Ball Throwing Machine with Direction Control for Soccer Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training soccer players to improve their first touch and ball control skills lack a disciplined approach for progress measurement and goal-oriented improvement, often requiring a partner for practice, which can be impractical for serious athletes.
Innovation Solution
A specialized ball throwing machine controlled by a handheld computing device that can throw, lob, or pitch soccer balls to a player, allowing for remote training and progress tracking, with a companion software network application providing customized training programs and remote coaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ball control training methods are used requiring a partner, then players can practice ball control skills, but it becomes impractical for serious athletes who need dedicated training time without partner availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball throwing machine as an intermediary device between training partners, enabling players to practice ball control skills independently. The machine automatically throws balls with varying trajectories, speeds, and types, replacing the need for a human partner while maintaining training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The training system enables players to conduct their own training sessions without external assistance. The ball throwing machine is equipped with controls that allow players to select different training modes, adjust parameters, and track their own progress, making the training process self-sufficient.
2Productivity
If traditional training methods without progress tracking are used, then players can practice ball control, but there is no disciplined approach for measuring progress and achieving goal-oriented improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a tracking mechanism that records training data including number of balls trapped, successful traps, and training session metrics. This feedback is displayed to the player and can be shared with coaches, enabling disciplined progress measurement and goal-oriented improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows players to set specific training goals before beginning a session. The training program is structured around these predetermined objectives, with the ball throwing machine adjusting ball delivery parameters to help players achieve their targeted improvement areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual ball delivery methods are used, then training can be conducted, but it lacks the ability to provide varied ball types, trajectories, and speeds consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The ball throwing machine features adjustable parameters that allow dynamic modification of ball delivery characteristics. Players can select from multiple ball types (ground balls, aerial balls, bouncing balls) and adjust trajectory, speed, and rotation, enabling consistent delivery of varied training scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The training device is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering ground balls, aerial balls, bouncing balls, and providing different trajectory types. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple different training tools or partners into a single reliable system.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.