Athlete Reaction Training System

Abstract

What is new in this invention is the capability to reproducibly measure athlete's reaction times and virtual save / intercepts to actual competition intercept positions, using a computer display of simulated sports projectiles and their direction, and contact, magnetic, or light triggered position detectors in actual athlete intercept positions, using their own equipment, and incorporating the critical first step. Also new is software to calculate the reaction time and virtual save / intercept from a visual cue to the appropriate intercept position, and real time reporting of the reaction times permitting real time adjustments, in reproducible ways has not been available for sports other than track and swimming. The training system enabled by this new invention consists of sessions of prescribed, measurable reaction training for athletes—which has not been previously available—random and sequence sessions for positioning, reaction time, and virtual save / intercept, with reporting allowing standardized reaction time comparisons over time and between athletes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 863,345 Filed Oct. 27, 2006 Athlete Reaction Training System (ARTs) Thomas Clark Hawkins, inventorSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]An athlete's reaction time to a specific intercept position is one critical skill of ball / puck sports such as hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, squash, and others—particularly for goalies, and especially for close in shots. With the current art, there is no realistic, reproducible, measurable way for an athlete to improve their reaction times from ball / puck visualization to correct glove / stick / racquet intercept positions. Current art ball / puck interception training consists of someone or a machine hitting / throwing to the athlete in repetitions, trying to be both consistent for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]This Athlete Reaction Training System (also ARTs) is the computer generated visual ball / puck direction display, athlete position detectors, timing mechanism, and training system designed to improve an athlete's reaction time to specific intercept positions. Such sports include but are not limited to lacrosse, hockey, baseball, and soccer goalies and field players. Athlete ball / puck interception skills can be reproducibly and measurably improving these basic skills:

[0015]The ARTs training sequence consists of ARTs sessions which combine sequential, individual position, and random drills of three skills (position achievement, reaction time, and virtual intercept / save) to each sport-specific intercept position, moving from basic improvement through game simulation. The random position sequences ensure unbiased reaction times which reflect actual competition and are not influenced by biased muscle tone and premature movement. ARTs is a tool which fits within an overall athlete coaching program of position, stance, movement, footwork, clearing, game strategy—and supports, not replaces, several of the basic skills within an athletes overall performance. The system also permits coaches to evaluate this basic reaction time skill across athletes and settings in a reproducible, unbiased, measurable manner. Importantly, this system permits this skill improvement indoors, in short sessions, and without requiring other players.

Problems solved by technology

With the current art, there is no realistic, reproducible, measurable way for an athlete to improve their reaction times from ball / puck visualization to correct glove / stick / racquet intercept positions.

This process does not isolate or improve one central performance skill, reaction time—from visualization to attempted contact.

Also with the current art, there is no way to reproducibly feedback correct first step foot position corresponding to simultaneous correct glove / stick / racquet placement.

For goalies to make critical game saves, or other athletes to make close range intercepts through improved reaction time to specific positions in games, it is difficult with the current art to improve the basic skill with shooting practice or game experience.

Coaches can work with goalies one on one with position / stance and movement, but there is no way for them to reproducibly monitor on their own what they have been taught—using personal, immediate feedback.

Games involving reaction times are not usable for athlete training even as a basis for modification.

Swim timing contact pads are not durable enough for contact sports and other inventors have described light-based position detectors, but not the system of visual cues and athlete position specific reaction time training.

Scientific research firm specializing experiments and web site design can measure and reported reaction times, but they didn't have a sports application.

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