WO2006108238A1

WO2006108238A1 - Training aid

Info

Publication number: WO2006108238A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000511
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wendy Balestri
Original assignee: Jogo Bonito Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-04-15
Filing date: 2006-04-13
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: TW200714320A

Abstract

A training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills having a ball (11) with an outer surface and a plurality of strike indicia (G, W, B, R) presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the plurality of strike indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the ball (11). The training aid further has a glove (55) that in use is worn on a person's extremity, the glove (55) having an outer surface, and a plurality of contact indicia (G', W', WP', R' B') presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the contact indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the glove (55). Following an an impact contact between selected ones of the contact indicia and strike indicia, the ball (11) can follow a selected travel path.

Description

TRAINING AID

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills.

BACKGROUND

In many ball sports a player's instinctive skills with ball control and dexterity are of high value in their overall ability. It is widely known that in some sports in which a player strikes the ball using an extremity, such as their hand, foot or head, the acquisition and/or learning of some ball skills can be difficult and arduous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a ball having an outer surface and a plurality of strike indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the plurality of strike indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the ball; and a glove that in use is worn on a person's extremity, the glove having an outer surface, and a plurality of contact indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the contact indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the glove, wherein the ball can follow a selected travel path following an impact contact between selected ones of the contact indicia and strike indicia.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a ball having an outer surface and a plurality of - 3 -

Figure 7 : is a bottom view of the football boot and glove of figure 6; Figure 8 : is a first side elevation view of the football boot and glove of figure 6; Figure 9 : is a second side elevation view of the football boot and glove of figure 6; Figure 10 : is a top view of the football boot and glove of figure 6; Figure 11: is a schematic illustration showing a player's feet position, relative to the ball of figure 1, for effecting an inside of the foot pass/shot;

Figure 12 : is a schematic illustration showing a player's feet position, relative to the ball of figure 1, for effecting a lofted pass/shot;

Figure 13 : is a schematic illustration showing a player's feet position, relative to the ball of figure 1, for effecting an outwardly curled pass/shot;

Figure 14 : is a schematic illustration showing a player's feet position, relative to the ball of figure 1, for effecting an inwardly curled pass/shot; and

Figure 15 : is a schematic illustration showing a player's feet position, relative to the ball of figure 1, for effecting an instep pass/shot .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 5 show a ball 11 in accordance with a first embodiment. In the embodiment shown in the figures the ball 11 is a soccer ball, which is also commonly referred to as a football . - 2 - strike indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the plurality of strike indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the ball and corresponding to a selected ball travel path following an impact contact by the person with the ball .

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided training aid for facilitating a person' s learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a glove that in use is worn on a person's extremity, the glove having an outer surface, and a plurality of contact indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the contact indicia covering a region on the outer surface and corresponding to a selected ball travel path following an impact contact between the person' s extremity and a ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a top view of a ball in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 : is a front elevation view of the ball of figure 1; Figure 3 : is a rear elevation view of the ball of figure 1;

Figure 4 : is a side elevation view of the ball of figure 1;

Figure 5: is a bottom view of the ball of figure 1; Figure 6 : is a side elevation view of a football boot, and a glove in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; The ball 11 has positional indicia applied to the outside surface of the ball 11. In this embodiment, the positional indicia includes a rest location indicia 13, which is in the form of a generally ovoid shape. The rest location indicia 13 can be, for example, a black spot.

As shown most clearly in figures 1, 4 and 5, in this embodiment the outer surface of the ball 11 is divided by a notional circumferential line (which is indicated by the broken line L) extends circumferentially about the surface of the ball 11 and extends through the centre of area of the rest location indicia 13 and a notional point P that is diametrically opposed to the centre of area of the rest location 13. As the ball 11 is generally spherical, the broken line L effectively divides the outer surface of the ball 11 into two hemispheres.

In this embodiment, the positional indicia further include directional indicia, which in this embodiment is in the form of a pair of opposed arrows 15. Each of the arrows 15 is directed to the point P and is perpendicular to the broken line L. Accordingly, one arrow 15 is positioned in one of the hemispheres, while the other arrow 15 is positioned in the other hemisphere. Furthermore, in this embodiment each of the arrows 15 is adj acent the point P .

In use, the positional indicia allow a user, such as a coach or player, to locate the ball 11 on a ground surface with the rest location indicia 13 contacting the ground surface. The ball 11 can either subsequently or simultaneously be rotated such that one of the two arrows 15 points generally in the intended immediate direction of ball travel following effecting of the kick. The intended immediate direction of ball travel is hereinafter referred to as the "forward" direction. Accordingly, one of the hemispheres is presented generally toward the kicker immediately before the kick is effected.

The positional indicia may be used to set up the position of the ball 11 for static passes/shots in which the ball 11 is not moving prior to the kick being effected. Examples of static passes/shots include free kicks and penalty kicks .

The ball 11 is further provided with a plurality of strike indicia. First strike indicia G are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11. The first strike indicia G extend across a lower region of the ball 11, when the ball 11 is presented to the kicker following set up of the ball 11 for a static pass/shot. As can be seen in figure 5, two such first strike indicia G are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11; one of the first strike indicia G is in each of the two hemispheres. In addition, each first strike indicia G is spaced apart from the rest location indicia 13, the point P and the broken line L, whilst being generally closer to the rest location indicia 13 than the point P. In one embodiment, each of the first strike indicia G is a first colour, such as a solid green colour.

It is to be appreciated that by striking the ball 11 (that is, an impact contact between a person's boot 53 and the ball 11) in the region of the first strike indicia G, it is possible to effect a lofted pass/shot, which travels generally in the direction of the arrow 15 on the hemisphere presented to the kicker.

Second strike indicia W are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11. The second strike indicia W extend across a central and upper region of the ball 11, when the ball 11 is presented to the kicker following set up of the ball 11 for a static pass/shot. As can be seen - S - in figures 1 and 4, two such second strike indicia W are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11; one of the first strike indicia G is in each of the two hemispheres. In addition, each second strike indicia W is adjacent one of the first strike indicia G and is spaced apart from the point P and the broken line L. In one embodiment, each of the second strike indicia W is a second colour, such as a solid white colour.

It is to be appreciated that by striking the ball 11 (that is, an impact contact between a person's boot 53 and the ball 11) in the region of the second strike indicia W, it is possible to effect an inside of foot pass/shot, which travels generally in the direction of the arrow 15 on the hemisphere presented to the kicker and generally along the ground surface .

Third strike indicia B are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11. The third strike indicia B extend across a central, left-hand region of the ball 11, when the ball 11 is presented to the kicker following set up of the ball 11 for a static pass/shot. As can be seen in figure 1, two such third strike indicia B are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11; one of the third strike indicia B is in each of the two hemispheres. In addition, each third strike indicia B extends generally between the second strike indicia W and the broken line L. In one embodiment, each of the third strike indicia B is a third colour, such as a solid blue colour.

It is to be appreciated that by striking the ball 11 (that is, an impact contact between a person's boot 53 and the ball 11) in the region of the third strike indicia B, it is possible to effect a curled pass/shot. As the ball 11 is struck off centre, a spin will be generated such that the ball can be caused to curve as the ball 11 travels through the air. It is to be further appreciated that the direction of curl following such an impact contact will be left-to-right from the perspective of the kicker. Such a curl is commonly referred to outside curl for a right-footed kicker (as the ball 11 curls outwardly with respect to the kicker's foot), and an inside curl for a left-footed kicker (as the ball 11 curls inwardly with respect to the kicker's foot) .

Fourth strike indicia R are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11. The fourth strike indicia R extend across a central, right-hand region of the ball 11, when the ball 11 is presented to the kicker following set up of the ball 11 for a static pass/shot. As can be seen in figure 1, two such fourth strike indicia R are provided on the outer surface of the ball 11; one of the fourth strike indicia R is in each of the two hemispheres. In addition, each fourth strike indicia R extends generally between the one of the second strike indicia W and the broken line L. In one embodiment, each of the fourth strike indicia R is a fourth colour, such as a solid red colour. Accordingly, as shown in figure 1 the third strike indicia B on one hemisphere is disposed on an opposing side of the broken line L to the fourth strike indicia R on the other hemisphere.

It is to be appreciated that by striking the ball 11 in the region of the fourth strike indicia R, it is possible to effect a curled pass/shot. As the ball 11 is struck off centre, a spin will be generated such that the ball can be caused to curve as the ball 11 travels through the air. It is to be further appreciated that the direction of curl following such an impact contact will be right-to-left from the perspective of the kicker. Such a curl is commonly referred to inside curl for a right- footed kicker, and an outside curl for a left-footed kicker. Figures 6 to 10 show a football boot 53, and a glove 51, in the form of an over-shoe, in accordance with a second embodiment. As can be seen in figures 7 and 10, the football boot 53 illustrated is for a right foot. Accordingly, the glove 51 illustrated is, in use, to be worn on the right foot and over the football boot 53.

The glove 51 has a flexible cover 55 that extends over the toe and instep portions of the boot 53. The glove 51 is further provided with a plurality of retaining straps 57a, 57b and 57c (hereinafter referred to collectively as "straps 57") for retaining the glove 51 on a boot 53. One of the straps 57a extends rearwardly of the cover 55 and joins the two rear sides of the cover 55. As shown in figures 8 and 9, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, the strap 57a extends about the heel section of the boot 53.

Retaining straps 57b extends between lower side portions of the cover 55. When the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, the straps 57b extend across the outer sole of the boot 53, and generally across the instep of the boot 53.

Retaining straps 57c extend between lower portions of the cover 55, such that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, the straps 57c extend across (portions of) the outer sole of the boot 53, and generally about the toe and ball portions of the boot 53. As shown in figure 7, the straps 57c can be arranged to be disposed between studs provided on the outer sole of the boot 53.

The straps 57 may be made of an elastic material. Alternatively or additionally, the straps can be provided in two parts, with a fastener provided to releasably connect the two parts. In one embodiment, the fastener may be complementary portions of hook and loop fastener provided on each of the two parts.

The outer surface of the glove 51 is provided with a plurality of contact indicia. A first contact indicia G' covers a region of the glove 51 that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, would be located toward the front of the instep and generally above the big toe. In one embodiment, the first contact indicia G' is a first colour, such as a solid green colour.

A second contact indicia W is covers a region of the glove 51 that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, would be located on the inside of the boot 53 and adjacent the arch of the foot. In one embodiment, the second contact indicia W is a second colour, such as a solid white colour.

A third contact indicia WP' is covers a region of the glove 51 that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, would be located on the top of the instep portion of the boot 53. In one embodiment, the second contact indicia WP' is a pattern of contrasting colours, which is in the form of a number of solid white dots on a darker background.

A fourth contact indicia B' is covers a region of the glove 51 that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, would be located on the outside of the boot 53 and adjacent the little toe and a portion of the outer instep of the foot . In one embodiment , the fourth contact indicia B' is a third colour, such as a solid blue colour.

A fifth contact indicia R' is covers a region of the glove 51 that, when the glove 51 is applied to a boot 53, would be located on the inside of the boot 53 and adjacent the big toe of the foot. Furthermore, the fifth contact indicia R' is adjacent the first contact indicia G' . In one embodiment, the fifth contact indicia B' is a fourth colour, such as a solid red colour.

It is to be appreciated that a glove 51 can also be provided for a left footed kicking player. The third contact indicia WP' , fourth contact indicia B' and fifth contact indicia R' are in the same position for a glove 51 for a left footed kicking player. However, the first contact indicia G' and the second contact indicia W are mirrored. Accordingly, the second contact indicia W will be disposed on inside of the glove 51 for the left footed player. Similarly, the first contact indicia G' will be located toward the front of the mid foot and adjacent the big toe. However, on a glove 51 for a left footed player the first contact indicia G' will be adjacent the fourth contact indicia B' .

Figure 11 shows the player approach, foot placement of the front (non-kicking) foot and kicking foot (for a right-footed kicking player) , and direction of travel of the ball 11 to effect an inside of foot pass/shot. In addition, the ball 11 is set up for a static pass/shot as previously described. The player is wearing a glove 51 on their kicking foot. When striking the ball 11, the player brings the second contact indicia W' on the glove 51 into impact contact with the second strike indicia W on the ball 11, the ball 11 will travel forward relative to the player. It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the second contact indicia W' on the glove 51 corresponds with the second strike indicia W on the ball 11.

Figure 12 shows the player approach, foot placement of the front (non-kicking) foot and kicking foot (for a right-footed kicking player) , and direction of travel of the ball 11 to effect a lofted pass/shot. In addition, - li the ball 11 is set up for a static pass/shot as previously described. The player is wearing a glove 51 on their kicking foot. When striking the ball 11, the player brings the first contact indicia G' on the glove 51 into impact contact with the first strike indicia G on the ball 11, the ball 11 will travel forward relative to the player, and also be lofted. It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the first contact indicia G' on the glove 51 corresponds with the first strike indicia G on the ball 11.

Figure 13 shows the player approach, foot placement of the front (non-kicking) foot and kicking foot (for a right-footed kicking player) , and direction of travel of the ball 11 to effect a curled pass/shot. The curled pass/shot will be, for a right footed kicking player, an outside curled pass/shot. The ball 11 is set up for a static pass/shot as previously described. The player is wearing a glove 51 on their kicking foot. When striking the ball 11, the player brings the fourth contact indicia B' on the glove 51 into impact contact with the third strike indicia B on the ball 11, the ball 11 will travel away from the player, curling left-to-right as it travels. It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the fourth contact indicia B' on the glove 51 corresponds with the third strike indicia B on the ball 11.

Figure 14 shows the player approach, foot placement of the front (non-kicking) foot and kicking foot (for a right-footed kicking player) , and direction of travel of the ball 11 to effect a curled pass/shot. The curled pass/shot will be, for a right footed kicking player, an inside curled pass/shot. The ball 11 is set up for a static pass/shot as previously described. The player is wearing a glove 51 on their kicking foot. When striking the ball 11, the player brings the fifth contact indicia R' on the glove 51 into impact contact with the fourth strike indicia R on the ball 11, the ball 11 will travel away from the player, curling right-to-left as it travels. It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the fifth contact indicia B' on the glove 51 corresponds with the fourth strike indicia B on the ball 11.

Figure 15 shows the player approach, foot placement of the front (non-kicking) foot and kicking foot (for a right-footed kicking player) , and direction of travel of the ball 11 to effect an instep pass/shot. The ball 11 is set up for a static pass/shot as previously described. The player is wearing a glove 51 on their kicking foot. When striking the ball 11, the player brings the third contact indicia WP' on the glove 51 into impact contact with the second strike indicia W on the ball 11, the ball 11 will travel forward relative to the player. It is to be appreciated that, in the embodiments shown in the figures, the third contact indicia WP' on the glove 51 generally corresponds with the second strike indicia W on the ball 11 in that the colour of each indicia is the same .

Accordingly, utilisation of the corresponding indicia on the glove 51 and ball 11 facilitate learning/understanding of ball skills such that a player is able to execute passes/shots by learning the relative .contact locations between their foot and the ball 11, and the associated kicking placement/actions to effect desired movements of the ball 11.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that a glove may be provided for use in alternative codes of football such as, for example, Australian Rules Football, Gaelic football, American football (or "grid iron") , and/or various codes of rugby. It will be further be appreciated that the contact indicia, and the location on a glove, for alternative football codes will be selected to facilitate training the player on the effect of striking the ball (that is, the resulting behaviour of the ball) with various regions of the foot.

Similarly, a ball for alternative codes of football may be provided with one or more strike indicia. The location of the strike indicia will be selected to facilitate understanding of the effect of striking the ball (that is, the resulting behaviour of the ball) in different regions.

It will be appreciated that in some codes of football the ball is never placed for a static kick/shot.

Accordingly, a ball in accordance with an embodiment and for use in such a code of football will not be provided with a rest location indicia.

Alternative embodiments of the ball may be provided in which the strike indicia on the ball are distributed about the surface of the ball . In a further alternative embodiment, the strike and or rest indicia may be distributed about a portion, such as a hemisphere, of the ball. The remaining portion may be blank or otherwise marked.

It is to be appreciated that a ball in accordance with an embodiment may find application in facilitating learning of so-called "header" skills and the relationship between the contact location of the player's forehead with the resulting ball travel path(s) following the contact impact .

A glove in accordance with an embodiment can be worn on any of the extremities of the body. For example, an embodiment of the glove may be provided for wearing on a person's hand. Such a glove may be used for training in ball sports in which the ball is struck with a hand, such as, for example, the various codes of volley ball. Contact indicia are applied to the outer surface of such a glove, which correspond to contact with the ball during respective shots.

A glove in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be used with a "regular" ball that does not have corresponding strike indicia and/or positional indicia on its surface. Indeed, when a player is training they may initially utilise both a glove and a ball in accordance with embodiments of the invention. After some understanding has been gained by the player, the ball may be substituted with a regular ball while the player still wears the glove in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The indicia on the ball and/or glove are presented on an outer surface of the respective ball/glove. It is to be appreciated that the indicia may be applied to the outer surface, such as by a marking transferred to the outer surface. Alternatively, the indicia may be provided on a panel that forms a part of the outer surface of the ball/glove such that the indicia is presented outwardly of the ball/glove.

The indicia may be in the form of any one or more of colours, symbols and characters. Furthermore, the indicia may additionally or alternatively be in the form of patterns of colours . In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary- implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a ball having an outer surface and a plurality of strike indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the plurality of strike indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the ball; and a glove that in use is worn on a person's extremity, the glove having an outer surface, and a plurality of contact indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the contact indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the glove, wherein the ball can follow a selected travel path following an impact contact between selected ones of the contact indicia and strike indicia.

2. A training aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of each of the plurality of contact indicia corresponds in form with a portion of one of the plurality of strike indicia.

3. A training aid as claimed in either claim 1 or 2, wherein the ball further comprises at least one positional indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface of the ball.

4. A training aid as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one positional indicia comprises a rest location indicia for contact with a surface on which the ball can rest for a static shot.

5. A training aid as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the at least one positional indicia comprises at least one directional arrow presented outwardly of the outer surface, the at least one directional arrow generally indicating an intended initial direction of the ball travel path following the impact contact.

6. A training aid as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ball is generally spherical and the at least one directional arrow points generally toward a notional point on the outer surface of the ball that is diametrically opposed to the rest location indicia.

7. A training aid as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a first strike indicia that covers a region that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia, the notional point, and a notional line that extends through the rest location indicia and the notional point.

8. A training aid as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first strike indicia is generally centered about a point that is closer to the rest location indicia than to the notional point.

9. A training aid as claimed in either claim 7 or 8, wherein the first strike indicia comprises pair of first strike indicia provided on the outer surface of the ball on opposing sides of the notional line.

10. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to

9, wherein the first strike indicia comprises a first colour .

11. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to

10, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a second strike indicia that covers a region that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia, the notional point, and a notional line that extends through the rest location indicia and the notional point .

12. A training aid as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second strike indicia is generally centered about a point that is closer to the notional point than to the rest location indicia.

13. A training aid as claimed in either claim 11 or 12, wherein the second strike indicia comprises a pair of second strike indicia provided on the outer surface of the ball on opposing sides of the notional line.

14. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 11 to

13, wherein the second strike indicia comprises a second colour.

15. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to

14, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a third strike indicia that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia and the notional point, and is adjacent the notional line.

16, A training aid as claimed in claim 15, wherein the third strike indicia comprises a pair of third strike indicia on opposing sides of the notional line.

17. A training aid as claimed in either claim 15 or 16, wherein the third strike indicia comprises a third colour.

18. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 15 to

17, wherein the third strike indicia is provided adjacent the first strike indicia on a first side of the first strike indicia.

19. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to

18, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a fourth strike indicia that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia and the notional point, and is adjacent the notional line.

20. A training aid as claimed in claim 19, wherein the fourth strike indicia comprises a pair of fourth strike indicia on opposing sides of the notional line.

21. A training aid as claimed in either claim 19 or 20, wherein the fourth strike indicia comprises a fourth colour.

22. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 when dependent on claim 18, wherein the fourth strike indicia is provided adjacent the first strike indicia on a second side of the first strike indicia.

23. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

22. wherein the glove is worn over the person's shoe on their foot .

24. -A training aid as claimed in claim 23, wherein the glove comprises a cover portion having the outer surface and one or more retaining straps for retaining the cover portion on the person's shoe.

25. A training aid as claimed in either claim 23 or 24, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a first contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located toward the front of the instep and generally above the big toe.

26. A training aid as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first contact indicia comprises the first colour.

27. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 23 to

26. wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a second contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located on the inside of the person's foot and adjacent the arch of the foot.

28. A training aid as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second contact indicia comprises the second colour.

29. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a third contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located on the top of the person's instep.

30. A training aid as claimed in claim 29, wherein the third contact indicia comprises a pattern of contrasting colours, one of which is the second colour.

31. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a fourth contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that on a side portion of the glove and is adjacent one of the person's big or little toes.

32. A training aid as claimed in claim 31, wherein the fourth contact indicia comprises the third colour.

33. A training aid as claimed in either claim 31 or 32, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a fifth contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that on a side portion of the glove and is adjacent the other of the person's little or big toes.

34. A training aid as claimed in claim 33, wherein the fifth contact indicia comprises the fourth colour.

35. A training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a ball having an outer surface and a plurality of strike indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the plurality of strike indicia covering a region on the outer surface of the ball and corresponding to a selected ball travel path following an impact contact by the person with the ball .

36. A training aid as claimed in claim 35, wherein the ball further comprises at least one positional indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface of the ball .

37. A training aid as claimed in claim 36, wherein the at least one positional indicia comprises a rest location indicia for contact with a surface on which the ball can rest for a static shot.

38. A training aid as claimed in claim 37, wherein the at least one positional indicia comprises at least one directional arrow presented outwardly of the outer surface, the at least one directional arrow generally indicating an intended initial direction of the ball travel path following the impact contact .

39. A training aid as claimed in claim 38, wherein the ball is generally spherical and the at least one directional arrow points generally toward a notional point on the outer surface of the ball that is diametrically opposed to the rest location indicia.

40. A training aid as claimed in claim 39, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a first strike indicia that covers a region that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia, the notional point, and a notional line that extends through the rest location indicia and the notional point.

41. A training aid as claimed in claim 40, wherein the first strike indicia is generally centered about a point that is closer to the rest location indicia than to the notional point.

42. A training aid as claimed in either claim 40 or 41, wherein the first strike indicia comprises pair of first strike indicia provided on the outer surface of the ball on opposing sides of the notional line.

43. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 40 to

42, wherein the first strike indicia comprises a first colour.

44. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 40 to

43, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a second strike indicia that covers a region that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia, the notional point, and a notional line that extends through the rest location indicia and the notional point.

45. A training aid as claimed in claim 44, wherein the second strike indicia is generally centered about a point that is closer to the notional point than to the rest location indicia.

46. A training aid as claimed in either claim 44 or 45, wherein the second strike indicia comprises a pair of second strike indicia provided on the outer surface of the ball on opposing sides of the notional line.

47. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 44 to

46, wherein the second strike indicia comprises a second colour.

48. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 40 to

47, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a third strike indicia that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia and the notional point, and is adjacent the notional line.

49, A training aid as claimed in claim 48, wherein the third strike indicia comprises a pair of third strike indicia on opposing sides of the notional line.

50. A training aid as claimed in either claim 48 or 49, wherein the third strike indicia comprises a third colour.

51. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 48 to

50, wherein the third strike indicia is provided adjacent the first strike indicia on a first side of the first strike indicia.

52. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 40 to

51, wherein the plurality of strike indicia comprises a fourth strike indicia that is spaced apart from the rest location indicia and the notional point, and is adjacent the notional line.

53. A training aid as claimed in claim 52, wherein the fourth strike indicia comprises a pair of fourth strike indicia on opposing sides of the notional line.

54. A training aid as claimed in either claim 52 or 53, wherein the fourth strike indicia comprises a fourth colour.

55. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 52 to 54 when dependent on claim 51, wherein the fourth strike indicia is provided adjacent the first strike indicia on a second side of the first strike indicia.

56. A training aid for facilitating a person's learning of ball skills, the training aid comprising: a glove that in use is worn on a person' s extremity, the glove having an outer surface, and a plurality of contact indicia presented outwardly of the outer surface, each of the contact indicia covering a region on the outer surface and corresponding to a selected ball travel path following an impact contact between the person' s extremity and a ball .

57. A training aid as claimed in claim 56, wherein the glove is worn over the person's shoe on their foot.

58. A training aid as claimed in claim 57, wherein the glove comprises a cover portion having the outer surface and one or more retaining straps for retaining the cover portion on the person's shoe.

59. A training aid as claimed in either claim 57 or 58, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a first contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located toward the front of the instep and generally above the big toe.

60. A training aid as claimed in claim 59, wherein the first contact indicia comprises a first colour.

61. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 60, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a second contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located on the inside of the person's foot and adjacent the arch of the foot.

62. A training aid as claimed in claim 61, wherein the second contact indicia comprises a second colour.

63. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 62, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a third contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that is located on the top of the person's instep.

64. A training aid as claimed in claim 63, wherein the third contact indicia comprises a pattern of contrasting colours, one of which is the second colour.

65. A training aid as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 64, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a fourth contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that on a side portion of the glove and is adjacent one of the person's big or little toes.

66. A training aid as claimed in claim 65, wherein the fourth contact indicia comprises a third colour.

67. A training aid as claimed in either claim 65 or 66, wherein the plurality of contact indicia comprises a fifth contact indicia that covers a region of the outer surface of the glove that on a side portion of the glove and is adjacent the other of the person's little or big toes.

68. A training aid as claimed in claim 67, wherein the fifth contact indicia comprises a fourth colour.