Sports Training Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A sports training apparatus that is particularly suitable for teaching close ball control to soccer players. The apparatus preferably assumes the form of a ring surrounding a player. The ring rests on the ground. The ring is preferably formed by a series of interlocking planar elements. Each planar element has an impact face oriented toward the player. Each impact face includes at least one target area. The invention includes a control device that activates a stimulus associated with one or more target areas in any desired sequence or randomly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of an earlier-filed non-provisional application having Ser. No. 11/887,093. Application Ser. No. 11/887,093 was itself a U.S. national stage filing claiming the benefit of PCT/GB2006/001141.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of sports and sports training. More specifically, the invention comprises a portable device that is useful for practicing close ball control in the sport of soccer (football).

2. Description of the Related Art

This invention relates to a sports apparatus and is particularly, but not exclusively, related to such apparatus for improving the skills, particularly close ball control, coordination, and agility of soccer (football) players.

Sports training devices adapted for training a soccer player are known, for example from GB Patent Application No. 2332630A, in which a player must successively touch or kick a plurality of spaced targets. This apparatus is therefore essentially a training aid for improving general fitness since it does not require the presence of a ball. Another known form of apparatus consists of an array of targets on a vertical wall which is intended for use by soccer players for shooting practice to improve the accuracy of shooting. None of the known arrangements are designed to improve close ball control.

One of the most important skills in soccer is close control of the ball and the speed at which this is achieved, to enable a player with the ball to pass opponents to get into a shooting or passing position. The present invention seeks to provide apparatus for improving ball skills, particularly close ball control, and generally improving the coordination and agility of the player.

The present invention preferably surrounds the player so that the player may be taught to pass the ball in any direction. This requirement necessitates a fairly large device. However, it is generally impractical to leave the device in one position on the playing field. Rather, it is preferable to provide a portable device that may be quickly set up, used, and removed. Thus, since the device must be fairly large, it is desirable to break the device into pieces that may be assembled together to create the training scenario. Each of the pieces should be small enough and light enough to be carried by a single person.

However, it is important for the reader to understand the range of forces involved when the training device is in use. Throughout this disclosure the word “soccer” will be used to refer to the sport that is known as “soccer” in the United Stated and generally known as “football” elsewhere. In the sport of Soccer it is important for a player to know how to control the ball and pass the ball in many different directions. A kick is used to pass the ball. The strength of the kick is largely determined by the length of the pass. A short pass may only required a soft kick. However, some passes will need to be over a distance of 30 meters or more. In these instances, a much harder kick is required.

The impact forces generated within the training device are important to the device's design. While these forces are well understood by those skilled in the art, a brief explanation may benefit the reader's understanding. A regulation soccer ball must have a mass between about 410 and 450 grams (14 to 16 ounces). When a player kicks the ball, the resulting ball velocity varies greatly depending on the player's intent. A skillful player shooting toward the goal can produce a ball velocity between 27 and 36 meters per second (60 to 80 mph). A long pass is kicked at a lower velocity—typically 20 meters per second (44 mph). A short pass is much slower, more like 8 to 10 meters per second (about 20 mph).

The inventive training device is preferably able to withstand the forces generated by a high-speed pass. The energy of a 0.45 kg soccer ball traveling at 20 m/s is 90 kg·m²/s₂. The impulse of a ball traveling at this velocity is 9.0 kg·m/s. A good range for the impulse of a soccer ball used in this type of training is between 1.0 kg·m/s and 12.0 kg·m/s.

This level of impulse must be absorbed by the structure of the present invention as it is used for training. Since the preferred embodiments include connections between many individual pieces, the connections must be designed with the relevant forces in mind.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention comprises a sports training apparatus that is particularly suitable for teaching close ball control to soccer players. The apparatus preferably assumes the form of a ring surrounding a player. The ring rests on the ground. The ring is preferably formed by a series of interlocking planar elements. Each planar element has an impact face oriented toward the player. Each impact face includes at least one target area.

The invention includes a control device that activates a stimulus associated with one or more target areas in any desired sequence or randomly. Each target area includes an impact sensing device that determines when the ball has struck the particular target. The control device may use the impact sensing information to control the sequence of stimulus activation or may, for example, keep a particular stimulus activated until the ball strikes the target associated with that particular stimulus.

Each target may comprise a rebound board whose coefficient of restitution between a ball impacting the board and the impact surface of the board is comparatively high to provide a rapid rebound.

Each target may be activatable by an alert signal, such as an acoustic and/or visual signal, generated at the target to attract the attention of a ball player who is then required by kicking a ball, to impact the activated target.

Each target may also comprise means arranged to detect ball impacts) and to record such impact(s) as a score.

The time between consecutive alert signals from different activated targets can be altered, to change the difficulty of the activity.

In a preferred embodiment of sports apparatus in accordance with the invention to be described in more detail hereinbelow, the plurality of targets, preferably in the range of four to six, is arranged in a circle, with the ball player being positioned generally at the centre of the circle. Alternatively, targets may be in a continuous array about a centre but at varying distances from said centre.

The radius of that circle and shape of the array, that is to say, the distance between the ball player at its centre and each target can be varied, again to alter the difficulty of the activity.

The targets may be free-standing and may be provided as a kit which is portable.

Preferably the apparatus is controlled using a control unit. The control unit may be a computer in the form of a hand-held computer, PDA, or smart phone.

Preferably the apparatus further includes one or more sensors located in the floor area. These sensors may be located in a floor mat which is connected to a control unit of the apparatus.

Preferably the apparatus includes visual display means. The display means may include LCD monitors positioned above the head height of the player.

Preferably the apparatus includes a canopy. The canopy may be supported with a frame and surrounds the circular array. The canopy may be a net.

A second aspect of the invention resides in sports apparatus comprising a plurality of targets arranged in an array in a generally vertical plane, ball delivery means arranged to deliver balls to a player spaced in front of the target array, and ball returning means arranged to collect used balls and return them to the ball delivery means, wherein the targets have zero or at least substantially zero coefficients of restitution, so that after impacting a target, a ball will not rebound to any great extent, if at all, and merely fall under gravity to the ball collecting and returning means.

In a preferred embodiment of sports apparatus in accordance with this second aspect of the invention to be described in more detail hereinbelow, the targets are mounted to one or more vertical screens, or curtains, for example, three curtains arranged on three sides of a rectangle, with a ball player positioned generally centrally thereof.

The curtains and associated components may be packed into a kit which is preferably portable.

The ball delivery means may comprise equipment similar to a tennis ball server but for use with larger balls, such as soccer balls, being delivered to the player at a lower velocity than tennis balls.

The ball delivery means may be located at any suitable position with respect to the target array and the means for collecting and returning used balls back to the ball delivery means may comprise a channel or other similar arrangement. If the target array is in a generally vertical plane, then such means may be at the lower region of or below the target array.

As in the case of the first aspect of sports apparatus defined above, each target may be activatable, to attract the attention of the ball player, whilst each target may also have ball impact detecting means for recording impacts on each target as a score.

Each target may be activatable, to attract the attention of the ball player, whilst each target may also have ball impact detecting means for recording impacts on each target as a score.

Preferably, means are provided for taking a player's score. Also those scores may be recorded and displayed to other players over the Internet via a suitable computer link, such as a PC, and software.

In a preferred embodiment, a connection for a mobile telephone or other telecommunications apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving data, audio and/or video signals is provided.

The mobile telephone or other such telecommunications apparatus, when connected to the sports apparatus, for example, a control unit thereof, can be used to activate the or each target of the sports apparatus, to generate an alert signal thereat, thereby attracting the attention of a player who then has to cause the ball to impact the activated target. The mobile telephone or other telecommunications can then be used to record the score of a player which, optionally, could be accessed by other remote players, possibly worldwide.

In order to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce the possibility of players cheating, the mobile telephone or other telecommunications apparatus could include a video facility for recording images of each player using the sports apparatus and recording a score.

In that regard, the apparatus may be provided with a suitable means for physically supporting such a mobile telephone or other telecommunications apparatus with a video facility in the region of the sports apparatus during play, so that a player's game can be fully recorded on video. Such may also be available to other, remote players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing how the individual planar elements are assembled to form a ring.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, showing the construction of an individual planar element.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the planar elements in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing the addition of visual display monitors to the assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing the addition of a floor-based sensor in the enclosure formed by the planar elements.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment for the floor sensors.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the addition of a canopy.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment of the planar elements configured to interact with a video game.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view, showing an alternate embodiment for a target surface.

FIG. 10 is a plan view, showing a circular array of targets and a controller.

FIG. 11 is a plan view, showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view, showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view, showing an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view, showing an embodiment of the invention that interacts with a portable computing device such as a smart phone.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS
1	sports practicing apparatus	2	panel
3	impact face	4	cam activated clamp
5	speaker	6	electrical connector
7	sensor mount	8	target area
9	display	10	sensor
11	sensor	12	frame
13	canopy	14	floor mat
101	sports practicing apparatus	102	target
103	player	105	control unit
106	wiring	107	wiring
111	sports practicing apparatus	112	rebound board
113	player	114	target
115	ball delivery device	116	soccer ball
117	channel	118	curtain
201	sports practicing apparatus	202	target
203	player	205	control unit
206	wiring	207	wiring
208	input connection	209	mobile telephone
212	rebound board

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sports practicing apparatus 1 comprises an array of six interlocking planar elements or panels 2, which are arranged and locked together in the form of a closed hexagon. The planar elements 2 are generally rectangular in form. It is envisaged that further panels 2 may be provided such that the form of the interlocking panels is substantially circular. In an alternative arrangement, the panels may be secured together in an adjustable manner so that the shape of the array can be non-uniform. The panels 2 are preferably formed of a rigid material such as plastic. The panels 2 are joined together using coupling or connecting means which in this embodiment is a cam activated clamp 4, which comprises a substantially U-shaped loop formed of, for example wire, which engages with two adjacent panels, and an over centre level such as a clamp which draws the adjacent panels together such that the panels are releasably secured together.

The player stands in the middle of the hexagon during a game played with the apparatus. The panels 2 comprise an impact face or rebound board 3 which includes an impact sensor. The apparatus may also include ball delivery means. Balls with varying rebound characteristics may be provided to vary the difficulty of a training session using the apparatus 1.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a planar element or panel 2 as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the panels 2 comprises a rebound board 3 which has a sensor such as a membrane switch to detect the impact of a football hitting the panel 2. The switch is preferably mounted upon sensor mount 7. The panels 2 are provided with male and female electrical connectors 6 at each end to facilitate quick and simple assembly. The panels 2 may have a number of sensors forming a number of target areas which may vary in size so that the precise point of impact of a ball may be determined. Speakers 5 are provided on either side of the panel 2, which may be used to communicate instructions to the player. They may also be used to project game-simulating noises. An example would be the projection of interfering crowd noise and a directionally-specific cry from another player requesting that the ball be passed.

Referring to FIG. 3, each planar element or panel 2 is marked with a central target or target area 8 in the central portion of the rebound board 3. The panels may also further comprise lights or other indicators such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) to convey instruction to the player or indicate the operating status of the apparatus. As one example, a panel may include a flashing red LED indicating that the particular panel is the current “hot” target for directing a pass.

The apparatus 1 may be controlled by a control unit and software. This software may be run on an internal computing device contained within one or more of the panels, or on a separate computing device. Examples of a separate computing device include PDA's, tablet computers, laptop computers, and “smart phones.” The apparatus may be used by one player or a plurality of players.

The basic aim of a game will be to kick a football at a target 8 on rebound board 3 of a panel 2. The software will control aspects of a game such as the number of targets 8 to hit, and the delay between successive targets 8 that the player must hit. The targets 8 to be hit may be in a random or predetermined sequence. A target area 8 to be hit, may be indicated using a visual indicator or by verbal instruction through a speaker 5 of the apparatus 1 (see FIG. 2). The software may be used to provide a score for a player using the apparatus. A variety of game formats or training routines may be provided with varying levels of difficulty.

Details of players and their scores may be uploaded to a central database so that statistics may be calculated. It may also be possible to interpret the results to determine particular areas of weakness or strength in a player's skill. The results may be held on a network or internet or web-based database and players may be able to view details of other players' scores.

The sensors in the panels 2 of the apparatus 1 may be pressure sensitive such that the force of the impact may be measured and such that the weight and distance of a player's pass may be determined. The sensing area of each panel may be segregated into individual sensors so that a more accurate score of the ball placement can be made. This would store information as to the amount and direction the shot was off target.

Sensors may be provided in the ball and in the shoes of the player. These sensors may be used to monitor which foot a player uses to strike a ball and the point of impact of a player's foot on the ball. The shoes may also be sold with an electronic chip or tag which may hold data such as a unique player ID. The chips in the shoes may also be used to store data such as the scores and statistics for a player, and should a player then use a different apparatus, this data and may be transferred to the new apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 4, visual display means 9 such as LCD monitors or screens may be provided such that images or words are displayed on the screens during a game, which a player must describe or call out, before continuing with the game. The display means may also display general knowledge questions to serve as a learning aid. The apparatus may also include a voice recognition system so that a player's responses to the words or questions may be monitored. The display screens therefore seek to encourage a player to look up during or between passes. The display means 9 may also be used to display information about a player such as a player's current score or statistics.

In addition, the displays may be used to project realistic depictions of actual game play. As an example, they may depict other players on a soccer field. The user will then have to scan from monitor to monitor in order to detect when a player breaks free for a pass. If the player spots an open teammate and makes a good pass, a positive score would be awarded. Likewise, if the player “passes” the ball toward a monitor displaying an image that should discourage a pass, the player may be given a negative score.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 1 may be provided with one or more further sensors 10, 11 within the closed form of panels 2. These sensors 10, 11 may be located in a floor mat 14 which covers a floor area defined by the closed form of the panels 2. Using the sensors 10, 11 located in the floor mat 14, a chip or sensor in the ball may be used to determine where the ball is located within the closed form of the panels 2. A game may be provided whereby the ball must pass over or across certain areas on the floor mat 14. The floor sensors 10, 11 may also be used with sensors or chips in a player's boots such that the player must stand in or move between specified zones within the floor area.

The panels 2 may be provided with wireless network capability such as Bluetooth, zigbee or WiFi, such that the panels 2 may be physically separated from one another to form alternative training areas. The wireless capability would then allow the sensors in the panels 2 to communicate with a controlling computer.

Those skilled in the art will note that an errant kick may pass over the array of panels and thereby delay the training. It is therefore desirable to provide a barrier to contain the ball. Referring to FIG. 7, the apparatus 1 may include a canopy 13 supported by a frame 12 which seeks to maintain the ball within the area defined by the panels 2. In this embodiment, the canopy 13 is a net. A ball feeder may be provided to project balls into the game at different heights and speeds for players to practice volleying and heading. The canopy 13 may also comprise further target areas or sensors.

Now referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, additional details of the invention will be explained. FIG. 1 shows a sports practicing apparatus being assembled using six panels 2. The sixth panel is being lowered into position to create a completed hexagonal ring. Each panel is joined to its neighbor using a cam activated clamp 4. Two cam activated clamps 4 are shown as separate pieces in the view. These clamps may be carried as separate pieces and then used to join adjacent panels 2 together. However, it is also desirable to attach the cam activated clamps to the panels so that they are not lost. For instance, each panel 2 can include a single cam activated clamp on one end.

There are many types of suitable clamping mechanisms that could be used. In the example shown, the cam mechanism is actuated by a handle. It is in the “open” position when the handle is raised. In order to lock two panels together, the user presses the handle downward. The cam mechanism includes a “toggle-over-center” feature so that once the handle is pressed down it will remain in that position until urged upward.

A cam activated clamp is able to generate a significant amount of force and this is desirable in the present invention for several reasons. Looking at FIG. 2, the reader will note that each end of panel 2 is provided with a mating flange. This allows each panel to abut its neighbor over a fairly large surface. The mating flanges are not perfectly perpendicular to long axis of the panel 2. Instead, the mating flange is canted so that two mated panels form a bend. In the embodiment shown, six panels are used to form a complete ring. Each mating flange is therefore canted inward 30 degrees from the long axis of the panel so that two mated panels “bend” 60 degrees off what would otherwise be a straight path. The use of the 30 degree can allows six joints in six panels to create a 360 degree circle.

The abutting surfaces include electrical connectors 6 (male on one panel and female on its neighbor). The inventive assembly is subjected to considerable force and shock as the player passes a soccer ball against panels 2. In order to maintain reliable electrical connections, the electrical connectors 6 are preferably of a type that provide a substantial mating force. Examples include pin-and-socket connections, spade-and-terminal connections, and the like.

The connections will also include multiple independent conductors. Thus, mating the electrical connectors will require that multiple individual conductors be mated. Considerable force is often needed to mate such connectors. The cam activated clamps provide the needed force. Likewise, the cam activated clamps may be configured so that the first portion of the opening motion actually assists in prying the panels apart.

When a ball strikes the center of one of the panels at considerable velocity, both shear and tensile forces are placed on the connections between the abutting flanges. The cam activated clamps hold the abutting flanges together in order to resist these forces. The impact force of a soccer ball striking a panel (after a kick intended for a pass) ranges from about 50 Newtons (11 pounds force) to 300 Newtons (66 pounds force). For the hexagonal embodiments, the tensile force applied across each panel-to-panel joint varies from 29 Newtons (6.4 pounds force) to 173 Newtons (38.3 pounds force, or about 40 pounds). Applying an appropriate safety factor of 2:1 means that a good design separation strength for the panel-to-panel joints is about 346 Newtons (76.6 pounds force). The use of the cam activated clamps to draw the adjacent and abutting flanges together is a good approach to meeting the retention force requirements. In addition, although bolts and nuts could certainly be used instead, the cam activated clamps provide a simple method of assembling and disassembling the invention without the need for separate fasteners.

FIG. 2 illustrates another significant feature of the invention. Each panel 2 incorporates a speaker 5 on each of its two ends. A computing device is preferably used to control the invention. This computing device may be used to control a variety of sound stimuli that are broadcast over the speakers 5. The player will be standing in the middle of the ring of panels shown in FIG. 1. The speakers 5 may be selectively activated to project sound from any desired direction. In addition, the speakers may be employed in pairs (or greater numbers) to create “stereo” effects so that the user is given the illusion of sound originating at various ranges. This is particularly true where the sound issued by one speaker is delayed with respect to another.

The use of sound stimulus is very helpful as it trains the player to be “situationally aware.” The player is trained to be alert for sound stimuli coming from the side and possibly even behind. Returning now to FIG. 4 the reader will recall that one or more video displays 9 may also be provided. The images depicted on these video displays may be used in combination with the sounds projected by speakers 5. For example, an auditory stimulus may be provided behind the user. When the user turns, he or she will see an image on one of the displays 9 that will suggest whether a pass in that direction should be made.

The displays are preferably located high enough to train the player to look up while handing the ball. To that end, the displays should substantially above the ring of panels. Preferably they should be at least 1 meter above the ground and even more preferably about 1.5 meters above the ground.

In as simpler embodiment, the visual stimulus might simply be a visual indication on a particular panel (such as a flashing LED). This is still useful, however. An auditory stimulus could be emitted by a speaker on a panel located behind the user. This is preferably a “directionally-specific” auditory stimulus, meaning that the user perceives it as coming from a specific direction (such as by using less than all the speakers or by using fade or delay technology with some or all of the speakers to create the perception of the sound originating at a particular region in space). The user would then turn and see a flashing LED on a panel behind him (designating the “target” panel). The user would then be scored on the time required to strike the target surface on the flashing panel.

A dedicated control unit 105 (see FIG. 10) may be used to control the inventive training device and its various stimuli (including audible stimuli and visual stimuli). A smart phone or other portable computing device 209 may also be used to control the game. Such a device may be connected to the game itself using conventional wiring or wireless technology.

Whatever form the control unit takes it may preferably be used to record results, including:

1. Whether the appropriate target panel is selected;

2. Kick accuracy;

3. A pass in the direction of the appropriate stimulus;

4. A pass in the direction of an inappropriate stimulus; and

5. Kick velocity.

The control unit can even make the video and auditory stimuli interactive with the player's actions. For instance, if the play sees an open player on a video display and properly passes the ball in that direction, the player may see the ball appear (as a virtual image) on the video display and travel toward the teammate.

Looking now at FIG. 8, additional embodiments will be discussed. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of apparatus 1 that is adapted for use with a computer video game, with the rebound board 3 comprising the targets 2 serving as an input means for the computer video game.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings, sporting apparatus, indicated generally at 101, comprises a plurality of, in this case six, generally planar targets 102 arranged in a generally circular array in respective vertical planes.

Each target 102 comprises a free-standing rebound board 112 whose coefficient of restitution between a ball impacting the surface of the board 112 and the impact surface itself is comparatively high, so that a ball player 103 standing in the middle of the generally circular array of rebound boards 112 who kicks a ball against one of the rebound boards 112 will usually find that the ball will rebound back or close to the player 103.

Each target 102 can be activated electrically from a control unit 105 to generate an alert signal, in this case, an audible bleep, to attract the attention of the player 103 who then has to cause the ball to impact the rebound board 112 of that activated target 102.

The targets 102 are activated to generate respect bleeps, as alert signs, randomly. Each target 102 also comprises means (not shown) arranged to detect a ball impact thereon and to record such impact(s) via the control unit 105 as a score. Each target 102 is connected electrically to the control unit 105 by respective wiring 106, 107.

The time between consecutive alert signals generated at different individual targets can be altered at the control unit 105, to increase or decrease the difficulty of the activity.

In use of the sports apparatus 101, the player 103 stands at the centre of the circular array of targets 102. The targets 102 bleep randomly, so that the player 103 then has a given number of seconds to impact the corresponding rebound board 112 with the ball. Each time the player 103 achieves this, a score is registered at the control unit 105.

As indicated above, the difficulty level of the activity can be altered by increasing or decreasing the time between bleeps and, also, the radius of the generally circular array of targets 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawings, sporting apparatus indicated generally at 111 and in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, comprises three vertical curtains 118 defining three sides of a rectangle, the curtains 118 having an array of targets 114 mounted thereon.

A soccer ball delivery device 115 is provided through the longer central curtain 118, for delivering soccer balls 116 to a player 113 positioned generally centrally of the curtains 118.

A channel 117 extends around the lower regions of the curtains 118, for collecting and returning used balls 116 back to the delivery device 115 for subsequent delivery to the player 113.

The coefficient of restitution between the balls 116 and curtains 118 is substantially zero, which means that a ball 116 kicked against a curtain 118 merely drops under gravity to the collecting and returning channel 117 without rebounding.

In use of the apparatus 111, a curtain 118 or a specific target 114 of one of the curtains 118 is activated to generate an alert signal, such as a bleep, similar to that described above in relation to the sporting apparatus 1, of the first aspect of the invention, so that the player 113 can aim a soccer ball 116 at the curtain 118 or target 114 when receiving a ball 116 from the delivery means 115.

Similar arrangements are made for scoring when the player 113 impacts the actuated curtain 118 of target 114 with a ball 116.

The delivery device 115 can be adjusted to deliver balls 116 at head height to the player 113, above ground for volleying purposes and along the ground for passing purposes.

When a football 116 strikes a curtain 118, the zero coefficient of friction between the ball 116 and the curtain 118 prevents the football 116 from rebounding and it merely drops under gravity into the channel 117 for returning the ball 116 to the delivery device 115.

Targets 114 can be mounted strategically on the curtain, to improve heading, volleying and passing techniques of the player 113.

The components of the two sports apparatus 1, 101, 111 in accordance with the invention, as described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, may be packed into a portable kit arrangement.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 a control unit 205 may be connected to the internet via a suitable computer link, such as PC, and software, whereby players worldwide can be networked together to play against each other and have their scores recorded and displayed to other players.

Alternatively, they may be activated to generate respective bleeps, as alert signals, in a given sequence, particularly when the sports apparatus is being played by several players remove from each other whose scores are being recorded, to provide a level playing field.

Each target 202 also comprises means (not shown) arranged to detect a ball impact thereon and record such impact(s) via the control unit 205 as a score.

Each target 202 is connected electrically to the control unit 205 by respective wiring 206, 207.

The time between consecutive alert signals generated at different individual target 202 can be altered at the control unit 205, to increase or decrease the difficulty of the activity.

In use of the sports apparatus 201, the player 203 stands at the centre of the circular array of targets 202. The targets 202 bleep randomly, as described above, so that the player 203 then has a given number of seconds to impact the corresponding rebound board 212 with the ball. Each time the player 203 achieves this, a score is registered at the control unit 205.

As indicated above, the difficulty level of the activity can be altered by increasing or decreasing the timing between bleeps, and, also, the radius of the generally circular array of targets 202.

In the modification proposed, the control unit 205 is provided with an input connection 208 with an input connection 208 for a mobile telephone 209 which, then connected to the unit 205, can be used to activate each target 202, to generate the alert signal. The mobile telephone 209 can also be used to record the score of a player which, optionally, could be accessed by other remote players, possibly worldwide.

In order to eliminate or at least substantially reduce the possibility of players cheating, the mobile telephone 209 could include a video facility for recording images of each player using the sports apparatus and recorded a score.

Suitable means, such as a stand or other similar device, can be provided for supporting the mobile telephone 209 with a video facility in the region of the sports apparatus during play, so that a player's game can be fully recorded on video. Such recordings may be made available to other remote players of the particular game in question.

A worldwide network of players can be charged for the privilege of playing the game over the mobile telephone or internet network.

It is to be appreciated that the mobile telephone 209 could be replaced by any other suitable telecommunications apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving data, audio and/or video signals.

Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the language used in the claims shall define the invention rather than the specific embodiments provided.

PRIOR ART

Hay presents a target board. It can be linked with other target boards and it actually shows six linked into a hexagon. A light on one of the targets illuminates and this activates a target. The user must hit the target to extinguish the light. Does it include auditory stimulus? It does disclose player wearing a headset and hearing audio message as to the next target.

Claims

1. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball, comprising:

a. providing a plurality of panels, each of which includes, i. a first end, ii. a second end, iii. a long axis between said first and second ends, iv. an impact face between said first and second ends, v. said impact face having a target area with an impact sensor able to detect an impact of said soccer ball, vi. a first mating surface on said first end, said first mating surface having a first electrical connector, said first mating surface being canted inward with respect to said long axis, vii. a second mating surface on said second end, said second mating surface having a second electrical connector, said second mating surface being canted inward with respect to said long axis, viii. a speaker;

b. assembling a ring of said panels by mating a first mating surface on a first panel to a second mating surface on an adjacent panel until every mating surface on every panel abuts a mating surface on an adjacent panel;

c. providing a clamping mechanism for each of said panels, said clamping mechanism configured to clamp a mating surface on one panel to a mating surface on an adjacent panel;

d. activating each of said clamping mechanisms to lock all of said panels together, wherein said activation of each clamping mechanism simultaneously creates a mechanical and electrical connection between adjacent panels;

e. providing a directionally-specific auditory stimulus indicating to said player the direction of a designated target area on a designated panel;

f. providing a visual stimulus on said designated panel; and

g. monitoring said impact sensor on said designated panel to determine whether said player strikes said impact sensor with said soccer ball.

2. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a. providing a display located substantially above the ground;

b. providing images on said display to provide a visual stimulus to said player.

3. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a. providing a computer controlling said plurality of panels;

b. wherein said computer selectively provides said stimuli and records each impact of said soccer ball on said impact sensor.

4. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 1, wherein said speakers are used to emit realistic game sounds simulating an actual soccer game.

5. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 2, wherein said display presents a visual cue indicating whether a pass should or should not be made in the direction of said display.

6. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of displays surrounding said user, wherein each of said displays is located substantially above the ground.

7. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 6, wherein each of said displays presents a visual cue indicating whether a pass should or should not be made in the direction of said display.

8. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball, comprising:

a. providing a plurality of panels, each of which includes, i. a first end, ii. a second end, iii. a long axis between said first and second ends, iv. an impact face between said first and second ends, v. said impact face having a target area with an impact sensor able to detect an impact of said soccer ball, vi. a first mating surface on said first end, said first mating surface having a first electrical connector, said first mating surface being canted inward with respect to said long axis, vii. a second mating surface on said second end, said second mating surface having a second electrical connector, said second mating surface being canted inward with respect to said long axis, viii. a speaker;

b. assembling a ring of said panels by mating a first mating surface on a first panel to a second mating surface on an adjacent panel until every mating surface on every panel abuts a mating surface on an adjacent panel;

c. providing a clamping mechanism for each of said panels, said clamping mechanism configured to clamp a mating surface on one panel to a mating surface on an adjacent panel;

d. activating each of said clamping mechanisms to lock all of said panels together, wherein said activation of each clamping mechanism simultaneously creates a mechanical and electrical connection between adjacent panels;

e. wherein each of said clamping mechanisms is able to withstand a tensile force of forty pounds across a panel-to-panel joint it connects;

f. providing a stimulus indicating to said player a designated target area on a designated panel; and

g. monitoring said impact sensor on said designated panel to determine whether said player strikes said impact sensor with said soccer ball.

9. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

a. providing a display located substantially above the ground;

b. providing images on said display to provide a visual stimulus to said player.

10. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

a. providing a computer controlling said plurality of panels;

b. using said computer to provide visual stimuli on a plurality of panels; and

c. wherein said computer selectively provides said stimuli and records each impact of said soccer ball on said impact sensor.

11. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 8, wherein said speakers are used to emit realistic game sounds simulating an actual soccer game.

12. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 9, wherein said display presents a visual cue indicating whether a pass should or should not be made in the direction of said display.

13. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of displays surrounding said user, wherein each of said displays is located substantially above the ground.

14. A method for training a player to control and pass a soccer ball as recited in claim 13, wherein each of said displays presents a visual cue indicating whether a pass should or should not be made in the direction of said display.