Abstract: A machine projects footballs with varying degrees and directions of spin about either the longitudinal axis, as in a pass, or the transverse axis, as when kicked. The ball is projected by two juxtaposed wheels rotating in opposite directions. The wheels are spaced apart sufficiently to allow passage of the football without permanently damaging the ball, yet close enough together to impart velocity to the football. The football can be projected with a variable amount of spin by varying the relative orientation of the two projecting wheels. The footballs are fed into the projecting wheels by a reciprocating longitudinal plunger having an end attachment which is altered to conform to either the pass or kick orientation of the football. Rotating guide members maintain the football orientation as it is fed into the projecting wheels. A positioning chute orients the football in a vertical, kick position as it is fed into the reciprocating plunger and then into the projecting wheels.

Abstract: A soccer ball practice machine includes a pair of juxtaposed, oppositely rotating wheels for propelling a soccer ball toward a soccer player to facilitate the practice and instruction of a wide variety of soccer skills. The orientation of these wheels can be selectively varied to permit the soccer ball to be propelled in an infinite number of directions. In addition, the distance separating the rotating juxtaposed wheels can also be adjusted to accommodate soccer balls of varying diameters and can be automatically increased to prevent damage to oversized balls due to engagement by the wheels. A large hopper includes a rotating auger which successively feeds soccer balls in the hopper into a flexible feed tube and down a rigid ball chute where they are engaged by the wheels and propelled outwardly.