Athlete Reaction Training System

Abstract

What is new in this invention is the capability to reproducibly measure athlete's reaction times and virtual save/intercepts to actual competition intercept positions, using a computer display of simulated sports projectiles and their direction, and contact, magnetic, or light triggered position detectors in actual athlete intercept positions, using their own equipment, and incorporating the critical first step. Also new is software to calculate the reaction time and virtual save/intercept from a visual cue to the appropriate intercept position, and real time reporting of the reaction times permitting real time adjustments, in reproducible ways has not been available for sports other than track and swimming. The training system enabled by this new invention consists of sessions of prescribed, measurable reaction training for athletes—which has not been previously available—random and sequence sessions for positioning, reaction time, and virtual save/intercept, with reporting allowing standardized reaction time comparisons over time and between athletes.

1 . An athlete reaction training apparatus and software for ball/puck sports consisting of a computer or game display, with an athlete position detection apparatus corresponding to sport-specific ball/puck intercept position, and first step position requirements, which assists athletes in improving their reaction time and intercept percentages to specific stick/glove/racquet positions, using the athlete's own stick/glove/racquet. 
   
   
       2 . Computer simulated athlete intercept positions, a method related to  claim 1 , which mirror the actual coach or sport determined athlete intercept positions for correct glove/stick/racquet/foot placement. 
   
   
       3 . Intercept position-specific reaction time, a method related to  claim 1 , calculated from initial presentation of a computer simulated, position-specific visual projectile (e.g. ball, puck, etc), to the time the athlete triggers a position detector at the appropriate intercept position, which is immediately displayed to the athlete and recorded. 
   
   
       4 . Comparative reaction time graphic and auditory indicators, a method related to  claim 3 , simple, large or loud messages indicating if the reaction time was greater or less than the last reaction time at that intercept position, viewed during training sessions to permit real-time adjustments in muscle tone, stance, position, vision, grip, and to see the impact on reaction time. 
   
   
       5 . Athlete compatible position detectors, apparatus related to  claim 1 , special adaptations of existing timing contact pads or light or magnetic detectors to the forceful conditions of an athlete's stick (and for hockey: glove and foot) and sport-specific mounting requirements, upon triggering generate a position achievement signal, starting the reaction timing sequence 
   
   
       6 . Computer simulated incoming sports projectiles (e.g. ball, puck, etc) combining a trigger for movement initiation and reaction timing, and indication of direction to a specific athlete intercept position. 
   
   
       7 . Virtual intercept/miss, a calculation of reaction time to a specified intercept position compared to preset ball/puck speed and distances, determining a virtual intercept or miss, and an average intercept percentage for multiple shots, for each intercept position. 
   
   
       8 . Real time virtual intercept messages, a method related to  claim 7 , for each virtual intercept corresponding to an intercept position: simple, large visual or auditory cue indicating if there was a virtual intercept or miss, based on reaction time compared to a preset ball/puck speed and distance, viewed or heard during training sessions to permit real-time adjustments in muscle tone, stance, position, vision, grip, and to see the impact on virtual intercept percentages. 
   
   
       9 . Intercept position achievement status, a calculation comparing an indicated intercept position directed by a computer generated ball/puck directional indicator, to the athlete's actual glove/stick/racquet detected position, and an average position achievement percentage for multiple shots, for each intercept position. 
   
   
       10 . Real time position achievement messages, a method related to  claim 9 , for each position achievement corresponding to an intercept position: simple, large visual or auditory cue indicating if indicated position achievement was successful, viewed or heard during training sessions to permit real-time adjustments in muscle tone, stance, position, vision, grip, and to see the impact on correct position achievement. 
   
   
       11 . A reaction training sequence for an athlete reaction training apparatus, producing non-biased, reproducible, standardized, measurable, comparable data, with individual components of, and in any combination:
 a. Athlete intercept position achievement training—improving getting the stick/glove/racquet to the correct intercept position, and the first foot step in correct position   b. Reaction time training—improving the reaction time to the intercept positions in response to a visual cue   c. Virtual intercept training—improving the percentage of virtual intercepts based on reaction time to specific intercept positions and preset projectile distances and speeds   each consisting of sequential and repeat individual intercept position work matching athlete practice routines, and random intercept position work which simulates competition and eliminates direction anticipation and biased results, permitting reliable improvements and comparable measurements for coaches   
   
   
       12 . A component of  claim 11 , a standardized training history summary report generated by the software of reaction training apparatus, reports the credible (random shots only) and comparable (standardized intercept positions and preset projectile speed and distances) results of an athlete's reaction position, time, and virtual intercept training by tamper-proof software, to the athlete for credible comparison over time, and to coaches for credible comparison over time and between athletes.