
in a split clockface design. The initial contact area has a
different color than the follow-through area. Players learn to kick
the ball with the correct biomechanics with reference to a
designation for initial contact and a designation for
follow-through.
Inventors: |
Brown; Stewart; (Dallas,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDERSON, LEVINE & LINTEL L.L.P.
14785 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 650
DALLAS
TX
75254
US
|
Family ID: |
40072938 |
Appl. No.: |
11/752512 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/446 ;
473/604 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/008 20130101;
A63B 69/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/446 ;
473/604 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A soccer ball for training comprising: an initial contact area
with a first set of designations; a follow-through area with a
second set of designations; wherein a kick resulting in the ball
traveling in a selected path can be effected by initiating contact
at a first area of the ball proximate a specified one of the first
set of designations and following through to a second area of the
ball proximate a specified one of the second set of
designations.
2. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the initial contact area has
a first background color different from a second background color
used for the follow through area.
3. The soccer ball of claim 2 and further comprising a non-contact
area having a third background color different from the first and
second background colors.
4. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the first background color is
white and the second background color is yellow.
5. The soccer ball of claim 4 wherein the third background color is
red.
6. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the first set of designations
comprises a set of numbers.
7. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the second set of
designations comprises numbers.
8. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the first set and second sets
of designations combined include the numbers from 1 to twelve, and
wherein the numbers are arranged in a split clockface design.
9. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the first set of designations
comprises a set of letters.
10. The soccer ball of claim 1 wherein the second set of
designations comprises letters.
11. The soccer ball of claim 1 and further comprising a first arc
shape disposed proximate the first set of designations and a second
arc shape disposed proximate the second set of designations.
12. The soccer ball of claim 1 and further comprising a central
designation disposed between the first and second set of
designations.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field
[0004] This invention relates in general to athletic balls and,
more particularly, to a ball for training proper kicking
technique.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Hundreds of hours of practice are typically required before
an athlete can make consistent contact with a soccer ball in an
effective, efficient, correct manner to control the speed,
direction and curve of the ball. Many players develop their kicking
technique through experimentation and happenstance, or through
coaching in youth leagues. Either of these may lead a player into a
pattern of kicking a ball improperly. Once a player learns to kick
a ball with an improper technique, learning a proper technique
becomes much harder.
[0007] Leg motion, strength and rhythm are all characteristics that
lead to an efficient and proper kicking motion, but it is the set
biomechanical patterns that program the kicker to be able to
produce the types of ball motion, by kicking, that they desire at
any given time during a game of soccer or training.
[0008] To control the ball during game situations, the player must
make instantaneous determinations of (1) where to make the initial
contact on the ball with the foot and (2) the important visual of
the follow though motion after the contact of the ball. These two
factors will in large part determine the direction and curve, if
any, of the ball once it leaves the player's foot. The distance and
force of the kick is dependent upon the amount of energy
transferred from the kicker to the ball at the point of initial
contact.
[0009] Players who consistently kick the ball in a controlled
manner have programmed their kicking motion through repetitive
drills. During these drills, it is important that the player kick
the ball with the same motion to achieve a certain result; in this
manner, the kicking motion becomes second nature to a player.
[0010] However, it is often difficult for a player, and especially
new or young players, to visualize the correct motion. Video tape
of a players leg movement can help to a certain extent, but it is
often difficult for a young player to grasp relatively small
differences in kicking technique from a video.
[0011] Therefore, a need has arisen for a method and apparatus for
training proper kicking technique.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In the present invention, a training soccer ball includes an
initial contact area with a first set of designations and a
follow-through area with a second set of designations. A kick
resulting in the ball traveling in a selected path can be effected
by initiating contact at a first area of the ball proximate a
specified one of the first set of designations and following
through to a second area of the ball proximate a specified one of
the second set of designations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of the soccer ball of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the soccer ball of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the soccer ball of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the soccer ball of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is best understood in relation to
FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like
elements of the various drawings.
[0019] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate front, back, top and bottom views of a
soccer ball 10 using the present invention. The ball 10 is of any
typical construction with the addition of upper and lower arcs 12
and 14, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, upper arc
12 is a semicircular arc with a radius of approximately 1.75 inches
(approximately 22 mm). Bottom arc 14 is a semicircular arc with a
radius of approximately 2.5 inches (approximately 43 mm).
[0020] Symbols 16 (referenced as 16a for the upper symbols and 16b
for the lower symbols) are positioned around the upper and lower
arcs 12 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, numbers are used for
the symbols, with the numbers "1"-"12" are positioned around the
two arcs 12 and 14 in a split-clockface arrangement, with the
numbers "10", "11", "12", "1", and 2 proximate the upper marking
(with "12" in the center of the arc 12) and the numbers "3", "4",
"5", "6", "7", "8", and "9" positioned around the bottom marking
(with "6" in the center position of the arc).
[0021] A central designation 17 is marked in the center of the
circle that would contain the lower arc 14. The central designation
17 has two uses: (1) it aides the kicker when placing the ball by
having this small central designation 17 facing the kicker and
visually in the center of the ball 10 and (2) the central
designation 17 is used to teach the kicker to hit a low-straight or
"knuckle" motion to the left or right, depending on the
follow-through, as described later.
[0022] While the numbers can be positioned on either the inside or
outside of the arcs 12 and 14, in the preferred embodiment, the
upper symbols 16a are located above the upper arc 12 to provide a
clear view to the kicker, whose eyes will be above the ball 10 as
it is kicked. The lower designations 16b are placed below the lower
arc 14 at the lower part of the ball 10 and have a larger font than
the upper designations 16a. When the ball is set on the ground for
initial contact, the two outer-most designations (numerals "3" and
"9") are in a line parallel to the ground and at the same
horizontal level as the center designation 17. The lower
designations 16b are separated consistently and are a uniform
distance from each other and a uniform distance from the central
designation 4. These lower designations 16b should be visible to
the kicker during the motion leading up to the initial contact of
the ball 10 when it is placed appropriately on the ground.
[0023] A regulation soccer ball is manufactured in three standard
sizes: size 3, size 4 and size 5 with each size being used in
training and/or competition for different age groups. Size 3 balls
are used for soccer players aged 8 years old and younger, has a
standard weight of 11-12 ounces and a circumference of 23-24
inches. Size 4 balls are used for soccer players aged 8-12 years
old, has a standard weight of 12-13 ounces and a circumference of
25-26 inches. Size 5 balls are used for soccer players older than
12 years old, has a standard weight of 14-16 ounces and a
circumference of 27-28 inches. The dimensions provided for the
upper and lower markings are for the size 5 ball; smaller radius
arcs 12 and 14 would be used for the size 4 and 5 balls.
[0024] Soccer balls can be made from a variety of shaped panels.
This design and training method can be used on all three sized
balls. A thirty-two panel ball is most commonly used with twenty
hexagonal and twelve pentagonal panels. Eighteen and twenty-six
panel balls are also common. The upper arc 12 can be positioned to
intersect four of the vertices of one of the hexagonal panels and
the lower arc 14 can be positioned outside of a hexagonal panel
immediately below that panel. The lower arc approximate bisects the
seams emanating from the bottom four vertices of the lower
hexagon.
[0025] Commonly, soccer balls come in various patterns and colors
for ornamental use. This preferred embodiment of the ball 10 uses a
pattern that highlights the initial contact area 18 (designated as
white in the Figures) and follow-through area 20 (designated as
cross-hatched in the Figures). In one preferred embodiment, the
initial contact area 18 is colored white, the follow-through area
20 is colored yellow. The actual colors used, however, are not
critical.
[0026] The non-impact area 22 (designated by vertical stripes in
the Figures) of the ball 10, i.e., the back side of the ball 10,
can be distinguished by a color (such as red) not used on the
initial-contact area 18, but can be the same color as the upper
designations 16a and/or lower designations 16b of the ball 10. The
importance of this is two fold: (1) it visually separates the ball
into three areas, the initial contact area 18, the follow-through
area 20 and the non-impact area 22 and (2) the non-impact area 22
and the initial-contact area 18 meet at the spot 24 of the ball
which will be placed on the ground to provide the kicker with the
proper alignment of the ball 10 when the two outside designations
(numerals "3" and "9") are parallel to the ground. If the
non-impact area 22 of the ball 10 is the same color as the rest of
the ball, the bottom of the ball 10 should have designation at spot
24 to show the user/kicker where to place the ball 10 on the ground
prior to use.
[0027] With consistent use and training, the ball 10 will allow the
soccer player the ability to pass, cross and shoot with a purpose.
The objectives are to provide the user of this ball set patterns
(initial-contact to follow-through), to teach the soccer player how
to kick the ball straight (high-to-low), to hit the ball with a
curve from left-to-right (high-to-low), to hit the ball with a
curve from right-to-left (high-to-low); to "chip" the ball, to
produce a "knuckle" ball motion from right-to-left, and to produce
a "knuckle" ball motion from left-to-right.
[0028] The function of this training ball is to provide a visual
aide for soccer players to learn the biomechanical movements
associated with each kicking method and each motion of the kicked
ball. The markings on the ball provide the kicker with a specific
point of initial-contact (impact) and a direction of follow-through
to create the motion desired with each method and motion. The ball
can be used by the kickers left and right foot as desired.
[0029] In use, the ball 10 is placed on the ground with the central
designation 17 facing towards the kicker. The ball 10 makes contact
on the ground at the area where the non-impact area 22 and the
initial-contact area 18 at spot 24. The outside lower designations
(numerals "3" and "9") are in a line parallel to the ground with
the upper designations 16a and lower designations 16b facing the
kicker as he/she approaches the ball 10 to make contact.
[0030] As the kicker approaches the ball 10, in preparation to make
contact, the kicker's kicking foot will make initial contact near
the lower arc 14 at a specific lower designation 16b. The kicker
will follow-through to a specific upper designation 16b in the
follow-through area 20. The kicked ball 10 will rotate in the air
depending upon the initial-contact point and the follow-through
motion of the kicker.
[0031] There are optimum kicking areas on the kicker's foot which
will make this more efficient and effective; the kicker will be
responsible for selecting the area of the foot which makes the
initial-contact with the ball 10. This can be explained and taught
to the kicker by written materials, a DVD/CD ROM/VHS, and/or their
coach.
[0032] Drills teach the correct kicking motion by reference to
designations 16 on the ball 10. The coach can specify a desired
path by reference to the designations, such as "kick the ball with
your right foot from four to ten". Alternatively, the instructions
for a desired kick can be taken from written or visual instruction
aids.
[0033] For a right footed kicker, to kick the ball 10 with a curve
from right-to-left with height, the kicker will impact the ball
near the lower arc 14 at a designation to the lower right of the
ball (numerals "4" or "5") and follow-through to a designation in
the left side of the upper arc 12 (numerals "10" or "11"), sweeping
his or her foot in an arc-like motion. The center (instep) of the
kicker's foot will be the best area to make contact with the ball
10. The height of the kick can be varied by contacting the ball
higher or lower in the initial-contact area 18; a kick that starts
lower in the initial contact area 18 will cause a steeper
trajectory, while a kick that starts in higher in the initial
contact area 18 will cause a flatter trajectory. The curve of the
ball (from right to left, in this example) can be controlled by the
direction of the follow through. To curve the ball more sharply to
the left, the follow through could be closer to numeral "10", while
for a mild curve, the follow through could be to numeral "11".
[0034] For a left-footed kick to move the ball 10 from
right-to-left the initial contact will be with the outer area of
the kicker's foot on the lower right initial-contact area 18 and
lower designations 16b (at numerals "4" or "5") and follow-through
to the left upper designations 2 (numerals "10" or "11").
[0035] For a straight-high motion the kicker will contact the lower
center initial-contact area 18 and at a lower designation 16b in
the center of the lower arc 14 (at numeral "6") and follow-through
to a central upper designations 16b (numeral "12"). These
designations are the same for each foot, left or right. The inside
foot surface area is better for this ball motion.
[0036] For a straight-driven (low) ball the kicker will have an
initial-contact on or near the central designation 17 and
follow-through to the central upper designation 16b (numeral "12").
These designations are the same for each foot, left or right. A
central area (instep) of the kicker's foot surface is better for
this ball motion.
[0037] For a low curving ball from left-to-right, the kicker will
make initial-contact on the ball at the right outer lower
designation 16b (numeral "3") and follow-through to the left upper
designations 16a (numerals "10" or "11"). The inside of the
kicker's right foot or outside of the kicker's left foot will
create the best contact for this ball motion.
[0038] For a low curving ball from right-to-left, the kicker will
create the initial-contact at the left outer lower designations 16b
(numeral "9") and follow-through to the right upper designations
16a (numerals "1" or "2"). The inside of the kicker's left foot or
outside of the kicker's right foot will create the best contact for
this ball motion.
[0039] For a low "knuckle" ball motion to the right, the kicker
will create the initial-contact at the central designation 18 and
follow-through to the left upper designations 16b (numerals "10" or
"11"). The center (instep) of the kicker's foot, left or right,
will create the best motion for this ball action.
[0040] For a low "knuckle" ball motion to the left, the kicker will
create the initial-contact at the central designation 18 and
follow-through to the right upper designations 16a (numerals "1" or
"2"). The center (instep) of the kicker's foot, left or right, will
create the best motion for this ball action.
[0041] While the present invention uses numbers for the
designations 16, other symbols, such as letters or icons, such as
straight and curved arrows, could be used in their place. Also,
colored dots or other shaped designations could be used, with the
instructions given to kick from an initial contact color to a
follow-through color. For example, a kick from "4" to "10" in the
illustrated embodiment could be from "green" to "green" and a kick
from "4" to "11" could be from "green" to "blue".
[0042] The present invention is a simple and effective training
tool for soccer players to learn how to kick the ball effectively,
efficiently, correctly and consistently with a purpose. The use of
the designations, located in a manner that young soccer players can
relate to on an everyday basis, creates great visual stimulation
for the training of kicking a soccer ball. This ball is used in
drills in a stationary manner and once the user has been working
with it for a prolonged period of time he or she will be able to
create the same motion and effect with a moving ball. The
repetition of kicking the ball using the correct point of impact
and correct direction of follow-through trains the user, and the
biomechanical patterns of the user, to be able to choose and create
the desired motion to pass, cross or shoot the ball.
[0043] Although the Detailed Description of the invention has been
directed to certain exemplary embodiments, various modifications of
these embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, will be
suggested to those skilled in the art. The invention encompasses
any modifications or alternative embodiments that fall within the
scope of the Claims.
* * * * *