Abstract: An electronic device is provided for image-based detection of offside in gameplay. The electronic device estimates positions of each player-object of a first team and a second team in a current image and further estimates displacement and velocity values of a soccer-object. The electronic device detects a pass state of the soccer-object based on the displacement and the velocity values. The electronic device determines a set of passive offside positions of a set of player-objects of the first team based on the estimated positions of the each player-object of the first team. The electronic device further detects an active offside state of at least one player-object in the set of player-objects, based on a first distance between the soccer-object and each of the set of player-objects, and transmits a notification to a referee of the gameplay, in real-time or near real time, based on the detected active offside state.

Abstract: A sports training device for use on a ground surface includes motorized base mounted to a plurality of wheels connected with at least one motor, a power source, and a control circuit that includes at least one remote control receiver and is adapted to move the motorized base along the ground surface based on remote commands received by the remote control receiver. A support frame is mounted to the motorized base and holds height-adjustable vertical supports, and rotational and extendable lateral arms. A sporting dummy is fixed to a top end of each vertical support. A wireless remote control has a remote control circuit board, a power source, and a control interface, and is adapted to send the remote commands to the control circuit of the motorized base.

Abstract: A portable athletic trainer sled having a strike pad capable of movements in multiple planes for teaching and practicing footwork, striking points, head placement and directional maneuvering techniques for contact sports, minimizing risk of concussion. The sled is light in weight, adjustable, and easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Embodiments allow the application of a settable and/or a programmable resistance to a trainee's leg Drive Phase and/or Recovery Phase while walking or running over extended or infinite distances. Multiple mechanical or electrical feedback loops or combinations of both to monitor the applied resistance to the Trainee by the tether or tethers and then control the amount of breaking (drag) or propulsion created by the Mobile training module during the acceleration and constant speed training phases to accurately generate, control and transfer resistance through the elastic tethers to the Trainee. Embodiments apply multiple, non-varying loads or programmable loads to multiple body parts of a trainee where applied resistance can be manipulated to both increase or decrease over distance as desired by trainee while the trainee is walking, running or sprinting over any distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing direct assistance and instruction to hand placement on balls and other sporting good equipment to improve the skills for those trying to learn the sport, including but not limited to young children where early habits are formed. Without proper assistance and instruction, bad habits for hand placement are formed and limit the ability for anyone to truly excel or just enjoy the sport.

Abstract: A physical skills training apparatus particularly useful for training various close-contact sports skills and techniques related to stance, balance, hand positioning accuracy, leg movement, muscle strength, action and reaction times, resistance, movement finesse, and others, includes a main structure or body that provides at least geometric form, structural integrity, engageability by at least one user if the apparatus is connected to a mount or support and, by two or more users (as, e.g., opposing participants), and is characterized by its geometric form to be portable, relatively light-weight, and easily transportable by a single person. Illustratively, the main body of the apparatus may be in the form of a one-piece, high aspect ratio plate that is flat or curved. The main body will have (holding) means for gripping, grasping or holding the apparatus by a user on one side of the apparatus, which may be in the form of shaped and oriented openings to accommodate both hands of a user, or handles.

Abstract: This document generally describes techniques, methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a three-dimensional (“3D”) sports playbook. Such a playbook may permit someone like a football, basketball, or soccer coach to see a play executed in a classic X's and O's overhead two-dimensional (“2D”) view, and also in a 3D view.

Abstract: A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a shape correcting member to perform various types of skills including passing a ball. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills.

Abstract: A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a traction system to help enhance speed and agility. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method that includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data reflecting motion of a sporting device during one or more drills performed by an athlete. The method also includes creating and storing action data by identifying a plurality of portions of the motion data, where each of the portions correspond to one or more actions by the athlete; comparing the action data for the athlete, with the computer system, to corresponding aggregated action data for a plurality of other athletes to determine a relative skill level for the athlete with respect to the one or more actions; and generating data for a report that reflects the relative development level of the athlete.

Abstract: A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a ball control portion to help enhance accuracy when kicking a ball. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills.

Abstract: A training device for rugby players, notably for a phase of the game known as the scrum, comprises: a simulation platform of the Stewart platform type, onto which a training yoke is mounted; an electronic device for closed-loop control of said simulation platform; a computer device for controlling the training device. The present invention is mainly applicable to the training, the development and the improvement of rugby players at a high level.

Abstract: A training device for improving football passing technique may include a belt member for attachment to the waist of a user and a guide post attached to the belt member. The guide post may include a base member coupled to the belt member, a substantially horizontal member coupled to the base member and projecting outward from the belt member, a substantially vertical member coupled to the substantially horizontal member, the substantially vertical member projecting upward from the substantially horizontal member, and a cross member coupled to the substantially vertical member and projecting forward and backward from an attachment point of the cross member with the substantially vertical member. When the training device is positioned around the waist of the user, the substantially horizontal member may be positioned below the passing-arm side axilla of the user.

Abstract: A high-intensity interval training method comprises supporting an individual upon an upper body engaging element in a forwardly inclined position while the individual is propelling himself in a forward motion on a non-motorized rotatable endless belt; obtaining a performance feedback by sensing at least one of a rotation of the belt and an impact force exerted upon the upper body engaging element by the individual during the exercise cycles; and using the performance feedback to measure performance of the individual and control the exercise cycles to create an exercise regimen that requires the user to operate at at least about 85% of the individual maximum capacity during the high intensity anaerobic intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for simulating United States football and other sports that are held on a playing field. The user stands in an area that at least approximates an actual playing field, and an apparatus incorporated into a football helmet or other headgear worn by the user superimposes simulation images onto the field of view of the user, creating an illusion of simulated action taking place on the actual field where the user is standing. This makes the information and skills conveyed by the simulation directly relevant and immediately useful. Preferred embodiments track the location and orientation of the user and thereby allow the user to participate in the simulation. In another aspect, essentially the same apparatus and method are used to simulate driving or flying of vehicles without the need of an expensive mockup of the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the effectiveness of coaches and video game designers for games like soccer, American football, basketball, lacrosse or ice hockey by using RF technology and software. A base station is equipped with a computer programmed with algorithms to track the players and game equipment and thereby produce data of interest to a coach or game designer.

Abstract: Methods and equipment to improve the visual ability of a subject during athletic activities are provided. One such method includes configuring a sporting object to visually approximate the appearance of a background or configuring a background to visually approximate the appearance of a sporting object. A subject may then train using the sporting object visually in front of the low contrast background. A background where the visual appearance of the background comprises at least one depiction of the sporting object may be used. A subject may then train using the sporting object visually in front of the background.

Abstract: A physical skills training apparatus particularly useful for training various close-contact sports skills and techniques related to stance, balance, hand positioning accuracy, leg movement, muscle strength, action and reaction times, resistance, movement finesse, and others, includes a main structure or body that provides at least geometric form, structural integrity, engageability by at least one user if the apparatus is connected to a mount or support and, by two or more users (as, e.g., opposing participants), and is characterized by its geometric form to be portable, relatively light-weight, and easily transportable by a single person. Illustratively, the main body of the apparatus may be in the form of a one-piece, high aspect ratio plate that is flat or curved. The main body will have (holding) means for gripping, grasping or holding the apparatus by a user on one side of the apparatus, which may be in the form of shaped and oriented openings to accommodate both hands of a user, or handles.

Abstract: An on-field vision training system is disclosed that provides a visual identifier near the athlete during game play and training exercises and other visual identifier positioned away from the athlete, but so as to still be seen by the athlete during game play and training exercises. The athlete uses the visual identifiers during game play and training exercises to improve vision, focus, and concentration. An American football having unique visual identifiers for use as an in-flight visual training tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of playing a Press soccer game on a field having a width of between 80 yards more or less for adult players to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has touch lines that extend from a first goal arch line to a second goal arch line where the touch lines have a length of between 100 yards more or less for adults to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has a goal zone area and a penalty arch line. One of the rules of play provides that a goal made without touching any other offensive player will count as two points when made from a goal zone area, three points when made within the penalty arch line, and four points when made from beyond the penalty arch line.

Abstract: A soccer training system is used to condition soccer players to make shots at the goal with an improved likelihood of scoring by conditioning the soccer players to aim towards the areas of the goal where shots are more likely to score. Similarly disclosed is a novel method of conditioning soccer players to improve their ability to score goals.

Abstract: A training system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The training system includes a method of training an athlete to use an article of footwear with a ball control portion to help enhance accuracy when kicking a ball. The method can be implemented on a computer, mobile device or as an instruction booklet. The training system provides a total training solution for an athlete that is designed to enhance specific athletic skills.

Abstract: A computer (16) for capturing a colored moving image photographed by photographing means (14, 15) has an extraction means for extracting images having necessary swing postures as check-point images from a large number of still images constituting the color moving image; a means for obtaining a coordinate of a position of each of attention-focused points, which operate, in each of the check-point images, while a golfer (11) is swinging; a means for diagnosing a golfer's swing form by setting a plurality of diagnosis items for each trajectory pattern obtained by a ball motion measuring apparatus (20) to classify behavior of a golf ball and by comparing numerical data generated from data of the coordinate of the position of each of the attention-focused points with a judgement value set in each of a plurality of diagnosis items; and a means for outputting an advice drill corresponding to a result of a diagnosis.

Abstract: The football pass catching trainer includes a vest wearable by a receiver and at least one interference pad selectively removable from the vest. The vest and the associated interference pad are configured to require the receiver wearing the vest to catch a football with arms and elbows extended away from the interference pad. The vest may include a retainment mechanism and indicia that enable the receiver to selectively position the interference pad on the vest to practice the proper techniques for catching a football.

Abstract: A method of providing integral soccer sports training for youth comprising providing an age-specific training program; an age specific neuropsicomotor development program; and a computer-based sports management system. The computer-based sports management system incorporates a database, administrative functions, and use of mobile field devices by coaches and referees for field data gathering and reporting.

Abstract: A sporting activity system comprising a plurality of stakes and a plurality of pods. The plurality of stakes each have a length and a cross-sectional configuration. Each pod includes a body and a member for interfacing with a stake. The body includes a lower edge, a side and a top surface. The interfacing member includes an opening disposed on one of the top and the sides configured to receive a stake, and, two channels disposed on the body spaced apart from the opening. Each of the at least two channels and the opening can accept a stake of the plurality of stakes simultaneously. Connectors may be provided releasably coupling two stakes of the plurality of stakes to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is an inexpensive football holder for kicking a football that replaces the need for another person to hold the football for placekicking while simulating to the place kicker a place holder.

Abstract: A method of promoting development and motivation in a field of achievement is provided, comprising isolating a task for development, prescribing a level of achievement related to the task, measuring the level of achievement, and awarding the achievement of the task with a tangible indicia of achievement. The invention in its preferred embodiment relates to the sport of soccer.

Abstract: The present invention is a sleeve to be worn over a soccer shoe, with indicia in two distinct regions of an instep, indicia on an outstep, and indicia on a top region constructed and arranged for teaching soccer skills and a method of using the sleeve to teach soccer.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing sports instruction are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of each of a plurality of instructors entering a name and one or more credentials into a server based data storage unit and each of the plurality of students selecting one of the plurality of instructors based on the one or more credentials. At a server, one or more uploaded files are received from each of the plurality of students and they are stored in the data storage unit. A selected one of the plurality of instructors reviews the uploaded files and provides instruction based on the uploaded files. The students can rate the instructors based on their experience. Other aspects of online sports instruction are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for interactive football practice combined with an imaging and sound system constituting the football programme to be followed by a player, comprising an object relatively fixed to the ground (I), of spherical shape which the player can kick, and various means for determining the types of kicks practised by the player and the intensity thereof.

Abstract: A shoulder pad apparatus includes a chest plate. A shoulder cap is formed at an upper portion of the chest plate. A shoulder flap connects to the shoulder cap. An upper arm flap pivotably connects to the shoulder flap. At least one arcuate shell also may pivotably connect to the shoulder flap.

Abstract: The apparatus for sports training includes a vertical bar attached to the front of a vest or other garment. The bar is attached to the vest by brackets, which may be resilient and may include a releasable mechanism. The vest is configured to be worn so that the bar has a vertical orientation in front of the user. The vertical bar may be covered with foam padding or other material less rigid than the bar itself. The bottom portion of the vertical bar may be generally straight and oriented substantially parallel to the user's torso. The top portion may be curved to extend away from the user. When used to train a football player, the apparatus encourages a player to catch a football with the player's hands as opposed to trapping the football against the player's body.

Abstract: A device is described for introducing variation in athletic training and competitive events. This device maintains an internal state that occupies one of several allowed values. Depending upon the selected configuration, the device changes internal state at regular or irregular intervals, progresses through its allowed values sequentially or in random order, and spends a different designated fraction of time in each state. This variable and typically unpredictable state is presented to the field of play where one or more athletes receive the information and react to it as a change in their athletic training or game environment.

Abstract: An athlete training device includes a first sensor pad for signaling when a first object has been removed from the first pad and a second sensor pad for signaling when an athlete's hand has been removed from the second pad. A third sensor signals when the athlete has made contact with a second object. A control device receives the signals from the pads and third sensor and determines a first elapsed time from when the first object is removed from the first pad and the athlete's hand is removed from the second pad. The control device also determines a second elapsed time from when the athlete's hand is removed from the second pad and the athlete makes contact with the second object and then outputs a signal for displaying the first and second elapsed times.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting defects in a manufactured object. These defects may include flaws, delaminations, voids, fractures, fissures, or cracks, among others. The system utilizes an ultrasound measurement system, a signal analyzer and an expected result. The signal analyzer compares the signal from the measurement system to the expected result. The analysis may detect a defect or measure an attribute of the manufactured object. Further, the analysis may be displayed or represented. In addition, the expected result may be generated from a model such as a wave propagation model. One embodiment of the invention is a laser ultrasound detection system in which a laser is used to generate an ultrasonic signal. The signal analyzer compares the measured ultrasonic signal to an expected result. This expected result is generated from a wave propagation model. The analysis is then displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: The invention is training football having a plurality of perceptive elements, including tactile elements and visual elements. The tactile elements are positioned on an outer surface of the football in locations that correspond with locations that contact the hand of an individual when properly throwing a football. Accordingly, the tactile elements provide the individual with tactile information regarding proper hand positioning. The tactile elements may also provide the individual with visual cues regarding proper hand positioning. The visual elements are positioned on end portions of the football that are visible to the individual following a throw of the football, thereby providing the individual with feedback concerning the quality of each football throw.

Abstract: An apparatus that simulates punting and place kicking of a ball includes a prosthetic leg having a mechanism in the foot region to seat a ball. The leg is pivotally-mounted to a frame and mechanically coupled with a foot pedal. Downward force on the foot pedal is translated to the leg causing the leg to whip upward and launching the ball with proportional force and speed. In one embodiment, the frame is collapsible/expandable and includes a roller to facilitate transportation. In another embodiment, the leg is formed of pliable material to eliminate the risk of injury in the event of collision therewith.

Abstract: A portable game and training apparatus for teaching soccer skills. The apparatus consists of a telescoping horizontal cross bar and two identical support structures for each end of the horizontal cross bar. The telescoping horizontal cross bar connects to the support structures using fittings made of molded plastic, PVC, graphic, or other material known to those skilled in the trade. The apparatus is used for a soccer training game known by many different names including soccer-tennis, foot-tennis, futbol-tennis, over-the-net-soccer, and the like. The apparatus may also be used as a small-sided goal and as hurdles, thus providing soccer coaches and players with multiple training options. The apparatus may be employed indoors or outdoors on any surface. The apparatus can be assembled or disassembled in a short period of time and fits easily in any car, van, SUV, or any other vehicle.

Abstract: A football teaching aid comprises a football (20) having a number of differently coloured target areas (21, 22, 23, 24) marked on the surface of the football (20), each indicating an area on the surface of the football (20) to be struck to send the football (20) along an associated flight path. Thus, in practice, a football coach can direct a player to strike the football (20) in one of the coloured target areas (21, 22, 23, 24), which is easily identified by the player, to achieve a desired shot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing a user athlete's prowess at certain athletic skills, the apparatus being treadmill sled having a frame, a rotatable continuous belt mounted on the frame, the belt presenting an upward directed support surface for supporting a user athlete, a blocking dummy supported proximate the continuous belt and being operably coupled to the frame by a dummy support, and a performance measuring system.

Abstract: A system for, and method of determining an offside position of a player on a football field, the system including: (a) at least one surveying instrument for surveying the field and capturing optical data, and (b) a computer operatively connected so as to receive the optical data from the surveying instrument, the computer having digital analysis software, the computer designed and configured to transmit an output, the digital analysis software for: (i) determining, in real time, from the optical data, a position of a playing ball, and positions of players from an offensive team and from a defensive team; (ii) identifying a forward ball-pass made by the offensive team; (iii) determining, in real time, the positions of the players from the offensive team and from the defensive team, at a time that the forward ball-pass was performed, and (iv) determining whether at least one of the players is in the offside position.

Abstract: The organizer (10) includes a traditional ringed binder (12) which contains a strategy page (20), a storage page (40), a player position page (50), and magnetic player pieces (60). The strategy page includes a strategy board bearing a plan view of a playing field of a team sport which can be written on with a marker and disposed on the first surface of the page, and a roster board (25) on its opposite surface which includes a matrix having players' names, positions for the players and time played, and an open space below the matrix for notes by the coach. The storage page (40) and the position page (50) are both made of a ferrous metal, and magnetic player pieces (60) are releasably affixed to the storage page (40) and the position page (50) to provide instructions to the players.

Abstract: An apparatus used to teach and practice soccer related skills. The soccer training apparatus includes an inclined target board that has at least one aperture that is large enough to receive a soccer ball. An inclined plane is positioned in front of the inclined target board. The inclined plane can either be in the same plane as the target board or can terminate above the bottom of the target board to form a ramp. The target board is supported in place by a frame structure. Different netted targets are formed within the frame structure. The various netted targets enable players to practice different types of kicking skills. The frame structure also supports a tethered ball and practice goals that are also used in various soccer practice drills.

Abstract: A football training and evaluation apparatus has a frame, a contacting element, and a force transferring member connected to the frame and the contacting element. A measuring-signaling element is connected to the force transferring member and is adapted to measure the force subjected on the force transferring member in response to an impact force subjected onto the contacting element and deliver a signal "S" responsive to said measurement. A visual signaling apparatus is connected to the frame and adapted to be actuateable and moveable in response to actuation.

Abstract: A system for analyzing offensive and defensive patterns of teams in team sports incorporates a device for inputting data on offensive/defensive patterns to be analyzed including data on individual player actions; a device for displaying the offensive/defensive pattern data including at least a graphical representation of a playing field with the data on the individual player actions represented thereon; a device for recording and playing back video images of an actual game for analysis; and a device for synchronizing at least the playing back of the video images from the recording and playing back device with the displaying of the offensive/defensive pattern data, whereby video images of the game are extracted and displayed in coordination with outputting and displaying of offensive/defensive pattern data selected for viewing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game and training device which can be played in a game-like setting to develop skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting. A primary goal forms a target opening in a generally vertical plane through which a ball may be kicked by the player. In addition, a plurality of intermediate goals are arranged on the playing field in spaced relation to one another. Each intermediate goal defines a respective target opening through which the ball is to be passed as the player advances the ball to the primary goal. Each intermediate goal comprises a pair of base members positioned on laterally spaced apart relation to one another and a hoop member supported by the pair of base members.

Abstract: A sport training and exercise system (20) is provided. System (20) has a pair of base members (24), a pair of upright members (26) coupled to the pair of base members (24), and a transverse member (28) coupled to the pair of upright members (26). System (20) may have a tether-attachment device (46) coupled to one of the pair of upright members (26) at a tether-attachment-device location (52), and a tether (38) tethering a singly-tethered ball (22) to the tether-attachment device (46). Alternatively, system (20) may have a pair of tether-attachment devices (46) coupled to the pair of upright members (26) at a pair of tether-attachment-device locations (52), and a pair of tethers (38) tethering a doubly-tethered ball (80) to the pair of tether-attachment devices (46). System (20) is also configurable as a soccer goal (90) or a football goal (110).

Abstract: A football interactive simulation trainer for quarterbacks and kickers provides true perspective views of a simulated playing area during practice plays, as would be seen by a training player on a regulation size football field during an actual play. The trainer includes a sonic tracking system which has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers spaced apart around the perimeter of an actual playing area for detecting positions of the training player and motion of the football during a practice play. The transducers are selectively grouped and directed in selected directions to establish regions of overlap so that several of the transducers will simultaneously detect the positions of the training player and several of the transducers will simultaneously detect the motion of the football. A data processing system receives data signals from the transducers, and determines the positions of the training player and the trajectory of the football within the actual playing area.

Abstract: A training device for teaching a soccer player the correct location to "bunt" or "head" a soccer ball. The device includes multiple layers of individual, removable pads which enable a player to gradually wean himself/herself from the training device and allow players over a wide range of skill levels to benefit from the training device. The pads are concealed from view once on place within a pocket within the cap member, thereby making the device commercially attractive and available for use is displaying advertising or the like. Accordingly, the device should be especially attractive to young players who will benefit from learning the proper location and produce for safely performing the "bunting" of "heading" technique.