Showing posts with label soccer inventions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer inventions. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

How to Invent a Soccer Product



If you are wondering how to invent a new soccer product, but worry that it will take too much time, be too difficult, or cost too much money there are ways to reduce these concerns. However, at the same time, new product development is something that is uncertain. It is quite a risk, much like everything in business. No company or invention can guarantee success. So when you are thinking about how to invent a new product, there are plenty of factors to consider.

For one, companies continue to be more innovative. Therefore, there are people coming up with new invention ideas every day and making prototypes as you think about how to invent your idea. That is why it is important to do research and make sure your invention idea is not already on the market. Even if there is a product like the one you came up with, there is always a demand for new or improved products from corporations or individuals with new product ideas.  These products should either solve a problem or improve something and be able to fit in with a certain company’s product line.

For example, if you are thinking about inventing a new soccer product, one of the most popular products to recently come out is the Jimmy Ball. The Jimmy Ball is a tool designed to help new soccer players develop skills. Traditionally, coaches have tossed the soccer ball carefully at their students’ feet in order to develop their sense of touch as well as skill with different volleys and strikes. While this system works, there are disadvantages, mainly in the fact that it requires someone to propel the ball at the player’s feet, so independent practice is not possible. There is also the issue that more than one player can’t easily be trained at the same time. The Jimmy Ball is a system that tethers a specially-designed ball to a harness at the shoulders. There are other tethered ball systems available, but the Jimmy Ball’s shoulder harness changes the dynamics of the ball’s movement, making for a greater variety of strikes and volleys that the player can attempt. The harness enables the ball’s movement from front to back and side to side, as well as the up, down, and outward motion provided by the player’s strikes. The cord that the ball is attached to is non-stretching, meaning that while it can move around the player to different positions, the distance the player can strike the ball is manageable. The product also has variations to make it suitable for different ages and different levels of proficiency. As the player continues to strike the ball, it moves more quickly and in more varied directions, which trains quick reflexes and instinctive technique. One of the most important aspects of training in soccer is the development of a player’s knowledge of how to strike the ball accurately, and what amount of force to apply to the ball to get the desired effect. The Jimmy Ball provides an innovation in the sense that the changes it makes to existing systems are sensible and straightforward enhancements.

Another soccer invention is the Sniper Net by PK Pro. The Sniper Net handles a number of problems that soccer players find themselves faced with in one solution. One of the issues players face is that, if the whole team isn’t available, practices are difficult. If a player is trying to practice on his or her own, it’s difficult to get in meaningful scoring practices to develop accuracy. Without a goal keeper available, many types of practice are impossible, limiting the usefulness of time spent. The Sniper Net has a system of highlighted seconds that give the player instant feedback on the accuracy of their shot. They also help the player to develop a feel for how to strike the ball to get the results they want. Its system covers up the area generally defended most easily by a goal keeper, meaning that a player will be able to develop a feeling for how to get around the obstacle. It is suitable for small groups, single players looking to practice, and even larger groups that don’t have an available goal keeper. It is cost-effective for trainers and coaches as well as for individual players, and it also has the benefit of knocking back stray soccer balls, to keep them out of the way, and to give the player the ability to accurately keep track of their successful strikes.

When figuring out how to invent your product, you may face some obstacles along the way. This can cause you to lose time, energy and money in trying to get off the ground with a product, especially if you do not know how to invent on your own.  If you face any obstacles or are having a hard time inventing a product alone, keep in mind that there are inventing companies that can help.  One of the biggest obstacles most inventors must overcome when pursuing an idea is being willing to trust someone with their idea.  Make sure to do your research and choose an inventing company that has experience with developing products and getting them on store shelves.  Also make sure that the company will sign a Confidentiality Agreement to ensure that your idea is safe.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Inventions That Have Helped People Improve at Soccer


Soccer is a tough game without the proper equipment. Fortunately, there have been many inventions that have helped people improve at soccer. When one thinks about the equipment involved in this sport, one generally thinks of a soccer ball and soccer cleats. These two vital components of the game of soccer have a rich history with many changes and inventions that have helped people improve at soccer.

There have been many inventions that have helped soccer players improve their game regarding the soccer ball itself. Adding synthetic paint onto the ball in the 1930s was a significant invention because it stopped the ball from absorbing too much water which in turn made it a more reliable weight. It was easier for players to kick the ball. Soon after that, orange soccer balls were invented for players to practice with during the winter months because they could be seen in the snow. This allowed players to practice all year round. Synthetic leather soccer balls are used today. These were invented in the 1960s and were essentially just like actual leather soccer balls, except they were more consistent. They did not absorb water and they allowed for an ideal bounce and distance of the ball. This helped soccer players improve their game because it ensures that all soccer balls were similar in design. Players now knew that the balls they practiced with would be like the balls they played with during games.

Soccer cleats are the other important piece of equipment for a soccer game. Cleats were originally extremely heavy and went up past one's ankle. This made players slow and clumsy because there was no traction on the bottom of the shoes. In 1891, studs were added onto the bottom of soccer shoes which helped players gain traction and not slip during wet conditions. This was a hugely important invention. Years after that, soccer shoes were built using a light weight leather. The invention of these shoes made a difference for players in a variety of ways. First, they were able to run much faster. Second, their feel did not sweat as much so they were more comfortable on the field and better able to remain in control. Finally, shoes were made that fell below the ankle to allow players more movement when running. This invention helped soccer players maneuver more easily on the field.

The game of soccer is constantly involving and new inventions regarding soccer balls or soccer cleats are certainly a reality. Additional equipment such as gloves and apparel is evolving as well. Of the many inventions that have helped people improve at soccer, we have certainly not seen the last of them. 


Do you have an invention idea? Click here to find out how to submit your idea.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Inventions that Teach Kids How To Play Soccer


Soccer is a great sport for little kids to start out in. There are many advancement opportunities in the sport and it requires less coordination for a child to kick something then it does for them to hit something. Children as young as three or four years old can play in leagues.  If your child is interested in learning the sport there are several good inventions that teach kids how to play soccer.

Purchasing a small soccer ball that is mounted on an elastic string is a good way to help a child who is just learning about soccer. A ball on a string allows a child to keep the ball at their feet without having to chase it after each touch. This helps to increase the number of actual touches which will inevitably improve their ball handling skills. A ball on a string is also an excellent way to start learning to dribble and juggle as well.

There are many backyard goals available in small sizes for little kids. A smaller goal will help them improve the accuracy of their kicks. While many parents prefer the hard plastic goals for safety, a folding goal made of lightweight metal poles is a better tool simply because it can be transported when necessary. Again a smaller goal works better for improving accuracy in kicking for young children.

The more your budding soccer star touches the ball the better. It is for this reason that owning a soft mini ball for indoor play is very helpful. While playing ball in the house is not usually desired a soft ball kicked or dribbled in an appropriate place in your home can really help improve a child's soccer abilities.

Running is a primary part of the soccer experience. Cleats are a must. Unfortunately, one biggest issue on the field during practice and games are those long, floppy laces. They can be especially troublesome on kids that don't tie their own shoes. Lace keepers are a little item with a big impact on player performance. No longer do players, parents, or coaches need to worry about floppy laces. Anything that keeps shoelaces secured when on the field is of true benefit.

Cones can allow your budding soccer star to learn about ball control and space. There are many different activities that you can have your child try with cones arranged in different formats. You can have them weave in and out of cones alternatively or they can try to keep the ball within a cone lined square or circle.

There are many different inventions that teach kids how to play soccer and many of them are simple and inexpensive. The key is making sure that they have the guidance and instruction to understand what to do. Inventions that teach kids how to play soccer are only useful when the child is using them correctly.

Do you have an invention idea? Click here to find out how to submit your idea.