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Kicker training device

Kicker training device description/claims

Priority is claimed to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/799,725 filed May 11, 2006

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is a portable, light weight apparatus that relates to the development of the football and soccer kicker and the associated equipment used in the process generally. But more in particular to a system and apparatuses for development of the art associated with kick-offs for football and goal kicks for soccer.

2. Description of Prior Art

The following US patents are sited. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,657,058 to Mulcahy a pitcher throwback device is disclosed that automatically returns a projected ball. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,843 to Russell, a football and soccer goal device and a kicking pad is disclosed, the goal made of pipe and netting and the pad made of a kicking tee within a holding rod for independent use without another person required to hold the ball. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,672 to Olson, a kicker training device is disclosed that measures the trajectory of balls kicked for a “field goal” or PAT. While these patents disclose a kick training device or toy, they do not disclose the elements of the present invention, including the compactness, portability or stated purpose of Kick off training. The present invention is designed to be engaged by projecting ones body over the device to simulate an actual kickoff, or goal kick. The other inventions are designed to measure the trajectory of the ball while the present embodiment is designed to measure the scope and direction of the leg swing itself. The present invention is designed to provide a barrier over which both ball and kicker must project themselves

The present invention relates to a training device to prepare athletes in the art of kicking by simulating the actual leg motion of a football kicker or any other sport where the kicking of a ball is a part of necessary essentials and mandatory formalities.

A strong, well placed kick can prove pivotal in any sport where the kicking of a ball is required. The ball is put into play after every touchdown and subsequent point after touchdown (pat) in American football, and after crossing the end line in Soccer. Accuracy, distance, and Hang time (the amount of time the ball is in the air) are of utmost importance. Since proper technique is critical, this training device allows kickers a means to, visualize, measure, quantify and achieve proper kicking technique.

In American Football, Kickoffs are an essential component in a teams eventual success in a game. In actual play, a kicker will kick a ball that is standing more or less upright with the aid of a device called a kicking tee. This device is designed to give a kicker as much access to the ball as possible. The goal of the kicker is to drive the ball as far as possible, with as much hang time as possible to allow his team the best possible advantage. This is accomplished not exclusively by long kicks. Occasionally, a coach will ask a kicker to place the ball in play by sending it to a specific yard marker with as much elevation as possible.

In Soccer, The goalie or other players are asked to place the ball in play by the means of a goal kick. This kick is designed to allow the kicking team as much advantage as possible by sending the ball deep into the opposing teams territory thus setting up scoring opportunities. Often elevation or hang time gives ones own team the advantage by allowing them to strategically position themselves to receive and then advance the ball to create scoring opportunities.

Proficiency in kickoffs and goal kicks is attained through hours of practice throughout the year. The ideal practice condition is to measure each kickoff and goal kick as to distance and hang time with a stop watch or similar means of timing. Distance and hang time are the direct product of both the force applied to a ball, and the direction in which that force is applied. Trajectory is a combination of vertical and horizontal force and angle between those combined perpendicular forces. The mathematical elements included within the physics of trajectory are horizontal force, vertical force and angle of trajectory. The trajectory and force applied to the ball is the best indicator as to the actual hang time and distance that will be achieved. Since it is often unfeasible to assign a coach or player to the sole training of a kicker, these measurements must be taken and accessed by the kicker him/her self.

There is therefore a need for a kicker training device that will allow the kicker to practice the correct motion over and over without variation. Fatigue is a strong impediment to correct kicking technique. Fatigued players have a tendency to become sloppy and not to follow through as necessary. The Kicker training device will insure, with tangible consequences that every kick is within acceptable parameters.

The present invention constitutes a new and novel method for achieving this correct kicking form. A search of the various patents bearing similar names found none that approximated or parallel the stated purpose, or the actual design of this new device.

FIG. 1 shows top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view with the soft cross member installed.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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