Athletic training device and method of use

Abstract

A system for training an athlete in kicking and dribbling a soccer ball, the system employs a plurality of training devices that defines a dribble path along the playing surface. The training devices each include a body disposed between an end cap and a spike. The cap is attached to a top end of the body and, the spike is attached to an opposite end of the body. The body having sufficient flexibility and resiliency to absorb shocks and prevent breakage in the event of a strong blow by a ball or player. In particular, the body is designed to yield or bend in response to a strong blow by a ball or player. In application, the player can insert the spike of each of a number of the athletic training devices into a playing surface at various intervals in a variety of patterns so as to enable the soccer athlete to practice different drills to develop a variety of athletic skills.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 60/526,395, filed Dec. 03, 2003, with title “Athletic Training Device and Method of Use” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Applicant claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. Par. 119(e)(i).

Statement as to Rights to inventions made under Federally sponsored research and development: Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention relates generally to methods, devices and arrangements for athletic training, and more particularly to a device for use in training to improve one's skills in an athletic endeavor such as, but not restricted to, the playing of soccer.

2. Background Information

Soccer is a game that is actively enjoyed by a large segment of the population. Soccer has been played widely worldwide, and studies report that the sport currently enjoys a rapid growth rate in the United States.

Traditionally, soccer is taught through drills which emphasize various soccer skills and through actual playing practice. In soccer, both speed and control of a ball are important. It is further desired that the athlete gain proficiency in a number of skills that are peculiar to the game of soccer. First, there is the need for the athlete to dribble the soccer ball with his/her feet, requiring the athlete not only to kick the ball, but also to stay ahead of it, so as to maintain control thereover. In addition, the soccer athlete should be trained to dribble the soccer ball along a predetermined path designed to implement specific strategies and plays. There is a need, therefore, for a soccer training system that will facilitate the training and evaluation of a soccer athlete in dribbling the soccer ball along a predetermined path.

As will be seen from the subsequent description, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are improvements over existing athletic training devices and methods of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a simple and economical system for training athletes, and for evaluating their performance in dribbling technique, ball control, foot speed and confidence, and speed of reaction. The athletic training device of the present invention generally comprising an end cap, a coil member, and a spike. In the preferred embodiment, the end cap is manufactured of a rubber material and is color coated. The coil member having sufficient flexibility and resiliency to absorb shocks and prevent breakage in the event of a strong blow by a ball or player. In particular, the coil member is designed to yield or bend in response to a strong blow by a ball or player.

In application, the athlete can insert the spike of each of a number of the athletic training devices into a playing surface at various intervals in a variety of patterns so as to enable the soccer athlete to practice different drills to develop a variety of athletic skills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an athletic training device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the athletic training device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a ball handling drill with, and pattern of use of, the athletic training device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, an athletic training device and method of use thereof is disclosed. The athletic training device is directed to a training device to improve one's skills in the playing of soccer. The disclosure further is directed to the application of the athletic training device to improve speed and ball control, dribbling techniques, and to enhance speed of reaction.

Specifically, it will be noted in the drawings that the athletic training device relates to a device designed to improve technical soccer skills. In the broadest context, the athletic training device of the present invention consists of components configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the athletic training device 10 made in accordance of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 comprises a longitudinal central section 12 having an upper end 12A and a lower end 12B. An end cap 15 is attached to the upper end 12A of the central section 12, and a spike 17 is attached to the lower end 12B.

In order to obtain the objectives of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central section 12 defines a generally spiral coil and is made of a steel coil or spring construction. The coil is preferably a coil spring commonly available on the market and may be formed during manufacture of the device in a similar manner.

The central section 12 is formed of material having flexibility and resiliency to serve for absorbing shocks and prevent breakage in the event of a strong blow by a ball or player. In particular, the central section 12 is designed to yield or bend in response to a strong blow by a ball or player.

FIG. 1 clearly illustrates the resiliency of the device 10, the dashed lining representing the yielding or bending of the central section 12 of the device 10 in a direction “A” when struck. The central section 12 is therefore sufficiently resilient to allow the player's foot or leg for example, to strike the athletic training device 10 and yield in direction “A” to avoid injury to the player.

The end cap 15 may be formed of a plastic material such as rubber or other elastomeric material, to serve for absorbing shocks. Preferably, the end cap 15 is constructed of a color coated rubberized material.

The spike 17 supports the athletic training device 10 in an upright orientation on the playing field. In the preferred embodiment, the spike 17 is adapted for use on a soft playing field, such as turf.

Previously, the player of a prior art training device had to cope with the worry of moving or stepping on training obstacles during application. The inconvenience of repositioning the prior art device and/or concern of injuries caused when striking the prior art device impaired the reaching of full potential of the effectiveness and safety of the device. Of most importance, the device 10 of the present invention yields or bends as shown in FIG. 1 upon contact by the device 10 with the player. Now the player is fully confident to avoid injury during application of the device.

The entire structure, including the central section 12, is simple in design and rugged to give exceptional service in use. The central section 12 is desirable because of its flexibility and its ability to hold its original taut condition and shape. This is in combination with its flexibility which gives unexpected improved flexing efficiency and helps the player avoid injury during the exercise or training session.

In FIG. 2, an alternative construction of the athletic training device 100 in the area between the end cap 150 and spike 170 is shown. The device 100 comprises a longitudinal central section 120 having an upper end 120A and a lower end 120B. The end cap 150 is attached to the upper end 120A of the central section 120, and the spike 170 is attached adjacent the lower end 120B.

In the alternate embodiment, the central section 120 defines a generally cylindrical tubing that is preferably hollow (interior not shown). A spring member 130 is disposed at the lower end 120B of the central section 120. In particular, the spring section 130 having and end 132 attached to the spike 170. The spring 130 is further appropriately fastened to the lower end 120B of the central section 120.

In application, the central section 120 is designed to yield or bend at the location of the spring member 130 in response to a strong blow by a ball or player.

FIG. 2 clearly illustrates the resiliency of the device 100, the dashed lining representing the yielding or bending of the central section 120 as discussed above in a direction “A” when struck. The central section 120 is therefore sufficiently resilient to allow the player's foot or leg for example, to strike the athletic training device 100 and yield in direction “A” to avoid injury to the player.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an arrangement for application of the athletic training device 10 in certain skills related to the game of soccer. As shown in this figure, a plurality of athletic training devices 10 are arranged along a predetermined path “P”. In this figure, the training system having a plurality of athletic training devices 10 is shown in use by a player 200. The player kicks soccer ball 205 along path “P” between the plurality of situated training devices 10. This training arrangement and method provides significant practice in the dribbling skill that is essential in the soccer game.

A significant aspect of the skill that is enhanced by the present training system is greatly improved ball control. It is a common error of inexperienced soccer athletes to kick the soccer ball too far ahead of themselves whereby the ball cannot be protected by them from recovery by members of the opposite team. That is, of course, a fear on the part of the player that if the ball is maintained too close to the player during running and dribbling, he or she will trip over the ball. The present training system, in providing the plurality of athletic training devices 10, permits the player to focus on preventing tripping over the devices rather than the ball. Additionally, the time required for the player to complete the course that is to manage the soccer ball 205 along the path “P” from point “B” (beginning) to point “E” (end) instills in the player the understanding that the ball must be maintained close to the player if its direction is to be controlled and if it is to be protected from his/her opponent.

As is understood, the plurality of athletic training devices 10 situated can define a straight (not shown) or a meandering or zig-zag (FIG. 3) path along the playing field. The establishment of the path by the plurality of athletic training devices 10 will instill in the athlete in training the particular route to be associated with any given soccer play, the strategy associated therewith being determined by the instructor or coach (not shown).

In application, the plurality of devices 10 are arranged as described above. Any number of exercises can be performed in the selected arrangement. For example, the player 200 can kick the ball along the path “P” illustrated in FIG. 3. The exercise can require the player to jog or run, preferably on the balls of the feet, kick the ball and even jump over the plurality of athletic training devices 10. Although there are available numerous exercises for building cardiovascular fitness, including, for example, jogging, swimming, and bicycling, such exercises are not as effective for developing soccer-specific skills. In order to become proficient at soccer, the athlete must exercise properly the muscle groups needed for soccer, which includes the strengthening of the toes, ankles, calves, shin muscles, hamstrings, knees, thighs, and lower back.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the provision of central section 12 fabricated as discussed above gives several important advantages. A player is free to run full out along the course since he/she does not have to concentrate on missing the athletic training device 10 that he/she could inadvertently step on or into. This provides new aggressiveness in the players of the device and therefore improves its effectiveness as a training piece of equipment, especially for soccer players. The player may directly run into the device 10 along the course without serious discomfort or injury. Should the player inadvertently strike the device with his/her leg for example, the spring-like central section 12 can also flex giving improved safety and efficiency by allowing the player a better chance of retaining his/her balance. The safety is further enhanced by the end cap 15 constructed of rubberized material so that should the player contact the device, the rubberized end cap will be engaged rather than sharp upstanding members, such as stakes that were previously used for staking out a training device.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention.

Claims

1. An athletic training device comprising:

an elongated central section having an upper end and a lower end,

an end cap attached to the upper end of the central section,

a spike attached to the lower end of the central section,

said central section being sufficiently resilient to allow the central section to yield when said central section absorbs a hit by a ball or a player.

2. The athletic training device as recited in claim 1, wherein the end cap is constructed of a plastic material.

3. The athletic training device as recited in claim 2, wherein the end cap is constructed of a color coated plastic material.

4. The athletic training device as recited in claim 1, wherein the central section is a coil spring.

5. The athletic training device as recited in claim 1, wherein the spike is constructed of a rigid material in order to penetrate a soft playing field.

6. The athletic training device as recited in claim 1, wherein said central section and said end cap and said spike are integrally formed.

7. A system for training a player in a kicking dribble skill with a soccer ball on a playing surface, the system comprising:

a plurality of training devices defining a path on the playing surface along which the player is to be trained,

wherein the plurality of training devices each include a body disposed between an end and a spike,

wherein the end is attached to a top end of the body, and the spike is attached to an opposite end of the body,

wherein said body being sufficiently resilient to allow the body to yield when said body absorbs a hit by the ball or the player.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the end is constructed of a plastic material.

9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the end is constructed of a color coated plastic material.

10. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the body comprises a spring.

11. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the spike is constructed of a rigid material in order to penetrate the playing field.

12. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said body and said end and said spike are integrally formed.

13. A method for training a player in a kicking dribble skill with a soccer ball on a playing surface, the system comprising:

determining a dribble path over which the player is to be trained,

installing a plurality of training devices along the dribble path on the playing surface along which the player is to be trained,

wherein the training device comprising a body disposed between an end and a spike,

wherein the end is attached to a first end of the body, and the spike is attached to a second end of the body,

wherein said body being sufficiently resilient to allow the body to yield when said body absorbs a hit by the ball or the player.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the end is constructed of a plastic material.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the end is constructed of a color coated plastic material.

16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the body comprises a spring.

17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the spike is constructed of a rigid material in order to penetrate the playing field.

18. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein there is further provided the step of kicking the soccer ball in a ball travel direction between the training devices and along the determined path until the player has traversed a predetermined distance of the dribble path.

19. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein said body and said end and said spike are integrally formed.