METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING PLACE KICKING SKILLS IN SOCCER GOAL KICKING

Abstract

A training apparatus for place kicking in soccer has a goal frame including a first vertical post, a second vertical post spaced apart and connected at the tops to a horizontal cross bar, a soccer netting attached to the first and second vertical posts and to the horizontal cross bar, two or more vertical straps attached at one end to the cross bar and staked to the ground at the opposite ends thereof, two or more diagonal and or horizontal straps attached to the first and second vertical posts and residing there between, and two or more visible targets strategically attached to the soccer netting. The vertical straps and the horizontal straps intersecting to create multiple visible target zones, the two or more targets attached strategically to the soccer netting within the visible footprints of individual ones or a plurality of the created target zones.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

The present application is a Continuation -in-Part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/501,997, filed Aug. 28, 2019. All disclosure of the parent application is incorporated herein at least by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of soccer player self-development in the area of scoring goals.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

The game of soccer, also referred to as futbol (soccer) internationally, is one of the most popular sports, especially so in the professional arena. Soccer is played globally by both men and women of all ages. Boys and girls begin playing at an incredibly young age and continue to play through adulthood. As in any other sport, soccer is taught by coaches for various player positions such as goalkeeper, midfield, defender, and forward that require specific techniques of playing. Often a coaching team is required for specific and focused expertise in the different player positions each carrying specific responsibilities required for an overall successful team effort.

When a team is awarded a free kick or a penalty kick, a player is allowed by the calling referee to place the ball at specified location on the soccer field and kick it toward the goal that is defended only by a goalkeeper by rule. When a ball is kicked, its trajectory or path is not always a straight line and the desired trajectory is at least partly dependent on various parameters like wind direction and speed, spin on the ball, zone of foot-to-ball contact by the shooter, foot angle at contact with the ball, elevation of foot-to-ball contact point with reference to the regulation ball size, etc.

It takes extensive practice under watchful coaches for a player to master the art of statistically high scoring with a penalty kick. A challenge exists in that players expected to practice off time to improve their skills between team practices often involve broader or more generalized apparatus and methods for single actions of a soccer player. It would be desired that a method to keep track of the kicking technique and the accuracy of kicking be available to players off time that would enable faster development of the various skills to help a player to score consistently or with higher statistical probability. A clearly defined method for enhancing kicking or shooting skills with reference to penalty scoring opportunities does not exist in the current art.

Therefore, what is clearly needed is a soccer ball kicking skills development system including method and apparatus that may be practiced by players without dependence upon resources like special coaching.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A training apparatus for place kicking in soccer is provided including a rigid goal frame including a first vertical post, a second vertical post spaced apart and connected at the tops to a horizontal cross bar, a soccer netting attached to the first and second vertical posts and to the horizontal cross bar, two or more vertical straps attached at one end to the cross bar and staked to the ground at the opposite ends thereof, two or more diagonal and or horizontal straps attached to the first and second vertical posts and residing there between, and two or more visible targets strategically attached to the soccer netting. The two or more vertical straps and the two or more horizontal straps intersect to create multiple visible target zones, the two or more targets attached strategically to the soccer netting within the visible footprints of individual ones or a plurality of the created target zones.

In one embodiment, the rigid goal frame is a rectangular structure of a regulation size relative to width dimension and height dimension for representing a soccer goal frame. In one embodiment, the soccer netting is attached to the first and second vertical posts and to the horizontal cross bar at multiple attachment locations provided linearly and in equal spacing around the rectangular frame. In one embodiment, the rigid goal frame is fabricated of a polymer material or a metallic material and the soccer netting is fabricated of a polymer material or a fabric material.

In one embodiment, the two or more vertical straps are staked to the ground with ground hooks or stakes. In one embodiment, the two or more vertical straps are strategically positioned along the span of the horizontal cross bar, the cross bar having multiple attachment points arranged linearly and equally spaced apart across the span of the cross bar. In this embodiment, the two or more horizontal straps are strategically positioned along the vertical span of the first and second vertical posts, the vertical posts having multiple attachment points arranged linearly and equally spaced apart across the vertical span of the first and second vertical posts. In one embodiment, the two or more visible targets include larger targets and smaller targets. In one embodiment, the two or more visible targets are fabricated from a polymer material or a fabric material.

In one embodiment, the training apparatus further includes a computerized processing unit (CPU), a power source, and a set of instructions residing on a medium coupled to or otherwise residing on the CPU, and multiple strike sensors or switches connected one per to the two or more targets, the sensors or switches communicating to the CPU when triggered by a ball strike using a wireless network or through multiple wires or traces connecting the sensors or switches to the CPU.

In a variation of the just described embodiment including a CPU, the training apparatus further includes a first video camera positioned behind a player in front of the training apparatus, the first camera re-strapping video of the player taking shots on goal and sending the video or at least metrics of motion in the video to the CPU using a wireless network or a communication cable. In a further variation to the embodiment, the training apparatus further includes a second video camera positioned to one side or the other side of the player in front of the training apparatus, the second camera re-strapping video of the player taking shots on goal and sending the video or at least metrics of motion in the video to the CPU using a wireless network or a communication cable.

In one embodiment including the CPU and video re-strapping cameras, the metrics of motion re-strapped by the first video camera include trajectory, distance, and ball speed. In this embodiment, the metrics of motion re-strapped by the second video camera include foot angle of the player and elevation of the point of contact of the players foot to the ball relative to ball dimensions, and foot placement. In an alternate embodiment including electronics or no, the two or more vertical, diagonal, and horizontal straps are attachable to the soccer netting as an option other than direct attachment to the rigid goal frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a soccer field depicting a soccer net and an area proximal to a soccer net.

FIG. 2A is an elevation of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as beginners.

FIG. 2B is an elevation view of an alternative of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as level 2 and or intermediate level players.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as advanced level 2 players.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as multiple level 9.1 and or 9.2 players.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as advanced multiple level 10.1 and or 10.2 players.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as semi pro 4.1 players.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the soccer net of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as semi pro 4.2 players.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments described in enabling detail herein, the inventor provides a unique system for self-development and refinement of soccer shooting skills relative to goal scoring. It is a goal of the present intention to provide a method for improving the skill of shooting a soccer ball into a soccer goal net from various points of the soccer field where the soccer ball is placed for penalty kicks such as from the spot of a foul. It is a further goal of the invention to provide a training regimen that focusses of strengthening a player's kicking power and distance with accuracy without prematurely challenging the player avoiding player injury. It is a further goal of the invention that a concise method is provided for speeding development of the placed ball shooting techniques for players of different ages and experience levels. It is a further goal of the present invention to provide a system that re-straps and incorporates the metrics of position of the player and the player's motions made in various aspects of shooting on goal. It is a further goal of the invention to perceive movement of the goalie preemptively (predicted motion) and reaction as a result of a kick to further optimize skill of the player to kick the soccer ball into a zone of the rectangular frame of the face of a soccer goal that upon repetition statistically would be beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. The present invention is described using the following examples, which may describe more than one relevant embodiment falling within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a soccer field depicting the area proximal to a soccer goal (net) 100 enhanced with apparatus of the present invention. Soccer goal 100 may be provided in different sizes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However typically, the goal frame of goal 100 is provided at twenty-four feet long measured inside edge-to-inside edge of vertical posts and eight feet high from ground level to the bottom edge of the horizontal frame bar. The frame of goal 100 may be fabricated of aluminum or other durable materials and may be assembled in some embodiments. The frame of goal 100 occupies a vertical plane orthogonal to the surface soccer field or general practice field a player is practicing on and parallel to the field edge (if on a soccer field). Goal 100 also may have opposing angled or cornered sides and a top side as is well known with standard soccer goals. The frame goal supports a standard soccer scoring net which includes the cornered sides a top portion and a back portion.

In this embodiment, there are numerous areas marked on the field in front of goal 100. For example, a rectangular goal area (GA) is identified by a physical rectangle 60 placed parallel to the goal frame of soccer goal 100. The goal area represents the area where the goalie may move within when defending against a goal shot and may be provided in field regulation size or smaller if goal 100 is provided in a version smaller than regulation size, in which case the goal area would be of proportionally relevant size.

A penalty mark (PM) is a point twelve yards front and center of goal 100 where a referee places the soccer ball in the event of a classic penalty shot taken if a foul is committed in a certain defined distance from the goal line. A twelve-yard penalty line 120 is provided parallel to the goal line and dissecting the penalty mark. A penalty area (PA) is provided and defined by a rectangle 106 defining a rectangular area where in if a foul is committed against an offensive player dribbling or shooting the soccer ball, a penalty shot is awarded to the fouled player by the referee. Rectangle 106 is 118 yards out from the goal line and is proportionally longer than the goal area rectangle 60 (GA) and holds true position with the goal area. Finally, a penalty arc (PA) is provided that defines an arcuate area that is centered to the 18-yard line (106) extending outside of the penalty box. The specific yardage and feet dimensions recited throughout this specification may vary and the invention is not specifically limited to these dimensions.

The identified areas in front of goal 100 may be physical marker tape, plastic fold-able rectangles, or painted or measured and drawn marks without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment soccer cones may be used to reference the boundaries and arc and markers may be visualized from the cones without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is noted herein that the following examples depict apparatus for dissecting the area of the perpendicular goal frame for targeting purposes bases on designated level of players and that the areas and marks defined in front of goal 100 may be static or up to regulation size for each level of skill represented.

FIG. 2A is an elevation of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as beginners. In this view, the frame area of soccer goal 100 is dissected diagonally across the face of the frame of goal 100 using two physical straps 104a and 104b to create four target zones whereby each zone is provided with a zone-central target represented herein as targets 103a through 103d representing the preferred landing points at the back of the soccer net 102 for the soccer ball to hit after a shot relative to targeting each zone. Straps 104a and 104b may be fabricated of a durable canvass material and may be more strap like than strap like. Straps may be supported by inner cords running through two layers of strap material. Straps may be made of adhesive material, or may connect to the net in various ways. Straps may be from 1-3″ in width. Net 102 may include sides 102a and 102b, as well as a top side 102c. Targets may be placed in these areas from the goal posts. Additional posts or seams may be included that demarcate the two sides 102a and 102b, although they are not shown in all figures for clarity.

In one embodiment, straps such as 104a and 104b are cut from an elastic strap of a sufficient diameter for player visibility purposes. Strap 104a is attached at one end to the top of vertical post 107a of the frame of goal 100 and at the other end to the bottom of vertical post 107b. Strap 104b is attached at one end to the top of goal post 107b and at the other end to the bottom of goal post 107a. Straps may be attached in a variety of ways, including clips, hooks, hook and eye fabric systems such as Velcro™. Targets 103a, 103b, 103d, and 103c are attached at approximate centers of the four respective target zones, the targets attached to net 102 in a variety of similar fastening options as previously described.

It is duly noted herein that the system of the invention comprising the goal 100 including straps 104a and 104b and targets 103a through 103d are adapted for a beginner level, for example, soccer players aged 7 through 10 (U10 team level referencing 10 and under). It is also noted that the system of the invention may be set up and used by a player off time without requiring a coach or observing personnel or it may be used in a team practice and set up by a coach or assistant for forward and mid field shooting practice.

Referencing the areas depicted in front of goal 100 in FIG. 1 in light of use relative to a beginner, a regulation size soccer ball for U10 may be placed anywhere on line 120 (twelve yards from goal line) for a player who proceeds to kick the soccer ball repetitively from any placement point on the line 120 into the different target zones, preferably aiming for the central targets 103a-103d attached to the net behind each zone. Multiple shots may be executed by the player from any point along the twelve-yard line (120). Accuracy in hitting the targets increases with practice using the system of the present invention. In one embodiment, a player may team up with a second player to play the goalie wherein the player attempt to hit the target in the zone most likely to be out of the goalies reach. In another embodiment, a player may place a cone anywhere within rectangle 60 to represent the goalie attempting to defend against the shots, each time aiming for the zone and target away from the position of the goalie.

FIGS. 2B-2C are an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 2A with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as level 2 and or intermediate level players. In this view, strap 104a and strap 104b are not modified from the configuration depicted in FIG. 2A above. However, a vertical strap 204 is provided to dissect the diagonal configuration 104a, 104b in half. Strap 204 may be of the same materials as the other straps 104a and 104b, and may be attached to a grounded stake on the ground at one end and to the center of the horizontal bar between posts 107a and 107b designated herein as (101)

In this embodiment, six target zones are created by adding 204 to the configuration. In correlation, six targets referenced herein as targets 103a, 203a, 203b, 203c, 203d, and 103c are provided and attached to net 102 one target per target zone, the target occupying substantial center of the host zone. Referring temporarily to FIG. 1, a soccer ball may be placed anywhere on line 120 and the process repeats where the player kicks the placed ball into any one of the six target zones aiming at one of the six targets.

In one aspect, specific practice routines may be created. For example, two sets of three soccer balls might be placed in a spaced apart fashion on the twelve-yard line or further out on past the 18-yard line up to 20 or 25 feet from the goal line where the two ball sets are placed at opposing sides at equal but opposite angles from the center of the goal frame of goal 100. In this light, a player may work both feet taking shots with the right foot with the ball set occupying the right side and taking shots with the left foot with the ball set placed on the left side, each shot aiming for a specific zone and target appropriate for the angle and, perhaps the position of a goalie.

The objective of dissecting the configuration by adding 204 is to create a more challenging scenario more targets and same number of smaller zones around each target thereby sharpening the accuracy of the players shots. The method for beginners and intermediate level 2 players may be the same for beginners and level 2 players as described above wherein a difference between beginners and intermediate level might be ball placement distances and angles from the goal line of goal 100.

For example, for intermediate level 3, the ball or ball sets may be placed out to 35-40 or even 50-60 feet away from the goal line one the left, right, or at center relative to the horizontal bar (101) of goal 100. Ball sets may be spaced tightly or further apart along a horizontal line or along an arc without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The distance and angle of ball placement may also depend in part on the known capacity or capability of a player relative to skill set.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as advanced level 2 players. This level may still be appropriate for more advanced players of ages 7-10 years or U10. It may be noted that U12 may also use the same configurations and ball placement metrics without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this embodiment, the soccer frame of goal 100 is configured differently with no diagonal straps like 104a and 104b but with two vertical straps referenced herein as straps 304a and 304b similar to strap 204 of FIG. 2C. Additionally, there are two horizontal straps provided and referenced herein as straps 306a and 306b.

Vertical straps 304a and 304b are attached at one end to the horizontal bar (101) of the frame of goal 100 and at the other end to stakes or ground hooks on the field. In a preferred configuration for the level described, vertical strap 306a is spaced vertically 6 feet or thereabout from goal post 107a and vertical strap 304b is spaced vertically 6 feet from goal post 107b. Horizontal strap 306a is attached between vertical posts 107a and 107b parallel to 101 spaced below it by 30 inches. Horizontal strap 306b is attached between posts 107a and 107b parallel with 101 and spaced about 30 inches up from ground level.

This configuration creates 9 rectangular target zones. Eight targets are attached to net 102 in this configuration, the targets referenced herein as targets 303a through 303h. In this target arrangement, four of targets 303a through 303h are located approximately at center and one target per in four of the nine target zones, namely targets 303c, 303d, 303g, and 303h. In this configuration the center target zones do not host any targets because focus is instead given to the left and right posts at this level which is harder to defend from the perspective of a goalie. In the top left and top right target zones there are two targets placed in each rectangular target zone. 303a and 303b spaced apart at the same elevation in the left most rectangular zone and 303e and 303g spaced apart at the same elevation in the right most rectangular zone.

Targets 303a through 303h are shot at by advanced level 2 players from distances of 35 feet to 50 feet from the goal line ideally, however the player may also shoot at these targets from wherever the player feels comfortable shooting from without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As a player advances in skill level the player may place the soccer ball incrementally further back from the goal line and repeat the process. The player may not be advised to place the ball too far from goal as that would require extreme effort in shooting the ball and could cause muscle damage or soft tissue damage due to over effort. Shots on goal should be executed with power and finesse and not be labored.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as multiple level 9.1 and or 9.2 players. In this configuration there are two horizontal straps attached between posts 107a and 107b. These straps are referenced herein as strap 403a and 403b. Strap 403a is parallel to 101 and spaced approximately 31 inches below the cross bar. Strap 403b is also parallel to 101 and is placed approximately 31 inches below strap 403a.

In this configuration there are six vertical straps 404a through 404f all attached at one end to 101 and the other at ground stakes or hooks. In this arrangement for 9.1 level players, on the left of goal 100 vertical straps 404a, 404b, and 404c are spaced from vertical post P1 toward center goal by two- and one-half feet, five feet, and 9 feet, respectively. On the other side of goal, vertical straps 404f, 404e, and 404d are spaced from vertical post 107b by the same dimensions creating a symmetric zone.

In this configuration and at this level of 9.1 player, there are two target zones of the 21 created zones that are blocked (not supposed to hit) by no hit-targets 405a on the left of middle and 405b on the right of middle of goal 100. Hard targets such as those described above are not visible in this view but may be assumed present in any of the unblocked zones. In one embodiment a player simply focuses at this level to hit each of the unblocked zones which may not require visible targets attached to net 102. In this configuration and referring to FIG. 1, players may place the ball on the 18-yard line (106) and place kick from any point along the line. Players are challenged more at this level to develop muscle memory and refine accuracy with smaller zones that may be shot at using the right foot or the left foot. Practice to make both the left and right foot accurate is a critical component of the system of the invention because it makes forwards and midfielders who commonly shoot more versatile on the field.

In a slight variation of the configuration shown, vertical straps 404a and 404f may be shifted toward center goal another 6 inches to even up the six rectangular target zones at each side of goal 100 making it somewhat easier for the 9.1 or 9.2 level players at the designated level to hit targets before moving to a next more stringent level of shot complexity.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as advanced multiple level 10.1 and or 10.2 players. This configuration employs only four vertical straps referenced herein as straps 504a through 504d, and only two horizontal straps 503a and 503b. The vertical straps 504a-504d are attached at one end to 101 and at the other to ground stakes or ground hooks as previously described in previous configurations. Horizontal straps 503a and 503b are attached between vertical posts 107a and 107b and held parallel with 101.

Horizontal strap 503a is placed in this configuration about 32 inches below the horizontal bar (101) and horizontal strap 503b is placed about 32 inches below the horizontal strap 503a. Vertical straps 504a and 504b are placed at two feet from 107a and five feet from 107a respectively toward center goal. Vertical straps 504d and 504c are placed at two feet from 107b and five feet from 107b respectively toward center goal. In this configuration, a center zone 505 is a no shoot zone and may also double as a space for advertising or displaying a team sponsorship logo or a montage of sponsor logos.

In one embodiment, the configuration may be modified for level 10.2 players by providing a pair of mobile smaller vertical straps (not visible) provided as an option for the purpose of creating smaller target zones. The smaller vertical straps may be approximately 33 inches long and may be placed in the center area of goal 100 and moved independently from side to side as needed to create smaller target zones to the left or to the right of goal center or at goal center of goal 100. It may be noted that in this configuration each target zone created may be assumed a target whether fabric targets are attached to net 102 in alignment with created zones or not. As a player improves and advances levels and with more zones created actual targets which are highly visible are not necessarily required in order to practice the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as semi pro 4.2 players. In this configuration, there are two vertical straps 601a and 601b and two horizontal straps 604a and 604b. Vertical straps 601a and 601b are attached at one end to 101 and are attached to stakes or ground hooks at the other end. In this configuration, vertical strap 601a is placed at a distance of approximately four feet from goal post 107a. Vertical strap 601b is placed at a distance of four feet from goal post 107b. For different levels, or more difficult levels, the distance of 601a and 601b from the goal posts 107a and 107b may be 2 feet or 2.5 feet or even 3 feet. One embodiment may start at 4 feet and then shorten the distance as the player masters each distance.

Horizontal strap 604a is attached to post 107a and 107b residing there between and may be set at 30 inches below the horizontal bar (101) of goal 100. Horizontal strap 604b is attached to post 107a and 107b residing there between and may be set approximately 30 inches above ground level. Of nine rectangular zones created by this dissection, six of the zones represent target zones in this embodiment. There are three target zones on the left of center of goal 100 and three more on the right of center.

In the six rectangular areas designated as target zones, there are six targets 603a through 603f attached to net 102 and disposed evenly one target per target zone wherein the targets are substantially centered within each host zone. Like the previous configuration, the recommended start relative to place kicking distance may begin at approximately 35 feet from goal line of goal 100 and may be gradually or incrementally moved out to about 65 feet from the goal line of goal 100. Essentially, the object is similar to that of level 4.1 players with a difference in that the target zones are much smaller. For example, vertical straps 601a and 601b may be placed approximately two feet-to-two and one-half feet from the respective vertical goal posts 107a and 107b. This configuration focuses on cross-to-far post shooting from the left or the right foot. Shots may also be placed to near post from either side as part of the repetitive practice round.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of soccer goal 100 of FIG. 1 with straps and targets placed to guide players designated as master multiple level players. In this configuration which represents the top tier of the practicing system of the invention includes six vertical straps referenced herein as vertical straps 703a through 703f and two horizontal straps referenced herein as horizontal straps 704a and 704b.

Vertical straps 703a through 703f are attached at one end to the horizontal cross bar (101) of goal 100 and at the other end to stakes or ground hooks. Vertical straps 703a, 703b and 703c are placed at approximately two feet, seven and one-half feet, and ten and one-half feet respectively away from vertical post 107a while vertical straps 703f, 703e and 703d are placed at the same approximate distances respectively away from vertical post 107b. As in FIG. 6, the distance from goal post 107a and 107b may be adjusted as required. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 7, targets 706a-c and 706i-k may be placed on the side panels of net 102. Targets may also be placed on the upper panel (not shown) of net 102.

Horizontal strap 704a is attached to vertical post 107a and 107b residing there between and set at approximately 30 inches below the horizontal bar (101) and the other horizontal strap 704b is attached to 107a and 107b and resides there between and is spaced approximately 34 inches below 704a, both straps parallel to 101. There are eighteen potential target zones created and one center zone created by this dissection of the face of goal 100, the center zone occupied by a goalie presence 710. The goalie presence 710 in the center zone may take the form of a live person acting as a present goalie, or as a silhouette goalie attached to net 102 to give a life like perspective of a goalie from further out where master level players will be shooting from.

In this configuration, there are ten target zones five zones on each side of center of goal 100. There are thirteen targets 706a through 706m that are provided and disposed evenly at approximate center of each target host zone and attached to net 102. This configuration represents a set up practice shooting target set that enables players to progress to master class in the area of shooting, preferably from either foot showing no bias for left or right.

As described above repetitively the placement distance of the ball from the goal line of goal 100 may start around 35 feet distant up to approximately 65 feet worked gradually or incrementally such as in ten-foot increments between sets of repeated shots at the same distance. The goal is the same at master level to build muscle memory to place the ball effortlessly and decisively into the rectangles representing target zones containing smaller targets or no targets if ordered.

In another embodiment of the invention, rather than attaching straps to the frame (vertical posts and cross bar) and free ends of vertical straps to the ground, net 102 may be adapted to be easily prepared with the appropriate straps and targets attached to the net while spread over the ground before attaching net 102 to the frame of goal 100. In a variation to this embodiment, net 102 may be attached to the frame of goal 100 and a user or player may apply the targets and vertical, horizontal, and diagonal straps directly to the net while the net is in place vertically on the frame of goal 100.

In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention may be connected electronically to a computer system, the unit including at least a computer processing unit (CPU), a power source, and a set of instructions residing on a medium coupled to or otherwise residing on the CPU that enables tracking of practice activity by players including identifying the players and their levels, and tracking the number of shots, target hits and misses and the like. Electronic switches may be provided and disposed behind the targets, the switches signaling to the CPU ad executed instruction set (SW) when hit wherein an accounting of the repeated hits per session or practice round are quantified.

The switch elements may communicate with the computer system, in one embodiment using wireless communication capability such as Bluetooth. The switch elements might also be plug and play devices connected to a communication board on the CPU by wire bundle. Other metrics of player practice activity may be re-strapped and or manually input into the CPU of the computer system locally or via remote communication from a mobile device such as a cellular telephone for example. In such an embodiment, a player setting up for practice may configure the net, connect, and activate the targets, turn on the CPU and, in one embodiment may also send data to the CPU and receive data from the CPU using a personal computing device like a cellular phone or a notebook/tablet computer having wireless communication capability like Bluetooth.

In a variation of this embodiment, a video camera re-strapped may be positioned behind the player to video the practice round of kicking shots. In one embodiment, the video system may send the video to the CPU for further processing according to the instruction set executed on the CPU. Other sensors may be provided to re-strap other physical data that might be useful over simply whether targets are hit or missed. For example, a sensor may be provided and connected to the CPU that re-straps or monitors wind direction and speed. A sensor might be provided to detect the strike force of the ball against targets. Another sensor might be provided and connected to the CPU for clocking ball speed of each kick.

The system of the invention may include another video re-strapped, or a second re-strapped positioned at the side of the player to re-strap the foot placement and angle of the foot at the moment of contact with the ball including the elevation of the contact point on the ball and report that to the CPU. In one embodiment of the invention, the data collected and processed by the computing system connected to goal 100 may be retrieved by a player or pushed to the player from the CPU to a thin client application operating on the players computing device allowing the player to review video, read statistics, and chart improvement in specific skills relative to skill levels.

It will be apparent with skill in the art that the soccer shooting training system of the present invention may be provided using some or all the elements described herein. The arrangement of elements and functionality thereof relative to the shooting training system of the invention is described in different embodiments each of which is an implementation of the present invention. While the uses and methods are described in enabling detail herein, it is to be noted that many alterations could be made in the details of the construction and the arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The present invention is limited only by the breadth of the claims below.

Claims

1. A training apparatus for place kicking in soccer comprising:

a rigid goal frame including a first vertical post, a second vertical post spaced apart and connected at the tops to a horizontal cross bar;

a soccer netting attached to the first and second vertical posts and to the horizontal cross bar;

two or more vertical straps attached at one end to the cross bar and staked to the ground at the opposite ends thereof;

two or more diagonal and or horizontal straps attached to the first and second vertical posts and residing there between; and

two or more visible targets strategically attached to the soccer netting;

wherein the two or more vertical straps and the two or more horizontal straps intersect to create multiple visible target zones, the two or more targets attached strategically to the soccer netting within the visible footprints of individual ones or a plurality of the created target zones.

2. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid goal frame is a rectangular structure of a regulation size relative to width dimension and height dimension for representing a soccer goal frame.

3. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the soccer netting is attached to the first and second vertical posts and to the horizontal cross bar at multiple attachment locations provided linearly and in equal spacing around the rectangular frame.

4. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rigid goal frame is fabricated of a polymer material or a metallic material and the soccer netting is fabricated of a polymer material or a fabric material.

5. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more vertical straps are staked to the ground with ground hooks or stakes.

6. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more vertical straps are strategically positioned along the span of the horizontal cross bar, the cross bar having multiple attachment points arranged linearly and equally spaced apart across the span of the cross bar.

7. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more horizontal straps are strategically positioned along the vertical span of the first and second vertical posts, the vertical posts having multiple attachment points arranged linearly and equally spaced apart across the vertical span of the first and second vertical posts.

8. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more visible targets include larger targets and smaller targets.

9. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more visible targets are fabricated from a polymer material or a fabric material.

10. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a computerized processing unit (CPU), a power source, and a set of instructions residing on a medium coupled to or otherwise residing on the CPU, and multiple strike sensors or switches connected one per to the two or more targets, the sensors or switches communicating to the CPU when triggered by a ball strike using a wireless network or through multiple wires or traces connecting the sensors or switches to the CPU.

11. The training apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a first video camera positioned behind a player in front of the training apparatus, the first camera re-strapping video of the player taking shots on goal and sending the video or at least metrics of motion in the video to the CPU using a wireless network or a communication cable.

12. The training apparatus of claim 11, further including a second video camera positioned to one side or the other side of the player in front of the training apparatus, the second camera re-strapping video of the player taking shots on goal and sending the video or at least metrics of motion in the video to the CPU using a wireless network or a communication cable.

13. The training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the metrics of motion include trajectory, distance, and ball speed.

14. The training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the metrics of motion include foot angle of the player and elevation of the point of contact of the players foot to the ball relative to ball dimensions, and foot placement.

15. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more vertical, diagonal, and horizontal straps are attachable to the soccer netting as an option other than direct attachment to the rigid goal frame.

16. A method for practicing target place kicking of at least one soccer ball toward a soccer training apparatus, the apparatus including a rigid goal frame and a net attachable across the frame, the net and or frame supporting two or more modular and position-adjustable cords placed vertically, horizontally, and or diagonally across the frame creating two or more target zones containing one or more targets attached to the net within one or more of the created target zones including;

(a) securing the net, the cords, and the targets in desired positions for use;

(b) placing at least one soccer ball on the field at a first known distance from the goal frame;

(c) kicking the at least one soccer ball aiming for a target within a zone from the point of placement;

(d) logging strikes and otherwise recording the activity;

(e) placing the at least one soccer ball at a second known distance from the goal frame, the second distance further away from the frame than the first distance;

(f) repeat (c) and (d) relative to the second distance;

(g) placing the at least one soccer ball at a third known distance from the goal frame, the third distance further away from the frame than the second distance;

(h) repeat (c) and (d) relative to the third distance.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein in (a) the number of cords and targets secured in place is dependent at least in part on the level of skill of the kicker of the soccer ball.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein in (b) there are more than one soccer balls placed at the first, second, and third known distances, the balls spaced apart to the right side, center, and left side of the training apparatus.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein in (b) the first distance is six yards from frame, in (e) the second distance is twelve yards from frame, and in (g) the third distance is eighteen yards from frame.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein in (d) recording may be performed electronically using one or more video cameras placed behind and or at the side of the kicker, and logging strikes may be performed electronically using a computer processing unit (CPU) having leads connected to or otherwise wirelessly networked with sensors or switches attached to or embedded in the targets.