U.S. patent application number 14/469989 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for sports training device with motion detecting randomized play display..
The applicant listed for this patent is Josiah Lake. Invention is credited to Josiah Lake.
Application Number | 20150065273 14/469989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52584013 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150065273 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lake; Josiah |
March 5, 2015 |
Sports Training Device with Motion Detecting Randomized Play
Display.
Abstract
A training device for sports includes a base that supports a
lower portion that adjusts in height. The lower portion supports an
upper portion. The upper portion includes a display that displays a
desired play. The device further includes a first sensor having a
sensing range. When a player enters the sensing range, the first
sensor signals the display to display the desired instruction,
play, command or similar. A second sensor measures reaction time
when the player enters the sensing range and then leaves the
sensing range.
Inventors: |
Lake; Josiah; (Beaverton,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lake; Josiah |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52584013 |
Appl. No.: |
14/469989 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61871857 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/093 20130101;
A63B 2243/0066 20130101; A63B 2071/063 20130101; A63B 2071/0683
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001; A63B
2243/0025 20130101; A63B 69/0053 20130101; A63B 69/34 20130101;
A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2243/0037
20130101; A63B 2220/803 20130101; A63B 2220/89 20130101; A63B
71/023 20130101; A63B 2243/007 20130101; A63B 2220/806
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/422 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/34 20060101
A63B069/34; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. A training device comprising: a base; a lower portion comprising
at least one supporting pole coupled to the base; and an upper
portion coupled to the lower portion, the upper portion further
comprising a display coupled to a front side, the display
configured to display at least one pre-determined training play, a
first sensor configured to enable a first detection zone relative
to the front side of the upper portion wherein the display
configured to display the at least one pre-determined training play
is triggered by a pre-first determined condition detected by the
first sensor in the first detection zone.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a second sensor
coupled to the device, the second sensor configured to enable a
second detection zone relative to the backside wherein the at least
one pre-determined training play is reset by a second predetermined
condition detected by the second sensor in the second detection
zone.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a speaker coupled to
the upper portion, the speaker configured to audibly announce the
at least one play.
4. A method of training a player, the method comprising: providing
a training device comprising a base; a lower portion comprising at
least one supporting pole coupled to the base; and an upper portion
coupled to the lower portion, the upper portion further comprising
a display coupled to a front side, the display configured to
display at least one pre-determined training play, a first sensor
configured to enable a first detection zone relative to the front
side of the upper portion wherein the display configured to display
the at least one pre-determined training play is triggered by a
pre-first determined condition detected by the first sensor in the
first detection zone; providing at least one pre-determined
training play to the device; detecting a player entering the first
detection zone; displaying or announcing the play to the player;
and leaving the second detection zone by the player.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: providing a plurality
of predetermined plays; sequencing or randomizing the plurality of
predetermined plays; and communicating the predetermined plays to
memory on the device.
6. The method of claim 4 further comprising: resetting the training
device.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims benefit under 35 USC Section
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/871,857
filed on 2013 Aug. 29: The present application is based on and
claims priority from this application, the disclosure of which is
hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to sports training
devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
sports training system, device, and method that present a visual or
audible (or both) play instruction when approached by an athlete or
player. The present invention further relates to such devices,
systems, and methods that remain relatively stationary relative to
a moving athlete or player and do not require the athlete or player
to wear specialized equipment, but rather rely on motion or other
proximity sensors located on the device to determine when an
athlete or player approaches the device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Players and athletes participating in most sports are
required to move their arms, hands, and feet or otherwise hold or
move parts of their body in particular ways. This is particularly
true in motion sports like basketball, lacrosse, American football,
soccer, polo, and rugby, for example, where many players are on the
field (or court) at once and the precise positioning and movement
of the players are in constant flux and cannot always be predicted
or easily simulated in training. In these types of sports it is
very important for the player to instantly analyze the situation,
determine where teammates and opponents are on the field, and
simultaneously decide the best play to make in that given instant.
Because of this complexity coaches have a particularly difficult
time training players, especially newer players, to make a
particular play at a particular time. Therefore, a system, device,
and method that can train a player to quickly read the situation,
recognize it, and then react quickly to a complicated and dynamic
situation would be advantageous.
[0004] Further, such a device should not only simulate initiation
of a particular play at a particular time, the device should also
provide a physical barrier to the athlete-in-training to encourage
proper form and technique when executing the play or shot for which
the athlete is training.
[0005] Some prior-art attempts to automatically instruct an athlete
to train a particular way include vibration devices and alarms in
shoes, as described by Matlock in U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,432. Matlock
teaches a tennis training-shoe that contains a removable alarm that
alerts when the wearer's heel touches the ground and is used to
train tennis players to stay on the balls of their feet and thus
stay "light on their feet" and otherwise alert the player not to
rest the heel on the ground. However, this device gives no visual
indication of proper movement nor does it provide instructions to
the player in a dynamic or random way. Further, Matlock does not
provide a physical barrier to the athlete.
[0006] Menalagha et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,173 (issued 2011
Oct. 25) teaches a training system used in sports or other training
where a participant wears a device with a visual indicator such as
a device emitting colored light and an optional signaling device
like a vibrator or beeper.
[0007] Other examples of training device that require modifications
to the shoe of the wearer include U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,571, which
teaches a training slipper for dance that buzzes or plays music and
can be instructed by an instructor to signal to the dancer.
Cherdakin in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,343,445 and 5,452,269 teaches an
athletic shoe that includes a timing device for measuring the
amount of time the shoe is off the ground in the air. Norment in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,626 teaches an athletic shoe that can generate
and broadcast an audible signal in the form of music or a message.
However, None of the prior art devices provide a method where a
coach can train a participant or player to move a certain way such
as left, right, forward and backward, or train the player to keep
the feet or other body parts moving or in a particular position
that allows self-correction.
[0008] Another aspect of known training devices is the use of a
simulated opponent or a physical representation of a defender that
is blocking a shot or otherwise impeding progress or movement.
Examples include basketball-training device that includes visual
and physical barriers arranged to block, obstruct, or otherwise
impede the player's shot at the hoop. Similarly, in other sports
like soccer, hockey, and Lacrosse where the goal includes an
oversized net, there are known devices that act as a barrier to
block most of the net, leaving open only a small,
difficult-to-make, but highly likely to result in score portion of
the goal--such as the four corners of the goal. However, these
"defenders" do not include any means for instructing an approaching
player where to shoot or what type of shot to take.
[0009] Thus, it would be advantageous to have a sports training
device that could visually indicate what the player should do and
that could be remotely commanded or act on its own to signal the
player when the player approaches. It would further be advantageous
to simulate the dynamic situation during a match or game, a
training device should randomize plays and or coaching
commands/instructions and display or signal such a play, command,
or instruction to the player in such a way that the player has to
react and in so doing improve both mental and physical reaction
time. Therefore, there remains a need for a system, device, and
method that provides a random, visual signal to a player when the
player approaches the device. Further, there is a need of a device
that can be set up in a desired location and act as a physical
barrier to the athlete-in-training to further enable the athlete to
work on proper form and technique.
[0010] One preferred embodiment of the present invention
contemplates a training device for training a player, the device
comprising: a base, the base supporting a lower portion, the lower
portion configured to adjust in height; an upper portion coupled to
the lower portion, the upper portion further including a display;
and a first sensor coupled to the device, the first sensor in
signal communication with the display, the first sensor operable to
detect a first condition indicating an approach of the player, the
first condition triggering at least a signal causing a first
predetermined play to be displayed on the display.
DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is another front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and
shows a first detection zone.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and shows
a first and a second detection zone.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of second preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a representational diagram of a preferred method
and device according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to
the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that
alternative configurations and combinations of components may be
substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some
figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate
the invention.
[0018] In one contemplated embodiment, the present invention is
configured to assist a coach train basketball players. This
embodiment is detailed herein: However, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that subtle changes or reconfigurations are
possible, making the present invention easily adaptable for
training other sports including, but not limited to, soccer, field
hockey, football, ice hockey, and other team or individual
sports.
[0019] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a contemplated device 10 of the present
invention. The device includes a base, a lower portion--such as an
adjustable vertical riser or bottom portion, an upper portion
having a display screen, and a sensor. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] With specific reference to FIGS. 1-4, a preferred device 10
includes a base 12 adapted to support the entire device on field,
ground, gymnasium floor, and the like, for example. The base 12
supports at least one height-adjusting pole 13, which represents an
opponent's lower torso. The pole 13 selectively adjusts up and down
131 to extend or retract the upper portion 16. Thus, the coach can
set the height of the device according to a player's needs, skills,
and physical attributes, for example. The pole 13 may swivel on the
base 12, and may tilt left to right and front to back to further
enhance adjustment.
[0021] The upper portion 16 rests on the at least one pole 13 and
may swivel or bend independently or may remain rigid with respect
to the pole. The upper portion includes a front side 17 and a
backside 19, opposite the front side. The front side includes a
display 26, or output screen, and a speaker 27 so that a specific
play can be communicated to the player. The specific play is
displayed and/or audibled when the player enters the first
detection zone 24. One contemplated screen is a Dot Matrix Display
32.times.16 Blue available from Photoelectricity Co., Ltd at
www.aliexpress.com, for example. However there are hundreds of
suitable displays, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0022] The at least one play from at least one list of
predetermined plays is stored in memory resident on the device 10.
Alternatively, the device 10 is in real-time wired or wireless
communication with the coach by means of a radio, phone, smart
appliance, computer, or tablet (and the like), and the coach sends
data or voice or both transmission to the device (or sends one or
more individual data transmissions to one or more devices
simultaneously or individually (serially)) for visual and or
audible plays to shown/announced to the player as he or she
approaches the device. Preferably, the at least one predetermined
play is a plurality of plays on at least one predetermined play
list, which can be ordered or randomized as desired by the coach
for a particular training exercise. This at least one list of
predetermined plays is programmed into the device and stored on
resident memory on the device, and is displayed (on the screen) or
audibled (via the speaker) or both to the player when the player
approaches the device, triggering the first sensor when the player
enters the first detection zone, for example.
[0023] Accordingly, a first sensor 22 mounts on the front of the
device 10. The first sensor 22 has a first range of detection 24,
which can be adjusted to trigger when the first sensor detects a
player in the zone of detection (here, the first range of detection
24). This zone can be focused closer or further from the device to
enable the coach to better time the instructions provided by the
device to the player. One contemplated first sensor is an
ultrasonic rangefinder such as the LV-MaxSonar-EZ0 available from
www.maxbotix.com, for example.
[0024] Further, the signal from the sensor to the display board on
the device can be delayed based on the coach's assessment of the
player and/or the player's level of experience--thus making the
training more difficult. The delay option causes the message
announced or displayed to the player to appear immediately upon the
first sensor being triggered, which allows for the maximum amount
of reaction time for the player to read (or hear) and react to the
instruction. Or, the delay can be increased by, for example,
1/100.sup.th of a second or 1/10.sup.th of second, or other times,
etc., thus delaying the announced or displayed play/message--this
results in less available reaction time for the player, which makes
training more difficult. The time delays are categorized by
difficulty level, for example, novice, intermediate, amateur, and
professional.
[0025] A second sensor 23 also mounts on the device. The second
sensor has a second range of detection 25, which can be adjusted to
trigger when a player leaves the zone of detection. This can be
used to calculate and otherwise record a player's reaction time to
the displayed or audibled instruction. The second sensor can be
mounted on the front or on the back, or on any other position on
the device depending on many factors including the type of sensor
used, the motion the player is making, the particular sport, the
particular training routine. The sensor can be movable and
repositionable, for example.
[0026] Now with particular reference to FIG. 5, a second preferred
embodiment of the present invention is a device 10 that includes a
base 12 for supporting the device on a field of play or gym floor,
for example. The base supports a bottom portion 14, which
represents a defender's lower torso. In the case of basketball, the
lower torso bottom portion 14 may be one piece or two pieces,
representing two legs. The bottom portion may swivel on the base,
and may tilt left to right and front to back to further enhance
adjustment. The bottom portion couples to an upper portion 16,
which is adjustable in height (up and down) 28 to accommodate
differing sizes of players (that is young children to adults). And,
two movable barriers (arms) 18 and 20 couple to the upper portion
16. These arms can rotate up and down 32 34 to simulate a players
arms. Or, the arms 18 and 20 can be secured into a desired
position, for example, straight up and down. The arms can also be
removed if they are not needed for a particular training
exercise.
[0027] A first sensor 22 mounts on the device 10. The first sensor
22 has a first range of detection 24, which can be adjusted to
trigger when the first sensor detects a player in the zone of
detection (here, the first range of detection 24). This zone can be
focused closer or further from the device to enable the coach to
better time the instructions provided by the device to the player.
One contemplated first sensor is an ultrasonic rangefinder such as
the LV-MaxSonar-EZ0 available from www.maxbotix.com, for
example.
[0028] A second sensor 23 (not shown in FIG. 5) also mounts on the
device. The second sensor has a second range of detection 25, which
can be adjusted to trigger when a player leaves the zone of
detection. This can be used to calculate and otherwise record a
player's reaction time to the displayed or audibled
instruction.
[0029] The device 10 further includes an output screen 26 (and
optionally a speaker, not shown in the drawing) so that a specific
play can be communicated to the player. The specific play is
displayed and/or audibled when the player enters the first
detection zone 24. One contemplated screen is a Dot Matrix Display
32.times.16 Blue available from Photoelectricity Co., Ltd at
www.aliexpress.com, for example. However there are hundreds of
suitable displays, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0030] The specific play that the device 10 displays can be
randomized or a programmed sequence can be pre-programmed into the
device. Additionally, by a wireless connector can couple the device
10 to a remote computer system so that new instructions can be
programmed at any time.
[0031] Further, the audible or visual instruction may have a
pre-determined delay. This delay can be set according to a player's
skill level. The longer the delay from when a player enters the
first zone of detection until the play is communicated, the harder
it is for the player, as his or her reaction time must be fast, as
the total reaction time available is diminished. Thus, a coach may
set up the device to have a very short or no delay for new or young
players, but more skilled, more professional players could have a
longer delay before the particular play is communicated. This
reaction time measurement can be used for additional training of
the player.
[0032] In one embodiment, the training device includes a visual
recognition camera that targets a player's jersey or face. In the
case of targeting the jersey, the camera captures and recognizes
the jersey number so that any recorded or calculated information
can be associated with that player's number. Similarly, if the
camera is targeting the player's face, the player can be recognized
and recorded and calculated information can be associated with that
player. A user or coach can associate jersey numbers with player's
unique identification information. Similarly, facial recognition
software can be run so that the user or coach can input player's
information so that the correct player is associated with the
appropriate data collection.
[0033] In another embodiment, a camera, which can be the same
visual recognition camera, includes sufficient memory storage
allocation to record activity in the zone of detection. A video can
be made based on actual images captured by the camera so that the
coach and/or player can later access the video to review the
training session.
[0034] Ideally, coaches/parents/players can set up the device from
a set of commands from a pre-determined menu via an app or remote
computer system that wirelessly connects to the training device. In
the case that multiple training devices are present, they can
select a device to program based on a present device
identification, and sync to a specific training device. (i.e. a
coach has 4 training systems in the gym, and he may want different
commands at each training device). This pre-determined menu can be
updated by accessing a remote computer. Further, the coach can
change (reprogram) the training device remotely using, for example,
a blue-tooth enable device, such as a smart phone or tablet. This
reprogramming can be done in real-time. Thus, if a coach assesses
that a player is anticipating the training sequence of the training
device, the coach can change instructions or other variables (for
example, delay, on the fly, in real-time).
[0035] In another contemplated embodiment, the present invention
includes an option for the coach to input specific commands they
want to see. (i.e., a PRE-SET list of commands could include:
Crossover, Spin Move, Jumpshot, etc.). Accordingly, a function
called "CUSTOMIZE" is configured to enable a coach/parent/player to
input a custom command like Stutter Step or Behind The Back, etc.
The display can configure to show words, pictures, or any desired
output.
[0036] Additional controllable options include, but are not limited
to, time of displayed command, random or sequenced commands, color
of commands, enable audio of command, and distance of detection,
for example.
[0037] One particular preferred embodiment of the present invention
contemplates a training device for training players or athletes,
whether the player/athlete is a novice or a pro, young or old. The
device 10 comprises a base 12. The base supports a lower portion
14, which could be a single, adjustable pole 13, or other support
that mimics the lower torso of an opponent player, whether it mimic
the opponent in appearance or function or both. For example, the
lower portion 14 is a height-adjustable pole 13 that swivels and
tilts with respect to the base and is otherwise coupled to the
base. The device 10 further includes an upper portion 16 coupled to
the lower portion. The upper portion 16 includes a display 26
arranged and otherwise coupled to a front side 17 and the display
is configured to display at least one pre-determined training play.
A first sensor 22 is configured to enable a first detection zone 24
relative to the front side 17 of the upper portion 16 wherein the
display 26 is configured to display the at least one pre-determined
training play, which is triggered by a pre-first determined
condition detected by the first sensor 22 in the first detection
zone 24 (that condition is that the athlete-player has entered the
first detection zone, for example).
[0038] The device 10 further includes a second sensor 23 arranged
on and otherwise coupled to a backside 19 of the upper portion 16.
The second sensor 23 is configured to enable a second detection
zone 25 relative to the backside wherein the at least one
pre-determined training play is reset by a second predetermined
condition detected by the second sensor in the second detection
zone (that is the athlete-player leaves the second detection zone,
for example).
[0039] The device 10 further includes a speaker 27 arranged and
otherwise coupled to the upper portion, the speaker configured to
audibly announce the at least one play. Each electronic component
(the display, first sensor, second sensor, and speaker) is
electronically in communication with at least one processor. The
electronic connection is preferably a wired connection, but a
wireless connection between any one, any combination, or any
subset, or all components is also contemplated. A power source,
such as a rechargeable battery is encapsulated in the device, for
example, in the base 12. The battery can be charged by a wireless
or wired connection adapted for that use, as would be well
understood by those skilled in the art. The power source is
electrically coupled and in communication with the electronic
components, as would be conventionally understood in this art. A
memory storage device is included and is in communication with the
processor. The memory storage device includes wired or wireless
connection ports to an external, remote, device (such as a smart
phone, tablet, computer, laptop, desktop, and the like), so to
receive one or more plays on one or more predetermined play lists
that are ordered, randomized, or otherwise sequenced.
Alternatively, the sequencing of one or more plays or one or more
playlists can be performed by the on-board processor on the device
10, for example.
[0040] Method of Use.
[0041] A coach will set up the device 10 by adjusting the height
and any other physical set ups desired (for example, if so
equipped, adjusting the arms). A set of plays is programmed into
the device. The plays can be pre-programmed by the user or can be
downloaded from a remote server. In a preferred and contemplated
embodiment, the training device is blue-tooth or wifi or other
wireless or wired enabled to provide access to the programming
sequence from a remote device, such as a smart phone, or tablet,
for example. In one example, the location where the device is
deployed has a WIFI network, the device can access the WIFI network
and another device, such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smart
phone, for example, on the same WIFI network can then access the
programs resident on the training device to set a new training
routine, edit an existing training routine, adjust user-selectable
variable, or perform other functions. The ability of the training
device to access an existing WIFI network can be through a keyboard
that is plugged into a port (for example, a USB port) and the
commands and menu can be viewed on the device's screen, for
example.
[0042] In another embodiment, the training device includes
Blue-tooth compatibility. In this embodiment, a smart appliance,
such as a smart phone, tablet, or a computer or laptop, can use
Blue-tooth protocols to access the training device remotely. Once
paired, the smart appliance can serve as both the input and output
means for a user to reprogram the training device, update
user-selected parameters, or otherwise instruct the device.
[0043] In yet another embodiment, a physical port is built into the
training device. One suitable port is a USB port whereby a USB
cable linked to a remote device, such as a tablet, laptop, or other
personal computer, or smart phone, can interface with the training
device.
[0044] The coach selects randomized plays or selects a
pre-determined sequence of plays and activates the device (turns it
on). These plays can be pre-programmed to the training device and
reside on resident memory on the device. Alternatively, a menu of
plays can be pre-determined on a remote device, and that remote
device can be placed in communication with the training device to
provide real-time instructions, or a set of instructions to be
executed at a later time.
[0045] Regardless of how the pre-determined plays are entered onto
the training device, during a training session the training device
is turned on, thus activating the one or more on-board sensors to
initiate and await an event in their range of detection.
[0046] Thus, when a player approaches the device and enters the
zone of detection of the first sensor, a given play is displayed on
the screen or audibled via the speaker, or both. The player
executes the play and moves out of the zone of detection. A second
sensor trips when the player moves out of the zone of detection and
this reaction time is recorded.
[0047] A visual recognition camera can record the player's jersey
number and associate that number with all data collected in
relation to that player's interaction with the training device.
[0048] Optionally, a visual recognition camera system can identify
the player and associate the face with all data collected in
relation to that player's interaction with the training device.
[0049] The device resets, ready for the next player to activate
it.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates one preferred method 600 or operation
that uses the device 10. A coach creates a set of initial plays, or
exercises 601. The coach may use data from previous training
sessions or assimilate other data, including player-specific data
and statistics 603 from, for example, previous training sessions,
or based on the coach's experience in training.
[0051] The coach may access plays and exercises that he has used
before, which may be stored locally 605 on a smart appliance,
desktop, laptop, tablet, or the like, which can be linked
wirelessly or wired to the device 10, as previously described,
above. From a set of locally resident plays 605, for example, the
coach creates at least one play list 607. The at least one play
list can be randomized 609 as to the sequence displayed on the
device 10. A random sequence generating subroutine 611 can be used
to randomize the at least one playlist, or can randomize all plays
in the local data base, or can be otherwise configured to present a
playlist, update the playlist real-time, or manipulate the playlist
in real-time as needed by the coach. Additional plays can be
obtained from a remote server or remote database 613 of plays, and
these plays may be downloaded individually or en masse by the coach
to the local play database 605. One contemplated means for
communication between a remote play database 613 and a local
database 605 or to the coach's smart appliance, laptop, tablet, and
the like, is by using the Cloud and/or providing a connection to
the Internet either real-time or not. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the randomizing of the play sequence 611 could be
performed by a processor on the device 10 or on the coach's smart
appliance, PC, laptop, MAC, desktop, or tablet, for example.
[0052] The device 10, having received at least one play, or at
least one sequence of plays 617 stores the at least one play in
resident memory. Then, when a player enters the first detection
zone 619, the device registers this event and begins a delay 621
from about 0-seconds to t-seconds, where t-seconds is a time set by
the coach. The actual delay may be randomized, or fixed, depending
on the coach's need. After the delay period expires, the first of
the at least one plays in the at least one play sequence is
displayed and or announced 623. The player acts on the instruction
and moves away from the device. A second sensor on the device
detects the departure of the player 625. The device calculates the
response time 627 and reports this statistic to a database 603. As
discussed with the various preferred embodiments, above, additional
information may be tagged or associated with the response time to
provide useful statistics to the coach so that the coach may assess
individual player performance and continue to develop that
player.
[0053] One particular preferred and contemplated method according
to the present invention includes steps for training a player or
athlete. The method 600 includes, first, providing a training
device 10, as described above. The device 10 includes a base 12, a
lower portion 14 comprising at least one supporting pole 13 coupled
to the base and an upper portion 16 coupled to the lower portion.
The upper portion further includes a display 26 coupled to a front
side 17. The display is configured to display at least one
pre-determined training play 623. A first sensor 22 is configured
to enable a first detection zone 24 relative to the front side of
the upper portion and wherein the display is configured to display
the at least one pre-determined training play is triggered by a
pre-first determined condition detected 619 by the first sensor in
the first detection zone. Optionally, a delay 621 can be randomized
or predetermined by the coach to a time value from 0 seconds to any
desired delay time t.
[0054] The method includes the further steps of providing at least
one pre-determined training play 617 to the device, then detecting
a player 619 entering the first detection zone by the player,
displaying or announcing the play to the player 623, leaving the
second detection zone by the player and resetting the training
device.
[0055] This method further includes providing a plurality of
predetermined plays 607, sequencing (by the coach 601) or
randomizing 611 the plurality of predetermined plays, and
communicating the predetermined plays to memory on the device
617.
[0056] Additionally, a remote database 613 includes one or more
predetermined plays. The remote database is linked via the Internet
or the cloud 615 to the coach. The coach uses a smart appliance,
smart phone, laptop, desktop, tablet, or the like to connect to the
internet to find plays, to discuss coaching technique, and to
otherwise develop at least one play, or to develop a sequence of
plays, and otherwise establish a playlist 607. The coach has access
to a local playlist 605, which may be a list of plays the coach
previously used, or may include a library of desired plays that the
coach downloaded from the Internet or cloud.
[0057] The randomizing of the plays 611 can be done on the device
10, or ahead of time by the coach, for example.
[0058] Although the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. And further, the present invention can be readily
adapted for use as a training device for other sports not expressly
disclosed herein.
* * * * *
References