Kicking aid for use in sports

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

[0001] KICKING AID FOR USE IN SPORTS

[0002] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a kicking aid for use in sports. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a kicking aid for visually indicating an angle of approach in a kicking action.

[0004] Kicking aids are commonly used in sports, such as American football and rugby, where accurate and powerful kicks are important for scoring points. Kicking aids are typically used to retain a ball in a desired position to allow for clean striking thereof by the foot of the kicker. One type of kicking aid is a kicking tee, which is commonly used in rugby to elevate the ball off the playing surface. Many variations in kicking tees are used to allow for a wide range of mounting positions of the ball. Kickers would typically have a preferred kicking tee that suits their particular style and technique of kicking, that feels more comfortable to them and that they believe provide superior results. Despite the type of kicking tee being used, consistency in the kicking action is critical to achieving optimal results. Kickers who can create consistent, repeatable kicking routines and actions achieve predictable and superior outcomes. As part of the kicking routine a kicker has to position themselves relative to the ball held by the kicking tee at the optimal angle suitable to the kicker style and technique. From this position the kicker approaches the ball at an angle referred to as an approach angle. This approach angle varies significantly between different kickers due to differences in their kicking styles and techniques. Some kickers, who have a more linear kicking style with little rotation of their leg around their body and a more upright swing, prefer a fairly shallow approach angle between zero and 15 degrees. Other kickers prefer an approach angle of up to and sometimes beyond 45 degrees where there is significant rotation of the leg around the body and a flatter swing.

[0005] One disadvantage of known kicking aids, such as kicking tees, is that they do not assist with the accurate positioning of the kicker relative to the ball to ensure consistency in the approach angle. Linear kicking styles where the approach angle approaches zero allow for greater accuracy and consistency in the approach angle while more rotational kicking styles make it harder to achieve the same level of accuracy and consistency. This difficulty in achieving accuracy and consistency in the approach angle is further exacerbated by the position and orientation of the ball on the kicking tee. Traditionally the ball was placed in an upright position on the kicking tee such that the seams could be used to align the ball relative to the posts as well as to determine the desired approach angle. However, in the modern game many kickers favour a ball position and orientation where the ball is substantially flat on the kicking tee such that the kicker’s foot strikes closer to the rear end point of the ball. It is believed that this modern kicking technique provides superior distance, control and accuracy of kicks. However, in this substantially flat orientation of the ball on the kicking tee it becomes almost impossible to get accuracy and consistency in the approach angle, especially in more rotational kicking styles. Any inconsistency in the kicker’s rotational angle, striking angle and swing plane can lead to variations in the trajectory and accuracy of the kicked ball, thereby affecting the overall performance of the kicker.

[0006] There is accordingly a need for a kicking aid that allows for improved accuracy and consistency in the approach angle by achieving accurate alignment of the kicker relative to the ball prior to approaching the ball during the kicking routine.

[0007] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a kicking aid that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

[0008] It is also an object of the invention to provide a kicking aid that will be a useful alternative to existing kicking aids.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a kicking aid for assisting a user in kicking a ball, the kicking aid including ball positioning means for positing the ball in a placed position and indicating means for indicating an approach angle of the user to the ball when in the placed position, the indicating means having a visual indicator to align the user with the indicated approach angle before starting their approach to the ball in the placed position during the kicking action.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a kicking aid for use by a user in kicking a ball, the kicking aid including ball positioning means for holding the ball in a desired position to kick the ball in a kicking direction and indicating means for indicating an approach angle of the user to the ball, wherein the indicating means includes a visual indicator used by the user to align themselves with the approach angle, thereby assisting the user in approaching the ball consistently along an approach direction associated with the approach angle to reach desired kicking outcomes more consistently.

[0012] The indicating means may be capable of indicating different approach angles to allow for variations in kicking styles and technique, thereby allowing the user to align themselves with a desired approach angle suitable to the user’s kicking style and technique.

[0013] The indicating means may display multiple approach angles.

[0014] The indicating means may indicate approach angles suitable for right and left footed kickers.

[0015] The approach angle is preferably between about 0 and about 90 degrees. The approach angle may be indicated in increments between 0 and 90 degrees. The approach angle may be indicated in increments of 5, 10, 15, 30 or 45 degrees.

[0016] The kicking aid, particularly the indicating means, may include markings that illustrate, represent or indicate different approach angles. The markings may include forms, shapes, lines, colours, symbols, patterns, marks, shading, any combination thereof and any other visually representative elements.

[0017] The ball position means may include a base and supporting means carried by the base for supporting the ball in the desired position.

[0018] The base and / or ball supporting means may be height adjustable to adjust the height of the ball in the desired position relative to the playing surface.

[0019] The body may include first and second portions which are movable relative to one another.

[0020] The first and second portions may have complementary shaped engagement formations that engage one another that allow for incremental adjustment between the first and second portions. The complementary shaped engagement formations may provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user when making an incremental adjustment.

[0021] The indicating means may be adjustable. The indicating means may be adjustable between different positions corresponding to different approach angles.

[0022] The indicating means may be part of the base.

[0023] One or more approach angles may be indicated on the base of the kicking aid.

[0024] The first and second portions may be adjustable rotationally relative to one another so that the indicating means is adjustable to the desired approach angle. The first and second portions may be rotatable relative to one another to adjust the approach angle.

[0025] The indicating means may be removably connectable to the base of the kicking aid.

[0026] The kicking aid may include at least one pointer for use in aligning the kicking aid with a target and / or aligning the user with the approach angle. The kicking aid may include a first pointer for aligning the kicking aid with the target and a second pointer for aligning the user with the approach angle.

[0027] The at least one pointer may be part of the indicating means. In another embodiment the at least one pointer may be separate from the indicating means.

[0028] The at least one pointer may be removably connectable to the base.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of kicking a ball using a kicking aid, the method including the steps of: placing the kicking aid on a support surface; placing the ball in a desired position on the kicking aid; aligning the kicking aid and / or ball with a target; and aligning a user with a desired approach angle to the ball using indicating means for indicating the approach angle.

[0030] The method may include adjusting the indicating means to the desired approach angle.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention in use;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the kicking aid of Figure 1 in which a supporting means supporting a ball engages indicating means for aligning the user with an approach angle;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the kicking aid of Figure 1 in which the supporting means is removed from the indicating means;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a top view of the kicking aid of Figure 1 in different stages of using the kicking aid to align the user with the approach angle in (a) to (c);

[0037] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention in use set at 15 degree approach angle; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the kicking aid of Figure 5 in use set to indicate a 45 degree approach angle;

[0038] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the kicking aid of Figure 5 in which its height adjustability is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a kicking aid used in sports in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0046] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a nonlimiting example of a kicking aid for use in sports in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0047] It is envisaged that the kicking aid will be particularly useful in sports, such as rugby, American football and soccer, also referred to as football, for example. Figure 1 illustrates the kicking aid 10 in use in the sport of rugby in which a user, who are also referred to as a kicker, kicks a ball 100 from a stationary or placed position on a playing surface towards a target, which is posts 102 in the case of rugby. The kicking aid 10 is intended to allow for improved alignment with the posts and improved alignment of the kicker relative to the ball 100 held in the stationary position. In Figure 1 the arrow 12 indicates the direction of alignment relative to the posts 102. The direction 12 is generally also the desired direction in which the ball is kicked and is therefore also referred to as the kicking direction. As shown in Figure 1 , the ball 100 is typically placed on the kicking aid 10 such that one of its seams 104 aligns with the posts 102. In this position the seam 104 typically coincides with the kicking direction 12 and assists with the target alignment. The arrow 14 indicates the direction of advancement of the kicker towards the ball 100 and, accordingly, also the alignment of the kicker relative to the ball 100. The direction 14 is therefore also called the approach direction. The angle a between the kicking direction 12 and the approach direction 14 is referred to as the approach angle. In other words, the approach angle a is the angle at which the kicker approaches the ball 100 during the kicking action relative to the kicking direction 12. It is envisaged that the kicking aid 10 will assist the kicker in approaching the ball 100 consistently at the desired approach angle a and thereby assist the kicker in reaching desired kicking outcomes more consistently. The desired kicking outcomes are generally associated with increased accuracy in kicking direction 12, particularly with increased accuracy in the kicking direction 12 toward the intended target 102.

[0048] The kicking aid 10 has a ball positioning means 16 which in use positions the ball 100 in a position desired by the kicker. The ball positioning means 16 has a base 18 and supporting means 20 carried by the base for supporting the ball 100 in the desired position. The ball positioning means 16 is effectively a kicking tee. In this first embodiment of the kicking aid 10, the base 18 has a truncated conical shape with a first, lower end 22.1 and a second, upper end 22.2. The lower end 22.1 is wider than the upper end 22.2 and is, in used, placed on the playing surface. The base 18, particularly its upper end 22.2, carries the supporting means 20 on which the ball 100 is held in its desired position. In this embodiment, the supporting means 20 is in the form of protrusions or studs, particularly four, on which the ball 100 is held. The supporting means 20 is however not limited to protrusions or studs, or any particular number thereof, and could take various other forms, such as pins, bristles, brushes, tabs or a round, oval or any other shape rim or edge defined by any one or more of them. The function of the supporting means 20 is to hold the ball 100 in the desired position while reducing resistance on the ball in the kicking action. By reducing the contact surface between the supporting means 20 and the ball 100 and reducing the amount of material in front of the ball, i.e. the material located on the side of the ball in line with the kicking direction 12, the less the resistance and the greater the energy transfer to the ball in order to increase the kick distance.

[0049] The kicking aid 10 further has indicating means 24 for indicating an approach angle a towards the ball 100 and assisting a user in aligning themselves with the approach angle a. The indicating means 24 assists the kicker by visually indicating the approach angle a. This allows the kicker to set the desired approach angle a and position themselves in alignment with this set approach angle prior to approaching the ball 100 during the kicking action. The indicating means 24 includes a protractor-like formation 26 for indicating the approach angle a. The indicating means 24 is capable of indicating more than one approach angle a so that it is suitable to different kicking styles that may require different approach angels. By indicating multiple approach angles a, the kicking aid 10 is also suitable for use in assisting a kicker in determining the desired or preferred approach angle that suits their kicking style.

[0050] The formation 26 carries markings 28 to indicate different approach angles a, typically between 0 and 90 degrees, and preferably symmetrically for both right and left footed kickers (although the kicking aid 10 is illustrated for right footed kickers). The approach angle a is typically indicated in increments between 0 and 90 degrees, such as in 5, 10, 15, 30 or 45 degree increments. In this first embodiment of the kicking aid 10, the approach angle a is indicated in 15 degree increments. As a result, markings 28 indicating 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degree approach angles are provided on the indicating means 24.

[0051] To assist the kicker with accurate alignment with the desired approach angle a, the kicking aid 10 has at least one, preferably two, extended pointers. This first embodiment of the kicking aid 10 includes a first pointer 30.1 for aligning the kicking aid with a target, such as the posts 102, and a second pointer 30.2 for aligning the kicker with the approach angle a. The first pointer 30.1 is also referred to as the target alignment pointer as it indicates alignment with the target while the second pointer 30.2 is also referred to as the approach angle pointer as it indicates the approach angle. Alignment with the approach angle a is also alignment with the approach direction 14. Any reference to alignment with the approach angle a could also be described as alignment with the approach direction 14. It should be understood that the pointers 30.1 , 30.2 provide the kicker with a longer reference line to use when aligning the kicking aid 10 with the posts 102 and / or when aligning themselves with the approach angle a. It is envisaged that the longer reference line will allow for easier and more accurate alignment, especially for more inexperienced kickers or when initially starting to use the kicking aid 10.

[0052] The pointers 30.1 , 30.2 are preferably made of a soft and / or flexible, preferably resilient, material that offers good fracture resistance to avoid braking during use and that reduces the risk of causing possible injuries to kickers during use.

[0053] Best seen in Figure 3, the indicating means 24 is separate from, independent to, removably connectable to or locatable underneath the ball positioning means 16. The indicating means 24 is typically placed on the playing surface such that the extended pointers 30.1 , 30.2 rest flat on the playing surface. The ball positioning means 16 is placed on top of the indicating means 24. Complementary shaped locating formations 32, 34 carried by the ball positions means 16 and the indicating means 24 are preferably engaged in order to locate the ball positioning means 16 and indicating means 24 relative to one another. The locating formations 32 are typically in the form of slots, recesses or openings for receiving the locating formations 34, which are typically in the form of protrusions. The locating formations 32, 34 locate the ball positioning means 16 relative to the indicating means 24 to eliminate or at least minimise misalignment between the two components that could affect the approach angle a. With the ball positioning means 16 and indicating means 24 located relative to one another, the ball positioning means 16 is aligned with the posts 102 and the desired approach angle a is set using the markings 28. The target alignment pointer 30.1 is used to align the ball positioning means 16 with the posts while the approach direction pointer 30.2 is used to set the desired approach angle a. Once the desired approach angle a is set, the kicker typically walks back to the top of their approach and aligns themselves with the approach direction pointer 30.2.

[0054] It is envisaged that the kicking aid 10 will be particularly useful in training to determine the desired approach angle a suitable to the kicker’s kicking style, the desired or ideal ball position, such as the orientation and height, and / or assisting the user in following the desired approach angle a or approach direction 14 consistently. The extended pointers 30.1 , 30.2 allow for easier and more accurate alignment with the desired approach angle a, at least initially when starting to use the kicking aid 10. A kicker may not want to or be allowed to use the kicking aid 10 including the extended pointers 30.1 , 30.2 in a game. Accordingly, the kicker can remove the indicating means 24 and use the ball positioning means 16 separately. It is further envisaged that the indicating means 24 of this first embodiment of the kicking aid 10 can be used independently from the ball positioning means 16. For example, the indicating means 24 can effectively be used for training soccer or football penalty kicks or goal kicking without the ball positioning means 16. It is also envisaged that, alternatively, ball positioning means 16 with a very flat base 18 and supporting means 20 could be used.

[0055] It is also envisaged that one or both pointers 30.1 , 30.2 could be detachable from the indicating means 24. By detaching the pointers 30.1 , 30.2 the kicker may still use the indicating means 24, particularly the markings 28, to determine the desired approach angle a without the additional aid of the extended pointers. In this alternative embodiment not illustrated in the drawings, one or both of the pointers 30.1 , 30.2 may be removably connectable to the formation 26 or base 18. It is envisaged that the attachment points of the extended pointers 30.1 , 30.2 could provide pointers or indicators for indicating the approach angle a.

[0056] Referring now to Figures 5 to 7 a non-limiting example of a second embodiment of a kicking aid for use in sports in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 110. The reference numerals used with reference to the second embodiment of the kicking aid 110 are consistent with those used with respect to the first embodiment of the kicking aid 10 but are preceded by the numeral 1 .

[0057] In this second embodiment of the kicking aid 1 10 of the invention the indicating means 124 is integrated with the ball positioning means 116. The base 118 has first portion 118.1 , which is in use a lower portion, and a second portion 118.2, which is in use an upper portion. The first 118.1 and second 1 18.2 portions are movable or adjustable relative to one another so that the indicating means 124 is adjustable to the desired approach angle a. In this embodiment the first 1 18.1 and second 118.2 portions are rotatable relative to one another to adjust the approach angle a.

[0058] The kicking aid 1 10 is also height adjustable to adjust the height of the ball 100 relative to the playing surface. Best seen in Figure 7, the first 1 18.1 and second 1 18.2 portions are also movable relative to one another along the direction of movement y. In other words, the first 1 18.1 and second 1 18.2 portions are movable to adjust the vertical displacement between them. In this embodiment, the first 1 18.1 and second 118.2 portions are adjusted telescopically to adjust the relative height of the ball 100 to the playing surface. The first portion 118.1 defines a sleeve that has a central opening or passage 1 18.3 in which the second portion 118.2, in particular a shaft 1 18.4 thereof, is received. The shaft 1 18.4 of the second portion 1 18.2 moves inside the passage 118.3 of the first portion 1 18.1 in order to move the first and second portions relative to one another. The shaft 118.4 of the second portion 1 18.2 and the passage 1 18.3 of the first portion 118.1 carry complementary shaped engagement formations 1 18.5 that engage one another to set the displacement between the first 118.1 and second 1 18.2 portions at the desired distance. The complementary shaped engagement formations 118.5 may be knobs and recesses or any other variations that allow for engagement with one another. The complementary shaped engagement formations 118.5 typically provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user. It is envisaged that the complementary shaped engagement formations 1 18.5 would typically allow for incremental adjustment of around 1 mm per increment.

[0059] In this second embodiment of the kicking aid 110, the first 118.1 and second 1 18.2 portions are connected, engaged or arranged such that the approach angle a and the relative height are adjustable independently. However, in an alternative embodiment, the first 1 18.1 and second 1 18.2 portions may be connected to one another using a screw or threaded connection so that relative rotation of the first 118.1 and second 1 18.2 portions adjusts both the approach angle a and the relative height.

[0060] The first portion 1 18.1 carries markings 128 indicating different approach angles a. Like the first embodiment of the kicking aid 10, the markings 128 again indicate a range of approach angles a in incremental steps. The markings 128 include 15 degree increments ranging from 0 to 45 degrees, which repeat around the periphery of base 118, particularly the first portion 1 18.1. It should be understood that the markings 128 are not limited the particular range and increments shown in the drawings. It is envisaged that any range from 0 to 360 degrees and any increments could be used. The range of 0 to 45 degrees represents the most likely range of approach angles considering the widely used kicking styles.

[0061] The second portion 118.2 carries an indicator 136 for use in aligning the first 1 18.1 and second 1 18.2 portions relative to one another. In other words, the indicator 136 is used to indicate the angular position or offset between the first 1 18.1 and second 1 18.2 portions, and in so doing to indicate the desired approach angle a to the kicker. In use, the indicator 136 is aligned with one of the markings 128 that represents the desired approach angle a. The origin, typically corresponding to 0 degrees in the range of markings 128, indicates the desired approach angle a. In this second embodiment of the kicking aid 1 10, the origin or desired approach angle a is indicated by a line 138.1. The desired approach angle a could be visually indicated by any representation that improves visibility, especially from the top of the kicker’s approach a few steps away from the kicking aid 1 10. The second portion 1 18.2 carries a second indicator 140 for use in aligning the kicking aid 110, particularly the second portion 1 18.2 carrying the ball supporting means 120, with the posts 102, i.e. the kicking direction 12. The first 136 and second 140 indicators are aligned, i.e. spaced apart by 180 degrees, to create a straight line for alignment with the posts 102. In use, once the ball 100 is aligned with the posts 102 or kicking direction 12, by aligning the top portion 118.2 on which the ball is carried with the posts, the desired approach angle a is set by aligning the first 118.1 and second 118.2 portions with one another, by using the marker 136 and makings 128. The kicker can then align themselves with the representation 138.1 indicating the desired approach angle a.

[0062] In this second embodiment of the kicking aid 1 10 the markings 128 indicating the different approach angles a are symmetrical about the origin or representation 138.1. The indicated approach angles a increase incrementally and symmetrically about the representation 138. In other words, one range of incremental approach angles run clockwise and another range of incremental approach angles run ani-clockwise from the representation 138.1. Optional representations 138.2 flank the respective ranges to provide symmetrical dimensional support. It should be understood that a right footed kicker will use the range 128.1 while a left footed kicker will use the range 128.2.

[0063] This second embodiment of the kicking aid 110 includes a removably connectable extended target alignment pointer 130.1 used in aligning the kicking aid 1 10 with the posts 102, i.e. the kicking direction 12. The extended target alignment pointer 130.1 is optional and can be used selectively by the kicker as and when required. Similarly, the kicking aid 110 could include a removably connectable extended pointer (not shown) used in aligning the kicker with the desired approach angle a. This additional extended pointer could again be optional for use selectively by the kicker as and when required. The extended pointers may be removably connectable to the base 1 18, particularly the first portion 1 18.1. It is envisaged that the extended pointers may be connectable to the underside of the base 118.

[0064] Referring now to Figures 8 to 12, non-limiting examples of further embodiments of a kicking aid for use in sports in accordance with the invention will now be described. The reference numerals used with reference to these further embodiments of the kicking aid are consistent with those used with respect to the first 10 and second 1 10 embodiments of the kicking aid 10 but are preceded by the numerals 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

[0065] The kicking aids 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 illustrated in Figures 8 to 12 are substantially similar to the kicking aid 1 10 with the exception that their indicating means is not adjustable. In other words, the kicking aids do not include movable components that are adjustable relative to one another to indicate the desired approach angle a. Instead, the indicating means 224, 324, 424, 524, 624 of these further embodiments simply include markings 228, 328, 428, 528, 628 that illustrate, represent or indicate different approach angles a. The markings 228, 328, 428, 528, 628 could take any form capable of differentiating between the different approach angels a. For example, the markings could include different forms, shapes, lines, colours, symbols, patterns, marks, shading or any other visually representative elements.

[0066] The kicking aids 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 illustrated in Figures 8 to 12 also serve to indicate that the invention could be applied to many variations of kicking tees. The kicking aid of the invention is therefore not limited to any particular kind of kicking tee and could be used with any kind of ball positioning means preferred by the kicker.

[0067] The kicking aid of the invention allows a kicker to achieve consistency in their kicking action, particularly by approaching the ball consistently at the desired approach angle a. The kicking aid of the invention can also be used to achieve accuracy and consistency in the approach angle irrespective of the position of the ball thereon. The kicking aid of the invention can be used in training and during a game. The optional extended pointers are particularly suitable for use in training to familiarise the kicker with the desired approach angle a or to train inexperienced kickers, such as kickers at youth levels. However, the kicking aid of the invention is also usable by professional kickers to condition and maintain consistency in approach angle for superior kicking results.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the above description only provides example embodiments of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and / or the scope of the invention. It is easily understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0069] The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A kicking aid for assisting a user in kicking a ball, the kicking aid including ball positioning means for positioning the ball in a placed position and indicating means for indicating an approach angle of the user to the ball when in the placed position, the indicating means having a visual indicator to align the user with the indicated approach angle before starting their approach to the ball in the placed position during the kicking action.

2. A kicking aid according to claim 1 , wherein the indicating means is capable of indicating different approach angles to allow for variations in kicking styles and technique, thereby allowing the user to align themselves with a desired approach angle suitable to the user’s kicking style and technique.

3. A kicking aid according to claim 2, wherein the indicating means displays multiple approach angles.

4. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the indicating means indicates approach angles suitable for right and left footed kickers.

5. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the approach angle is between about 0 and about 90 degrees.

6. A kicking aid according to claim 5, wherein the approach angle is indicated in increments between 0 and 90 degrees.

7. A kicking aid according to claim 6, wherein the approach angle is indicated in increments of 5, 10, 15, 30 or 45 degrees.

8. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, including markings that illustrate, represent or indicate different approach angles.

9. A kicking aid according to claim 8, wherein the markings include forms, shapes, lines, colours, symbols, patterns, marks, shading or any combination thereof.

10. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ball position means includes a base and supporting means carried by the base for supporting the ball in the desired position.1 1. A kicking aid according to claim 10, wherein the base and / or ball supporting means is height adjustable to adjust the height of the ball in the desired position relative to the playing surface.

12. A kicking aid according to either claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the body includes first and second portions which are movable relative to one another.

13. A kicking aid according to claim 12, wherein the first and second portions have complementary shaped engagement formations that engage one another that allow for incremental adjustment between the first and second portions.

14. A kicking aid according to claim 13, wherein the complementary shaped engagement formations provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user when making an incremental adjustment.

15. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the indicating means is adjustable.

16. A kicking aid according to claim 15, wherein the indicating means is adjustable between different positions corresponding to different approach angles.

17. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the indicating means is part of the base.

18. A kicking aid according to claim 17, wherein one or more approach angles are indicated on the base of the kicking aid.

19. A kicking aid according to either claim 17 or 18, when dependent on any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first and second portions are adjustable rotationally relative to one another so that the indicating means is adjustable to the desired approach angle.

20. A kicking aid according to claim 16, wherein the first and second portions are rotatable relative to one another to adjust the approach angle.

21. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the indicating means is removably connectable to the base of the kicking aid.

22. A kicking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , including at least one pointer for use in aligning the kicking aid with a target and / or aligning the user with the approach angle.

23. A kicking aid according to claim 22, including a first pointer for aligning the kicking aid with the target and a second pointer for aligning the user with the approach angle.

24. A kicking aid according to either claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one pointer is part of the indicating means.

25. A kicking aid according to either claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one pointer is separate from the indicating means.

26. A kicking aid according to claim 25, when dependent on claim 10, wherein the at least one pointer is removably connectable to the base.