GB2575302A

GB2575302A - Sports practice simulator

Info

Publication number: GB2575302A
Application number: GB1811054.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Symes Andrew; Cech Petr
Original assignee: Specialised Sports Equipment Ltd
Current assignee: Specialised Sports Equipment Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-05
Filing date: 2018-07-05
Publication date: 2020-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-05
Also published as: GB201816448D0; GB201811054D0; GB2575302B; WO2020008417A1

Abstract

A sports practice simulator for simulating deflections to a natural ball path from a serving player to a receiving player for use in sports practice or training, comprises a multi-faceted deflector 10 for placement on the ground at a selected ground surface position of a sports pitch or training ground. The deflector includes a multiplicity of deflecting facets 14-28 that are angled one facet relative to an adjacent facet for causing a multiplicity of different deflections to a natural ball path. The periphery of the deflector includes facets that are in contact with the ground surface and which extend upwardly at an angle in a height dimension.

Description

SPORTS PRACTICE SIMULATOR

The present invention relates to a sports practice simulator for simulating aspects of a game in a practice condition and particularly but not exclusively to a football practice simulator or training apparatus and more particularly to a football goalkeeping training simulator or training apparatus.

In the area of sports training and practice there are various ways in which a game environment can to some extent be simulated in order that players can practice in training or practice conditions the environment of a game. The present invention aims to improve the simulation of a game environment in training or practice conditions.

The present invention provides a sports practice simulator for simulating deflections to a natural ball path from a serving player to a receiving player for use in sports practice or training, the simulator comprising a multi-faceted deflector for placement on the ground at a selected ground surface position of a sports pitch or training ground, the deflector comprising a multiplicity of deflecting facets that are angled one facet relative to an adjacent facet for causing a multiplicity of different deflections to a natural ball path, wherein the periphery of the deflector comprises deflector facets that are in contact with, or closely adjacent, the ground surface and which extend upwardly at an angle in a height dimension (Z dimension).

For example there may be multiple angled facets extending upwardly from the ground which generate different deflections depending on which of the facets a ball makes contact with. The facets are in contact with the ground or closely adjacent to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a rebound from the deflector towards a serving player. If placed on a grass surface, the deflector periphery may rest slightly below the grass and slightly above the soil, whilst still minimizing a rebound from a leading peripheral edge.

In one arrangement, the deflector has a first horizontal axis in a Y dimension and a second horizontal axis in an X dimension perpendicular to the Y dimension, and the deflector comprises a plurality of deflector facets one angled relative to an adjacent deflector facet in both the Y dimension and the X dimension so that a plurality of different deflections are generated to a natural ball path generally in the Y dimension or the X dimension.

For example, a serving player can position themselves along a Y dimension or an X dimension for serving a ball along a natural ball path for possible deflection by the deflector along any one of a plurality of different deflected ball paths.

The deflector may comprise surface facets for deflecting a natural ball path at any selected angle relative to the deflector.

For example, a serving player may position a ball for serving or the deflector may be orientated relative to a serving player, at any selected angle (through 360 degrees), relative to the ball server and deflector. In this regard, there may be a target such as a goal mouth, in addition to the serving player, deflector and receiving player, and the deflector can be orientated as desired to generate a range of possible deflections from any of a number of serving positions, and in relation to the target.

The deflector may comprise first and second portions along the Y dimension, and the first portion comprises deflector surfaces that are angled in the Z dimension at a steeper angle than the angle of the deflector surfaces of the second portion so that the deflector surfaces of the first portion generate a larger deflection than the deflector surfaces of the second portion.

For example, the deflector may be orientated with respect to a serving player to generate a shallow deflection in the height dimension. Alternatively, the deflector can be rotated through 180 degrees with respect to a serving player to generate a steeper deflection in the height dimension.

The deflector surfaces comprise generally planar or curvilinear surfaces that are connected to adjacent deflector surfaces by an inter-connecting lines or curves.

In the case of a football, which is approximately 22 cm in diameter and about 68 to 70 cm in circumference, there may be some spacing between deflector facets, whilst still generating an acceptable deflection depending on the deflecting surface or surfaces that are contacted by a ball along a natural ball path.

In examples, peripheral deflector facets extend upwardly at an angle from a supporting surface, such as the ground surface, but other deflector facets may not be in contact with or closely adjacent the ground surface and may be orientated at any selected angle in X, Y and Z dimensions and at any selected angle one deflector facet relative to an adjacent deflector facet.

The deflector may be supported on a stand, which itself rests on a ground surface. The stand may have an arrangement for tilting the deflector in one or more dimensions and at one or more angles relative to a ground surface.

There may be at least one attachment deflector for selective attachment to the deflector, each attachment deflector comprising at least one deflector facet for deflecting a ball along a natural ball path and a fastening arrangement for attaching the attachment deflector to the deflector. Each attachment deflector may comprise a plurality of deflector facets for generating different deflections one from another.

For example, the attachment deflector or deflectors can be attached as required to generate a different series of deflections. A different series of deflections may be required for instance in order to concentrate training on particular type of deflection, such as a more elevated deflection.

At least one of the attachment deflectors may comprise a curved deflector facet (such a hemisphere or elongated hemisphere), or a polygonal deflector.

There may be a sensor arrangement for sensing a natural ball path and a deflected ball path generated by deflections from the deflector or attachment deflector.

For example, a training session may be performed and then subsequently data relating to the training can be analysed and presented to a coach or player for determining areas of strength and weakness.

The sensor arrangement may be arranged to sense a response by a receiving player to a natural ball path or deflected ball path.

For example, if it were to be identified from sensed player data that a player were to have difficulty with a more elevated deflected ball path, further practice could concentrate on such a weakness.

The sensor arrangement comprises a processor and a memory for storing instructions for the processor for causing a sensor to carry out the instructions. Alternatively, the sensor could be driven by a computer connected by wired or wireless connection during training.

A goal keeper training apparatus for generating deflections to a natural ball path from a serving player to a receiving player, the simulator comprising a multi-faceted deflector for placement on the ground at a selected ground surface position of a sports pitch or training ground, the deflector comprising a multiplicity of deflecting facets that are angled one facet relative to an adjacent facet for causing a multiplicity of different deflections to a natural ball path, wherein the periphery of the deflector comprises deflector facets that are in contact with, or closely adjacent, the ground surface and which extend upwardly at an angle in a height dimension.

In order that the present invention may be well understood, embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a sports simulator in elevation from one side;

Figure 2 shows a sports simulator in elevation from another side;

Figure 3 shows a sports simulator in perspective;

Figure 4 shows a sports simulator, ball and a first series of ball paths;

Figure 5 shows a sports simulator, ball and a second series of ball paths;

Figure 6 shows a sports simulator, ball and a third series of ball paths;

Figure 7 shows a sports simulator in elevation with dimensions;

Figure 8 shows a sports simulator from a leading edge in elevation;

Figure 9 shows a sports simulator from a trailing edge in elevation;

Figures 10 to 13 show further examples of a sports simulator;

Figure 14 shows a further example of a sports simulator in perspective;

Figure 15 shows examples attachment deflectors for attachment to a sports simulator as shown in the preceding Figures;

Figures 16 to 23 show the attachments of Figure 15 attached to a sports simulator;

Figure 24 shows an example of an attachment deflector attached to a sports simulator with an example of a fastening mechanism;

Figures 25 to T1 show a sports simulator in use in a plan view;

Figures 28 to 30 show a sports simulator in use in an elevation view;

Figures 31 to 33 shows a sports simulator comprising a sensor arrangement for sensing natural and deflected ball paths.

In team sports, such as football, a first player projects or plays a ball to generate a natural ball path, whether towards another player or towards a target. The natural ball path is generated by such factors as the speed of contact with a ball, direction, elevation and spin. Subsequently a receiving player, whether or not on the same team, reacts to the natural ball path in order to play the ball. For example, a goalkeeper may react to the generated natural ball path to play a ball by saving it from entering a goal.

With time and ability a player becomes better at reacting to a natural ball path in order to play a ball. The natural ball path becomes more predictable to a player. Difficulties arise when there is a deflection at a point along the natural ball path, which causes the ball to follow a less predictable path. A deflection in this context may be caused for example by a ground divot or by another player making contact with a ball more passively and with less control. A deflected ball path is therefore more randomly generated, follows a less predictable ball path and results in a deflected ball that is more difficult for a receiving player to play.

In practice conditions players attempt to reproduce a game environment by causing passive deflections along a natural ball path in order to generate a deflection. One difficulty with this approach is that a serving player may strike a ball with considerable force, as they would in a game, and players attempting a passive deflection may be injured by attempting to generate a deflection with parts of their body. This problem is exacerbated when it is considered that for example in a goalkeeping practice a goalkeeper may be required to perform 200 to 300 saves per day in practice.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a sports [football/soccer] practice simulator for simulating deflections to a natural ball path for use in sports practice or training. The simulator comprises a multi-faceted deflector 10 for placement on the ground 12 at a desired position of a sports pitch or training ground. The deflector comprises a plurality of surface facets which extend upwardly relative to the ground in the Z dimension at a plurality of respective different angles in X and Y dimensions. X, Y and Z dimensions are shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The surface facets are referenced 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32. The surface facets are angled one relative to another and depending on which of the surface facets a ball contacts along a natural ball path the facets produce different deflected ball paths. The facets are generally planar (but may be curved) and are connected to one another by interconnecting lines, as shown. The facets may be spaced apart. The deflector in this example is generally symmetrical about a centre line extending in the Y dimension, but in other examples the deflector may be asymmetrical or irregular.

The structure of the deflector is explained more easily by explaining how it is used, with reference to the subsequent Figures.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a deflector 10 and ball 40. The ball is projected or served by a player along an expected or desired natural ball path towards the deflector. Depending on the skill of the player there are one or more resultant or actual natural ball paths 42, 44, 46, including a natural ball path which misses the deflector (not shown). Along the natural ball paths 42, 44, 46 the ball contacts respective different surface facets 26, 22,18, which generates deflected ball paths 48, 50, 52 that are angled relative to the natural balls paths by a deflection angle dependent on the angle of the surface facets. The deflection angles have components in one or both of the X and Z dimensions.

In the example the surface facets 18, 22, 26 have a shallow angle with respect to the Z dimension in order to generate a small deflection in the Z dimension. Surface facet 22 is not angled in the X dimension, surface facet 26 is angled in the X dimension to generate a deflection to the left and surface facet 18 is angled in the X dimension to generate a deflection to the right.

Similarly to Figure 4 there is shown in Figure 5 a ball and deflector, but in this view the ball 40 is projected from a position around 180 degrees displaced from the position in Figure 4. When a ball is projected from the opposite side of the deflector 10 the deflector can generate a series of different possible deflections. In this view, there are one or more resultant or actual natural ball paths 52, 54, 56. Along the natural ball paths 52, 54, 56 the ball contacts respective different surface facets 20, 24 28, which generates deflected ball paths 58, 60, 62 that are angled relative to the natural balls paths by a deflection angle dependent on the angle of the surface facets. The deflection angles have components in one or both of the X and Z dimensions.

In this example the surface facets 20, 24 28 have a different angle with respect to the Z dimension compared to Figure 4 which in this case is a steeper angle in order to generate a larger deflection in the Z dimension. Surface facet 24 is not angled in the X dimension, surface facet 20 is angled in the X dimension to generate a deflection to the left and surface facet 28 is angled in the X dimension to generate a deflection to the right.

Similarly to Figures 4 and 5 there is shown in Figure 6 a ball and deflector, but in this view the ball 40 is projected from a position around 90 degrees displaced from the position in Figures 4 and 5. When a ball is projected from the side of the deflector 10 the deflector can generate a series of different possible deflections. In this view, there are one or more resultant or actual natural ball paths 64, 66. Along the natural ball paths 64, 66 the ball contacts respective different surface facets 14,16, which generate deflected ball paths 68, 70 that are angled relative to the natural balls paths by a deflection angle dependent on the angle of the surface facets. The deflection angles have components in one or both of the Y and Z dimensions.

In this example the surface facets 14, 16 may have a different angle in the Z dimension from one or both of the surface facets used in Figures 4 and 5. In this case, the surface facets have a steeper angle with respect to the Z dimension in order to generate a larger deflection in the Z dimension. Surface facet 14 is angled shallowly in the y dimension, whereas surface facet 16 is angled in the Y dimension to generate a large deflection to the right, as shown.

There are multiple different positions in which a ball can be positioned in relation to the illustrated deflector and these positions may extend through 360 degrees, including the ball positions of 0 degrees, 180 degrees and 90 (or 270) degrees, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, and depending on the position of a ball in relation to the deflector multiple different surface facets can be used and the angle of deflection changes accordingly.

For example, the deflector may be positioned at any selected angle with respect to a ball serving position and a ball receiving position in order that dependent on the position and selected angle different surface facets cause deflections. A ball may be served generally along a Y dimension or generally along an X dimension. For further example there may be more than one ball position to allow multiple players to train a goalkeeper for protecting a goal against multiple threats sequentially, such as a shot and a rebound, particularly as the rebound may be quite random.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9, along the Y dimension the deflector 10 has one or more surface facets 18, 22, 26 in a first portion 21 arranged generally at an angle 'a' with respect to a ground surface and one or more surface facets 20, 24, 28 in a second portion 23 arranged generally at an angle 'b'. Along the X dimension the deflector has one or more surface facets 14, 16 in a third portion 25 arranged generally at an angle 'c' with respect to a ground surface and one or more surface facets 30, 32 in a fourth portion T1 arranged generally at an angle'd'.

In examples, angles a*b*c*dif the deflector is irregular, or a * b, but c = d if the deflector is symmetrical about a longitudinal dimension (Y dimension), or a * b and c * d if the deflector is generally inclined to one side. There are other possible arrangements.

As shown in the Figures, a * b so that the deflector is able to produce a steeper deflection or a shallower deflection dependent on the orientation of the deflector for a deflection caused by surface facets generally at an angle 'b' or surface facets generally at an angle 'a'.

In the example shown, angle 'a' is preferably in the range 5 to 20 degrees and angle 'b' is preferably in the range of 10 to 45 degrees. The angles are not limited to these ranges.

As shown, c = d so that deflections generated generally in an X dimension are approximately equal whichever side of the deflector is used. If c * d, then different deflections can be generated depending on the side of the deflector that a ball is served.

The principle dimensions are shown in Figures 7 to 9, which are Y1 in the Y dimension, XI in the X dimension and Z1 in the Z dimension. In currently preferred examples, Y1 is in the range 50 to 150 cm and more preferably in the range 75 to 125 cm, XI is in the range 25 to 100 cm and more preferably in the range 40 to 80 cm, and Z1 is in the range 5 to 50 cm and more preferably in the range 10 to 20 cm. The size of each deflector facet is such that it is arranged to cause a selected deflection for example 10 degrees in a Z dimension and 5 degrees in an X dimension, or 20 degrees in a Z dimension and 45 degrees in a Y dimension. The size of the facet is dependent on the size of a playing ball and so for example with a football a facet may have a size of at least 5 cm, and preferably at least 10 cm.

When in use the deflector simulates on a training ground conditions encountered in a game. As previously described the deflector causes unpredictable deflections, which are useful for training a player to be prepared for a deflection. In a game, the experience of a player and the game situation determines to what extent a player allocates their concentration on receiving a ball along a natural ball path whilst simultaneously preparing for a deflection. Some players may allocate for example about 80% concentration to a natural ball path and 20% concentration to a deflection. It varies from player to player and dependent on the game situation. For example, with regard to the latter, a goalkeeper may require 100% concentration to save a ball along a difficult ball path, but in other circumstances, less than 100% concentration need be allocated to a natural path, allowing preparation for a deflection. A goalkeeper can position themselves so as to maximise their chances of saving a ball along a natural ball path, whilst preparing for a deflection, perhaps 50% to 50%. The deflector is designed to simulate on a training ground these circumstances.

In this regard the size of the deflector determines whether a serving player causes a ball to make contact with the deflector and cause a deflection, or to miss the deflector and continue along a natural ball path. The size of the deflector can be determined to simulate an 80:20 ratio of natural ball path to deflected ball path, or 50:50, or any other desired ratio. If for example the deflector has a height in the Z dimension of 5 cm it may produce a ratio of 95:5, whereas if the deflector has a height in the Z dimension of 30 cm it may produce a ratio of 60:40. These ratios are of course dependent on the skill of the ball serving player. In further examples below, there is described a deflector in which the ratio can be changed as required and also to provide further possible deflections.

The deflector as described herein is therefore to be contrasted with devices that are configured to cause a deflection without substantial probability of allowing continuation of a natural ball path. For example, Soccerwave (TM) is configured to produce a rebound for the purposes of returning a ball to a player. A cricket cradle is configured to produce a deflection for simulating wicket keeping or slip practice, but does not produce or allow a natural ball path at anything similar to the ratio of natural ball path to deflection as encountered in a game. In this latter regard, a cradle is downwardly projecting and can be used only longitudinally along a main axis, as opposed to the present deflector which is upwardly projecting and can be used at any angle in the X, Y dimensions.

Figures 25 to T1 show part of a football pitch 91 in practice conditions and a football training apparatus or more particularly in this example a goalkeeping training apparatus having a deflector 10 in position in proximity to a target, or goal 92. The apparatus is applicable to other sports that comprise a goal as a target and a goal keeper, such as hockey. A ball 40 is shown for serving by a player during practice. If the ball makes contact with the deflector then a deflection is generated which deflects the ball to the left or the right along deflected ball paths 93, 94 as shown in Figures 25 and 26 and if the ball misses the deflector it continues along a natural ball path 95 as shown in Figure 27.

Figures 28 to 30 show part of a football pitch 91 in elevation and in practice conditions. A deflector 10 is placed in proximity to a target 92. A ball 40 is shown for serving by a player. If the ball makes contact with the deflector then a deflection is generated which deflects the ball upwards at different angles along deflected ball paths 96, 97 as shown in Figures 29 and 30 and if the ball misses the deflector it continues along a natural ball path 98 as shown in Figure 28.

In other examples of use, an outfield player can be trained using the deflector for practicing receiving a difficult ball. For instance, a player in an attacking region of a football pitch may need to receive a ball under sufficient control that they can attack a target with the ball. The present sports simulators allow a natural ball path to be interrupted to train an outfield player to cope with deflections.

Figures 10 to 13 show deflectors with different configurations to the deflector described above, but otherwise with similar properties to deflector 10. Figure 10 shows a deflector 70 in which there are fewer facets on an upper surface and forward surface. In this regard, facets 18, 22, 26 (and facets 20, 24, 28) are planar and not angled one relative to another. In Figure 11, the deflector 72 is similar to Figure 10 except providing additional deflector facets that are not closely adjacent the ground surface and are angled as required to produce a selected deflection. In Figure 12, there is shown a deflector 74 having at least one facet that is curvilinear, having a curved surface for producing multiple different deflections. Figure 13 shows a deflector 76 which is asymmetrical about a central longitudinal axis in the Y dimension.

The deflector 10 (and deflectors 70, 72, 74, 76) as shown particularly in Figures 1 to 3 comprise deflector edges which are arranged for contact with the ground 12, or closely adjacent thereto. The purpose of this arrangement is that a ball that makes contact with the deflector does not rebound if it were to strike edges which were more elevated from the ground. Instead the deflector edges are generally flush with the ground surface. The deflector edges form a periphery of the deflector and in the example of Figures 1 to 3 comprise edges 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, which form the periphery of the deflector so that whichever angle in the X, Y dimension a ball is served it does not result in a rebound. In other example, one or more (but not all edges) are in contact, or closely adjacent, the ground surface.

The peripheral deflector facets extend upwardly at various angles from the peripheral edges for generating deflections from any selected serving angle. The serving angles preferably extend through 180 degrees so that a ball can be served from behind, or either side, (or angles between) and more preferably though 360 degrees so that a ball can be served additionally from the front (or angles between).

The deflector may comprise a stand, which itself rests on a ground surface. The stand may have an arrangement for tilting the deflector facets in one or more dimensions and at one or more angles relative to a ground surface. For example, the deflector may have a plurality of extendible feet (such as feet rotatable on screws), which can be extended one independent from another to elevate portions of the deflector.

A further example of a deflector is shown in Figure 14. For the sake of brevity those aspects of this further deflector which are similar to deflector 10 will not be described again and the description will focus on modified aspects of the deflector.

Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a deflector 100 having multiple facets for deflecting a ball from a natural ball path. In this example the deflector comprises a fastening arrangement 102 for fastening one or more attachments to the deflector for providing additional surfaces or facets for deflecting a ball from a natural ball path, in the same way as described above. The fastening arrangement in this example comprises one or more bores in a surface of the deflector for receiving one or more fastening members for fastening attachment(s) to the deflector, such as bolts, screws dowels or lugs. Other fastening arrangements can be used depending on requirements.

Figure 15 shows a plurality of different attachment deflectors 104,106,108, 110,112, 114, 116,118 for attachment to the deflector 100. The attachment deflectors comprise one or more deflecting surfaces for providing additional deflections, and dependent on the simulation required a selected attachment deflector can be attached to the deflector.

Figures 16 to 23 show the deflector 100 with attachments 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 fastened to the deflector.

Figure 16 shows to attachment deflectors 104. The attachment deflectors provide a further inclination in the Z dimension to produce a higher deflection. The attachments are spaced apart in the X dimension to provide a natural ball path without deflection.

Figure 17 shows an attachment deflector 106. The attachment deflector provides a further inclination in the Z dimension and similarly to attachments 104 provides side and front facets for generating other deflections depending on the angle at which a ball is served.

Figure 18 shows an attachment deflector 108 similar to deflector 106, but in this example the attachment is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis along the Y dimension.

Figure 19 shows an attachment deflector 110, which is curvilinear along one side, on the opposing side as viewed in figure 19.

Figure 20 shows a hemispherical attachment deflector 112 which provides a curved surface for generating deflections. The symmetrical nature of the attachment is such that the deflections are uniformly generated regardless of the angle at which the ball is served.

Figure 21 shows an elongated hemispherical attachment deflector 114 which provides an extended curved surface for generating deflections. For example, when the ball is served generally in the Y dimension contact with the deflector 114 deflects a ball to the left or to the right, whereas when all is served generally in the X dimension, a ball is the selected upwardly as if it were to make contact with a player's leg in a game.

Figure 22 shows an attachment deflector 116 which is similar to the deflector 100 but smaller. The deflections generated by attachment deflector 116 are similar to those generated by deflector 100 but less pronounced.

Figure 23 shows an attachment deflector 118 which is polygonal and in this example hexagonal. This attachment is configured to generate more significant deflections at greater angles particularly in the X dimension.

The attachment deflectors as shown by example in Figures 15 to 23 may be simple ramps, multi-faceted or curvilinear. The purpose of the attachments is that when attached to the deflector different attachment generate different deflections so that over the course of time a receiving player does not become accustomed to a deflection, but that it stimulates that portion of a players concentration that prepares for a deflection.

Figure 24 shows a fastening mechanism for fastening or securing an attachment deflector to a deflector. In the figure, attachment 116 for example is shown attached to deflector 100 by fastening mechanism 120. Fastening mechanism 120 comprises bolts which pass through bores in attachment 116 and deflector 100 and are secured by nuts.

The sports simulator or training apparatus may be manufactured from any suitable material and using any suitable manufacturing process. For example, the deflector may be formed from wood or processed wood. It is currently preferred that the material is plastics, such as polypropylene or polyethylene (such as high density polyethylene). An advantage of plastics is that the deflector can be molded in one or more steps and therefore more easily mass produced.

The deflector may be partially hollow on its underside to reduce the amount of material used in manufacture. In this regard, whilst the deflector is required to have some mass so that it remains generally in the same position after multiple ball contacts, it will be appreciate that ball contacts cause a significant force in the downwards (or Z dimension) so that the deflector is driven into the ground to a greater extent than it is moved along the ground. This allows the mass of the deflector to be reduced and therefore also to reduce the amount of material used its manufacture.

Figure 31 shows a further apparatus in which a deflector 140 comprises a sensor arrangement 150 for sensing a natural ball path and a deflected ball path. The sensing arrangement may comprise one or more optical sensors, cameras or electro-magnetic transceivers (e.g. radar), for example. The sensor arrangement may sense ball speed, elevation, angle and preferably also spin. The sensor arrangement may also sense which deflector facet makes contact with a ball. In the case of a goal keeping trainer the sensor arrangement may sense if a goal keeper is successful in saving a goal, or in other arrangements if an outfield player successfully receives a ball.

The deflector may comprise the sensor arrangement as shown in Figure 31 and/or the sensor arrangement 152 may be transportable and comprise its own support (e.g. tripod 154) for positioning away from the deflector 140, as shown in Figure 32. The sensor arrangement may comprises more than one sensor spaced apart one from another in order to sense a ball at different locations as it travels along a ball path. In other arrangements there may be provided a dedicated training environment, similar to those adopted in indoor golf, having fixed sensors for sensing a ball path.

Referring to Figure 31, the sensor arrangement comprises at least one sensor which sits proud of a deflector surface sufficient to sense a ball path. There may be more than one sensor located in different deflector facets in order to provide a plurality of sensing perspectives relative to a ball path. The sensor or sensors may be attached and detached from the deflector, similarly to the deflector attachments described above. Preferably, the sensor arrangement is constructed sufficiently robustly to resist breakage if struck by a ball. In other arrangements the sensor arrangement is counter-sunk or otherwise protected by a surface facet. The sensor arrangement may comprise one or more contact sensors for sensing which, if any, deflector facets are contacted by a ball, such as an accelerometer for determining contact and force.

Referring to Figure 33, the sensor arrangement comprises one or more sensors 156 which are driven or operated by a processor 158 and memory 160 for storing instructions for the processor for causing a sensor to carry out the instructions. The memory may store appropriate firmware for use by the processor for operating the sensor(s). The memory may be arranged to store data relating to sensed ball paths and receiving players responses for output to a computer 162 for analysis when subsequently connected by wire (as shown) or wirelessly. Alternatively, a computer may be connected to the sensor arrangement during use for storing sensed data for subsequent analysis. In this case, the computer may comprise a processor for driving one or more sensors and a memory for storing sensed data.

Particularly, but not exclusively, in the case of goal keeper training and practice, previous methods of generating a deflection have involved an outfield player attempting passive contact with a ball along a natural ball path. This approach generates very random deflections that are difficult to analyse usefully for feed-back to a goal keeper, for example, for correcting areas of weakness. The present simulator comprises deflector surfaces that cause a multiplicity of known deflections, that can be more easily analysed to identify strengths and weaknesses, in order that a goal keeper can concentrate on areas of interest. Particularly by using selected deflector attachments those areas that require practice can be made the subject of more concentrated training. Although such training can be carried out without the use of a sensor arrangement and subsequent diagnostics, the sensor arrangement allows a more analytical approach for performance evaluation and for continued training on particular types of deflection that cause difficulty for a player.

Claims

1. A sports practice simulator for simulating deflections to a natural ball path from a serving player to a receiving player for use in sports practice or training, the simulator comprising a multifaceted deflector for placement on the ground at a selected ground surface position of a sports pitch or training ground, the deflector comprising a multiplicity of deflecting facets that are angled one facet relative to an adjacent facet for causing a multiplicity of different deflections to a natural ball path, wherein the periphery of the deflector comprises deflector facets that are in contact with, or closely adjacent, the ground surface and which extend upwardly at an angle in a height dimension (Z dimension).

2. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deflector has a first horizontal axis in a Y dimension and a second horizontal axis in an X dimension perpendicular to the Y dimension, and the deflector comprises a plurality of deflector facets one angled relative to an adjacent deflector facet in both the Y dimension and the X dimension so that a plurality of different deflections are generated to a natural ball path generally in the Y dimension or the X dimension.

3. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the deflector comprises surface facets for deflecting a natural ball path at any selected angle relative to the deflector.

4. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the deflector comprises first and second portions along the Y dimension, and the first portion comprises deflector surfaces that are angled in the Z dimension at a steeper angle than the angle of the deflector surfaces of the second portion so that the deflector surfaces of the first portion generate a larger deflection than the deflector surfaces of the second portion.

5. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the deflector surfaces comprise generally planar or curvilinear surfaces that are connected to adjacent deflector surfaces by an interconnecting line or curve.

6.

A sports simulator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one attachment deflector for selective attachment to the deflector, each attachment deflector comprising at least one deflector facet for deflecting a ball along a natural ball path and a fastening arrangement for attaching the attachment deflector to the deflector.

7. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 6, wherein each attachment deflector comprises a plurality of deflector facets for generating different deflections one from another.

8. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the attachment deflectors comprises a curved deflector facet (such a hemisphere or elongated hemisphere).

9. A sports simulator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor arrangement for sensing a natural ball path and a deflected ball path generated by deflections from the deflector or attachment deflector.

10. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensor arrangement is arranged to sense a response by a receiving player to a natural ball path or deflected ball path.

11. A sports simulator as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a processor and a memory for storing instructions for the processor for causing a sensor to carry out the instructions.