1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to soccer training devices and more particularly pertains to a new goal shot training system for dividing the plane of goal into a plurality of zones for targeting shots on the goal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Points are scored in the game of soccer by moving the soccer ball through a rectangular goal comprised of substantially vertical uprights and a cross member extending between the uprights. The uprights and cross member define a goal plane through which the ball must pass to score a point. Thus, soccer players often practice goal shots (either through kicking or impacting the ball with the head) into the goal to improve their ability to move the ball between the uprights during soccer games. However, accuracy in simply moving the ball between the uprights is often not enough to score a goal as a goalie is typically positioned in front of the goal plane for attempting to block a ball moving toward the goal plane from moving through the goal plane. Thus, it often not sufficient just to hit the ball in the direction of the goal in order to score a point. The player needs to be able to aim the path of the ball with the position and movement of the goalie in mind in order to avoid the goalie. Thus, players must train to improve their skills at aiming the movement of the soccer ball toward various areas of the goal plane to effectively avoid the goalie. Thus, a player""s ability to aim and move the ball through different areas of the goal plane is important.
The goal shot training system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of dividing the plane of goal into a plurality of zones for targeting shots on the goal.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of soccer training devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new goal shot training system construction wherein the same can be utilized for dividing the plane of goal into a plurality of zones for targeting shots on the goal.
To attain this, the present invention provides a system for training shots on a goal of the type having a pair of laterally-spaced, substantially vertically oriented upright members and a substantially horizontally oriented cross member extending between the upright members, with the upright members and the cross member defining a goal plane. The system comprises a first strap for suspending from the cross member of the goal for dividing the goal plane into horizontally-separated zones and a second strap for extending between the upright members for dividing the goal plane into vertically-separated zones. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of the first straps and a pair of the second straps are included. Optionally, the first strap has a pair of ends removably connectable together to form a loop. As a further option, the first strap has a pair of ends, and a portion of the first strap located adjacent to one of the ends of the first strap being weighted relatively heavier than a remainder portion of the first strap.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.