Football teaching system and method

Abstract

A football teaching system and method is disclosed that promotes rapid learning by novice football players who are thereby able to better visualize offensive and defensive football formations and correct stances for the individual positions thereof. The system includes twenty-two life size, vertical, two-dimensional football player models that can each be positioned at the appropriate places in the field. The football player models are labeled with a position name so that each position is easily identifiable. Football players on the line may also be numbered for easy set up by the novice players. Each football player model is in the correct stance from a frontal and rear view, such as three-point or four-point stance, as would be appropriate for the position. The overall size of the football player models corresponds to the size of the novices. The system of the present invention allows novice football players to easily visualize opposing teams and team members, as well as their placement and names for much quicker understanding. Therefore, the coach can easily explain plays to novice players in terms such as running between the left tackle and left guard without confusing the novice players. The base portion preferably includes a mount for holding the football player model upright and may include an insertion member such as a spring-loaded spike or other means such as a weight with rounded bottom that biases the model to an upright position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to football instruction and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for increasing learning speed and understanding of football techniques. [0003] 2. Description of the Background [0004] Conventional football instruction provides for placing a plurality of individuals at the various positions along the line-of-scrimmage whereupon the various positions are assigned. However, there are numerous positions for twenty-two players and it is difficult, especially for a young novice, to learn and remember what his and other respective positions are. More particularly, it is extremely difficult for the novice to remember exactly where he should move when a particular play is called. [0005] The mere act of positioning twenty-two younger players in a formation can be an exercise in frustration both for the players and the coaches. Moreover, there is a significant time factor in whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] An advantage of the present invention is that a player can get a feeling for his position and can easily see the name and relative position of others.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that the action that a player must take can be easily explained and visually understood or demonstrated in terms of the static, named, life-size cutouts.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that the football models are easy to set up in the desired position.

[0018] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims wherein is disclosed a system for teaching football to football learners on a field that comprises a plurality of football player models in two dimensional form. Each of the plurality of football player models being of a type useable for a respective football position. Each of the plurality of football player models being positionable on the field according to the respective football position and each of the plurality of football player models being depicted in a selected stance. The plurality of football players are sized according to a respective size for the age of the football learners. The plurality of football players are substantially conical or at become smaller at the top and hollow so as to be stackable. The system includes both defensive and offensive of the respective football positions. A portion of the plurality of football player models are depicted in a three point stance, a portion of the plurality of football player models being depicted in a four point stance, while another portion of the plurality of football player models being depicted in an upright stance. Signs are associated with each of the plurality of football player models. In one embodiment, at least one of the signs is interchangeable with another position signs. For improved transportability, one or more of the plurality of football player models having a carrying element such as a handle.

[0019] In operation, the method comprises lifting each of a plurality of football player models and placing each of the plurality of football player models in a desired football position to form a football formation. The football player models may then be mounted on the field, and shown to the football learners for visually learning about the football formation.

[0020] In one mode, the football player models are positioned in a defensive position having one or more holes for learning to look for and to run an offensive play therethrough. The football player models have a position name for learning of the position names relative to a specific position. In another mode of operation, a plurality of football player models are provided in linesmen positions for teaching the football learners in backfield techniques. It is desirable that the plurality of football player models are provided in a size that corresponds to an age of the football learners.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are numerous positions for twenty-two players and it is difficult, especially for a young novice, to learn and remember what his and other respective positions are.

More particularly, it is extremely difficult for the novice to remember exactly where he should move when a particular play is called.

This is often difficult to quickly grasp.

One problem with the dynamic aspects of carrying out play is that the relative static starting positions of the players are not well enough understood by novices so that communications relating to a particular location are difficult to understand, e.g., the play requires a run between the left tackle and left guard.

When a plurality of individuals are positioned on a playing field, each being designated with a different position, it is difficult for a novice in the game of football to remember exactly which position the other individuals have been assigned.

More particularly, it is extremely difficult for the novice quarterback, halfbacks or fullback to remember exactly where he should move when a particular play is called.

Therefore, if the quarterback decides that the left half back should carry the ball between the left guard and the left tackle it is sometimes difficult for the novice left halfback to remember exactly where the left guard and left tackle is positioned.

Thus, confusion often arises and the individual who is attempting to learn the game of football becomes frustrated and disappointed.

As this is a group function, a good deal of group confusion can result in a team that is demoralized, does not show up for even the limited time of practice, and therefore spirals downwardly in relative ability as compared to other teams.

Moreover, if individual novice players do not learn the plays within a short time, this failure to quickly understand impedes progress of the team as a whole.

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