Soccer tee for use in training

Abstract

A soccer kicking tee is disclosed which is especially useful by soccer players to use as a training aid to learn a kicking technique known as kicking with the laces. The tee provides a support for a soccer ball at a prescribed height above the ground plane. A vertical support element interfaces with the bottom of the ball and prevents the ball from rolling or tipping over. This vertical element is supported by a base that spreads out the portion touching the ground and stabilizes the vertical element and the ball and prevents them from tipping over. The shape of the tee minimizes the likelihood that it will tip over when the ball is kicked or struck with the foot. The tee can be used on any surface and can be further secured to the ground with a golf tee or similar stake like element. The vertical support element is pliable enough to easily deflect if the foot comes into contact with it and is stiff enough to support the ball in a static position. The height of the vertical support element can also be adjusted to a lower position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14 / 446,093 having a filing date of Jul. 29, 2014, and titled “SOCCER TEE FOR USE IN TRAINING .”FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention relates generally to sports training devices, such as soccer kick training.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]From the early days of youth soccer practice throughout the US, around the ages of 7 or 8 years old, a common instruction heard on the field is “Don't kick with your toes, kick with your laces.”[0004]Soccer coaches frequently will instruct young players to kick the ball with the top of their foot; rather than their toes. To illustrate the foregoing technique, the coach will place his toe downward, nearly perpendicular to the grass, and against the side of the soccer ball demonstrating his shoe laces contacting the ball and not his toes. Unfortunately, this is often the extent of the “lace-kick” tra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a training apparatus that helps soccer players improve their lace-kicking technique. The apparatus allows the player to orient and fix their foot with respect to their ankle and lower leg, and then swing their foot to accelerate into the soccer ball. By doing this, the apparatus helps the player to transfer the maximum energy from their foot into the ball, giving them more confidence and more quickly. The apparatus also provides a stable position for the soccer ball off the ground, making it easier for the player to make contact with it. The appearance of the ball in a raised position above the ground helps the player to focus on the proper trajectory and position of their foot with respect to the ball. The apparatus also enhances the training consistency of each kick by increasing the stability of the ball. The non-kicking foot is also important in learning the proper technique, and the apparatus provides a cue and reminder to place it in the correct position. The apparatus is stable and minimizes any pain or injury to the player, and it is designed to maintain its position with respect to the ground location even if it comes into contact with a moving mass.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this is often the extent of the “lace-kick” training.

The articles will not stay in place after a kick and therefore offer no consistency over time.

The articles typically do not support the soccer ball at an optimal height for training lace-kicks.

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