Football teaching system and method
A football teaching system and method is disclosed that promotes rapid learning by novice football players who are thereby able to better visualize offensive and defensive football formations and correct stances for the individual positions thereof. The system includes twenty-two life size, vertical, two-dimensional football player models that can each be positioned at the appropriate places in the field. The football player models are labeled with a position name so that each position is easily identifiable. Football players on the line may also be numbered for easy set up by the novice players. Each football player model is in the correct stance from a frontal and rear view, such as three-point or four-point stance, as would be appropriate for the position. The overall size of the football player models corresponds to the size of the novices. The system of the present invention allows novice football players to easily visualize opposing teams and team members, as well as their placement and names for much quicker understanding. Therefore, the coach can easily explain plays to novice players in terms such as running between the left tackle and left guard without confusing the novice players. The base portion preferably includes a mount for holding the football player model upright and may include an insertion member such as a spring-loaded spike or other means such as a weight with rounded bottom that biases the model to an upright position.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to football instruction and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for increasing learning speed and understanding of football techniques.
2. Description of the Background
Conventional football instruction provides for placing a plurality of individuals at the various positions along the line-of-scrimmage whereupon the various positions are assigned. However, there are numerous positions for twenty-two players and it is difficult, especially for a young novice, to learn and remember what his and other respective positions are. More particularly, it is extremely difficult for the novice to remember exactly where he should move when a particular play is called.
The mere act of positioning twenty-two younger players in a formation can be an exercise in frustration both for the players and the coaches. Moreover, there is a significant time factor in which learning of football techniques is required so as to give a significant advantage for quick learning of football fundamentals. The training normally begins only after a certain date, only limited practice time is available, and the games must be played according to a schedule of limited span of time. Thus, the learning efficiency involved in teaching potentially confusing concepts can often be an essential basic factor in winning or losing a particular game and in having a winning or losing season.
There are numerous positions to learn within two different opposing offense and defense units. For example, on a typical offensive team each member has different tasks and duties that must be learned. One individual is designated as the center, two individuals are designated as the guards, two individuals are designated as the tackles, two individuals are designated as the ends, an individual is designated as the quarterback, two individuals are designated as the halfbacks, and an another individual is designated the fullback. Similarly, on the defensive team, individuals are given positions as the defensive linemen, linebackers, and in various positions within the defensive backfield. To properly instruct football novices in the techniques involved with the game of football, it has been necessary to teach them about the twenty-two various positions so that each individual will knows exactly where he or she should be positioned relative to the other players. This is often difficult to quickly grasp. As well, each position has a preferable, and sometimes required, starting stance that must be learned and which may be different from the starting stance that other positions use.
One problem with the dynamic aspects of carrying out play is that the relative static starting positions of the players are not well enough understood by novices so that communications relating to a particular location are difficult to understand, e.g., the play requires a run between the left tackle and left guard. When a plurality of individuals are positioned on a playing field, each being designated with a different position, it is difficult for a novice in the game of football to remember exactly which position the other individuals have been assigned. More particularly, it is extremely difficult for the novice quarterback, halfbacks or fullback to remember exactly where he should move when a particular play is called. Therefore, if the quarterback decides that the left half back should carry the ball between the left guard and the left tackle it is sometimes difficult for the novice left halfback to remember exactly where the left guard and left tackle is positioned. Thus, confusion often arises and the individual who is attempting to learn the game of football becomes frustrated and disappointed. As this is a group function, a good deal of group confusion can result in a team that is demoralized, does not show up for even the limited time of practice, and therefore spirals downwardly in relative ability as compared to other teams. Moreover, if individual novice players do not learn the plays within a short time, this failure to quickly understand impedes progress of the team as a whole.
Consequently, there remains a need for a football teaching system and method that permits an individual to quickly and thoroughly learn and visualize the basic formation, and his and others positions in it. In the amateur ranks it is also desirable that the system be available at relatively reduced levels of capital investment so that it is affordable by the team. Those skilled in the art have long sought and will appreciate the present invention which provides solutions to these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe football teaching system and method of the present invention was designed to optimize practices, greatly increase the speed of learning and comprehension of novice players, and significantly decrease the frustrations of novice players and their coaches. The present invention overcomes the numerous problems inherent in the traditional approach utilized in instructing a group of players.
Therefore, it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved football training aid which greatly simplifies the understanding of basic techniques.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a training aid which clearly depicts the exact position of both the offensive and defensive players and may also depicts weaknesses or strengths that may be observed or produced in the opposing team formation, e.g., a hole in the defensive line.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a training aid which enables a novice football player to understand the positioning of the other players and to readily understand the movement of various plays.
Yet another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need of the linemen to stand in their various positions as the backs practice a variety of different plays.
A feature of one embodiment of the invention is a shape that is easily stackable for storage.
An advantage of the present invention is that a player can get a feeling for his position and can easily see the name and relative position of others.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the action that a player must take can be easily explained and visually understood or demonstrated in terms of the static, named, life-size cutouts.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the football models are easy to set up in the desired position.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims wherein is disclosed a system for teaching football to football learners on a field that comprises a plurality of football player models in two dimensional form. Each of the plurality of football player models being of a type useable for a respective football position. Each of the plurality of football player models being positionable on the field according to the respective football position and each of the plurality of football player models being depicted in a selected stance. The plurality of football players are sized according to a respective size for the age of the football learners. The plurality of football players are substantially conical or at become smaller at the top and hollow so as to be stackable. The system includes both defensive and offensive of the respective football positions. A portion of the plurality of football player models are depicted in a three point stance, a portion of the plurality of football player models being depicted in a four point stance, while another portion of the plurality of football player models being depicted in an upright stance. Signs are associated with each of the plurality of football player models. In one embodiment, at least one of the signs is interchangeable with another position signs. For improved transportability, one or more of the plurality of football player models having a carrying element such as a handle.
In operation, the method comprises lifting each of a plurality of football player models and placing each of the plurality of football player models in a desired football position to form a football formation. The football player models may then be mounted on the field, and shown to the football learners for visually learning about the football formation.
In one mode, the football player models are positioned in a defensive position having one or more holes for learning to look for and to run an offensive play therethrough. The football player models have a position name for learning of the position names relative to a specific position. In another mode of operation, a plurality of football player models are provided in linesmen positions for teaching the football learners in backfield techniques. It is desirable that the plurality of football player models are provided in a size that corresponds to an age of the football learners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the present invention will be described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit of the invention and as defined in the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
Reviewing the various models 14 shown, such as center 16, it will be noted that each model 14 preferably has numbers on each shoulder. Center 16 is the only player to have three numbers. The numbers are used to allow novice team members to assemble the offensive line 20 in their correct positions. Thus, center 16 has a “0” (zero) to indicate it is the middle position. This is easy to remember. Center 16 has a “1” on one shoulder, its left shoulder, and a “2” (two) on its opposite shoulder, the right shoulder. The “1” corresponds to another “1” on the shoulder of the adjacent left guard 22 so that a novice merely has to match “1” with “1” to place left guard 22 in proper perspective with the center 16. Left guard 22 has a “3” on its opposite shoulder that will match to the “3” on the shoulder of left tackle 24. Left tackle 24 has a “5” on its opposite shoulder that will match the “5” on the shoulder of left tight end 26. Thus, a novice group of players can quickly learn to assemble the left side of offensive line 20. Likewise, right guard 28 has a “2” and a “4” on its shoulders, right tackle 30 has a “4” and a “6” on its shoulders, and right tight end 32 has a “6” and an “8” on its shoulders, respectively. These numbers can be easily matched by novice team members, including school children age players, to build the right side of offensive line 20 in the same manner as discussed previously with respect to the left side of offensive line 20. It will also become clear to novice players in putting up the line that all offensive team members are in a straight line along the line of scrimmage and lined up with ball 18.
These numbers on the shoulders of the models 14 may be permanently attached to the models 14 or the numbers may be removable, for reasons discussed hereinafter. For instance, the shoulders may have a hook and ladder type connection, e.g., VELCRO® connection, for attaching the numbers. Other connecting means could also be used such as zippers, buttons, and the like. The numbers may be used on the rear of the models 14 as shown in
The models 14, such as center 16, are pictured front and rear, see
The word or label “center” is printed in the middle of chest area 34 of center 16 as per
Going over other models in
Right tackle 30 of
The rear view of right tackle 30 in
Right tight end 32 is the third player to the right of the center 16. The frontal view of
The rear views of right tight end 32 shows the number six (6) on the left shoulder and the number eight (8) on the right shoulder. The words “Right Tight End” preferably appear in the center of the buttock such as region 46. The right arm is held in a 90 degree angle with clenched fist. The left hand is planted firmly on the ground. Tight end 32 is also in a squat position with both feet spread apart.
Left guard 22 of
The rear view of left guard 22 of
Left tackle 24 of
The rear view of left tackle 24 in
The frontal view of left tight end 26 shown in
The rear view of left tight end 26 in
In some cases, a wide receiver may be found as the last player on the offensive line of scrimmage. If used, then the frontal view shows the word “Wide Receiver” is centered on the chest. The Wide Receiver is in an upright sprint position with the head slightly high.
In the frontal view of
Halfback 66 is positioned behind quarterback 60 as indicated in
Fullback 72 is positioned behind quarterback 60 as indicated in
In the frontal view of
In a rear view as per
Referring now to
Defensive tackles 102 have the word “Defensive Tackle” on the center of the chest at region 104. Like several previous models 14, the right arm is held in a ninety degree angle with clenched fist and the left arm is anchored on the ground to provide a three point stance. The head is held straight with both eyes focused. The Defensive Tackle is also in a squat position.
The rear view of
Defensive middle linebackers 112 are positioned behind the defensive line as indicated in
In
In
The above stances are the presently possible stances and are typical of those used for the respective positions. Should different stances be preferred, cut-outs or models players can be manufactured in those stances. The above is simply given as one possible embodiment of the invention and those skilled in the art may possibly make changes therein that are still intended to be covered by this specification, including the claims appended hereto.
In
In upper section 226, model 214 is preferably substantially filled with lightweight material such as foam or other lightweight material. An outline of foam filling is indicated by 227 that may include stitching or the like to hold material, such as vinyl or other flexible, long-lasting and durable material, in surrounding relationship to the foam interior. The foam is preferably of a type that is somewhat flexible as well as light weight, such as rubber or plastic foam. The foam can be sufficiently firm to maintain the shape of model 214 rather than depending on an external outer region therefore.
In the embodiment of
After filling of chamber 220 with weighting material such as sand, the sand will tend to conform to bottom 224 to have a substantially semi-circular cross-section or at least an arc-shaped cross-section. A steel or lead bar or other weight might also be inserted into a smaller chamber 220 to provide the same effect and with sufficient material to support and cushion the weight. As with other embodiments, model 214 is preferably made from a durable and somewhat pliable so that contact, either accidental or purposeful, will not be harmful.
In operation, an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided to assist coaches to help little league, junior high, high school, and other football players visualize their positions (both offensive and defensive) through the use of a set of preferably twenty-two life-sized (little league to adult) durable plastic (wood, metal or other) cut-outs of uniformed players in proper position and stance for their individual positions in different offensive and defensive formations and plays. It may be sufficient for some to have silhouettes or models with the names of the positions printed thereon.
In another embodiment, preferably a method is given to provide a turn key teaching system with preferably twenty two life-size football cut-outs of various stances and positions (such as five 3 point stances, four 4-point stances, two tight ends, one quarterback, one center, and ten upright stances) that feature carrying (handle) slots, interchangeable numbers and position signs with hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO® fasteners or other suitable fasteners (magnetic, clamp, etc), a footing support stand, and an offensive and defensive play book.
For handling and storage, opening 154, preferably in the tops of the helmets may be used for gripping and lifting. At the end of practice, the stand may be removed and/or stacked for easy storage.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction or combinations of features of the various football teaching system elements, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A system for teaching football to football learners on a field, comprising:
- a plurality of football player models with a respective frontal and rear view depicted on each of said plurality of football player models;
- each of said plurality of football player models being a similar average size as said football learners;
- each of said plurality of football player models being representative of respective football position;
- each of said plurality of football player models being positionable on said field according to said respective football position;
- each of said plurality of football player models being depicted in a selected stance in said respective frontal and rear view;
- each of said plurality of football player models comprising hollow stands with a substantially conical cross-section, said conical cross-section further comprising a smaller cross-sectional width at a top portion and a larger cross-sectional width at a bottom portion, and each of said plurality of football player models defining an opening in said bottom portion so as to be insertable into each to permit stacking of said plurality of football players.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of football player models comprise a substantially flexible material.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising an outwardly extending flange at said bottom portion to provide a base to ensure stability of each said football player model when positioned on said field.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
- defensive and offensive teams formed by said football player models.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
- a portion of said plurality of football player models being depicted in a three point stance for said respective frontal and rear views, and
- a portion of said plurality of football player models being depicted in a four point stance for said respective frontal and rear views.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising:
- a portion of said plurality of football player models being depicted in an upright stance for said respective frontal and rear views.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one label associated with each of said plurality of football player models.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein:
- said at least one label is removable from a respective of said football player models.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein:
- said at least one label is indicative of a football player position.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one of said plurality of football player models defining an aperture therethrough to provide a handgrip.
11. A method for providing a teaching system for teaching football to football learners on a field, comprising:
- providing that said plurality of football player models may be positioned onto said field by a handgrip, said football player models being sized approximately the same as said football learners;
- providing that said plurality of football player models are positionable into a desired football position to form a football formation;
- providing that said plurality of football player models are positionable upright on said field; and
- providing that said plurality of football player models are hollow and profiled so as to be compactly stackable.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- providing that a flange extends outwardly at a base of said plurality of football player models to provide stability.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- providing said football player models with a position label for instructing said football learners of a position name relative to a specific position.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- providing that said plurality of football player models are made in one-piece construction out of plastic or rubber.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- providing that said plurality of football player models comprise a conical cross-section to enhance said compact stacking.
16. A system for teaching football to football learners on a field, comprising:
- a plurality of football player models mountable on said field;
- each of said plurality of football player models being representative of a respective football position;
- each of said football player models being sized to correspond to a size of said football learners;
- each of said plurality of football player models being positionable on said field according to said respective football position;
- a conical cross-section for said plurality of football player models wherein said plurality of football player models are hollow to permit stacking; and
- a base portion for each of said plurality of football player models for mounting said football player models such that said football player models are positioned uprightly with respect to said field.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said base portion further comprises a base of said conical cross-section.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising:
- a flange extending outwardly from said base portion.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said plurality of football player models comprise a relatively pliable non-metallic material formed in one-piece construction.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said one-piece construction is conducive to manufacturing said football players with a mold.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 27, 2005
Publication Date: May 3, 2007
Inventor: Keno Driver (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 11/260,727
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101); A63B 69/34 (20060101);