WO2008102210A2

WO2008102210A2 - Methods of playing soccer games

Info

Publication number: WO2008102210A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/004550
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Fernandez
Original assignee: Francisco Fernandez
Priority date: 2006-11-15
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Also published as: WO2008102210A3; US20080113833A1

Abstract

A method of play is provided that includes (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player, and (d) determining a winner based on the highest score. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between any number of opposing teams, or the method may between individual players. In other exemplary embodiments, the method of play may include one or more subsequent rounds of play that comprise additional steps.

Description

METHODS OF PLAYING SOCCER GAMES

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods of playing a sports-related activity, and more particularly to sports-related activities that include the scoring of a goal.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Various sports-related activities involve the use of a ball, which players on opposing teams maneuver in an attempt to place the ball into a goal area to score a goal. An example of one such sport is that of soccer. Such games require significant time and development for players to maneuver the ball into a position from which a player may attempt to score. As such, these sports are often slow in developing scoring opportunities that are exciting to spectators.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of methods for playing a game on a field in which play comprises individual players successively attempting to kick a ball into a goal. In the various exemplary embodiments, a method of play is provided that comprises (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, (c) awarding scores, points, or values for each goal that is kicked by a player, and (d) determining a winner based on the highest score. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between opposing teams and/or between individual players, after which the method proceeds in (d) determining the team or individual player with the highest score resulting from the above steps. In other embodiments, the method of play may further include one or more subsequent rounds of play that comprise additional steps.

[0005] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows an elevated view of a playing field on which an exemplary embodiment of a method of play is being performed;

[0008] Fig. 2 shows an elevated view of a playing field on which a second exemplary embodiment of a method of play is being performed;

[0009] Fig. 3 shows an elevated view of a playing field on which a third exemplary embodiment of a method of play is being performed;

[0010] Fig. 4 shows an elevated view of a playing field on which a fourth exemplary embodiment of a method of play is being performed; and

[0011] Fig. 5 shows an elevated view of a goal area against which embodiments of a method of play between individual players may be performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0013] The present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of methods for playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises individual players successively attempting to kick a ball into a goal. In the various exemplary embodiments, a method of play is provided that comprises (a) identifying a starting position from which an individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, and (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player or player's respective team, whichever is appropriate. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between individual players or teams having a plurality of players, after which the method proceeds in (d) determining a winning player or team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. In other exemplary embodiments, the method of play may include a subsequent round that comprises (e) identifying a second starting position that is at a different location than the first starting position, from which individual players attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area. Upon completion of each round of play, the method of play may then proceed in (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (g).

[0014] In other exemplary embodiments, methods are provided for playing a soccer-type game between individual players, or any number of opposing teams. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such. In the various exemplary embodiments, a method of play is provided that comprises (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, and (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between opposing teams, after which the method proceeds in (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. In other exemplary embodiments, the method of play may include a subsequent round that comprises (e) identifying a second starting position that is at a different location than the first starting position, from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area. Upon completion of each round of play, the method of play may then proceed in (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (g). The method of play may include a subsequent round that comprises (e) identifying a second starting position that is different from the first starting position, from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area. Upon completion of as many rounds of play that may be desired, the method of play may then proceed in (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (g).

[0015] It should be noted that various modifications may be made to each of the exemplary embodiments to include further steps or features relating to the method of play. Such modifications may include a subsequent round of play in which the starting position is of a distance from the goal that is farther than the distance of the first starting position from the goal. Alternatively, the method of play in the subsequent round may include a second starting position that is at an angle relative to the goal. In situations where play is between teams having an equal number of players, the method of play may include having kick attempts alternate between opposing team players until all of the players have taken a kick or shot, or alternatively having kick attempts taken successively by players of the same team.

[0016] Likewise, the disclosed methods of playing a soccer-type game may award different score values for shots taken from different positions. For instance, a method of play may award a score value for a goal kicked into the goal area from the second starting position that is higher than the score value for a goal kicked into the goal area from the first starting position. This may be justified where, for example, the first starting position is a center position in front of the goal area and the second starting position is a corner position on a side of the goal area that would tend to be a more difficult shot because of the distance or angle. Thus, the method may award a higher score value for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from a higher difficultly position than for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from a lower difficulty position. Advantages of the below described embodiments and variations should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, as to providing methods of playing soccer-type games that may be both higher scoring and more entertaining to play and watch. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the particular embodiments or forms described below, and additional design considerations may be incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0017] In a first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises individual players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between opposing teams having a plurality of players. Referring to Fig. 1 , the method of play is intended to be played on a field 100 from which a player 104 may kick a ball 108 past a goalie 1 12 towards the goal area 1 16. It should be noted that the term field may comprise an outdoor or indoor field, but could also be understood to include a gymnasium, parking lot, beach, or any location having an area appropriate for permitting play of the disclosed methods. Likewise, the field preferably comprises a grass or artificial turf surface, but may be understood to include a floor, pavement, sand, or any suitable alternative surfaces. It should be understood that the size of the field or playing surface may vary. In one example, the field could be an indoor soccer field having a width of approximately 70 feet and a length of approximately 90 feet. Another example of a field could be an outdoor soccer field having a width of 147 to 295 ft wide (45 to 90 meters) and a length of 295 to 393 ft long (90 to 120 meters). But the above descriptions are merely for purposes of illustrating exemplary playing areas, and any area of appropriate size for permitting play of the disclosed methods may be utilized.

[0018] The goal area 116 may be in the form of a target, a goal area, a goal opening, a goal box enclosed by a net, or any other comparable means for providing a goal area. While the goal area 1 16 show in Fig. 1 includes a net, it should be understood that the goal area may include other suitable forms for which a ball may be kicked at. It should be noted that the goal area may comprise forms other than a net, and may alternatively comprise a target surface. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the goal area 116 is comparable to a goal area similar to that used on an indoor soccer field. The size of the goal area may be, for example, 24 feet wide by 8 feet high but could be made of any larger or smaller size as desired. It should also be noted that the ball 108 could be of any size and form as well.

[0019] The method may further include a goalie 1 12, who attempts to block or prevent a ball kicked by an individual player from reaching or going into the goal area 1 16. The field 100 may further include an area in which the goalie may use his hands in attempting to block a kick. In the field shown in Fig. 1 , this area is about 20 feet out from the goal area or goal box, and extends about 20 feet on either side of the goal. It should be noted, however, that the various disclosed methods may be played without such an area as well, and that this feature is merely optional.

[0020] The first embodiment of a method of play may be conducted on an outdoor or indoor soccer field, which may further include a penalty area (sometimes called the "18") that measures 54 feet (18 yards) out from the goal line by 132 feet (44 yards wide). Such soccer fields may further include a penalty shot point, which may be 36 feet from the goal area, as well as corner areas or arcs, within which the ball may be placed when a corner kick is taken. In the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method comprises the steps of (a) identifying a starting position 120 from which each individual player 104 will attempt to kick a ball 108 past a goalie 1 12 to a goal area 1 16. The starting position 120 may be any desired position on the field, such as the location marked on the field from which a penalty shot may be taken. While typical soccer fields may include several markers for penalty and corner kick locations, it should be noted that the present methods of play may utilize any select location on the field as a starting point, including points other than those specific locations already marked on the field 100.

[0021] In the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between teams having a plurality of players, the method identifies a starting position 120 from which each individual player 104 attempts to kick a ball 108 past a goalie 1 12 to a goal area 1 16. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such. The starting position 120 (shown as an "X" in Fig. 1 ) is at a center position that may be anywhere from 30 to 39 feet from the goal area 1 16, for example. In other embodiments, different indicators besides the letter "X" may be used for indicating the starting position.

[0022] The method of play proceeds with the step of (b) having each individual player 104 attempt to kick a ball 108 from the starting position 120 past the goalie 1 12 to the goal area 116 to try and obtain a goal. It should be understood that kick attempts will be made by each individual player, preferably until each player has made one kick attempt. The kick attempts may alternate between opposing team players until all of the players have taken a kick attempt or shot, or alternatively the kick attempts may be taken successively by individual players of the same team. The method then proceeds to (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. [0023] The first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game would, at the very least, proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (d). Alternatively, the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game may further include a subsequent round of play. The subsequent round of play may further comprise the steps of (e) identifying another starting position different from the first starting position 120 from which each individual player 104 attempts to kick a ball 108 past a goalie 1 12 to a goal area 1 16, (f) having each individual player 104 attempt to kick a ball 108 from the starting position 120 past the goalie 1 12 to the goal area 116 to try and obtain a goal, and (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team. Thus, the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game could include one or more subsequent rounds of play, each comprising a different starting position from the other rounds. After completion of the one or more rounds of play, the method would proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0024] In an alternate variation of the first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method may alternatively be played without a goalie. In such a method of play, each individual player 104 would attempt to kick a ball 108 from the starting position 120 to the goal area 116. The goal area 1 16 may be a reduced-size goal area, which would increase the difficulty of scoring a goal where a goalie is not present. The goal area 1 16 may also include a target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player is awarded an additional or higher score, value, or points if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area 1 16 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area within the goal area 1 16, where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone, or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component. In this alternate variation of the first embodiment, the method may be played without the need for a goalie, such that the soccer-type game becomes a competitive game of accuracy. In this manner, the alternate variation of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0025] In a second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game in which play also comprises individual players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between opposing teams having a plurality of players that kick from one of two positions. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such. Referring to Fig. 2, the method of play is intended to be played on a field 200 from which a player 204 may kick a ball 208 past a goalie 212 towards the goal area 216. It should be noted that the term field may comprise an outdoor or indoor field, but could also be understood to include a gymnasium, parking lot, beach, or any location having an area appropriate for permitting play of the disclosed methods. In the second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method includes the step of (a) identifying a starting position 222 from which each individual player 204 attempts to kick a ball 208 past a goalie 212 to a goal area 216. The starting position 222 shown in Fig. 2 is at a center position anywhere from 40 to 60 feet, for example, from the goal area 216 (which starting position may be farther away from the goal area 216 than the starting position in the first embodiment). The method of play then proceeds to (b) having each individual player 204 attempt to kick a ball 208 from the starting position 222 past the goalie 112 to the goal area 216 to try and obtain a goal. It should be understood that kick attempts will be made by each individual player. The kick attempts may alternate between opposing team players until all of the players have made a kick attempt or taken a shot, or alternatively the kick attempts may be taken successively by individual players of the same team. When each individual player has completed one kick attempt, the method then proceeds to (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team.

[0026] In the second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game, the method then proceeds to a subsequent round of play in step (d). If, at step (d) an individual player did not score a goal in the preceding round of play, the individual player's starting point in the subsequent round of play is located at center position 222, or alternatively another equivalent position having a distance from the goal equal to or greater than that of position 222. If, at step (d) an individual player scored a goal in the preceding round of play, the individual player's starting point in the subsequent round of play is located at a closer position to the goal area 216. The closer position may be, for example, a center position approximately 30 to 39 feet from the goal area 216, for example, as in the first embodiment. At step (e) the individual player 204 then attempts to kick the ball 208 into the goal area 216. If the individual player 204 kicks the ball 208 from the closer center position into the goal area 216 to score a goal, the player 204 would be entitled to the same starting point (approximately 30 to 36 feet from the goal area 216) in a subsequent round of play. If the player 204 does not succeed in kicking the ball 208 into the goal area 216, the player 204 may have to return to the starting position 222 in a subsequent round of play. (Alternatively, the method could be played such that any player who scores from the first starting position may thereafter make all subsequent kick attempts from the closer position, such that each player is motivated to score from the first starting position to advance to the closer starting position). At the end of the subsequent round in which each individual player has completed steps (d) and (e), the method then proceeds to (f) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team.

[0027] In this manner, the second embodiment would allow a player to continue to make kick attempts from a closer position in subsequent rounds of play as long as the player continues to score goals, and upon missing the goal the player must return to the starting point 222. This would incite even more competition among team players to score a goal. Thus, the second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game could include one or more subsequent rounds of play, in which scoring players will have an improved chance of scoring from a position closer to the goal area. After completion of the one or more rounds of play, the method would proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0028] In an alternate variation of the second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method may alternatively be played without a goalie. In such a method of play, each individual player 204 would attempt to kick a ball 208 from the starting position 220 to the goal area 216. The goal area 216 may be a reduced-size goal area, which would increase the difficulty of scoring a goal where a goalie is not present. The goal area 216 may also include a target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player is awarded an additional or higher score, value or points if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area 216 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area within the goal area 216, where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component. In this alternate variation of the second embodiment, the method may be played without the need for a goalie, such that the soccer-type game becomes a competitive game of accuracy. In this manner, the alternate variation of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0029] In a third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play also comprises individual players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between opposing teams having a plurality of players that kick from two or more positions. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such. Referring to Fig. 3, the method of play is intended to be played on a field 300 from which a player 304 may kick a ball 308 past a goalie 312 towards the goal area 316, as shown in Fig. 3. It should be noted that the term field may comprise an outdoor or indoor field, but could also be understood to include a gymnasium, parking lot, beach, or any location having an area appropriate for permitting play of the disclosed methods. In the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method begins with the step of (a) identifying at least one starting position from which each individual player 304 attempts to kick a ball 308 past a goalie 312 to a goal area 316. As shown in Fig. 3, the field 300 may have a number of starting positions 320 - 328 from which a player may kick a ball 308 from. The starting position 320 shown in Fig. 3 is at a center position that may be anywhere from 30 to 39 feet from the goal area 316, for example. The starting positions 324, 326, and 328 are further away from the goal area 316 than the starting point 320, and are preferably a predetermined distance 334 from the starting point 320, which distance is at least 8 feet. The starting point 322 is even further away from the goal area 316 than the starting point 320, and is preferably a predetermined distance 332 from the starting point 320, which distance is at least 16 feet. The various starting positions 320 through 328 each have a different score value associated with each position, such that a player 304 kicking a ball 308 to the goal area 316 from one of the given starting positions may be awarded a different score based on the difficulty or distance from the goal area of the particular starting position. For illustration purposes, the score awarded for kicking a ball 308 into the goal area 316 from center position 320 may be 1 point, for example, while the score awarded for kicking a ball 308 into the goal area 316 from positions 324, 326 or 328 may be 2 points, for example. The score awarded for kicking a ball 308 into the goal area 316 from position 322 may be 3 points, for example. The third embodiment of a method of play may include any number of starting positions from which a player may have more difficulty scoring a goal from, such as corner positions 336 and 338 having a high angle with respect to the goal area 316. These positions would have a higher difficulty and a higher score value associated with the position. However, it should be noted that these described positions are merely exemplary, and any desired starting position or any number of positions may be used in practicing the exemplary embodiments.

[0030] In the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game between opposing teams having a plurality of players, the method of play comprises the steps of (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. It should be noted that the step of identifying a starting position may comprise selecting from the plurality of starting positions 320 through 328 a starting position from which the individual players will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area. Thus, each of the individual players will complete their attempt of kicking the ball into the goal from the same identified position. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such.

[0031] The third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game would, at the very least, proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (d). Alternatively, the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game may further include a subsequent round of play. The subsequent round of play may comprise (e) selecting from a plurality of positions another starting position that is different from the first starting position 320 from which each individual player 304 attempts to kick a ball 308 past a goalie 312 to a goal area 316, (f) having each individual player 304 attempt to kick a ball 308 from the starting position 320 past the goalie 312 to the goal area 316 to try and obtain a goal, and (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team. The third embodiment would further comprise the step of (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (g).

[0032] Thus, the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game could include one or more subsequent rounds of play, in which individual players 304 will have an improved chance of obtaining higher scores by kicking goals from different positions of varying difficulty and varying distance relative to the goal area. After completion of the one or more rounds of play, the method of the third embodiment would proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would also provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc..

[0033] In an alternate variation of the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method may alternatively be played without a goalie. In such a method of play, each individual player 304 would attempt to kick a ball 308 from a starting position to the goal area 316. The goal area 316 may be a reduced-size goal area, which would increase the difficulty of scoring a goal where a goalie is not present. The goal area 316 may also include a target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player is awarded an additional or higher score, value, or points if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area 316 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area within the goal area 316, where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone, or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component. In this alternate variation of the third embodiment, the method would comprise the steps of (a) selecting from a plurality of positions a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. The alternate variation of the third embodiment may be played without the need for a goalie, such that the soccer-type game becomes a competitive game of accuracy. In this manner, the alternate variation of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0034] In a fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play also comprises individual players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between opposing teams having a plurality of players that each may select a starting point from one of a plurality of positions. The teams may have an even number of players, but need not be limited as such. Referring to Fig. 4, the method of play is intended to be played on a field 400 from which a player 404 may kick a ball 408 past a goalie 412 towards the goal area 416. As shown in Fig. 4, the field 400 may have a number of starting positions 420 through 428 from which a player may kick a ball 408 from. The various starting positions 420 through 428 each have a different score value associated with each position (as just described for the preceding embodiment). Thus, an individual player 404 may select from any one of the given starting positions a desired position from which to attempt to kick a ball 408 from. The player may accordingly select a given starting positions based on the score value that the player would like to achieve, or be awarded if the player 404 successfully kicks the ball 408 from the selected position into the goal area 416.

[0035] In the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game, the method comprises the steps of (a) identifying a plurality of starting positions, from which each individual player selects a desired starting position where the individual player will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. Upon completing the above steps, the fourth embodiment of a method of play may further include a subsequent round of play. In the subsequent round of play, individual players may again select from the plurality of positions any desired position that they want to kick from. If the individual player's team has a score that is far behind that of their opponent, the individual player may chose to select a higher difficulty position from which to attempt a kick from. In this manner, the player may obtain a higher score for a goal to quickly bring his team back into contention with the opposing team. Thus, the subsequent round of play would further comprise the steps of (e) having each individual player select from the plurality of positions a desired starting position where the individual player will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from a selected starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the preceding steps.

[0036] Thus, the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game could include one or more subsequent rounds of play, in which individual players 404 will have an improved chance of obtaining higher scores by kicking goals from different positions of varying difficulty and varying score values, such that each player may obtain a higher goal score to quickly bring his team back into contention with an opposing team. After completion of the one or more rounds of play, the method of the fourth embodiment would proceed to proclaim the winning team by determining the team with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players select a position from which they will attempt to kick a ball into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would also provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc. Thus, the game would be more entertaining for viewers and/or radio broadcast listeners by providing varying scoring opportunities.

[0037] As an illustration of the fourth embodiment, in a match between two teams in which one team is behind by four goals and would almost be eliminated from contention such that the game would become boring to the spectator, the higher scoring opportunities provided by more difficult starting positions would allow players to get more points with riskier shots (from farther distances and/or greater angles), allowing the team to plan a strategy to be able to get back into contention. Accordingly, the fourth embodiment of a method of play may include any number of starting positions from which a player may have more difficulty scoring a goal from, such as corner positions 436 and 438 having a high angle with respect to the goal area 416. These positions would have a higher difficulty and a higher score value associated with the position.

[0038] In an alternate variation of the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method may alternatively be played without a goalie. In such a method of play, each individual player 404 would attempt to kick a ball 408 from a starting position to the goal area 416. The goal area 416 may be a reduced-size goal area, which would increase the difficulty of scoring a goal where a goalie is not present. The goal area 416 may also include a target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player is awarded an additional or higher score, value, or points if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area 416 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area (such as 442 or 444 for example) within the goal area 416, where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone, or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component. In this alternate variation of the fourth embodiment, the method would comprise the steps of (a) identifying a plurality of positions from which each individual player selects a starting position where the individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from a selected starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps. The alternate variation of the fourth embodiment may be played without the need for a goalie, such that the soccer-type game becomes a competitive game of accuracy. In this manner, the alternate variation of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0039] It should be noted that in either the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game, or the alternate variation of the fourth embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of awarding a higher score value for a ball kicked into a preferable zone within the goal area than for a goal kicked into the goal area outside of a preferable zone. As shown in Fig. 4, the goal area 416 may include at least two preferable zones 442 and 444 in the upper corners of the goal area 416, where a player that kicks a ball 408 that passes through the zones or openings 442 or 444 would received a higher score for the goal, or alternatively an additional score component. As an illustration, a player that kicks a ball into the goal area 416 outside of the preferable zones may normally be awarded 1 point, for example, while a player that kicks a ball into the goal area 416 within one of the preferable zones 442 or 444 may received an additional point and would be awarded 2 points, for example.

[0040] In other exemplary embodiments, a method is provided for playing a soccer-type game between several individual players that each compete with each other, where each player attempts to kick a ball from an identified position into a goal area. In these embodiments, the method of play is not focused on team play but rather focuses on competition between individual players. In the various embodiments of a method of playing a soccer-type game, the method of play is intended to be played on a field 500 from which a player may kick a ball past a goalie 512 towards the goal area 516, as shown in Fig. 5. It should be noted that the term field may comprise an outdoor or indoor field, but could also be understood to include a gymnasium, parking lot, beach, or any location having an area appropriate for permitting play of the disclosed methods. The goal area 516 may be in the form of a target, a goal opening, a goal box enclosed by a net, or any other comparable means for providing a goal area, and the goal area 516 could be made of any size as desired. Alternatively, the goal area 516 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area within the goal area (such as areas 542 and 544), where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component. Accordingly, a plurality of individual players may play according to the various disclosed methods in a competition between the players to determine an individual winning player. Various exemplary embodiments of methods of playing a soccer-type game in which individual players compete against each other by attempting to kick a ball from an identified position to a goal area are disclosed below.

[0041] In a first embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between individual players. The first embodiment of a method of play between individual players comprises the steps of (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, and (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player. In the first embodiment, the method of play may further comprise the step of (d) eliminating some of the players from subsequent play, based on the individual player's score. The step (d) of eliminating some of the players may comprise eliminating those players who have not scored a goal in the preceding steps (or round of play), such that only the players that successfully kicked a ball into the goal area may advance to a subsequent round of play. The first embodiment of a method may further comprise the steps of (e) identifying another starting position different from the first starting position, from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the identified starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, and (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player. Accordingly, a subsequent round of play may be conducted with those players that advanced to the subsequent round of play. The subsequent round of play in the first embodiment may further comprise the step of (h) eliminating some of the players from subsequent play, based on the individual player's score after the subsequent round of play. This step of eliminating some of the players may comprise eliminating those players who have not scored a goal in the preceding round of play, such that only the players that successfully kicked a ball into the goal area may advance to another subsequent round of play. Thus, the above steps may be iteratively repeated to successively eliminate players such that there will be fewer players in each round, until there is a single player left that becomes the winner.

[0042] In a second embodiment of a method of playing a soccer- type game in which play comprises players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between individual players. The second embodiment of a method of play between individual players comprises the steps of (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, and (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player. The method further comprises the step (d) of eliminating some of the players, which comprises repeating steps (a) through (c) a predetermined number of times, after which players that have less than a minimum predetermined score are eliminated from subsequent play. In this manner, only the players that have successfully kicked a ball into the goal area a certain number of times may advance to a subsequent round of play. Alternatively, the step of eliminating some of the players may comprise repeating steps (a) through (c) a predetermined number of times, after which a given number of the highest scoring players will advance to subsequent play. In this second embodiment of a method of playing with individual players, the above steps may be iteratively repeated to successively eliminate players such that there will be fewer players in each round, until there is a single player left that becomes the winner.

[0043] In a third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between individual players. The third embodiment of a method of play comprises the step of (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie to a goal area. The starting position may be, for example, a center position approximately 44 to 52 feet from the goal area 516. The method of play then proceeds to (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past the goalie 512 to the goal area 516 to try and obtain a goal. It should be understood that kick attempts will be made by each individual player until all of the players have each made one kick attempt. When all of the individual players have completed one kick attempt, the method then proceeds with step (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player.

[0044] In the third embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players, the method then proceeds to a subsequent round of play in step (d). If, at step (d) an individual player did not score a goal in the preceding round of play, the individual player's starting point in the subsequent round of play is located at the same starting position as in the preceding round, or another position of equivalent distance. If, at step (d) an individual player scored a goal in the preceding round of play, the individual player's starting point in the subsequent round of play is located at a new position that is closer to the goal area 516 than that of the starting position in the preceding round. The closer starting position may be, for example, a center position approximately 30 to 36 feet from the goal area 516. At step (e) the individual player then attempts to kick the ball into the goal area 516. If the individual player kicks the ball from the closer position into the goal area 516 to score a goal, the player would be entitled to the same closer starting point in a subsequent round of play. If the player does not succeed in kicking the ball into the goal area 516, the player must return to a starting point that is of a further distance from the goal, such as the starting point in the first round of play. At the end of the subsequent round in which each individual player has completed steps (d) and (e) the method then proceeds to (f) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player. The third embodiment of a method of play between individual players then proceeds to step (g) in eliminating some of the players, which may comprise selecting a predetermined number of the highest scoring players to advance to subsequent rounds of play. In this third embodiment, the above steps may be iteratively repeated to successively eliminate players such that there will be fewer players in each round, until there is a single player left that becomes the winner.

[0045] In a fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between individual players. In this method, play is intended to be played on a field in which a plurality of starting positions at various locations on the field is identified. The various starting positions have a different score value associated with each position. Thus, an individual player may select from any one of the given starting positions a desired position from which to attempt to kick a ball from into the goal area 516. The player may accordingly select a given starting positions based on the score value that the player would like to be awarded if the player successfully kicks the ball from the selected position into the goal area 516. The fourth embodiment of a method of play between individual players comprises the steps of (a) having each individual player select from a plurality of starting positions a desired starting position, from which the individual player will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from their selected starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player, and (d) determining the individual player with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

[0046] The fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players would, at the very least, proceed to proclaim the winning player by determining the individual player with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (d). Alternatively, the fourth embodiment of a method of play between individual players may further include a subsequent round of play. The subsequent round of play may further comprise the steps of (e) having each individual player select from a plurality of starting positions a desired starting position, from which the individual player will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from their selected starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player, and (h) determining the individual player with the highest score resulting from the above steps. Thus, the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players could include one or more subsequent rounds of play, each comprising a different starting position from the other rounds. After completion of the one or more rounds of play, the method would proceed to proclaim the winning player by determining the individual player with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which players attempt to kick a ball from a selected position into a goal would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and would provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc.

[0047] Upon completing the above steps, the alternate variation of the fourth embodiment may further include a subsequent round of play. In the subsequent round of play, individual players may select from the plurality of positions any desired position that they want to kick from. If the individual player's team score is far behind that of their opponent, the individual player may chose to select a higher difficulty position from which to attempt a kick from. In this manner, the player may obtain a higher score to quickly bring his team back into contention with their opponent. The subsequent round of play would further comprise the steps of (e) identifying a plurality of starting positions from which each individual player selects a desired position from which the individual player will attempt to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area, (f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt, (g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and (h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

[0048] As an illustration of the fourth embodiment, in a match between a plurality of individual players in which one player is ahead of the other players by a substantial margin (e.g., winning by six or more goals, points or some score value that may not be easily reached, etc.) and would almost be guaranteed to win such that the match would become boring for spectators to watch, the higher scoring opportunities provided by more difficult starting positions would allow other players to get more points with riskier shots (from farther distances or greater angles), allowing them to plan a strategy to be able to get back into contention with the leader. Accordingly, the fourth embodiment of a method of play may include any number of starting positions from which a player may have more difficulty scoring a goal from (such as corner positions, for example) and would receive a higher score value for such that individual players would be able to obtain higher scores by kicking goals from different positions of varying difficulty and varying score values. After completing one or more rounds of play, the method of the fourth embodiment may proceed by eliminating one or more of the individual players from subsequent play. Whether or not one or more individual players are eliminated from subsequent play or not, the method would conclude by proclaiming the winning player, by determining the individual player with the highest score resulting from play according to the preceding steps in the various rounds of play. In this manner, the fourth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players would have much higher scoring opportunities than that of conventional soccer, and it is believed would also provide a more entertaining and exciting game for spectators to watch live or on television, for listeners of a radio broadcast, etc. [0049] In a fifth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game in which play comprises players attempting to kick a ball into a goal, the method of play is played between individual players. The fifth embodiment of a method of play comprises the step of (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie to a goal area. The starting position may be a corner position, for example, such as the point from where an Olympic goal is kicked. The method of play then proceeds to (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past the goalie 512 to the goal area 516 to try and obtain a goal. When all of the individual players have completed one kick attempt, the method then proceeds with step (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player. [0050] In the fifth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players, the method may then proceed to one or more subsequent rounds of play. The subsequent rounds of play would comprise the step of (d) having an individual player attempt to kick a ball from the same starting position identified in the first round (such as a corner kick, for example) past the goalie 512 to the goal area 516 to try and obtain a goal. The subsequent rounds of play would continue with the steps of (e) awarding a score to the individual player for a goal kicked by the player, and (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) for each player until an individual player reaches a predetermined number of goals to win the match.

[0051] In an alternate variation of the fifth embodiment of a method of playing a soccer-type game between individual players, the method may alternatively be played without a goalie. In such a method of play, each individual player would attempt to kick a ball from a starting position, such as a corner position, for example, to the goal area 516. The goal area 516 may be a reduced-size goal area, which would increase the difficulty of scoring a goal where a goalie is not present. The goal area 516 may also include a target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player is awarded an additional or higher score, value, or points if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area 516 may also include at least one opening, zone, or target area (such as 542 or 544 for example) within the goal area 516, where a player that kicks a ball to the opening, zone, or target area within the goal area may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component.

[0052] In an alternative variation of any of the above methods of play for either individual players or opposing teams, the alternate variation of a method may allow a player attempting to kick a ball to the goal area to dribble the ball before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area. The alternative variation of a method would comprise the step of (a) having a player attempt to kick a ball to the goal area to obtain a goal, wherein if the player dribbles the ball before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area, the player must complete the kick attempt within a predetermined amount of time from the commencement of dribbling. Accordingly, the elements of the player advancing towards the goalie and a limited amount of time in which to attempt a kick or forfeit the opportunity would add an extra measure of excitement to the method of play for spectators.

[0053] In yet another alternative variation of the above method of play for opposing teams having a plurality of players, the alternate variation of a method may comprise a predetermined number of players that will attempt to kick the ball into the goal area, wherein the attempt to kick a ball from a starting position may comprise dribbling the ball or passing the ball before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area. The alternative variation of a method would comprise the step of (a) having at least one of a plurality of players attempt to kick a ball to the goal area to obtain a goal, wherein once a player dribbles or kicks the ball from the starting position, the plurality of players have a predetermined amount of time in which to score a goal, after which time period the players would forfeit their opportunity to score. The plurality of players would be entitled to pass the ball as many times as they wish, but must complete their attempt to score within the predetermined time period. The plurality of players would also be opposed by a number of players that will defend or attempt to prevent the plurality of players from scoring. Accordingly, the elements of a plurality of player advancing towards a goalie and defending players, and having a limited amount of time in which to attempt a kick would add an extra measure of excitement to the method of play for spectators. Additionally this variation may also be played with or without an off-side violation for players advancing the ball beyond a defensive player towards the goal.

[0054] Similarly, there is provided yet another alternative variation of any of the above methods of play for either individual players or opposing teams, which would entail having the player attempt to kick a ball that is thrown to the player. In this manner, each player would attempt to kick a ball from a position that is determined by where the ball is being thrown to the player. In any of the above various exemplary embodiments, an alternative method of play may comprise the step of (a) having each player attempt to kick a ball that is being thrown to the player, such that the position on the field from which the player attempts to kick the ball is dependent upon where the ball is thrown. [0055] An alternative method of play between individual players may also be provided that comprises one or more rounds of play that includes any combination of one or more of the above exemplary methods of play. This alternative embodiment would comprise a method of play that could determine the most complete player having the best overall skills. Such a method could combine different combinations of the above methods of play involving, for example, kick attempts with or without a goalie, kick attempts from different positions, dribbling and advancing towards the goalie and attempting to kick a goal within a predetermined time, and/or passing to other players in the context of a plurality of players that must score a goal within a predetermined period of time. The method would award scores to each player after every round of play, each of which may entail a different embodiment of a method of play. After a predetermined number of rounds of play, the method would then determine a winning player based on the player with the most points, for example.

[0056] In yet another alternative embodiment of a method of play, the method comprises having a player attempt to kick a ball into a goal area without causing the ball to exceed a predetermined speed, above which the kick attempt is disqualified. In this alternate method of play, the player will have to control the speed of their kick and have a good touch to put the ball in the goal area. The speed of the ball may be measured or determined by a radar gun, for example. If a player kicks a ball exceeding the predetermined speed in a predetermined number of consecutive attempts, the player would forfeit their attempt to kick a goal.

[0057] It should be noted that any of the preceding exemplary embodiments of a method of play may be played without a goalie. In such situations, the goal area may be of a smaller size, and may also include a smaller target area within the goal area that the individual player attempts to kick the ball towards, where the player scores a goal if the ball hits the target area. Alternatively, the goal area may also include at least one opening within the goal area, where the player must kick the ball through an opening within the goal area for the player to score a goal. Additionally, the goal area 516 may optionally include one or more preferable zones (e.g., upper corners of the goal area, etc.) such that a player that kicks a ball to the more preferable zones or openings may, in some embodiments, receive a higher score or alternatively an additional score component.

[0058] Likewise, in the various exemplary embodiments of a method of play, the step of a player attempting to kick the ball may additionally include dribbling the ball to advance the ball towards the goal area, before the player attempts to kick the ball to the goal area. As an example, the player may be required to complete a minimum number of dribbles before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area. Alternatively, upon dribbling the ball, the player may have a predetermined amount of time in which to kick the ball to the goal area, or else the player forfeits his opportunity to score.

[0059] As an example, an alternative method of play for either individual players or opposing teams may comprise the steps of (a) having a player attempt to kick a ball to the goal area to obtain a goal, wherein if the player dribbles the ball before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area, the player must complete the kick attempt within a predetermined amount of time from the commencement of dribbling, (b) repeating the above step for each player until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each ball that is kicked to the goal area by a player, and (d) determining a winner from the highest score resulting from the above steps.

[0060] Similarly, the various exemplary embodiments of a method of play may alternatively have each player attempt to kick a ball from a position that is determined by the ball being thrown to the player. In the various embodiments, the step of attempting to kick a ball from a position on the field to the goal area to obtain a goal may comprise the ball being thrown towards the player, such that the position on the field from which the player attempts to kick the ball is dependent upon where the ball is thrown.

[0061] As an example, an alternative method of play for either individual players or opposing teams may comprise the steps of (a) having a player attempt to kick a ball to the goal area to obtain a goal, where the ball is thrown towards the player, such that the position on the field from which the player attempts to kick the ball is dependent upon where the ball is thrown, (b) repeating the above step for each player until all of the players have each made one kick attempt, (c) awarding scores for each ball that is kicked to the goal area by a player, and (d) determining a winner from the highest score resulting from the above steps.

[0062] The description provided in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Examples of such modifications or variations may include modifying the goal areas to further include fixed obstacles varying in size that make it more difficult for the kicker to score, and/or providing an obstruction wall formed by the opposing team's players, a fixed prefab wall, etc. Likewise, a goalie may attempt to block a player's kick only with their hands, or alternatively with a hand-held object. The preferable zones disclosed above may also comprise an opening, or alternatively an angled corner, which a ball would deflect off of into the goal. In this manner, a kicked ball that hits the angled corner would be deflected in a visible manner that would indicate that the player's ball hit the more preferable angled corner, and the player would be awarded a higher or additional score for hitting the preferred zone. In addition, the above embodiments need not be limited to kicking a ball, such as a soccer ball. Rather, any ball may be used in the above methods. For example, it should be understood that the above methods may alternatively comprise a method of playing a field-hockey type game, in which a ball or object can be thrown towards the goal rather than being kicked.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of playing a game on a field between opposing teams having a plurality of players, the method comprising:

(a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area;

(b) having individual players attempt to kick a ball from the starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal;

(c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team; and

(d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each team includes an equal number of players, and all of the individual players will each make one attempt to kick a ball into a goal area.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of identifying a starting position comprises identifying a plurality of starting positions from which each individual player selects a position from which the player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein kick attempts alternate between opposing team players until all of the players have taken a kick attempt.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

(e) identifying a second starting position that is at a different position relative to the goal than the first starting position, from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area,

(f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the second starting position past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal,

(g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team, and

(h) determining the team with the highest score resulting from steps (a) through (g).

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the second starting position is at an angle relative to the goal.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the second starting position is at a distance from the goal that is greater than the distance of the first starting position from the goal.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the method awards a score value for a goal kicked into the goal area from the second starting position that is higher than the score value for a goal kicked into the goal area from the first starting position.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the first starting position is a center position in front of the goal area and the second starting position is a corner position on a side of the goal area, and the method awards a higher score value for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from the corner position than for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from the center position.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the score value for a goal kicked from the center position is 1 , and the score value for a goal kicked from a corner position is at least 2.

1 1. The method of claim 1 wherein the goal area includes one or more preferable zones, and the method awards a higher score value for a ball that is kicked into a preferable zone than for a ball that is kicked into the goal area outside of a preferable zone.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the goal area includes at least two preferable zones in the upper corners of the goal area, and the method awards an additional score value for a ball kicked by a player past a goalie into one of the preferable zones.

13. A method of playing a game on a field between opposing teams having an equal number of players, the method comprising:

(a) identifying two or more positions on the field, from which each individual player selects a position from which the player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area;

(b) having each player attempt to kick a ball from one of the identified positions past a goalie into the goal area to obtain a goal;

(c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the player's respective team; and (d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein kick attempts alternate between opposing team players until all of the players have taken a kick attempt.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein kick attempts are taken successively by players of the same team until all the players on the same team have each made one kick attempt.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein the two or more positions include a first position and at least a second position that is farther away from the goal than the first position, and the method awards a higher score value for a goal kicked from the second position than a goal kicked from the first position.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the score value for a ball kicked into the goal area from the first position is 1 , and the score value for a ball kicked into the goal area from the second position is at least 2.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein the one or more positions include a center position in front of the goal area and a corner position on a side of the goal area, and the method awards a higher score value for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from the corner position than for a ball kicked by a player into the goal area from the center position.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the score value for a ball kicked into the goal area from the center position is 1 , and the score value for a ball kicked into the goal area from a corner position is at least 2.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein the two or more positions include one short-distance position and a plurality of longer distance positions, and a player of a team is only permitted to kick from the short-distance position when the last player of the same team kicked a ball into the goal area on the team's preceding kick attempt.

21. The method of claim 13 wherein the goal area further includes one or more preferable zones, and the method awards a higher score value for a ball kicked into a preferable zone than for a goal kicked into the goal area outside of a preferable zone.

22. The method of claim 13 wherein the goal area includes at least two preferable zones in the upper corners of the goal area, and the method awards an additional score value for a ball kicked by a player past a goalie into one of the preferable zones.

23. A method of playing a game between opposing teams having a plurality of players, the method comprising:

(a) having each player attempt to kick a ball from a position to the goal area to obtain a goal;

(b) awarding scores for each ball that is kicked to the goal area by a player to the player's respective team; and

(c) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the position is at a distance about 36 feet from the goal area.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the ball is thrown towards the player, such that the position on the field from which the player attempts to kick the ball is dependent upon where the ball is thrown.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the position on the field from which the ball is kicked is a fixed location selected before a player attempts to kick the ball.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the step of attempting to kick the ball additionally includes dribbling the ball to advance the ball towards the goal area before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the player must complete a minimum number of dribbles before attempting to kick the ball to the goal area.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein upon dribbling the ball, the player has a predetermined amount of time in which to kick the ball to the goal area.

30. The method of claim 23 wherein the goal area is protected by a goalie that attempts to block a kick by the player, such that the player attempts to kick the ball past the goalie to the goal area.

31. The method of claim 23 wherein the goal area is not protected by a goalie, and the goal area is smaller in size than a conventional soccer goal area.

32. A method of playing a game on a field between opposing teams having a plurality of players, the method comprising:

(a) identifying a plurality of starting positions, from which each individual player selects a desired starting position where the individual player will attempt to kick a ball to a goal area;

(b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position to the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt;

(d) determining the team with the highest score resulting from the above steps.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the plurality of starting positions are of varying distance from the goal and have different score values associated with the various starting positions, such that a player may select a starting position having a higher associated score value from which to attempt a kick in an attempt to obtain a higher score value upon kicking the ball to the goal area.

34. The method of claim 32 wherein the goal area is protected by a goalie, such that the player must kick the ball past the goalie to the goal area.

35. The method of claim 32 further comprising a subsequent round including the steps of:

(e) having each individual player select from the plurality of positions a desired starting position where the individual player will attempt to kick a ball to a goal area;

(f) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from a selected starting position to the goal area to obtain a goal, until all of the players on each team have each made one kick attempt;

(g) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player during the subsequent round; and

(h) determining the team with the overall highest score resulting from the preceding steps.

36. A method of playing a game on a field between individual players, the method comprising: (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball past a goalie into a goal area;

(c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player to the individual player; and

(d) determining an individual winner based on the highest score value.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the position is at a distance about 36 feet from the goal area.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein the plurality of starting positions are of varying distance from the goal and have different score values associated with the various starting positions, such that a player may select a starting position having a higher associated score value from which to attempt a kick from in an attempt to obtain a higher score value in kicking the ball to the goal area.

39. The method of claim 36 wherein the goal area is protected by a goalie, such that the player must kick the ball past the goalie to the goal area.

40. The method of claim 23 wherein the player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area without causing the ball to exceed a predetermined speed, above which the kick attempt is disqualified.