Device for improving performance in kicking sports

Abstract

A device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more ball impact sensors operationally coupled to one or more tactile feedback components. The sensors may be positionable upon one or more surfaces of a shoe. The device may generate a tactile sensation when one or more sensors detect a ball impact.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for training various kicking techniques, comprising:
 at least one sensor, positionable on at least one surface of a shoe, for detecting a ball impact; and   at least one tactile feedback component, operationally coupled to said at least one sensor, for generating a tactile sensation in response to said at least one sensor detecting said ball impact,   whereby said device provides tactile feedback to a user, and said feedback relates to said user's execution of said kicking techniques, and said feedback aids said user's training of said kicking techniques.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an assembly for releasably positioning said device on said shoe. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said assembly comprises at least one strap for releasably positioning said device on said shoe. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said at least one strap comprises at least one stretchable strap for releasably positioning said device on said shoe. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said assembly comprises at least one hook tape component and at least one loop tape component for releasably positioning said device on said shoe. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said assembly comprises a clip for releasably positioning said device on said shoe. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said assembly comprises a cushioning material for dampening the force of said ball impact on at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said assembly is adjustable to fit a plurality of shoe sizes. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one enclosure for holding at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one enclosure comprises at least one pouch for holding at least one of said at least one sensor and said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said enclosure comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one circuit for operationally coupling said at least one sensor to said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is configured to minimally protrude from said shoe. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is configured to protrude no more than 0.75 inches from said shoe. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one sensor comprises at least one tactile switch for detecting said ball impact. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one sensor comprises at least one piezoelectric sensor for detecting said ball impact. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one surface of said shoe comprises at least one of a top surface of said shoe, an outstep surface of said shoe, an instep surface of said shoe, a forward top surface of said shoe, a forward outstep surface of said shoe, and a forward instep surface of said shoe. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one tactile feedback component comprises at least one vibrating motor for generating said tactile sensation. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said shoe is adapted for positioning said at least one sensor near said at least one surface of said shoe. 
     
     
         20 . A powered device, positionable on a shoe, comprising:
 at least one sensor for detecting a ball impact; and   at least one circuit, operationally coupled to said at least one sensor, for generating a tactile sensation in response to said ball impact.   
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein:
 said at least one sensor is configured to produce at least one signal;   said at least one circuit is configured to perform an analysis of said at least one signal; and   said at least one circuit is configured to generate said tactile sensation based on said analysis.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one tactile feedback component for generating said tactile sensation. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one transistor for controlling said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said at least one circuit comprises at least one integrated circuit for controlling said at least one tactile feedback component. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 20 , further comprising at least one battery for powering said at least one circuit. 
     
     
         26 . A method for improving performance in kicking sports, the method comprising:
 recognizing a ball impact on at least one surface of a shoe;   producing tactile feedback, related to said ball impact; and   conveying said tactile feedback to an individual.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising initially positioning at least one ball impact sensor on said at least one surface of said shoe. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising said individual modifying a method of performing a kicking technique in response to said tactile feedback. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising said individual maintaining a method of performing a kicking technique in response to said tactile feedback.