AU2021103541A4 - Football teaching aid and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A football learning aid comprising an ellipsoid ball having an outer surface, and at least two different types of handling indicia disposed on the outer surface of the football. 3/4 FIG 5A FIG 5B FIG 6A FIG 6B

Description

3/4

FIG 5A FIG 5B

FIG 6A FIG 6B

FACE FOOTY'S PTY LTD

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

INNOVATION SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED "FOOTBALL LEARNING AID AND METHOD OF USE"

This invention is described in the following statement:-

FOOTBALL LEARNING AID AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sports balls, particularly balls used for football games that use a generally 'oval' (ellipsoid or prolate spheroid) shaped ball such as Australian rules football.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to an aid in the form of a football for learning or teaching football skills, particularly ball handling skills including kicking and handpasses.

[0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a teaching or training tool for learning and practising skills used in playing football.

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to Australian rules football, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and can be used for other football codes that use an ellipsoid ball such as rugby league, rugby union, Canadian football and American football.

BACKGROUNDART

[0005] The first footballs were made ofnatural materials, such as an inflated pig bladder inside a leather cover. Modem footballs are manufacture to exacting specifications specified in the rules and regulations of the relevant football code. Most have rubber or plastic bladders, and synthetic covers.

[0006] Australian rules football and the rugby codes use an ellipsoid ball having rounded ends. Ellipsoid balls used in American and Canadian football have comparatively more pointed ends. The Australian rules ball was invented by T.W.Sherrin in 1880, after he was given a misshapen rugby ball to fix. Sherrin designed the ball with indented rather than pointy ends so that the ball has a regular bounce.

[0007] In football codes such as rugby, possessing and running with the ball is a key focus of play. In contrast, Australian rules football is focussed on making the ball traverse the football ground through the air as much as possible and this is principally achieved by kicking and handballing. Players running while in possession of the ball must intermittently bounce or touch it on the ground. Players are penalised if they continue to hold the ball after they are tackled and caught by an opposition player.

[0008] Football codes that use an ellipsoid ball use a number of different kicking techniques. These include kicking off the ground, grubber kicks that bump along the ground, bombs, drop kicks, drop punt, torpedo punts, checkside punts (more commonly known as 'banana kicks') and punt kicks. Place kicks are also used in rugby league and rugby union, Canadian football and American football but are no longer part of Australian rules. Precise kicking is an important skill and can be difficult due to the oval shape of the ball. The main objects of kicking are to move the ball down the ground, deliver the ball to a team mate or send the ball between the goal posts for a score.

[0009] In Australian rules football the drop punt is the most commonly used kick and most important kick to learn. Correct hand position prior to dropping the football to the kicking foot is critical to the outcome of the kick. Hand to foot coordination is essential to make sure that the football is dropped from a position that is low and directly above the kicking foot.

[0010] In Australian rules football, as an alternative to kicking the ball players use a 'handball' or 'handpass' to dispose of the football by hand. A handpass is carried out by holding the ball on one hand on a slight angle and punching it with the other so that the player's clenched fist ends up close to the open hand. A well executed handpass may achieve distance, speed and accuracy that is comparable to a short kick.

[0011] Executing a handball correctly, to consistently deliver the ball to a target requires repeated practice. Failure to execute a handball correctly is deemed a throw or an illegal disposal and results in a free kick to the nearest opposition player. A player must not excessively move the hand holding the ball in the direction of the handpass. They have to use a clenched fist to pass the ball, not an open hand. They also have to be careful not to drop the ball from the carrying hand or they may end up punching the ball in mid-air.

[0012] Children often start to learn the skills of Australian rules and rugby during primary school and it is important that they are consistently taught correct ball handling techniques. Incorrect ball handling habits can be difficult to correct.

[0013] Kicking and handpassing as described above are not intuitive actions, and children in particular find it difficult to hold the ball correctly, aim the ball, then strike the correct area on the surface of the ball with a foot or fist. Children may become frustrated if they cannot kick or pass like their professional football heroes, or if they continually miss-kick or miss-hit the ball. Frustration can lead to lack of motivation to practice, or lack of interest in participating in football games.

[0014] Kicking and hand passing are also aspects of ball handling that are difficult for sports coaches to teach to children. It is particularly difficult for parents to teach correct ball handling, particularly if they have never learnt the correct technique themselves.

[0015] In the past, attempts have been made to provide teaching aids for football codes that use round (spherical) footballs, such as for soccer. Australian PatentNo. 741956 (to N.Eite), relates to a football teaching aid having a number of differently coloured target areas marked on the surface of the football, each indicating an area of the surface of the football that must be struck with the foot to send the football along a desired flight path.

[0016] Unlike soccer, football codes using an ellipsoid ball require contact with both a players' hands and feet. In the past, ellipsoid balls have been provided having template hand shapes printed on the surface of the ball to provide visual indications of where a player should place their hands. In a later version of the same idea, Australian Innovation Patent No. 2017100385 (to J.R.Longmuir & J.J.Kennedy) provides a ball having one or more shallow hand shaped indentations in the surface of the ball so that players can use their sense of touch to achieve correct hand positions.

[0017] Australian Patent No. 2006203411 (to S.Byrnes) relates to a football comprising at least one lug releasably attached to the surface of the ball, so that a player grips the lug between the thumb and index finger. The lug is typically attached by co-operable fabric hook-and-loop fastener elements (such as Velcro®). The lug can be repositioned between two or more attachment sites on the ball making it easier to grasp the ball in different positions for differing ball handling actions.

[0018] There is therefore an ongoing need for a football learning aid that facilitates teaching ball handling skills, when learning a football code that uses an ellipsoid ball.

[0019] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0020] An object of the present invention is to provide an aid for learning and teaching football handling techniques, particularly handpassing and kicking.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0022] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0023] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a football learning aid comprising an ellipsoid ball having an outer surface, and at least two different types of handling indicia disposed on the outer surface of the football.

[0024] The different types of handling indicia include, for example, one or more holding indicia, one or more striking indicia and one or more aiming indicia. The indicia are indicative of a relevant area on the surface of the football.

[0025] Typically, the ellipsoid ball is chosen from an Australian rules football, rugby union football, rugby league football, Canadian football or American football.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the football learning aid comprises an ellipsoid ball having an outer surface, and at least two different types of handling indicia disposed on the outer surface of the football, wherein the two types of indicia are chosen from: - at least one hand position indicium, - at least one directional indicium, and

- at least one striking indicium to indicate where the ball should be struck to send the football along a trajectory.

[0027] Typically, the ball has one or two hand position indicia and a striking indicium. The striking indicium may relate to striking the ball with a foot, or hand, typically a hand formed into a fist. An ellipsoid ball includes a first end and a second end, each end located on a longitudinal (y-axis). In a preferred embodiment, the striking indicium is located adjacent the first end and/or the second end.

[0028] The directional indicium may indicate to a player the likely direction of trajectory of the ball if the striking indicum is correctly struck by foot or fist. Hence, the directional indicium may be used to aim at a target. Alternatively, the directional indicium may indicate the correct or preferred orientation of the ball, such as when scooping up the ball from the ground while the player is on the run.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment the indicia collectively form, or partially form a compound object. The compound object may be an ecologically valid visual object that is familiar to a user. The compound object may be composed of a set of related features of elements.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the indicia are chosen from a set of related features, such as the anatomical features of a face, or the anatomical features of an animal such as a bird or another animal.

[0031] In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a football learning aid comprising an ellipsoid ball having a first end and a second end and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has disposed thereon, two or more indicia comprising facial features chosen from at least one ear, at least one eye, at least one eyebrow, a nose, a mouth or a chin, and wherein in use the indicia comprise two of the following: - at least one indicium indicating a hand position, - at least one indicium indicating a direction, and - at least one indicium indicating a location where the ball should be struck to send the football along a trajectory.

[0032] According to any one of the aspects described herein, the indicia are disposed on the outer surface of the football. For example, the indicia may be marked on the surface by printing, sublimation or any other process that provides a clear visual mark.

[0033] The present invention also encompasses the provision of a series of footballs having related indicia to form a collectable series. For example, when the indicia comprise facial features, the faces may comprise one or more players from a particular football club, or players from football clubs in a particular division or league. In another embodiment the faces depicted on the surface of the football may be derived from a group that is popular in modem culture such as fantasy heroes, super-heroes or legendary figures. Each character may be associated with a unique name and back-story.

[0034] In another embodiment the indicia depicted on the surface of the football are representative of various animals, such as those used as football club mascots in a particular football league or division. Using a cat mascot as an example, the indicia could comprise feline facial features chosen from at least one pointy ear, at least one eye, at a nose, a mouth, whiskers or a chin. Each mascot may have a unique name and back-story.

[0035] Purchase of a football according to the present invention may be associated with a website or digital advertising including QR codes. For example, the QR codes may link to instructions or illustrations showing how the hand position or striking indicia can be used to learn how to kick or handpass. In this manner a player, or person instructing a player may source information on how to properly use the football training aid and each of the hand position, striking and directional indicia.

[0036] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of learning football handling skills using the aforesaid football learning aid, the method comprising two or more of the following: - positioning a hand adjacent a first hand position indicia, - aligning a directional indicia, and - striking a striking indicia to send the football along a trajectory.

[0037] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of learning football kicking skills using the aforesaid football learning aid, the method comprising - positioning a first hand adjacent a first hand position indicia,

- positioning a second hand adjacent a second hand position indicia, and - kicking a striking indicia with a foot.

[0038] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of learning football handballing skills using the aforesaid football learning aid, the method comprising: - positioning a first hand adjacent a first hand position indicia to support said football, and - punching a striking indicia with a second hand formed into a fist.

[0039] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0040] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that sets of indicia having a readily recognisable spacial relationship can be used to indicate key locations on an ellipsoid ball when teaching or learning ball handling skills. Advantageously, the inventors' use of an ecologically valid visual object, immediately perceivable by most people, simplifies teaching because it leverages off knowledge already inherently possessed by most people.

[0041] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: • The football aid assists players to learn football hand skills, " The football aid assists people teaching players to learn football hand skills, • Understanding and use of the indicia on the football aid is simple and particularly well adapted for children, " The indicia are arranged in a manner that is engaging, particularly for children.

[0042] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates the general geometry of an ellipsoid as referred to herein; Figure 2 illustrates one appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention with exemplary indicia viewed from the front (Fig.2A) and the rear (Fig.2B); Figure 3 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.3A) and the side (Fig.3B); Figure 4 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.4A) and the side (Fig.4B); Figure 5 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.5A) and the rear (Fig.5B); Figure 6 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.6A) and the rear (Fig.6B); Figure 7 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.7A) and the rear (Fig.7B); and Figure 8 illustrates another appearance of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.8A) and the rear (Fig.8B);.

LIST OF PARTS

[0044] In the following list of parts, the terms 'left' and 'right' refer to the player's left and right. For example, the player's left hand would typically be placed on the indicia referred to as the left ear or left eye.

1 First end 2 Second end 3 chin 4 mouth 5 nose 6 Left ear 7 Right ear 8 Left eye

9 Right eye 10 ellipsoid football 11 Left eyebrow 12 Right eyebrow 13 lacing

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Fig.1 depicts an ellipsoid corresponding to the shape of an Australian rules football. The 3-dimensional surface of an ellipsoid is generated by rotating an oval curve about one of it axes of symmetry. It is typically described with reference to three axes - the major, longitudinal axis designated the y-axis, and two transverse or minor axes designated the x-axis and the z-axis. It is also described with reference to a mid-transverse plane that is colinear with the x- and z-axes, and a longitudinal plane that is colinear with the y-axis.

[0046] For purposes of description herein, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "top", "bottom", "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "interior," "exterior," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates a football learning aid according to the present invention viewed from the front (Fig.2A) and from the back (Fig.2B), along the z-axis. The football learning aid comprises an ellipsoid ball (10) having an outer surface defining a body having a first end (1) and a second end (2). The first end (1) and a second end (2) are located on the longitudinal axis (y-axis) of the ellipsoid ball (10).

[0048] The surface of the ellipsoid ball (10) is marked with at least one hand-position indicium, at least one striking indicium indicia, and optionally a directional indicium. In this embodiment the indicia comprise a set making up a compound object, taking the appearance of anatomical features of a cartoon face.

[0049] The indicia in this embodiment include a chin (3), a mouth (4), a nose (5), a left ear (6), a right ear (7), a left eye (8), a right eye (9) a left eyebrow (11), and a right eyebrow (12). In this embodiment the ellipsoid ball (10) comprises an inflatable bladder and a jacket comprising four pieces that are sewn together, and laced (13) in the vicinity of the bladder filling valve that projects through the thickness of the leather.

[0050] The present invention may have different faces for the instruction of different types of ball handling including different types of kicks. For example, the present invention may be used as an aid to teach various types of kicks. To teach a torpedo punt, the present invention provides a football having hand-position indicia and foot-striking indicia in different positions compared to the face associated with drop punt instruction.

Drop Punt

[0051] The anatomical features which function as a hand-position indicium, a directional indicium and a striking indicium will depend on the ball skill being taught or practiced. For example, when instructing a child to perform a drop punt kick, the left ear (6) and right ear (7) are hand-position indicia for the left and right hand respectively. The nose (5) is the directional indicia, and the child should be instructed to point the nose (5) in the direction they want the ball to go. The chin (3) is the striking indicia, for kicking with a foot.

[0052] Typically, to teach the execution of a drop punt the player is told to put one hand on each of the left ear (6) and right ear (7), hold the ball vertically with the nose (5) pointing towards a target, then drop and kick the ball on the chin (3) before it hits the ground. This causes the ball to spin backwards end over end.

Torpedo Punt

[0053] A torpedo punt kick causes the ball to spin around its longitudinal axis, instead of end over end (like a drop punt) or not at all (like a regular punt kick). This makes the flight of the ball more aerodynamic, but more difficult to mark (catch).

[0054] Typically, to teach the execution of a torpedo punt with the right foot the player is told to put one hand on each of the left eyebrow (11) and right ear (7). The ball is then at a slight angle as it is guided down towards the right foot which strikes the ball on the right side of the chin (3) before it hits the ground. This causes the ball to spin in a spiral motion.

[0055] For a left footed kick the hand positions are reversed - the player is told to put one hand on each of the right eyebrow (12) and left ear (6). The ball is guided down at a slight angle towards the left foot which strikes the ball on the left side of the chin (3) before it hits the ground.

Banana Kick

[0056] The 'banana kick', is used in Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby union. When kicked, the ball bends away from the player's body. The curving trajectory is particularly useful when a set shot is being taken for goal on a narrow angle, and effectively opens up the face of the goal.

[0057] When instructing a child to perform a banana kick with the right foot, the left ear (6) and the right eyebrow (12) are hand-position indicia for the left and right hand respectively. The right side of the chin (3) is the striking indicia, for kicking with the right foot. This causes the ball to spin in the opposite direction to the swing of the leg.

[0058] When instructing a child to perform a banana kick with the left foot, the right ear (7) and the left eyebrow (11) are hand-position indicia for the left and right hand respectively. The left side of the chin (3) is the striking indicia, for kicking with the left foot. This causes the ball to spin in the opposite direction to the swing of the leg.

Handpass

[0059] When instructing a child to perform a handpass, the player is taught that the hand position is on the back of the ball (10), between the left ear (6) and right ear (7). The nose (5) is a directional indicium, and should be pointed in the direction they want the ball (10) to go. The chin (3) a striking indicium, to be punched with a closed fist.

Scooping

[0060] When instructing a child to scoop the ball (10) off the ground, the child is taught to look into the eyes (8,9) and stoop low to the ground then put the heel of their hand around the ears (6,7) with their fingers over the top of the face.

[0061] Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate various faces suitable for including on the surface of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front and the side.

[0062] Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate various faces suitable for including on the surface of a football training aid according to the present invention viewed from the front and the rear.

[0063] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0064] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0065] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0066] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0067] Whenever a range is given in the specification, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0068] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that materials and methods, other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by examples, preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0069] Each reference cited herein is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Such references may provide sources of materials; alternative materials, details of methods, as well as additional uses of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. A football learning aid comprising an ellipsoid ball having an outer surface, and at least two different types of handling indicia disposed on the outer surface of the football.

2. A football learning aid according to claim 1, wherein the two types of indicia are chosen from: - at least one hand position indicium, - at least one directional indicium, and - at least one striking indicium to indicate where the ball should be struck to send the ball along a trajectory.

3. A football learning aid according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the indicia comprise facial features chosen from; at least one ear, at least one eye, at least one eyebrow, a nose, a mouth, or a chin.

4. A football learning aid comprising an ellipsoid ball having a first end and a second end and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has disposed thereon, two or more indicia comprising facial features chosen from at least one ear, at least one eye, at least one eyebrow, a nose, a mouth or a chin, and wherein in use the indicia comprise two of the following: - at least one indicium indicating a hand position, - at least one indicium indicating a direction, and - at least one indicium indicating a location where the ball should be struck to send

the ball along a trajectory.

5. A method of learning football handling skills using the football learning aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising two or more of the following: - positioning a hand adjacent a first hand position indicia, - aligning a directional indicia, and - striking a striking indicia to send the ball along a trajectory.

FIG 2A 1/4

FIG 1

FIG 2B