Soccer Training Device

Abstract

An inside foot soccer pass training device is disclosed. The passing device includes a curved race and a foot carriage that can travel from one end of the race to the other. The curved race guides the foot carriage into a proper technical position, which allows a user to improve their technique of the inside foot soccer pass. Embodiments include multiple tracks, an overall tensioner designed to strengthen inner leg muscles, an impact device designed to mimic the feel of hitting an actual soccer ball, and electric force monitors to compute both the impact the foot carriage makes on the impact device and the force on the foot carriage as it moves along the race.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/857,576, filed on July 23, 2013. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the practice of passing a soccer ball, there is a correct motion that delivers the highest quality pass. A pass is the striking of a ball to send the ball to a target. Generally a high quality pass is one where the center of the inside foot moves and follows through the center of ball, resulting in a pass that rolls (i.e., doesn't bounce), goes directly to the target, and is hit with the proper weight.

The inside foot pass is the most conventional way to move the ball from player to player. Being able to successfully and constantly hit passes to your target is a necessary quality of a trained soccer player. The inside foot passing motion is the most common ball striking motion a player needs to execute, occurring thousands of times each game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

User stands with one foot (stationary foot) on the ground (positioned on the placement diagram), and one foot in the foot carriage. User's knees are bent. User swings striking foot (foot in carriage), taking a back swing, hitting the impact device at bottom of the arc, and following through to an end of the curved race. User repeats this motion over and over. Resistance can be adjusted to the overall swing motion.

This device correctly teaches the mechanics of the optimal passing motion, along with providing features that strengthen and measure this motion. This device provides benefits to all levels of players, from beginners who are initially learning and building muscle memory of the correct passing technique, to professional players who are strengthening the passing muscles and perfecting their technique.

The soccer device is configured of a track for which there is an attached foot carriage. The track is curved, possibly in an arc shape, and can have grooves that allow the foot carriage to move in both directions. The foot carriage can also move along the metal rails by way of rollers on the foot carriage. Alternate versions consist of two tracks.

The foot carriage can position a foot angled level or upwards (toes higher than or equal in height to the heel), causing the ankle to be locked in a firm upward or flat direction. At the bottom of the track arc, is the impact device carriage. The impact device carriage can be positioned so that the foot carriage will hit the impact device in the center of the foot, with the inside of that foot carriage's foot completely open to the impact device. The impact device is positioned at the lowest point on the curved race.

There are several ways the impact device can move out of the way once hit by the foot carriage. One version has the impact device on a separate track. In the version where the impact device has a separate track, the impact device carriage travels until the device stop. The stop mechanism will send the impact device carriage back to where the foot carriage made initial contact, at the lowest point on the track. The stop mechanism, in addition to bouncing back the impact device carriage to the race start, may also be outfitted with electronic sensors that calculate the speed and distance the impact device carriage was hit by the foot carriage. When the foot carriage passes back over the top impact device (foot carriage returns to track start), the impact device springs down out of the way so that unimpeded the foot carriage can make another full swing, allowing the foot carriage to return the race start with no resistance. The impact device instantly returns to the start of the race (at the lowest point of the track) by a spring.

In another version the impact device is on the same track as the foot carriage, and when the foot carriage hits the impact device they attach by magnets. When the foot carriage returns back to the start after a user repetition, the impact device leg drops back into the impact device bracket, causing the impact device and foot carriage to disengage. Since the impact device returns to the device bracket when the foot carriage passes back over, there is no user delay. Other versions mimic feel of the ball impact by using friction elements at the contact point of where the ball would be positioned—this feel could be created by air dampers, friction resistance, springs, or even magnets. The impact device enables the user to feel as though they are making contact with a soccer ball.

The rails may be elevated by two bases which keep the lowest point of the device (where the impact device is) 3-5″ inches off the ground. The bases can be lowered up or down to correspond with different sized soccer balls (e.g., size 3, 4, or 5). By raising or lowering the base, a user can adjust how high the point of contact the impact device is when hit by the foot carriage. Preferably, the impact device is positioned at a height equal to the center of a soccer ball).

The foot carriage may include a resistance system that provides overall tension to the motion throughout the foot carriage's movement along the curved rail. This resistance is the result of a tension cord that is attached to the bottom of the device and positioned to apply tension to the back of the foot carriage. Pulleys position the tension device in place. The overall tension device is adjustable and may include bungee cords, elastics, magnetic resistance, or an air resistance flywheel similar to a rowing machine. More expensive models of the device may be magnetic which create a constant resistance throughout the user's motion. The magnetic or air based resistance components may also include a flywheel which assists in recoiling the tension cord back up so that the user may practice repetitions without delay. Less expensive models may create resistance thru elastics or bungee cord like materials.

An example embodiment of the present invention is a soccer training device comprising a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height, a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race, and a tensioner configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage along the curved race. In some embodiments, the foot carriage is further configured to position the toe higher than or equal to the heel with respect to the curved race. The tensioner may include a flywheel. The curved rave may be a single track. In some embodiments, the curved race is a circular arc section, in other embodiments the curved race is a variable arc section with an increasing radius from the first end to the second end.

In some embodiments, the tensioner is configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage in a first direction along the curved race and assist the movement of the foot carriage in a second direction along the curved race. In one embodiment, the first end of the curved race is higher than the second end of the curved race, and the tensioner is configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage along the curved race when traveling from the first end to the second end.

In some embodiment, the soccer training device includes an impact device adapted to be stuck by the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves from the first end of the curved race to the second end of the curved race. The impact device may include a sensor measuring a force imparted on the impact device when struck by the foot carriage. The foot carriage may be configured to contact said impact device at a point approximately center to said foot. In some embodiments, the soccer training device includes an impact device carriage; the impact device is located on the impact device carriage and the impact device carriage riding along the curved race. In other embodiments the impact device carriage traveling along a separate impact device race. In some embodiments the impact device is adapted to permit the foot carriage to return to the first end of the curved race without striking the impact device.

In another embodiment, the soccer training device includes a sensor measuring at least one of: force on the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves on the curved race, repetitions, exercise time, calories burned, speed of the foot carriage, simulated speed of a soccer ball, and resistance.

Another example embodiment of the present invention is a soccer training device comprising a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height, a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race, and a striker plate, the striker plate adapted to provide a resistance force on the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves from the first end of the curved race to the second end of the curved race.

Yet another example embodiment of the present invention is a soccer training device comprising a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height, a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race, and an impact device, the impact device adapted to be stuck by the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves from the first end of the curved race to the second end of the curved race.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a single-track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device where the impact device has a separate race.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded diagram view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and an exploded diagram view of the magneto unit of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded diagram view of the foot carriage of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the front support base of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rear support base of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view and an exploded diagram view of the impact device carriage of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded diagram view of the impact device of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 prior to the foot carriage making contact with the impact device and they remain unattached.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 after the foot carriage has made contact with the impact device and they are attached.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 at the moment of contact between the impact device and the foot carriage.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a multiple track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a multiple track embodiment, using non-magnetic overall tension resistance, of an inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the impact device and impact device track of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a bent rod embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a roller track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a slide track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the foot placement mat of an inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of the soccer pass training device of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for soccer ball (European football) kicking training, and more particularly to the inside foot soccer pass motion.

Now referring to FIG. 1, an inside foot soccer training device is illustrated. The soccer pass training device has a curved track 1 with a front support base 4 and rear support base 5. On the track illustrated in FIG. 1 it illustrates a foot carriage 2, and an impact device 3 supported by an impact device carriage 14. Near the rear support base 5 is a magnetic flywheel 6, a tensioner 9, and pulleys 8.

The front support base 4 and rear support base 5 rests on the ground, floor, or other similar supporting surface. The curved track 1 is mounted on the support bases, so that the rear support base 4 positions the curved track 1 at a higher position in the rear than at the front support base 5. The foot carriage 2 is connected to the curved track 1. The impact device 3, preferably made out of a material chosen to imitate the feel of a foot impacting a real soccer ball, is mounted on the impact device carriage 14. The impact device carriage 14 is connected to the curved track 1. The rear support base 4 positions the flywheel 6, tensioner 9, and pulley 8 to be configured to enable the tension cord (shown as 17 in FIG. 14) to resist the motion of the foot carriage 2 along the curved track 1.

Contusing to refer to FIG. 1, in operation, a user positions their passing foot on the foot carriage 2, with the inside of their passing foot in the center of the foot carriage 2 and flush against the side of the foot carriage 2 that faces the impact device 3. The user's non-passing foot is placed on the ground aimed in the direction of the pass to provide balance, support, and aim. The foot carriage 2 is not right foot or left foot specific, enabling a user to easily change their body position and train either foot in the correct inside foot passing technique. The user moves the foot carriage 2 so that it travels (from the user's back swing) along the curved track 1 at the rear support base 4, contacting the impact device 3 near the middle of the curved track 1, and then to the front support base 5 (the user's swing follow thru). As the foot carriage 2 travels along the curved track 1, it contacts with the impact device 3. The impact device 3 and the impact device carriage 14 it is mounted upon are positioned at a low point near the middle of the curved track 1. This position replicates where on the user's passing swing their foot should make contact with a soccer ball during the correct inside foot passing technique. This position also places the impact device 3 at a height equal to the center of a regulation size ball (size 3, 4 or 5) so that a user's inside foot makes contact at the correct height. When the foot carriage 2 makes contact with the impact device 3, the impact device carriage 14 attaches to the foot carriage and the impact device 3 and impact device carriage 14 remain attached to the foot carriage 2 all the way thru a user's follow thru.

When a user brings their leg back for another passing repetition, the impact device 3 and impact carriage 14 de-attach once again at a set position that is near the middle low point of the curved track 1. The impact device 3 detaches when the kick leg (shown as 15 in FIG. 10) falls into the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4). The foot carriage 2 has an attached tension cord (shown as 17 in FIG. 14). A user can adjust the resistance of the flywheel 6 to change the tension the foot carriage 2 incurs as it travels along the curved track 1. When the foot carriage 2 completes a passing motion and the user returns the foot back to the rear support base 4, the tensioner 9 coils up the slack of the tension cord (shown as 17 in FIG. 14). The pulleys 8 position the tension cord (shown as 17 in FIG. 14) so that it provides constant resistance on the foot carriage 2 during the passing motion. The mechanism returning the impact device 3 to optimal position placement on the curved track 1, and the tensioner 9 recoiling the tension cord after a user's passing motion, allows a user to make quick and successive repetitions.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. On the back view illustrated in FIG. 2 it shows the rear support base 5 is vertically larger than front support base 4, which positions the curved track 1 so that it is not a perfect circle. The curved track 1 position and shape makes a user have a steeper backswing and a level elongated follow thru. The impact device 3 shows it will make contact in the center of the foot carriage 2. By making contact in the center of the foot carriage 2 a user feels an impact in the center of the inside foot. The foot carriage 2 illustrated has a raised foot back portion to support a heel. Other more general shapes to the foot carriage 2 would not include a heel support or would include a raised foot front portion so that the user can train either their right of left foot on the inside foot soccer pass training device.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device where the impact device 3 has a separate race. In this embodiment the impact device 3 has a separate impact device track 10 and impact device slide mechanism 11.

The impact device 3 is attached to an impact slide mechanism 11. The impact slide mechanism 11 enables the impact device 3 to travel on the impact device track 10. The impact device track 10 is cut into the center of the curved track 1. The impact device 3 is positioned so that a user makes contact in the center of the foot.

When the foot carriage 2 makes contact with the impact device 3, the impact device slide mechanism 11 moves the impact device 3 on the impact device track 10 out of the way. Once a user has completed a swing repetition and they bring the foot carriage 2 back from their follow thru (towards rear support base 5) to complete another repetition, a torsion spring (shown as 3-6 in FIG. 11) folds the impact device 3 under the foot carriage 2. When the foot carriage 2 has passed completely over the impact device 3, the impact device springs back to the correct position. This enables the foot carriage to return to a back swing and make another repetition without being impeded.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded diagram view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. On the exploded diagram view in FIG. 4 new elements of the soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 shown are the magneto unit 12, a shaft 13, and a kick leg bracket 16.

The magneto unit 12 is positioned adjacent to the flywheel 6. There is a hole in the center of the flywheel 6, a hole in the center of the magneto unit 12, a hole in the center of the tensioner 13, and a space on the rear support base 5; a shaft 13 is placed thru to secure all these elements compactly together. The kick leg bracket 16 is cut out of the curved track 1. The kick leg bracket is the space where the impact device carriage 14, has its kick leg (shown as 15 in FIG. 10) fall into the kick leg bracket 16 so that the impact device and foot carriage can attach and unattached from one another at set exact location on the curved track 1. This exact location is set where a user would make the impact with the soccer ball on their swing.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. On the side view illustrated, the front support base 4 positions the center of the impact device 3 to be at a defined height. This defined height is equal to center of a soccer ball. The support bases may on some embodiments have removable blocks that allow a user to change the height of the impact device 3 to correspond with a Size 3 (youth players under 8), Size 4 (players ages 8-12), or Size 5 soccer ball (players ages 12+).

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view and an exploded diagram view of the magneto unit 12 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. The magneto unit 12 consists of a magneto unit frame 12-1 that is circular in shape, with magnets 12-6 upon the magnet frame 12-5, placed on the magnet assembly 12-4. The magnets are exposed on the entire length of the circular magneto unit frame 12-1. Inside the magnet unit frame 12-1 is the tension block 12-2, assembly frame 12-3, springs 12-7, bolts 12-8, washers 12-9, and nuts 12-10.

Magnets 12-6 in the magneto unit 12 provide resistance to the flywheel (shown as 6 in FIG. 1). Resistance is changed by varying the distance between the magnets and a spinning flywheel (shown as 6 in FIG. 1), which is attached to the tensioner (shown as 9 in FIG. 1) and tension cord (shown as 17 in FIG. 14). A user can change the resistance with the tension adjustor (shown as 39 in FIG. 15). The magneto unit 12 provides a smooth, constant, and quiet resistance to a user. This resistance helps the user build up muscle strength associated specially with the inside the foot soccer pass. The resistance feature is especially useful for experienced players who already have a good grasp of the correct inside foot soccer passing motion.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded diagram view of the foot carriage 2 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. The foot carriage 2 consists of a foot insert 2-8 mounted on top of the foot bracket 2-1. The foot bracket 2-1 encloses the track rollers 2-2 and the track bearings 2-3, along with the spacers 2-4, nuts 2-5, shafts 2-6, bolts 2-9 and 2-10, and washers 2-7 and 2-11. Magnetic strips 2-12 are on the front of the foot bracket 2-1.

The hardware inside the foot bracket 2-1 (spacers 2-4, nuts 2-5, shafts 2-6, bolts 2-9 and 2-10, and washers 2-7 and 2-11) securely fashion the track rollers 2-2 and the track bearings 2-3 onto the curved track 1, so that the foot carriage 2 travels easily. The track rollers 2-2 move along the top of the curved track 1 and the track bearings 2-3 move along the grooves on the sides of the curved track 1. The magnetic strips 2-12 on the front of the foot bracket 2-1 are used to attach to the impact device carriage 14 at the location of the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4).

A user places their foot in the foot insert 2-8 and as a user moves their leg causing the foot carriage 2 to easily travel on the curved track 1.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the front support base 4 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. The front support base 4 consists of a front bracket 4-1, mounted onto a removable front support block 4-4 by screws 4-2 with washers 4-3. The support base could be made out of metal, plastic, or any material capable of supporting the curved rail 1.

The removable front support block 4-4 allows the base to be lowered or raised. Raising the base moves the impact device 3 to correspond to the center height of different sized soccer balls.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rear support base 5 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. The rear support base 5 consists of a rear magneto bracket 5-1, mounted onto a removable rear support block 5-4 by screws 5-2 with washers 5-3. The support base could be made out of metal, plastic, or any material capable of supporting the curved rail 1.

The removable rear support block 5-4 allows the base to be lowered or raised. Raising the base moves the impact device 3 to correspond to the center height of different sized soccer balls.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view and an exploded diagram view of the impact device carriage 14 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1. The impact device carriage 14 consists of a carriage frame 14-1 that encloses a track roller 14-2 and the track bearings 14-3, along with the spacers 14-4, nuts 14-7, a bracket 14-8, bolts 14-6, washers 14-5, a torsion spring 14-9, and the kick leg 15. Magnetic strips 14-10 are on the front of the carriage frame 14-1.

The hardware inside the carriage frame 14-1 (spacers 14-4, nuts 14-7, a bracket 14-8, bolts 14-6, and washers 14-5) securely fashion the track roller 14-2 and the track bearings 14-3 onto the curved track (shown as 1 in FIG. 1), so that the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) and impact device carriage 14 travel easily. The track roller 14-2 moves along the top of the curved track (shown as 1 in FIG. 1) and the track bearings 14-3 move along the grooves on the sides of the curved track (shown as 1 in FIG. 1). The bracket 14-8 holds the torsion spring 14-9 and kick leg 15 together at the rear of the impact device carriage 14. Magnetic strips 14-10 on the rear, i.e., facing the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1), of the carriage frame 14-1 are used to attach the impact device carriage 14 with the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1). The kick leg 15 drops down into the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4) to position the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 1)/impact device carriage 14 on the curved track (shown as 1 in FIG. 1) at the correct location.

When a user hits the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) with the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1), the kick leg 15 is dislodged from the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4) and the impact device carriage 14 attaches to the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1). The foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) and impact device carriage 14 remain attached thru a user's follow thru and the start of their backswing, once the impact device carriage 14 returns to the initial contact point, the kick leg 15 drops back down into the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4) and the impact device carriage 14 and foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) un-attach again.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded diagram view of the impact device 3 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 3. The impact device 3 consists of ball 3-3, a ball base holder 3-2, a ball bracket 3-1, a torsion spring 3-6, a bolt 3-4, and a nut 3-5.

The ball 3-3 is preferably made out of a material chosen to imitate the feel of a foot impacting a real soccer ball and it is attached to the top of the ball base holder 3-2. The ball base holder 3-2 is hinged to the ball bracket 3-1 with the torsion spring 3-6, all of which is fastened together by the nut 3-4 and bolt 3-5. The ball bracket is attached to the impact device slide (shown as 11 in FIG. 3). The torsion spring 3-6 enables the ball base holder 3-2 and thus the ball 3-3 to fold up and down.

When the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 3) makes contact with the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 3), the impact device slide mechanism (shown as 11 in FIG. 3) moves the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 3) on the impact device track (shown as 10 in FIG. 3) out of the way. Once a user has completed a swing repetition and they bring the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 3) back from their follow thru to complete another repetition, a torsion spring 3-6 folds the impact device 3 under the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 3). When the foot carriage (2 as shown in FIG. 3) has passed completely over the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 3), the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 3) springs back to the correct position. This enables the foot carriage (shown as 2 in FIG. 3) to return to a back swing and make another repetition without being impeded.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 prior to the foot carriage 2 making contact with the impact device 3 and they remain unattached. As shown the kick leg 15 is still sitting, not dislodged, from the kick leg bracket 16.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 after the foot carriage 2 has made contact with the impact device 3 and they are attached. As shown the kick leg 15 is dislodged from the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4). The impact device carriage 14 and foot carriage 2 are attached, but the added resistance to the user is minimal.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 1 at the moment of contact between the impact device carriage 14 and the foot carriage 2. When the impact device carriage 14 and the foot carriage 2 make contact the two attach by their magnet strips on the foot carriage (shown as 2-12 in FIG. 7) and the magnet strips on the impact device carriage (shown as 14-10 in FIG. 10). Simultaneously at impact the kick leg 15 is dislodged from the kick leg bracket (shown as 16 in FIG. 4). Also illustrated in FIG. 14 is the tension cord 17. The tension cord 17 is attached to the foot carriage 2, and provides resistance to a user. The resistance to a user helps to strength leg muscles. The tension cord 17 can either apply tension from a resistance device, such as a magneto unit (shown as 12 in FIG. 1), or the tension cord 17 could be a material, like bungee with elastic properties that apply resistance on its own to a user when stretched. If the tension cord 17 has elastic properties, the device can feature different elastic strength tension cords 17 so the user can adjust for different resistance levels.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a multiple track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device. The soccer pass training device has curved track 1-21 and curved track 2-22, with a front support base 33 and rear support base 32. On the track illustrated in FIG. 15 it illustrates a foot carriage 23 supported by foot carriage track roller 1-30 and foot carriage track roller 2-31. An impact device carriage 24 holds a soccer ball contact apparatus 25 and features a hinged attachment 37. An impact device track 26 has an impact device stop 37. Near the front support base 33 is a follow thru stop 36. Near the rear support base 32 is a back swing stop 35. A magnetic flywheel/tensioner 38, an overall tension cord 28, a pulley 34, an electric force sensor 40, and tension adjustor 39 are positioned behind the rear support base 32.

The front support base 33 and rear support base 32 rests on the ground, floor, or other similar supporting surface. The curved track 1-21 and curved track 2-22 are mounted on the support bases. The support bases illustrated are the same height, and the curved tracks are a perfect arc, this setup could be altered so that the rear support base raises the track higher in the rear than the front; or the curved tracks may not necessarily be a perfect arc, but rather feature a steep arc near the rear and a more gradual slope at the front (as shown in FIG. 1). The foot carriage 23 is connected to the curved tracks by a foot carriage track roller 1-30 and foot carriage track roller 2-31. The soccer ball contact apparatus 25, is preferably made out of a material chosen to imitate the feel of a foot impacting a real soccer ball, is mounted on the impact device carriage 24. The impact device carriage 24 that has a hinged attachment 37 is connected to a linear impact device track 26. The magnetic flywheel/tensioner 38, an overall tension cord 28, and a pulley 34 are positioned behind the rear support base 32 so that the resistance comes during the passing motion. The impact device stop 27 is at the end of the impact device track 26. The back swing stop 35 is at the rear of the device and the follow thru stop 36 is at the front of the device.

Contusing to refer to FIG. 15, in operation, a user positions their passing foot on the foot carriage 23, with the inside of their passing foot in the center of the foot carriage 23 and flush against the side of the foot carriage 23 that faces the impact device 24. The user's non-passing foot is placed on the ground aimed in the direction of the pass to provide balance, support, and aim. The foot carriage 23 is not right foot or left foot specific, enabling a user to easily change their body position and train either foot in the correct inside foot passing technique. The foot carriage may also be removable, allowing a user to remove the foot carriage 23 from the tracks, flip the foot carriage 23 around, and train the user's alternate foot. A user moves the foot carriage 23 so that it travels from the back swing stop 35 along the curved tracks, contacting the impact device carriage 24/soccer ball contact apparatus 25 at the middle of the curved tracks, and to the follow thru stop 36. As the foot carriage 23 travels along the curved tracks, it contacts impact device carriage 24 or soccer ball contact apparatus 25, which causes them to travel the impact device track 26 until its finish at the impact device stop 27. When the impact device carriage 24 reaches the impact device stop 27, a spring (shown as 29 in FIG. 17) pulls the impact device carriage 24 back to its initial position in the middle of the curved tracks. The spring (shown as 29 in FIG. 17) could be any material capable of pulling the impact device carriage back into position. Once a user has completed a swing repetition and they bring the foot carriage 23 back from their follow thru (at the follow thru stop 36) to complete another repetition, a hinged attachment 37 folds the soccer ball contact apparatus 25 under the foot carriage 23. When the foot carriage 23 has passed completely over the impact device carriage 24, the hinged attachment 37 and soccer ball contact apparatus 25 bounce back up to the particular height equal to the center of a soccer ball. This enables the foot carriage 23 to return to a back swing and make another repetition without being impeded.

The foot carriage has a tension cord 28 attached to the foot carriage 23. A user can adjust a resistance with the tension adjustor 39 of the magnetic flywheel/tensioner 38 to change the tension the foot carriage 23 incurs as it travels along the curved tracks. An electric sensor 40 computes the force that the user exerted on the foot carriage 23 during their swing.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of a multiple track embodiment, using non-magnetic overall tension resistance, of an inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 15. In this embodiment the tension cord 28 is bungee or other material with elastic properties. Using an elastic based material provides a resistance to a user as they make a passing motion with their foot in the foot carriage 23. After a user has completed a passing motion, as they bring their leg back to the back swing stop 35, an elastic based tension cord 28 helps pull the foot carriage 23, so a user only feels resistance during the passing motion (tension only when the elastic material stretches). The embodiment may feature a mechanism to stretch the tension cord 28 so that a user can increase or decrease the resistance by altering the elastic resistance. The embodiment may also feature multiple and/or different strength elastic/bungee tension cords 28.

FIG. 17 shows a top view of the impact device carriage 24/soccer ball contact apparatus 25 and impact device track 26 of the inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 15. A spring 29 is illustrated. The spring 29 pulls the impact device carriage 24 back to its initial position in the middle of the curved tracks. The spring 29 could be any material capable of pulling the impact device carriage back into position.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a bent rod embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device. The soccer pass training device has bent rod tracks 43 and 44 with a front support base 46 and rear support base 45. On the track illustrated in FIG. 18 it illustrates a foot carriage 42, and a striker plate 41. The striker plate 41 is positioned near the middle of the tracks.

The positioning of the striker plate 41 is at the low point of the arc. The striker plate 41 resists the movement of the foot carriage 42 when it passes thru the contact zone. This resistance is designed to mimic the feel a user gets when impacting a soccer ball. The striker plate 41 could provide resistance to the foot carriage 42 by a number of methods, including but not limited to: spring loaded linkage, air damper linkage, brake pad friction.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a roller track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device of FIG. 18. Rollers 47 are mounted to the center support tracks 43 and 44. The rollers allow the foot carriage 42 to travel from the back support base 45 to the front support base 46.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a slide track embodiment of an inside foot soccer pass training device. In this embodiment, a profiled cutout 48 constrains the foot carriage 42. The profiled cutout is supported by the front support base 46 and rear support base 45.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the foot placement mat 18 of an inside foot soccer pass training device. This placement mat 18 is positioned under the soccer pass training device. The mat 18 may or may not be attached to the soccer pass training device. The mat labels the correct position of the plant foot. A user places the plant foot alongside the impact device (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), about 3-6 inches away. Correct placement by a user of the plant foot provides balance to a user and also aims to their soccer pass.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of the soccer pass training device of FIG. 16. In this embodiment there is an electric sensor 41. The electric sensor is attached so that it can compute the force exerted by the foot carriage 23 on the soccer ball contact apparatus 25 and impact device carriage 24. This electric sensor allows a user to see how hard they are passing, and can also convert that impact force into a measurement of the distance a soccer ball would travel.

Claims

1. A soccer training device comprising:

a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height;

a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race; and

a tensioner configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage along the curved race.

2. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the curved race comprises a single track.

3. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the curved race is a circular arc section.

4. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the tensioner includes a flywheel.

5. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the tensioner is configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage in a first direction along the curved race and assist the movement of the foot carriage in a second direction along the curved race.

6. The soccer training device of claim 5, wherein the first end of the curved race is higher than the second end of the curved race, and wherein the tensioner is configured to resist the movement of the foot carriage along the curved race when traveling from the first end to the second end.

7. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the curved race is a variable radius arc section, the curved race having an increasing radius from the first end to the second end.

8. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising an impact device, the impact device adapted to be stuck by the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves from the first end of the curved race to the second end of the curved race.

9. The soccer training device of claim 8, further comprising a sensor measuring a force imparted on the impact device when struck by the foot carriage.

10. The soccer training device of claim 8, wherein the foot carriage is configured to contact said impact device at a point approximately center to said foot.

11. The soccer training device of claim 8, further including an impact device carriage, the impact device being located on the impact device carriage, the impact device carriage riding along the curved race.

12. The soccer training device of claim 8, further including an impact device carriage, the impact device being located on the impact device carriage, the impact device carriage traveling along an impact device race.

13. The soccer training device of claim 8, wherein the impact device is adapted to permit the foot carriage to return to the first end of the curved race without striking the impact device.

14. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor measuring at least one of: force on the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves on the curved race, repetitions, exercise time, calories burned, speed of the foot carriage, simulated speed of a soccer ball, and resistance.

15. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein the foot includes a toe and a heel, and said foot carriage is further configured to position said toe higher than or equal to said heel with respect to the curved race.

16. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said foot is a moving foot, further comprising a stationary foot placement indicator, the stationary foot placement indicator indicating correct placement of a stationary foot.

17. The soccer training device of claim 1, wherein said foot is a moving foot and said stationary foot support is configured to support a stationary foot when said moving foot is on said foot carriage, further comprising a stationary foot support.

18. The soccer training device of claim 1, further comprising a base supporting the curved race, the base including removable blocks adapted to raise and lower the curved race with respect to the ground.

19. A soccer training device comprising:

a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height;

a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race; and

a resistance device, the resistance device providing a resistance force on the foot carriage as the foot carriage passes through a striking region along the curved race to simulate striking a soccer ball.

20. A soccer training device comprising:

a curved race, the curved race having a first end at a first height and a second end at a second height, and the curved raved having a middle height less than the first height and the second height;

a foot carriage configured to position a foot transverse to the race, said foot carriage riding along the curved race; and

an impact device, the impact device adapted to be stuck by the foot carriage as the foot carriage moves from the first end of the curved race to the second end of the curved race.