Soccer training target, method for practicing kicking using same, and method for advertising using same

The subject matter described herein relates to soccer training devices, methods for using such devices to practice kicking, and methods for advertising using such devices. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to a soccer training target, and a method for practicing kicking using same, and a method for advertising using same.

In different sports, aiming and focusing on a target is often critical success. For example, in soccer, in order to successfully kick a ball into the goal, a soccer player may visually focus on a portion of the soccer net inside the goal before kicking the ball in order to prevent the goalkeeper from blocking the shot. For example, soccer players often focus shots on a particular portion of the net in order to kick the soccer ball in a desired direction. By aiming and focusing on a portion of the goal, rather than the entire goal, the player increases his or her chances of scoring a goal.

Current soccer training targets are of various types. For example, many devices attach to the frame of the soccer goal. However, such devices lack one or more desirable features, such as a visual target located at the back of the goal on which a soccer player can focus and a design which is ergonomic, easily portable, and suitable for branding.

Yet another problem in the area of advertising is finding new ways to advertise to desirable advertising targets. Soccer players typically represent an important, youthful, and athletic advertising market. Accordingly, entities may desire to market products, services, events or the entities themselves to soccer players, for example at soccer games. It is common practice at soccer games to distribute soccer related products that are branded with company logos. For example, hats or other articles of clothing or soccer balls may be branded with company logos. However, each of these products are disposable and have limited useful lives. Accordingly, there exists a need for new ways to market a product, a service, an entity, or an event to soccer players.

In light of these difficulties, there exists a long felt need for a soccer training target, a method for practicing kicking using same, and a method for advertising using same.

The subject matter described herein includes a soccer training target, a method for practicing kicking a soccer ball using same, and a method for advertising using same.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a soccer training target is provided. The soccer training device includes a target panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hole for hanging the target panel from a soccer net, the target panel comprising a rigid member. At least one visual target is located on the target panel, where the target panel is configured to receive impact from soccer balls during kicking practice. An attachment device is insertable into the at least one hole for hanging the target panel from the soccer net.

According to yet another aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for advertising at least one of an entity, a product, a service or an event to soccer players. The method includes placing a logo for an entity, a product, a service, or an event on each of a plurality of soccer training targets, where each soccer training target comprises target panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hole for hanging the target panel from a soccer net, the target panel comprising a rigid member. There also being a visual target on the target panel for providing a soccer player with an area of visual focus and being configured to receive impact from soccer balls during kicking practice and. The method further includes distributing the soccer training targets with the logos to soccer players.