Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Practice or training device
Utility Patent
1998-10-27
2001-01-02
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Practice or training device
C473S429000, C473S446000
Utility Patent
active
06168539
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises an elastic return cord and a non-elastic cord attached to the ball to permit spinning of the ball and return of the ball in a controlled manner.
In the game of soccer, it is important to have good ball control, to be able to make accurate passes, to have good kick control, and confidence in ones ability to repeatably kick the ball with anticipated and expected returns.
It is desirable to be able to practice kicking a soccer ball without the necessity of having another party retrieve the ball or having to retrieve the ball themselves. It may also be desirable to practice kicking the ball in a confined area such as indoor depending upon the weather conditions and practice space available to the kicker. It is also important to provide a means for storing and retrieval of the return apparatus with relative ease.
In most instances, players cannot pass the ball with their hands when it is in motion and must use their feet. The ball is primarily guided by the angle of the ball coming off the players, head or shoe. It is possible to also guide the ball by imparting back spins, or side spins to the ball causing the ball to curve up, down, or to one side or the other.
None of the conventional return devices provide a means for kicking the ball resulting in a “controlled” spin to affect the direction and path of the ball on the ground and/or through the air. Moreover, none of the typical devices now available provide a tethering return means whereby the attachment means to the tether does not interfere with the kick.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A tether is a attached to a soccer ball at a selected single point so that a spin may be imparted to the ball upon the ball being kicked by a player. A portion of the tether is elastic and a portion of the tether is comprised of nonelastic material whereby the user can kick the ball and the ball will return to the kicker. Use of a elastic and nonelastic tether provides a means for the kicker to control the distance of the kick and the height and direction that the ball will travel upon returning to the kicker so that the ball may be kicked or butted repeatedly with reliable anticipation of the position of the ball upon the return.
For instance, by attaching the elastic portion of the tether to the ball and holding on to the nonelastic end, kicking the ball will result in its going outward from the kicker's foot at around knee height or below skimming the ground. In order to provide a higher return, the kicker can shorten the length of the nonelastic portion by adjusting his or her grip on the tether so that kicking the ball results in the ball returning at waist level or at the level of the hand when the ball reaches its farther most distance when the elastic portion is fully extended.
The instant invention is especially good for training of a goalie wherein the ball can be bounced off of the ground and return to the goalie at head level.
The preferred embodiment uses a tether which is the length of the player from the tip of his fingers to the floor, generally from eight to ten feet, wherein a the section of the tether next to the player is formed of an elastic material so that the ball can be kicked and it returns to the player with the desired speed in an anticipated direction.
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Carrithers David W.
Carrithers Law Office
Graham Mark S.
LandOfFree
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