WO2019058359A1

WO2019058359A1 - A training device

Info

Publication number: WO2019058359A1
Application number: PCT/IE2018/000013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark John HERRICK
Original assignee: Headrite Sports Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-25
Filing date: 2018-09-24
Publication date: 2019-03-28

Abstract

A soccer training device (1) for practicing and improving heading techniques made up of a collapsible frame (2) having a wheeled chassis (3), a two-part spine (4) upstanding from the chassis (3) and an arm assembly (5) pivotably mounted on the spine (4) having laterally extending first and second inclined wing-like arms (6,7) respectively oriented in a generally downward direction in an operating position, the inclined arms (6,7) being provided with first and second suspended balls (8,9) so that two or more players can simultaneously, safely and effectively practice their heading techniques by jumping to head the suspended balls (8,9).

Description

A Training Device

Introduction

This invention relates to a training device and more particularly to a soccer training device for practicing and improving heading techniques.

Background of the Invention

Heading of a ball is a key skill in the game of soccer. Correct heading techniques are generally taught by coaches to novice and skilled players alike in order to ensure that the heading action is correctly and accurately executed for an optimal result. It is now known that correct heading techniques are also important in order to avoid player injury and as a result avoidance of head trauma in soccer is becoming increasingly important. Research has shown that routine heading of a soccer ball during training can cause neurological dysfunction while repeated sub-concussive blows to the head such as those sustained from heading a ball can result in brain conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The risk of such brain conditions developing can be exacerbated in young players whose brains are still developing. Accordingly, it is particularly important for young players to employ a correct heading technique to minimise the risk of brain injury.

A number of prior art training devices have been developed as training aids for heading balls e.g. the devices described in US Patent Specification No. 4,462,599, US Patent Specification No. 4,576,379 and US Patent Specification No. 7,364,517. However, the devices described in the aforementioned documents and other known devices all suffer from a number of disadvantages - i.e. generally the devices are too complex/difficult to assemble and disassemble, too bulky and poorly or nonportable, too heavy and/or ineffective from a training efficacy or safety point of view. Some known devices also require the use of goalposts to support the devices which can also lead to injury where a player impacts the goalpost while other devices must be mounted on a grass surface such as a training pitch which can lead to excessive wear and tear of the grass surface resulting in the need to re-sod the surface so that players can jump from an even surface during training. In some instances, the known training aids must also be supported in a concrete fixing in the ground which can add to the cost and complexity of use of the devices.

An object of the invention is to overcome at least some of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a soccer training device for practicing heading techniques comprising:

a collapsible frame having

a wheeled chassis

a spine on the chassis

an arm assembly attached to the spine, and

at least one ball tether suspended from the arm assembly wherein the arm assembly comprises at least one inclined arm. Preferably, the inclined arm comprises a downwardly oriented arm. More preferably, the arm assembly comprises two downwardly oriented arms.

In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible frame comprises an assembly/collapsing mechanism so that the training device is movable between an operating position and a collapsed/storage position. Advantageously, the assembly/collapsing mechanism comprises at least one powered strut. Preferably, the powered strut comprises a gas strut. More preferably, a first gas strut extends between the chassis and the spine. Most preferably, a second gas strut extends between the spine and the arm assembly.

Preferably, the training device comprises a failsafe release mechanism to allow balls to be pulled free from the training device without pulling down the training device. More preferably, the failsafe release mechanism comprises a tether failsafe release mechanism. Most preferably, the failsafe release mechanism comprises a male- female push fit mechanism.

Suitably, the wheeled chassis comprises at least one wheelset. Preferably, the wheeled chassis comprises two wheelsets. More preferably, the wheels of the wheelsets are adapted to receive ballast to stabilise the training device. Most preferably, the ballast comprises water.

Preferably, the spine comprises a two-part spine having a lower spine portion attached to an upper spine portion at a hinged joint. More preferably, the two-part spine comprises a first upright and a second upright spaced apart from the first upright.

Suitably, the spine further comprises a stabilising foot for supporting the spine in the operating position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the arm assembly comprises a neck hingedly mounted on the spine for supporting the arm assembly in the operating position. Preferably, the at least one inclined arm is attached to the neck. More preferably, the at least one inclined arm is attached to the neck at a head provided with spring-loaded pivotable mountings.

Advantageously, the training device comprises foam balls on the tethers. In a further embodiment of the invention, the training device comprises sensors for monitoring movement and impact of balls on the tethers during practice. Preferably, the sensors are located on the balls or the player. More preferably, the sensors comprise movement sensors. Most preferably, the sensors comprise

accelerometers, impact or jump sensors.

Preferably, the sensors are communicable with mobile devices, computers or web based applications to transmit training data. More preferably, the sensors are communicable via Bluetooth (Trade Mark). The invention also extends to a system for practicing soccer heading techniques comprising a training device as hereinbefore defined and external sensors on a player. Preferably, the system further comprises mobile devices and/or applications for monitoring heading performance and training. More preferably, the mobile devices and/or applications are communicable with the training device.

In a further embodiment, the invention also relates to a method for practicing heading techniques comprising training with a device as hereinbefore defined.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of retrieving training data from the training device via sensors on the device or a player.

The one-piece training device of the invention helps soccer players to improve their ability at heading in a safe manner that reduces head impacts. The training device is sufficiently robust to withstand the rigours of two or more players practicing heading at one time while the downwardly depending arms of the training device minimises ball suspension length (i.e. the length of tethers) so that the distance a ball is required to travel to return to its original position is minimised thereby optimising the speed of return to the original position to increase the number of players that can practice heading simultaneously. The reduced suspension distance also reduces impact g-forces from a ball as the distance of travel of the ball is reduced

significantly. The reduced suspension distance of the ball also eliminates undesired impact of the ball with the structure of the training device.

The failsafe release mechanism of the training device allows balls to be pulled free without pulling down the training device whilst simultaneously allowing for powerful headers to be performed without the balls coming free. In addition, as the training device is a standalone device, the device can be located away from other equipment that might interfere with practice or cause injury to players.

As the training device is mobile on its chassis, the device can be employed on a range of indoor and outdoor surfaces so that ground does not get worn away from use in one location unlike permanently fixed training devices.

The two-part spine of the collapsible frame of the training device being made up of two side members increases the robustness and resilience of the training device so that the training device can withstand high volumes of activity i.e. the training device can be used simultaneously by two or more players without interference.

The assembly/collapsing mechanism facilitates erection and collapse of the training device without requiring the use of tools. Moreover, the training device can be collapsed to a relatively small size for ease of storage and transport. The

assembly/collapsing mechanism includes powered struts such as gas/pneumatic or even hydraulic struts to allow rapid assembly and disassembly with gas struts being preferred. As indicated above, the downwardly projecting arms of the training device facilitate safer practice due to reduced tether length and g-force. Moreover, the use of foam balls with the training device results in significantly safer and improved practice. The foam ball size can be selected and used in accordance with age/experience of players e.g. a size 4 ball (20cm in diameter) or size 5 foam ball (22cm in diameter). Heretofore, size 5 foam balls have not been available or employed in heading training.

As indicated above, the water filled wheels act as a ballast and are spread to lower the centre of gravity thereby facilitating a training device having an optimal height of about 3.65m and an arm span of about 1.83m without compromising the stability of the training device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above and the rear side of a first embodiment of a unitary or one piece soccer training device of the invention for practicing and improving heading techniques in the operating position with the spine of the device in the upright vertical position and the arms of the arm assembly of device in the laterally extended downwardly angled position; Figure 2 is a perspective view from above and the front side of the soccer training device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the soccer training device with the direction of folding of the upper spine portion and the lower spine portion during collapsing of the training device indicated by the arrows; Figure 4 is a rear elevation of the soccer training device;

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of the soccer training device;

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of a wheel of the training device;

Figure 7 is a front elevation of the wheel of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above of the soccer training device in a collapsed or non-operating position for storage or transport of the device;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above and one side of the collapsed soccer training device of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the soccer training device of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view from the front and one side of a second embodiment of the soccer training device with the arms in a straight non-angled position;

Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the ball release failsafe mechanism circled in Figure 11 ; Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view from above and one side of the male-female breakaway clasp of the failsafe release mechanism;

Figure 14 is a perspective view from above and one side of the male element of the breakaway clasp of Figure 13 separated from the female element;

Figure 15 shows the results of a (a, c, e) full weight (290g) soccer ball inflated to 110 kPa and a (b, d, f) foam ball (5.290g) impacting the UCDBTM at a velocity of 22 m/s. (a) and (b) show a sagittal slice through the centre of the brain, (c) and (d) show a coronal plane image of the top surface of brain, and (e) and (f) show the frontal plane of the brain. A = anterior, P = posterior, S = superior, I = inferior, R = right, L = left, and

Figure 16 shows the results of a (a, c, e) full weight (290g) soccer ball inflated to 110 kPa and a (b, d, f) foam ball (5.290g) impacting the UCDBTM at a velocity of 2 m/s. (a) and (b) show a sagittal slice through the centre of the brain, (c) and (d) show a coronal plane image of the top surface of brain, and (e) and (f) show the frontal plane of the brain. A = anterior, P = posterior, S = superior, I = inferior, R = right, L = left.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As shown in the drawings, a unitary soccer training device of the invention for practicing and improving heading techniques is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 and is made up of a collapsible frame 2 having a wheeled chassis 3, a two-part spine 4 upstanding from the chassis 3 and an arm assembly 5 pivotably mounted on the spine 4 having laterally extending first and second wing-like arms 6,7 respectively oriented in a generally downward direction in an operating position. The inclined and more specifically downwardly oriented or projecting arms 6,7 are provided with first and second suspended balls 8,9 respectively attached to the arms 6,7 by respective first and second tethers 10,11 so that two players can

simultaneously, safely and effectively practice their heading techniques by jumping to head the suspended balls 8,9. This shall be explained more fully below. The training device 1 is provided with an assembly/collapsing mechanism 12 so that the training device 1 is movable between an operating position as shown in Figures 1 to 5, 9 and 10 and a collapsed/storage position shown in Figures 8 to 10. The assembly/collapsing mechanism 12 includes first and second gas struts 13,14 to facilitate automatic and rapid assembly and collapse of the collapsible frame 2. This too shall be explained more fully below.

The wheeled chassis 3 is made up of a first side member 15 and an oppositely disposed second side member 16 spaced apart from the first side member 15. The first side member 15 is joined to the second side member at a front transverse member 17 while a front wheelset 18 is mounted on the chassis 3 at a front axle 19 extending between the first and second side members 5,16. A rear wheelset 20 is also mounted on the chassis 3 at a rear axle 21 also extending between the first and second side members 15,16. Each wheelset 18,20 is provided with two wheels 22 adapted to receive ballast to stabilise the training device 1 in use. The wheels 22 can have groove-like treads 22a for improving grip. The ballast can be any suitable material although it is envisaged that water would be the preferred ballast due to ease of availability and ease of discharge from the wheels 22. Anti-freeze can be added to the ballast water in freezing conditions. The training device 1 can still be easily manoeuvred when the wheels 22 are filled with ballast water.

The front and rear wheelsets 19,20 are spaced apart on the chassis 3 to lower the centre of gravity of the training device 1 thereby increasing the stability of the training device 1 in use.

The spine 4 is made up of a first upright 23 and a second upright 24 spaced apart from the first upright 23. The first upright 23 is hingedly attached to the first side member 15 of the chassis 3 at a first hinge 25 while the second upright 24 is hingedly attached to the second side member 16 of the chassis 3 at a second hinge 26. The spine 4 is further provided with a stabilising foot 27 adjacent the hinges 25,26 to assist in supporting the spine 4 in the upright position in the operating position by contacting the surface (e.g. the ground where the training device 1 is used outdoors) on which the training device 1 is in use in the operating position.

As part of the assembly/collapsing mechanism 12, the two-part spine 4 is provided with a lockable hinged joint 28 approximately midway along its length to define a lower spine portion 29 and an upper spine portion 30 hingedly attached to the lower spine portion 29 so that the two-part spine 4 is movable between an upright operating position and a folded collapsed position about the hinged joint 28. The lockable hinge 28 is locked in position in the upright operating position for safe operation while no tools are required to lock or unlock the lockable hinge 28. The lower spine portion 29 and the upper spine portion 30 are also height adjustable at the joint 28 to vary the height of the training device as required. Movement of the spine between the upright operating position and the folded collapsed position is automatically effected by actuation of the gas strut 13 which is mounted between a first gas strut mounting plate 31 on the chassis 3 and a second gas strut mounting plate 32 on the lower spine portion 29 below the hinged joint 28.

The upper spine portion 30 terminates at an upper spine portion crossbar 33 and is further provided with an upper spine portion gas strut mounting plate 34 from which the second gas strut 14 extends to the arm assembly 5. The first and second uprights 23,24 of the upper spine portion 30 are provided with respective first and second tether mountings 35,36 to which the first and second tethers 10,11 are attached. As shall be explained more fully below, each tether mounting 35,36 has a failsafe safety release mechanism 37 to release the tethers 10,11 in the event of excessive weight being placed on the tethered balls 8,9 i.e. the balls 8,9 come free in the event of a user applying their weight to or pulling on the balls 8,9.

The arm assembly 5 is made up of an upwardly extending neck 38 (in the operating position) hingedly mounted on the upper spine portion crossbar 33 and attached to a head 39 at its opposite end. The first and second arms 6,7 extend laterally outwards and downwards from the head 39 and are attached to the head 39 at respective first and second self-locking spring-loaded pivotable mountings 40,41 so that the first and second arms 6,7 can be moved between the outwardly and downwardly extending operating position (e.g. as shown in Figure 1) and a folded collapsed position in which the arms 6,7 are disposed either side of the neck 38. The second gas strut 14 is attached to the neck 38 at a neck strut mounting 42 so that the second gas strut 14 extends between the upper spine portion mounting plate 34 and the neck strut mounting 42 to effect movement of the neck 38 between the operating position in which the neck 38 extends upwards from the upper spine portion 30 and the collapsed folded position in which the neck 38 is folded against the two-part spine 4. Accordingly, in order to collapse the arm assembly 5, the arms 6,7 are firstly folded towards the neck 38 at the head 39 about the first and second spring-loaded pivotable mountings 40,41 and, secondly, the folded arms 6,7 and the neck 38 are together moved towards the two-part spine 4 by retracting the piston of the gas strut 14 into its cylinder. The first and second tethers 10,11 extend from the first and second tether mountings 35,36 to the suspended balls 8,9 via first and second tether openings 43,44 respectively defined in the head 39 and tether guides 45 spaced apart along the arms 6,7. The tether guides 45 can include pulleys (not shown) for suspending the balls 8,9 while each ball 8,9 can be attached to its respective tether 10,11 via any suitable attachment means such as PVC adhesive patches and an associated loop for receiving the tethers 8,9 on the patches. The PVC patches can be used to adhere to all ball types such as conventional and foam balls 8,9.

In order to effect the downwardly projecting orientation of the arms 6,7 in use, the laterally extending arms 6,7 are each shaped to define a substantially horizontal portion 46 extending horizontally outwards from the head 39, an upwardly extending portion 47 contiguous with and extending upwards from the horizontal portion 46 and a downwardly depending portion 48 extending downwards from and contiguous with the upwardly extending portion 47. The first and second tethers 10,11 are suspended from the downwardly depending portions 48. Each failsafe safety release mechanism 37 is a two-part mechanism made up of a cylindrical male part 49 insertable in a female part 50 and adapted to detach from the female part 50 when excessive weight is placed on a ball 8,9. More particularly, the cylindrical male part 49 is reversibly insertable in a socket 51 defined in the female part 50 in a push-fit manner and has a transverse tether through hole 52 for securing the tether 10,11 to the male part and a circumferential flange 53 for engaging with the female part 50 upon insertion of the male part 49 in the female part 50. The female part 50 is made up of a head 54 having spaced apart flexible fingers 55 defining the socket 51 while the interior surface of each finger 55 has an inwardly tapered ramp 56 to create the push-fit insertion action in combination with the circumferential flange 53 of the cylindrical male part 49. The female head 54 is further provided with a base 57 projecting downwards from the female head 54 defining a pin through hole 58 in which a fixing pin can be inserted to secure the tether mountings 35,36 to the first and second uprights 23,24. As indicated above, in the event of excessive force being applied to a ball 8,9 and hence a tether 10,11 , the cylindrical male part 49 is pulled from the socket 51 of the female part 50 to release the tether 10,11 and the ball 8,9. The failsafe safety release mechanism 37 can be sized and dimensioned as required to release at a desired pulling force. A preferred pulling force at which the failsafe release mechanism 37 separates is about 120N. Similarly, the failsafe release mechanisms 37 can also be positioned as required along the path of the tethers 10,11. Figures 9 to 12 show a second embodiment of the soccer training device 1 with the arms in a straight non-angled position. Otherwise, the training device 1 is broadly similar to the training device 1 of Figures 1 to 8 with the tether mountings 35,36 and associated failsafe ball release mechanism 37 in particular being common to both embodiments. Accordingly, like numerals indicate like parts.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the training device 1 incorporates sensors communicable with mobile devices, computers and the like. The sensors can be used to monitor performance parameters during use of training device. Examples of suitable sensors include impact sensors or accelerometers fitted in the balls to monitor specific parameters such as impact force/contact, hang time and direction of header. A player can also be fitted with sensors e.g. carried on the player's head or in clothing such as shorts, which can be synchronised with the sensors in the balls to monitor other parameters such as successful headers, vertical jump height and the like. The above mentioned parameters can be derived from 4 data elements namely: vertical height a player jumps; length of time a player is off the ground; impact on a player's head when contacting a ball, and impact on the ball when a player makes contact with the ball. The invention therefore also extends to a system made up of the training device fitted with sensors and external sensors and other equipment such as mobile devices and applications for monitoring heading performance and training.

The sensors and accelerometers facilitate the measurement and recordal of performance in real time. Preferred sensors are Bluetooth (Trade Mark) jump sensors. Data from the sensors and accelerometers can be communicated to handheld devices by Bluetooth (Trade Mark) and the like. Software for use with the training device 1 allows players and coaches to log, track and analyse key statistics relating to their use of the training device 1.

Data from the sensors can also be stored via a web based application so that the data can be analysed and studied at a later date.

If desired, data from the sensors can be combined with video or simulated footage to allow more detailed performance analysis.

The training device 1 of the invention facilitates the use of lighter balls 8,9 due to the manner in which the balls 8,9 are secured to the training device 1 and in particular the tethers 10,11. In particular, as discussed in more detail in the Example below, the key factors in contributing to reduced brain functioning is ball speed and ball weight at the point of impact. The training device 1 allows a player to practice heading with a lighter ball (290g), typically made of foam, as opposed to a conventional 400g ball employing average speeds of 8km/hr as opposed to 40km/hr such as would be experienced when simulating a corner kick thus reducing the impact g-force to 1.5 to 2 g's which is 1/20^t or 5% of the g-force that would be encountered with the conventional 400g ball at speeds of 40km/hr.

In use, the training device 1 as shown in Figure 1 can be employed by two or more players to practice safe and correct heading techniques. A player jumps from the indoor or outdoor surface on which the training device is placed to head the balls 8,9 suspended on the tethers 10,11 from the downwardly dependent arms 6,7 of the arms assembly 5. The ballast, typically water, contained within the wheels 22 maintain the training device 1 in position during use while the downwardly dependent orientation of the arms 6,7 allows for a reduced tether 10,11 length from the ends of the arms 6,7 to the balls 8,9 with the result that g-force upon impact with a player's head is reduced as a result of the balls 8,9 travelling a reduced distance as they swing on the tethers 10,11. Moreover, the reduced tether 10, 11 length prevents the balls 8,9 from connecting or impacting with the collapsible frame 2 and in particular the two-part spine 4. For example, the downwardly inclined arms 6,7 are inclined downwards to an extent that the length of the tethers can be less than about 0.5m which has been found by the Applicant to be an optimal length for quickly returning the balls to a plum position whilst also minimising g-forces on players.

In order to collapse the training device 1 of Figure 1 for storage or transport, the balls 8,9 and tethers 0, are first removed from the training device 1. The collapsing mechanism 12 is then employed to collapse the training device 1. In particular, the rod of the second gas strut 14 is first retracted into its cylinder to lower the arm assembly 5 and locate the neck 38 against the upper spine portion 30 of the two-part spine 4 between the first and second uprights 23,24. This can be achieved by simply pulling on a strap (not shown) mounted on the arm assembly 5 to commence automatic retraction of the rod of the second gas strut 14 into its cylinder. The arms 6,7 of the arm assembly 5 are then pivoted about the first and second spring-loaded pivotable mountings 40,41 towards the neck 38 and the upper spine portion 30. The collapsed arms 6,7 are therefore located either side of the upper spine portion 30 which is then folded at the joint 28 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 3 towards the lower spine portion 29 which is then pivoted about the first and second hinges 25,26 onto the chassis 3 (see Figures 6 to 8) in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 3. The training device 1 is therefore fully collapsed for ease of storage and transport.

By way of example, the training device 1 having a height of approximately 3.65m can be collapsed to a compact footprint of 120cm x 50cm and a height of 45cm

employing the collapsing mechanism 12. Such a training device 1 has wheels 22 with a volume of about 18 litres for receiving ballast.

The training device 1 can be simply erected without tools by simply performing the above process in reverse. For a training device having the above dimensions, the training device can be erected in approximately 30 seconds without requiring tools. The training device 1 can be manufactured from any suitable material such as light steel while the tethers 10,11 can be formed from nylon coated with polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) which has been found to allow the balls to fly more consistently after a header.

Examples

Example 1

To investigate the effects heading a ball has on the brain of adolescent players, a number of simulations were performed using the University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model (UCDBTM). Simulations were performed by impacting a conventional soccer ball with the UCDBTM at a velocity of 22 m/s and a foam ball at a reduced velocity of 2.2 m/s as experienced with the training device 1 of the invention.

Methods

The UCDBTM was used to simulate the impact of a conventional soccer ball (R = 0.1125 m, wall thickness = 0.006 m, inflation pressure = 110 kPa, ball material shear modulus = 25 MPa, density = 500 kg/m³) and a foam ball (R = 0.0975 m, foam shear modulus = 7 kPa, density = 10 kg/m³) with the head. Mechanical properties derived from indentation experiments on pig brains (equivalent human age: adolescent) were used in the UCDBTM (Table 1).

Table 1

Pig constitutive data used in UCDBTMC10 = u/2 (Pa). Di = compressibility factor. Ctx = cortex. CR(C) = corona radiata (coronal plane), Cbl = cerebellum. Density was set to 1040 g/cm³ for all brain tissues.

Region (data used) C10 Di T1 (S) 92 T2 (S)

Grey matter (Ctx) 1600 10,000 x μ 0.496 0.019 0.167 0.295

White matter (CR(C)) 2810 10,000 x μ 0.634 0.017 0.187 0.262

Cerebellum (Cbl) 1410 10,000 ^χ μ 0.484 0.019 0.167 0.285

Brainstem (Medulla) 2660 10,000 x μ 0.532 0.018 0.201 0.246

Ventricles (Cortex) 1600 10,000 ^χ μ 0.496 0.019 0.167 0.295 Figure 15 shows the maximum principal strain fields within the brain from a soccer ball inflated to 110 kPa (Fig.15 (a, c, e)), and a foam ball (Fig. 15 (b, d, f)) impacting the forehead portion of the University College Dublin Brain Trauma Model

(UCDBTM).

Reducing the impact velocity of the balls to 2.2 m/s substantially reduced the level of strain experienced by the brain as seen in the results of simulations of the fully inflated soccer ball (Fig. 16 (a, c, e)) and the foam ball (Fig. 16 b, d, f)). Indeed, the majority of the cortex and corpus callosum region have strain fields ranging from 0- 1% strain. The strain fields which were present in the foam ball impacting the head at 2 m/s were therefore well below the threshold for concussion.

It is evident from the results that a fully inflated soccer ball impacting the head at speeds reaching 2.2 m/s produced strains that were substantially larger than those experienced using a foam ball impacting the head at the same velocity. When using a fully inflated Champions League replica soccer ball, the maximum strain (5-10%) was found at the boundary between the corona radiata and corpus callosum region shown in yellow in Figure 13 (a). When using the foam ball, the maximum strain was located in the same region, however, the amount of strain was much lower at approximately 2-3% strain which was well below the threshold for concussion/injury which is less than 10% of baseline practice speeds with average g-forces of 1.75g's.

The results therefore show that replacing the soccer ball with a foam ball in the training device 1 of the invention in combination with the reduced speed of impact enjoyed with the downwardly depending arms 6,7 and associated reduced tether length substantially lowers strains within the brain. The reduction in strain can be brought well below the proposed thresholds for brain injury (~10% strain).

The data also demonstrates that the training device of the invention enables a novel model generation methodology which addresses limitations associated with, conventional finite element head models (FEHM) through facilitating the use of varying weighted balls at varying controlled speeds.

Example 2

The training device 1 was also employed for an 8 week training period with ten participants. After the eight weeks it was demonstrable that vertical jump height and timing had improved. In all ten participants the range of improvement in heading timing was between from about 10% to about 40%. Improvements in overall heading proficiency and ability were also exhibited by the players.

The benefits and advantages of the training device of the invention can be therefore be summarised as follows: the unitary or one-piece training device 1 can be assembled without tools in less than one minute and, with the dimensions previously described, weighs 38kg at shipping and 102kg when erected with the wheels 22 filled with ballast water to stabilise the training device in use; the training device can be easily folded into a compact size for sale, transport and storage e.g. three training devices can be carried on a standard pallet; the training device can be erected without tools due to the assembly/collapse mechanism of the device; the wheels of the training device render the device suitable for use indoors and outdoors on grass or manmade surfaces such as Astroturf without damaging the surface; the mobile training device can be easily moved and re-located if desired; ball height is adjustable from the downward projecting arms enabling balls to return to their original position quickly therefore allowing more headers to be practiced by the individual or the group; the training device is sturdy and safe to use due to optimised tether length and the resultant reduced g-forces; lighter (foam) balls also reduce g- forces due to the manner in which the balls are connected to the tethers; the failsafe release mechanism ensures that balls are released if an individual attempts to pull the balls and the tethers, being nylon with a PVS coating allow the ball to fly more consistently after a header.

Claims

1. A soccer training device for practicing heading techniques comprising:

a collapsible frame having

a wheeled chassis

a spine on the chassis

an arm assembly attached to the spine, and

at least one ball tether suspended from the arm assembly wherein the arm assembly comprises at least one inclined arm.

2. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the inclined arm comprises a downwardly oriented arm.

3. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the arm assembly comprises two downwardly oriented arms.

4. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the collapsible frame comprises an assembly/collapsing mechanism so that the training device is movable between an operating position and a collapsed/storage position.

5. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the

assembly/collapsing mechanism comprises at least one powered strut.

6. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the powered strut comprises a gas strut.

7. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein a first gas strut extends between the chassis and the spine.

8. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein a second gas strut extends between the spine and the arm assembly.

9. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the training device comprises a failsafe release mechanism to allow balls to be pulled free from the training devic without pulling dow the training device.

10. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the failsafe release mechanism comprises a tether failsafe release mechanism.

11. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the failsafe release mechanism comprises a male-female push fit mechanism.

12. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the wheeled chassis comprises at least one wheelset.

13. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12 wherein the wheeled chassis comprises two wheelsets.

14. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13 wherein the wheels of the wheelset are adapted to receive ballast to stabilise the training device.

15. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the ballast comprises water.

16. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15 wherein the spine comprises a two-part spine having a lower spine portion attached to an upper spine portion at a hinged joint.

17. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the two-part spine comprises a first upright and a second upright spaced apart from the first upright.

18. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 17 wherein the spine further comprises a stabilising foot for supporting the spine in the operating position.

19. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8 wherein the arm assembly comprises a neck hingedly mounted on the spine for supporting the arm assembly i the operating position.

20. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the at least one inclined arm is attached to the neck.

21. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the at least one inclined arm is attached to the neck at a head provided with spring-loaded pivotable mountings.

22. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 21 wherein the training device comprises foam balls on the tethers.

23. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 22 further comprising sensors f°^r monitoring movement and impact of the balls on the tethers during practice.

24. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the sensors are located on the balls.

25. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 23 or Claim 24 wherein the sensors comprise movement sensors.

26. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the sensors comprise accelerometers, impact or jump sensors.

27. A soccer training device as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26 wherein th sensors are communicable with mobile devices, computers or web based

applications to transmit training data.

28. A soccer training device as claimed in Claim 27 wherein the sensors are communicable via Bluetooth (Trade Mark).

29. A system for practicing soccer heading techniques comprising a training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 28 and external sensors on a player.

30. A system for practicing soccer heading techniques as claimed in Claim 29 wherein the system further comprises mobile devices and/or applications for monitoring heading performance and training.

31. A system for practicing soccer heading techniques as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the mobile devices and/or applications are communicable with the training device.