WO2024095297A1

WO2024095297A1 - Team sport training system

Info

Publication number: WO2024095297A1
Application number: PCT/IS2023/060003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jon Karlsson; Thor HINRIKSSON
Original assignee: Jon Karlsson; Hinriksson Thor
Priority date: 2022-11-02
Filing date: 2023-11-02
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus, a method and a system for training athletes using a set training devices to increase the awareness of an athlete and a training system for enhancing skills of athletes such as soccer players, hockey players, basketball players and handball players, by allowing players to enhance awareness in playing a team sport. The present invention provides a new design which also provides a new type of team sport training apparatus, where cognitive skills can be trained by different set-up of the components of the invention for both a single player as well as in team training.

Description

TEAM SPORT TRAINING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an athlete's training system for various sport. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method, system and device for training acquired behaviour and cognitive skills in manoeuvring advanced techniques in playing team sports.

Background of the Invention

Various training systems and devices have been developed for advancing the skills of individual players in team sports such as soccer, handball, basketball and hockey. One of the key things a trainer and a scout looks for when selecting players is the players ability to read the game, the way the player will receive a ball and with a corresponding body coordination, speed in decision making, etc. For example a good soccer player reacts to a ball coming towards him/her spontaneously and the muscles place the body in a corresponding position taking into account what the next move of the player will be. A player aiming at becoming a professional soccer player will train using regular and repetitive training exercises to build up intuition and muscle memory to achieve this goal.

The way that various team sports are played on a professional level has changed a lot in the recent 30 year or so and for some sports the speed of the game has increased enormously. Professional players must have a lot of speed and be able to think quickly in order to create a little space on the field to give good passes or get a good finish on the target. This requires repetitive training of short passing skills, where the players need to increase their ability to receive passes, turn and the pass the ball to the next player. For soccer players training the first touch technique is important for increasing his/hers speed of play and to generate a more fluid flow of play. An important quality of a soccer player is also to develop an eye for having an open body shape when playing the game, which means that a player who does not have the ball turns both head and body towards the open field and is in position to move to an area where he/she can receive the ball and move on with the ball or pass it immediately.

There is growing focus in the training of team sports on cognitive strategies in relation to the development of an athlete and in advancing the players skills. Methods for such cognitive strategies focus on the upcoming performance and on blocking irrelevant events and thoughts, using of mental rehearsals prior to a game, speed of decisionmaking, game-based working memory and reaction time.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a system, an apparatus, and a method for training athletes using a set of devices, including a system console, training devices and a controller for training cognitive skills of an athlete, such as to increase the awareness of an athlete to the surrounding and options and speed for the next move. The present invention provides a training system for enhancing skills of athletes such as soccer players, hockey players, basketball players and handball players, by allowing players to enhance awareness in playing a team sport. The system of the present invention may further be used for skills such as enhancing passing skills and the ability of a player to receive passes, first touch technique, increase the speed of a player to change position and the pass the ball to the next player,

The present invention provides a new design which also provides a new type of team sport training apparatus, where various skills can be trained by different set-up of the components of the invention. Training areas can be defined for a single player to practice awareness before passing or as training areas for two or more players. The system provides a control device, such as a remote control for a trainer to initiate, affect, pause, or stop a training pass for manual or programmed training exercises. The system uses a system console to mediate signals from a control device to structures such as deflector plates/boxes, goals or dummy players/mannequins comprising signalling means such as LED lights. The signalling means may be used to indicate which structure should be used or passed to and by using two or more colours of lights on a plurality of structures the athlete's awareness may be trained. The system console is adapted to operate one or more pre-programmed training exercises through a software, which allows the system console to communicate with one or more training devices to operate the means for generating a signal on the training device, such as changing the colour of a smart LED light. Furthermore, the system console is adapted to communicate with the one or more training devices to receive data from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device for evaluation of one or more skills of one or more players. The system can further comprise signalling means to be attached to or worn by the athlete to indicate to the athlete a wrong position or timing of passing etc, or to signal to other players that a pass should go to the player expressing the signal. Such a system can be used when training tactics and predetermined plays/plans or to train offside tactics. The present system may therefore allow a plurality of training programs to train various skills and behaviour in enhancing awareness and different techniques through repeated exercises.

Most team sports have evolved and changed during the past 50 years in that speed and physical condition of the athletes has increased. For team sports such as soccer, handball and basketball the game is faster, and therefore the athletes therefore need to be faster. The present invention provides an apparatus, method and a system for training and increasing cognitive skills such as reaction and response, awareness and speed of decision-making, and for developing a player's mind from overthinking to flow. In order to activate or stimulate the athlete, creative games and exercises may be designed using the system of the present invention. It has been shown that after a certain time in an exercise the athlete gets bored or begins to lose interest. The system of the present invention provides means for making changes in the exercise during the exercise to stimulate the player by altering the signals on the training devices. This may comprise changing which team plays defence and offence during the training, changing a team of a player by changing a LED light on the players vest, changing a pattern in an exercise of passing and shooting a ball etc.

In some embodiments the control device is a remote control for the trainer to operate LED light signals of deflector plates or boxes. The system console mediates communication signals from the remote control to one or more deflector devices. In a training setup with a plurality of deflector devices, one deflector device may signal a green light while the other deflector devices display a red signal. The player enhances awareness by observing the surrounding deflector devices and passes to a correct deflector device. The system can be used to measure the speed of decision and sensors can be used to detect the accuracy and the power of the pass.

In some embodiments the system is set up for a combination of a plurality of players and one or more training devices. In such embodiments a plurality of players may be wearing a vest with LED lights to indicate which player should receive a ball next. Further training devices may include goals, deflector devices and mannequins with signalling means such as LED lights to indicate which goal or deflector plate should be passed to next. For performing exercises in such a set up a pre-programmed training program may be initiated on the control device for running a software with a plurality of training exercises, or a manual exercise may be performed by demands given by a trainer using the control device.

In some embodiments the system is set up for a plurality of players in two different teams. In such embodiments the players may be wearing a vest with LED to indicate which player should receive a ball next. Such a system may be used for practicing different plays in team sports such as basketball, handball, soccer, baseball or American football. Such a system may further comprise the use of other training devices, including wrist bands or ankle bands with sensors and vibrating devices. The system then detects when a ball has been received by a player and when the player has passed the ball to the next player according to a particular tactical play. Furthermore, the system is preprogrammed for a particular tactical play so the vest of the player who is to receive the ball net is lit up. If the system does not detect that the ball has not been passed on to the player, the system may be paused and then started again once the ball is in play again.

In some embodiments the system is set up with interactive training devices and data collection to monitor development and advancement of one or more athletes. This may comprise using training devices with both signalling means and sensing means to indicate where a ball should be passed next and the time it takes an athlete to pass the ball to that training devices and/or the accuracy of the pass. The system or the system console may be a transceiver for sending commands to a training device to signal a green light indicating that the ball should be passed to that specific training device and the training device may comprise one or more sensors to detect the accuracy a pass. The training device may send information back to the system console for generating or comprising data on the timing and or accuracy of the pass. The data may be collected for one or more athletes to monitor improvements of the athletes.

In some embodiments the system is used for training cognitive skills, such as, but not limited to sustained attention, selective attention, divided attention, logic and reasoning, visual processing, long-term memory, working memory, awareness, speed of decisionmaking, and reaction time. The stimuli can be easily adapted to the type of training and to various sports using signalling means such as LED lights, vibrating means and sound. Furthermore, it can be adapted to further test an athlete's reaction time in specific situations, such as whilst under physical fatigue. When assessing the status of a player a general baseline is used made up from assessment of a great number of players, where machine learning and Al may play an important role. When monitoring the advancement of a specific player the baseline is determined in the beginning from one or several training sessions and then the progress is evaluated after a certain time period. The training scheme for such cognitive exercises may focus on one type of skills or it may be a multi-skills cognitive training scheme with a number of variables. The exercises may be based on replications and or time where is progressively increased. A feedback from the system and the trainer may be a part of the system to encourage further advancement of certain skills in a player. It is the combination of a) using a system console for delivering commands to various training devices and apparels to guide the player through a training process, b) providing manually operated and pre-programmed exercises and drills for the training system to facilitate advancement of various physical and cognitive skills, and c) providing a system where individual and team skills can be increased for tactics and plays, which provides the improved device, system and method resulting in an a complete system to improve the skills of an individual player or a number of team sport players.

The object(s) underlying the present invention is (are) particularly solved by the features defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Further additional and/or alternative aspects are discussed below.

Thus, at least one of the preferred objects of the present invention is solved by a system for training cognitive skills of an athlete, where the system comprises i) a system console, adapted to operate one or more pre-programmed training exercises, ii) at least one training device, further comprising: a) means for generating a signal, and means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device, iii) a control device adapted to communicate with the system console for selecting and running the one or more pre-programmed training exercises. Furthermore, the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises, and the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to receive data from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a system for training athletes, where the system comprises i) a system console, ii) a control device, where the system console is adapted to receive operation demands from the control device. The system further comprises at least one training device comprising means for generating a signal, where the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to control the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device. Furthermore, the control device is adapted to be controlled by a trainer for manual operation or for instigating automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a system for training athletes, where the system comprises i) a system console, ii) a control device, and iii) at least one training device. The at least one training device further comprises means for generating a signal and the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one at least one training device to activate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a system for training athletes, where the system comprises i) a system console, ii) a control device, and iii) at least one training device. The system console is adapted for instigating automatic /preprogrammed commands to a plurality of training devices, wherein the plurality of training devices comprises a) a plurality of goal structures comprising light signalling means, and b) a plurality of wearables for athletes comprising light signalling means. Furthermore, the automatic /pre-programmed commands or software commands to the plurality of training devices are communicated at variable time intervals and/or randomized between the plurality of training devices.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a a system for training cognitive skills of an athlete, where the system comprises i) a system console, adapted to operate one or more pre-programmed training exercises, ii) at least one training device, further comprising: means for generating a signal, iii) a control device adapted to communicate with the system console for selecting and running the one or more preprogrammed training exercises. Furthermore, the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises. Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a method for training athletes, where the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a system console, a control device, and at least one training device b) arranging at least one means for generating a signal on the at least one training device, c) adapting the system console to communicate with the at least one at least one training device to activate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device, d) providing software for executing training exercises on the system console, and e) operating the training exercises by running one or more pre-programmed training exercises on the system console, ii) at least one training device, wherein the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises. In a further object the method further comprises communication from the system console with the at least one training device to receive data from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a goal comprising: i) a goal frame, further comprising a first and second goal posts and a crossbar extending transverse between the goal posts at their upper sides, ii) a bottom side bars extending backwards from the bottom of each goal post in a perpendicular direction from each goal post, iii) two opposite side frames, each side frame extending diagonally towards the end of each bottom side bar, and iv) a net covering the sides and the back of the goal, from each goal post and the cross bar along the length of each side bar and along the two opposite side frames and the whole back side of the goal down to the ground. Furhtermore, the net comprises a net pouch in the lower part of the back of the net for collecting a plurality of balls shot in the goal. In the present context the term "apparatus of the present invention" relates to the system console, the control device, and the at least one training device.

In the present context the terms "operation demands", "communicate with" or "communication between" in connection with the system and apparatus of the present invention all relate to operational communication between the system console and one or more training devices, as well as operational communication from the control device.

All embodiments listed below relate to both the apparatuse, system and the method of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console further comprises a power supply.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is operated by a control device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a transceiver device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console comprises a transceiver device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the transceiver device is adapted to receive and send signals to and from the system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one at least one training device either by wireless communication or using wired connection. In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises transmission cells for transmitting and receiving communications/data using standard protocols for networks such as, but not limited to one or more of mobile networks, satellite networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or narrowband loT, optical guiding means, sound guiding means, 3GPP based cellular networks such as GSM, UMTS, LTE, LTE-M, EC-GSM-IoT and 5G-NR, wireless local area networks including IEEE 802.11, Wireless Personal Area Networks including IEEE 802.15 (e.g. ZigBee, Z-Wave) and RFID.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one at least one training device through the transceiver device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to receive signals from the control device through a second system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console and/or second system console communicate with the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device either by wireless communication or using wired connection.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console and/or second system console, the control device and the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device may further comprise means to facilitate wired connection between the devices of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console comprises one or more of: i) one or more transmission cells for transmitting and receiving communication signals and for transmitting and receiving data between the system console and the at least one training device, ii) computing means for running software with training exercises, iii) one or more transmission cells for transmitting and receiving communication signals between the system console and the control device, and iv) means to collect and/or process data from the one or more training devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention the communication signals to the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device comprises operational commands, such as commands to turn on or to turn off a signal, to pause a signal or to change the signal on the training device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the control device comprises a smart device such as a smart phone, tablet or computer device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the control device further comprises a human machine interface, such as one or more buttons or an interactive screen for operating an App or software. In an embodiment of the present invention the control device comprises a remotecontrol device or a single click remote device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the control device is a part of the system console adapted to be controlled by a trainer.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device further comprises a power supply for powering the signalling means.

In an embodiment of the present invention the power supply may comprise any kind of portable or plugable power supply, such as battery or a wired connector for pluging into a socket.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device is an interactive training device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training interactive training device further comprises i) means for generating a signal detectable by an athlete and/or a trainer, and ii) means for sensing or detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device comprises a plurality of training devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention the plurality of training devices comprises different types of training devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device is adapted for turning a signal on and off and for changing the signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for generating a LED light signal on the at least one training device is adapted for turning a signal on and off the LED light signal and for changing the colour of LED light signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device is selected from sound signalling means, a visible signalling means or a vibrating signalling means detected by the athlete.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device is a light signalling means.

In an embodiment of the present invention the visible signal is a light signal, such as a LED light signal. In an embodiment of the present invention the LED light signal is a smart LED light.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device comprises one or more detectors or sensing devices for determining time and accuracy of impact.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device comprises a sensor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device comprises one or more detectors or sensing devices for determining time and accuracy of an impact or interaction from an athlete's action.

In an embodiment of the present invention the plurality of training devices comprises one or more of a deflection structure, an obstructive structure, a guiding structure, or a target structure such as a goal structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device is an obstructive structure such as, but not limited to dummy players or mannequins.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device is a guiding structure such as a cone or a pole.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device is a target structure such as, but not limited to a goal or a basket comprising a detectable signal means.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device is a deflector device further comprising one or more of: i) deflector surface, ii) visible signal means, iii) one or more sensors, and iv) means for changing the position of the deflector device during training.

In an embodiment of the present invention the signal of the signalling means of the at least one training device may be altered for sending information to the athletes during training. In such an embodiment the LED light of one or more vests in a team training may be changed from green to red in order to indicate incorrect position, change of team, whether or not to pass to a player, etc.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more detections devices for determining the position of an athlete along one or more axis of direction comprises an imaging device and a computing means.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device comprises a clothing or wearable. In an embodiment of the present invention the wearable comprises a vest, a protective apparel, a device attachable to clothing of an athlete or their shoe, a wrist band, a chest girdle, head band or an ancle band or shin guard attachable to the athletes foot.

In an embodiment of the present invention the training device may comprise a shin guard with a LED light to indicate which onto which foot the ball should be passed to.

In an embodiment of the present invention the wearable further comprises a LED light.

In an embodiment of the present invention the clothing comprises signalling means is attached to or integrated into the clothing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the clothing may comprise a shirt, shorts, shoes, swimming caps.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device comprises means for determining the position of an athlete.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises one or more detections devices for determining the position of an athlete along one or more axis of direction.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more devices for determining the position of an athlete along one or more axis of direction comprises an imaging device and a computing means.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises identification means detectable by the one or more detection devices for determining the position of an athlete, wherein the identification means are attached to one or more athletes through the wearable or clothing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the identification means comprises a position determining device, such as a reflector strip/strap.

In an embodiment of the present invention the identification means comprises a GPS positioning device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more detections devices for determining the position of an athlete along one or more axis of direction is selected from, but not limited to a GPS tracker or a GPEXE tracker.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is a programmable computing device. In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to operate a software comprising one or more pre-programmed training exercises.

In an embodiment of the present invention the control device further comprises an App or software.

In an embodiment of the present invention a training exercise is written in an App or computer software.

In an embodiment of the present invention the App or computer software is run by the system console or the control device.

In an embodiment of the present invention training exercises are configured to be run by a computer software, and the training exercises are operated through an App on the control device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more pre-programmed training exercises are designed for cognitive training of one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console communicates with the at least one at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises run by the software on the system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console communicates with the at least one at least one training device to receive data from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises run by the software on the system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to be controlled by a trainer or coach for manual operation of training exercises by sending commands to the at least one training device through communication between the control device and the system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to be controlled by a trainer or coach for manual operation of training exercises for athletes instigating commands to the system console using a control device, such as a remote control or a single click remote device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the manual operation of training exercises for athletes instigated by trainer or coach may comprise turning a signal on a training device on or off, to change the signal on a training device, to start or end a pre-programmed training exercise, or to pause a pre-programmed training exercise. In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to be controlled by a trainer or coach for running training exercises for athletes by instigating automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device through communication between the control device and the system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention the control device is a mobile phone, a tablet or a remote control, and wherein a trainer or coach runs training exercises for athletes by sending commands to the at least one training device, through the system console, using a human machine interface on the control device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted to be operated by a trainer or coach through a human machine interface on the control device to operate an App or a software on the control device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one training device comprises clothing or a wearable for an athlete and wherein the signalling means is attached to or integrated into the clothing or wearable.

In an embodiment of the present invention the automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device communicated from the system console are adapted to for training and/or improving cognitive skills of an athlete.

In an embodiment of the present invention the automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device communicated from the system console are adapted to for training and/or improving cognitive skills of an athlete comprise awareness, focus, visual attention, visual tracking and speed of decision making/taking action, open body shape/position, and to activate players awareness with creative and stimulating exercises.

In an embodiment of the present invention the automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device communicated from the system console are sent with variable time intervals.

In an embodiment of the present invention the automatic /pre-programmed commands are communicated to a plurality of training devices at variable time intervals and/or randomized between the plurality of training devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention a training device comprises a signalling means and a sensing means to generated data for one or more characteristics relating an athlete's action or task.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system console is adapted for sending commands to a training device for indicating that the athlete should react through a signalling means, and the training device comprises one or more sensors to detect the timing and/or the accuracy of the athlete's reaction.

In an embodiment of the present invention the training device sends information back to the system console comprising data or for generating data on the timing and/or the accuracy of the athlete's reaction.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system comprises means for data collection from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system comprises means for data collection to monitor development and advancement of one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data is collected for one or more athletes to monitor performance of the one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data is collected for one or more athletes to evaluate advancement in performance of the one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data is collected for one or more athletes to evaluate and/or monitor cognitive skills of one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the cognitive skills of an athlete are selected from awareness, focus, visual attention, visual tracking and speed of decision making/taking action.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data collected from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device comprises variables on determining one or more skills of an athlete.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data collected from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device comprises variables relating to an athlete's action.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data is collected for one or more athletes relating to an athlete's action comprises variables in determining skills of an athlete.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more variables in determining skills of an athlete comprises timing, speed, and accuracy of performing a task. In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more variables in determining skills of an athlete comprises strength of passing, accuracy of passing, or speed of scoring into a goal from when the signal is detectable.

In an embodiment of the present invention the data collected for one or more athletes relating to an athlete's action is used for generating statistics for one or more athletes.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system further comprises a remote data platform for receiving data obtained by external devices from and sending to the at least one data system console.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises means for collecting data during training and transmit to a remote data platform for storing, processing and analysing data from the external computers.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises means for processing data from the training and sending the results back to one or more training devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the data system console further comprises means of sending data from the devices and/or processed data to a remote IT platform, and to receive data from the remote IT platform to be relayed to the external devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system is used for determining an offside position of one or more players.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system used for training off-side tactics.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system is used for determining or estimating the awareness of an athlete or speed of decision making/taking action.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system used for training tactics plays/plans.

In an embodiment of the present invention the system is used for training one or more individuals in a team sport.

In an embodiment of the present invention the team sport is selected from, but not limited to soccer, handball, hockey, American football, basketball.

In an embodiment of the present invention the goal further comprises a flap covering the frame of the goal and being attached along the length of the cross bar.

In an embodiment of the present invention the flap covering the frame of the goal is a net structure. In an embodiment of the present invention the net structure in the flap is woven from string material which dampens the speed of the ball as it is shoot at the goal, but allows the ball to enter the goal and into the pouch.

In an embodiment of the present invention the goal frame comprises LED light strip along the goal posts and/or the cross bar.

In an embodiment of the present invention the goal comprises a sensing device for detecting if a goal is scored.

In an embodiment of the present invention one or both bottom side bars comprise compartments for housing one or more of: a power supply, transceiver device, and sensing device.

Detailed description of the Invention

The invention will now be described in relation to the drawings to indicate the different components of the invention. The skilled person will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

Figure 1 shows a few components and their connections in a system where LED lights are used for signalling to a soccer player which goal to score in. The LED lights are smart LED lights mounted on four soccer goals. The system comprises a system console 1 which is a transmitter device connected to second system console lb (a router) via an ethernet cable 5. The trainer operates the training exercise through an APP on a control device 2, which is smart phone in this embodiment using a Wi-Fi protocol to communicate to the router. A trainer can in a simple manner determine which LED light is lit by operating the APP on the smart phone through a click button 2b via Bluetooth if desired. The trainer controls the exercise by indicating which goal 3 is the next target for the athlete by turning on and off smart LED lights 4 on the goals 3. The system console 1 communicates with the smart LED lights 3 via a ZigBee protocol.

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of an athlete wearing different types of apparel as training devices. A LED stripe 4 on a training vest 6 is shown, but such signalling means may be used by the system to indicate if the ball should be passed to that particular player. The athlete is further shown wearing a wrist band 7 and an ancle band 8 which may comprise a sensor 9 and a vibrating device 10 to indicate to the player that he or she should pass the ball or to detect if the ball has been received. The athlete is also shown with a head band 11 and shin guards 12 on the legs which have smart LED lights 4 to flag a player or indicate which foot a second athlete should aim for in a pass.

Figure 3 shows different training devices and different type of signalling means. First a mannequin 13 is shown wearing a vest 5 with a LED light 4 and a display device 14 mounted on the front and/or the back of the mannequin 13. The second training device is a deflector 15 plate comprising both a smart LED light 4 and four sensors 16 for detecting the accuracy of a pass. Thirdly, a goal 3 is shown with LED light strips 4 on the frame of the goal. Furthermore, a cone 17 and a pole 18 are shown with LED light indicator 4 s are shown.

Figure 4 shows an exercise for handball tactics where the number indicates in what order the ball should be passed. The shirt of the players that should receive the ball is lid up by a LED light strip so that the player in possession of the ball knows to whom the ball should be passed. A sensor in a wrist band of the players detects when a player has received the ball and then the system console sends a command to the vest of the player who should now receive the pall. When the player receives the ball as pass number seven, the line man gets a signal to run to the right through a wrist or an ankle band. The player sees the vest of the line man light up and he or she will pass the ball in the gap towards the spot labelled X.

Figure 5 shows an exercise where off-side tactics are rehearsed for soccer. Team A is playing defence and the off-side line is determined by the defence player positioned closest to the goal. The position of each player may be determined by a GPS tracker worn by each player. An ankle band on the foot of the offence player passing the ball detects the timing of the pass and at the same time the relative position of the offence players relative to the defence player positioned closest to the goal is determined.

During training, LED lights and vibrating means can be used to indicate to the offence players that they should move to get out of an off-side position and the defence players may get a signal to move up in the field.

Figure 6 shows an exercise where team A playing defence is being trained for not leaving too big of a gap between the defence line (I), the mid-field line (II) and the offence line (III). The coach can manually send signals to each individual player by lighting a red light on the players vest og sending a vibrating signal to a wrist band. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 the player may be wearing GPS trackers and the trainer may be running a pre-programmed exercise, where a software or an APP defines maximum distance between the three lines. The players are grouped into defence players, midfield players and offence players in the software and are monitored as a group where each line (I-III) is defined by the players foremost player and the player furthest back. If the maximum distance is breached, the players are signalled through light signals or vibration signals to move up or down the field.

Figure 7 shows a goal 20 comprising a goal frame comprising a first and second goal posts 21a and 21b and a crossbar 22 extending transverse between the goal posts at their upper sides. The goal further comprises bottom side bars 23a and 23b extending backwards from the bottom of each goal post in a perpendicular direction from each goal post, as well as two opposite side frames 24a and 24b where each side frame extends diagonally towards the end of each bottom side bar. The goal also comprises a net 25 covering the sides and the back of the goal, from each goal post and the cross bar along the length of each side bar and along the two opposite side frames and the whole back side of the goal down to the ground. Furthermore, the goal frame comprises LED light strips along the goal posts and the cross bar. In Fig 7A, the net is shown with a net pouch 27 in the lower part of the back of the net for collecting a plurality of balls shot in the goal.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 7B the goal further comprises a flap 28 covering the frame of the goal. The flap is shown with an attachment 29 along the length of the cross bar. The figure also shows a sensing device 30 for detecting if a goal is scored in the bottom side bar 23a comprise compartments for housing one or more of: a power supply, transceiver device, and sensing device.

Claims

1. A system for training cognitive skills of an athlete, the system comprising:

- a system console, adapted to operate one or more pre-programmed training exercises, at least one training device, further comprising:

• means for generating a signal, and

• means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device,

- a control device adapted to communicate with the system console for selecting and running the one or more pre-programmed training exercises, wherein the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device the automatic /pre-programmed commands, and wherein the system console is adapted to communicate with the at least one training device to receive data from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a transceiver device.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one training device comprises a plurality of training devices.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of training devices comprises different types of training devices.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device is adapted for turning a signal on and off and for changing the signal.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device is a LED light signal on the at least one training device, and is adapted for turning a signal on and off the LED light signal and for changing the colour of LED light signal.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for detecting an interaction with the at least one training device comprises one or more detectors or sensing devices for determining time and accuracy of impact.

8. The system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of training devices comprises one or more of a deflection structure, an obstructive structure, a guiding structure, or a target structure such as a goal structure.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one training device comprises a clothing or wearable.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the wearable comprises a vest, a protective apparel, a device attachable to clothing of an athlete, a wrist band, head band or an ancle band or shin guard attachable to the athlete.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the clothing or wearable further comprises a LED light.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the clothing comprises signalling means is attached to or integrated into the clothing.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system console is a programmable computing device.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system console is adapted to operate a software comprising one or more pre-programmed training exercises.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more pre-programmed training exercises are designed for cognitive training of one or more athletes.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system console communicates with the at least one at least one training device to operate the means for generating a signal on the at least one training device according to the one or more pre-programmed training exercises run by the software on the system console.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the system console is adapted to be operated for instigating automatic /pre-programmed commands to the at least one training device through the control device.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the automatic /pre-programmed commands or software commands to the at least one training device communicated from the system console are sent with variable time intervals.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the automatic /pre-programmed commands or software commands are communicated to a plurality of training devices at variable time intervals and/or randomized between the plurality of training devices.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the training device sends information back to the system console comprising data or for generating data on the timing and/or the accuracy of the athlete's reaction.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises means for data collection from the means for detecting an interaction or impact with the at least one training device.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises means for data collection to monitor development and advancement of one or more athletes.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein data is collected for one or more athletes to monitor performance of the one or more athletes.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein data is collected for one or more athletes to evaluate advancement in performance of the one or more athletes.

25. The system according to claim 22, wherein data is collected for one or more athletes to evaluate and/or monitor cognitive skills of one or more athletes.

26. The system according to claim 26, wherein the cognitive skills of an athlete are selected from awareness, focus, visual attention, visual tracking and speed of decision making/taking action.

27. A Goal comprising: a goal frame, further comprising a first and second goal posts and a crossbar extending transverse between the goal posts at their upper sides, a bottom side bars extending backwards from the bottom of each goal post in a perpendicular direction from each goal post, and

- two opposite side frames, each side frame extending diagonally towards the end of each bottom side bar, a net covering the sides and the back of the goal, from each goal post and the cross bar along the length of each side bar and along the two opposite side frames and the whole back side of the goal down to the ground, characterised in that the net further comprises a net pouch in the lower part of the back of the net for collecting a plurality of balls shot in the goal.

28. The goal according to claim 27, wherein the goal further comprises a flap covering the frame of the goal and being attached along the length of the cross bar.

29. The goal according to claim 28, wherein the flap covering the frame of the goal is a net structure. The goal according to claim 28, wherein the net structure in the flap is woven from string material which dampens the speed of the ball as it is shoot at the goal, but allows the ball to enter the goal and into the pouch. The goal according to claim 27, wherein the goal frame comprises LED light strip along the goal posts and/or the cross bar. The goal according to claim 27, wherein the goal comprises a sensing device for detecting if a goal is scored. The goal according to claim 27, wherein one or both bottom side bars comprise compartments for housing one or more of: a power supply, transceiver device, and sensing device.