Football Training System and Method of Use

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/637,081 which was filed on Apr. 22, 2024 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention generally relates to sports training devices and performance tracking systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a smart football training system that enhances quarterback training by accurately measuring release time and passing efficiency. The invention comprises a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football, a training wristband with an integrated magnetic sensor, and a mobile electronic device running a training application. The wristband detects when the football is within the quarterback's grasp and automatically starts a timer, which stops upon release of the football. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, football requires split-second decision-making, particularly for quarterbacks executing passing plays. A typical football play lasts for approximately four seconds, during which the quarterback must survey the field, analyze the defensive coverage, anticipate receiver routes, and make an accurate pass. A quarterback requires technical skill, precision, and also the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

One of the challenges in executing a successful passing play is the time constraint imposed by the opposing defense. Defensive teams frequently employ blitzing tactics, which can drastically reduce the quarterback's available decision-making time. In many cases, the quarterback is pressured, hit, or sacked within 2.5 seconds of the ball being snapped. Statistical analysis shows that more than half of all sacks occur within a 2.0-3.0 second window.

Quarterback performance is closely linked to release time, which refers to the duration between the snap and the ball leaving the quarterback's hand. Training methods aimed at improving release speed and decision-making efficiency are therefore essential for quarterback development. Traditional quarterback training often involves manual timing using stopwatches or subjective analysis by coaches. These methods are inherently inconsistent and fail to provide precise, real-time data on release time. Individuals desire an improved training system that addresses the shortcomings of traditional football training systems.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart football training system that provides quarterbacks with an objective, data-driven method for improving their release time and passing efficiency. Also, there is a long-felt need in the art for a training system that provides consistent feedback for the improvement of players. There is a long-felt need for a system that can automatically detect when a football is being held, measure the time from snap to release, and provide real-time performance insights to players and coaches. Furthermore, there is a need for a training system that seamlessly integrates with modern mobile technology to track, analyze, and store passing play data for long-term skill development. Finally, there exists a need for a hands-free, non-intrusive device that does not interfere with a quarterback's natural throwing motion while still accurately monitoring passing plays.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment, comprises a smart football training system designed to enhance quarterback training by precisely measuring passing play duration. The system comprises a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football containing a plurality of strategically placed magnets, a training wristband worn on a user's wrist, and a mobile electronic device running a training application. The training wristband incorporates a magnetic sensor, which detects the presence of the magnets within the football when held by the quarterback. Upon detection, a processor within the wristband automatically initiates a timer. When the football is released and the magnetic field is no longer detected, the timer stops, and the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection) duration is recorded. The training wristband communicates wirelessly with a mobile electronic device via a wireless transceiver, transmitting timing data to be displayed and analyzed in real time. Additionally, the system may be connected to a remote server, enabling cloud-based data storage and advanced analytics.

In this manner, the smart football training system of the present invention fulfills the aforementioned needs by providing an innovative, precise, and real-time method for quarterbacks to measure and improve their passing efficiency. The system eliminates the inconsistencies of traditional training methods, enabling for accurate measurement of release times without the need for manual timing or subjective evaluation. The training wristband is lightweight and non-intrusive, ensuring that quarterbacks can train without altering their natural throwing mechanics. The mobile application provides instant feedback, enabling players and coaches to track performance trends over time. The smart football training system can be adapted for various levels of play, from youth football to professional leagues, making it a versatile and valuable tool for quarterbacks at all stages of development.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a smart football training system. The system comprises a football having a plurality of magnets disposed therein, a training wristband configured to be worn on a user's wrist, the training wristband comprises a magnetic sensor configured to detect the presence of the plurality of magnets within the football when the football is within a predetermined proximity to the training wristband, a processor in communication with the magnetic sensor, the processor is configured to determine whether the football is being held based on a detection signal from the magnetic sensor, initiate a timing function upon detecting that the football is being held, and stop the timing function when the football is released.

In another aspect, a mobile electronic device comprising a training application, the training application is configured to receive the timing data from the wireless transceiver of the training wristband, display the timing data to a user, and store and analyze passing play durations.

In one embodiment, a football training system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football comprising a plurality of strategically disposed magnets, a training wristband worn on a user's wrist, the training wristband comprises a magnetoresistive sensor configured to detect the presence of the magnets within the football when the football is within a predetermined range of the training wristband, a processor configured to activate a timer upon detecting that the football is within the user's grasp and stop the timer when the football is released, a wireless communication module configured to transmit data related to passing plays, and a remote server is communicatively coupled to the training wristband via a mobile electronic device, the remote server configured to store and process passing play data received from the training wristband.

In yet another aspect, a method for monitoring passing plays using a smart football training system is described. The method includes detecting, via a magnetic sensor within a training wristband worn on a user's wrist, a plurality of magnets disposed within a football when the football is within a predetermined proximity to the wristband, initiating, via a processor in the training wristband, a timer upon detection of the football being held, continuously monitoring the detection of the magnets within the football, stopping the timer when the detection of the magnets ceases, indicating that the football has been released, transmitting timing data from the training wristband to a mobile electronic device via a wireless transceiver, and displaying the timing data on the mobile electronic device via a training application for analysis and review.

In still another embodiment, a method for tracking football passing performance using a smart wristband is described. The method comprises the steps of securing a training wristband to a user's wrist, the training wristband comprising a magnetoresistive sensor, gripping a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football having a plurality of magnets strategically placed therein, detecting, by the magnetoresistive sensor in the training wristband, the presence of the magnets in the football, automatically starting a timer in response to detecting the football being held, continuously tracking the duration of the football being held, stopping the timer when the football is released and the magnets are no longer detected, and transmitting the recorded passing duration to a mobile electronic device for storage and analysis.

In another aspect, a football and wristband training combination system is disclosed. The system comprises a football having a prolate spheroid shape and comprising a plurality of magnets disposed within its structure, the magnets being arranged to be detectable by a magnetic sensor, a training wristband is configured to be worn on a user's wrist, the training wristband comprises a magnetic sensor configured to detect the presence of the plurality of magnets in the football when the football is within a predetermined distance (i.e., threshold) of the wristband, a processor configured to activate a timing function upon detecting the football within the user's grasp and stopping the timing function upon release of the football, and a wireless communication module configured to transmit timing data to an external device for display and analysis.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a smart football training system that provides quarterbacks with an objective, data-driven method for improving their release time and passing efficiency. Also, there is a long-felt need in the art for a training system that provides consistent feedback for the improvement of players. There is a long-felt need for a system that can automatically detect when a football is being held, measure the time from snap to release, and provide real-time performance insights to players and coaches. Furthermore, there is a need for a training system that seamlessly integrates with modern mobile technology to track, analyze, and store passing play data for long-term skill development. Finally, there exists a need for a hands-free, non-intrusive device that does not interfere with a quarterback's natural throwing motion while still accurately monitoring passing plays.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a football training system. The system includes a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football comprising a plurality of strategically disposed magnets, a training wristband worn on a user's wrist, the training wristband comprises a magnetoresistive sensor configured to detect the presence of the magnets within the football when the football is within a predetermined range of the training wristband, a processor configured to activate a timer upon detecting that the football is within the user's grasp and stop the timer when the football is released, a wireless communication module configured to transmit data related to passing plays, and a remote server is communicatively coupled to the training wristband via a mobile electronic device, the remote server configured to store and process passing play data received from the training wristband.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a schematic view of smart football training system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The smart football training systemof the present invention includes a magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football, a magnetic sensor enabled training wristband, and at least one mobile device. The footballis equipped with a plurality of magnets, wherein the plurality of magnetsare strategically disposed to be detectable by a magnetic sensor, such as a magnetoresistive sensor, within the training wristband.

The magnetic sensordisposed inside the wristbandis configured to detect the presence of the magnetswithin the football. A wireless transceiverof the wristbandenables the wristbandto communicate with the mobile electronic device. A variety of mobile electronic devices may be utilized within the context of the smart football training system, including but not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet, an iPad, a laptop, or any other type of mobile electronic device capable of utilizing a training applicationdisposed in the mobile electronic device.

The footballis adapted to be detected by the training wristbandusing the interaction between the magnetswithin the footballand the magnetic sensordisposed in the training wristband. The training wristbandis also in wireless communication with the mobile electronic device. The training applicationprovides enables the mobile electronic deviceto control the training wristbandand facilitates data retrieval from the training wristband.

In the preferred embodiment, the mobile electronic devicemay also communicate through a networkto a remote or central computer or server. The servermay include a web serverand a records database. The web servermay provide for remote and/or shared access to the available data collected in the records database.

The web servercan be realized through various web-based technologies such as, but not limited to, a Java web-framework, a .NET framework, a personal home page (PHP) framework, or any web-application framework. The servermay be maintained by a storage facility management authority or a third-party entity that facilitates service enablement and resource allocation operations of the system.

The training wristbandalso includes a processorand a memory. The processor, together with the memory, is utilized to read the magnetic sensorand determine (i.e., detect) the presence or absence of the magnetswithin the football. The processoralso operates a timer function to track the length or duration of the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection). The detection of magnetspresence by the magnetic sensoris indicative that the footballis within the grasp of a quarterback so that a timer clock function embedded in the processoris initiated (timer clock function is also referred to as timer in the present disclosure). When the magnetsare not detected, the processordetermines that the footballis no longer within the grasp of the quarterback and that the footballhas been thrown, resulting in the timer clock function being stopped (i.e., terminated). The length or duration of the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection) is then made available to the applicationwithin the mobile electronic devicevia the wireless transceiver.

The wireless transceivermay provide communication to the mobile electronic device via wireless communication techniques/methods and protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.0, RFID, NFC, or WLAN, or any other wireless technology commonly available for such purposes.

The communication networkmay be associated with an application layer for implementation of communication protocols based on one or more communication requests. The communication data may be transmitted or received, via the communication protocols. Examples of the communication protocols may include, but are not limited to, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Domain Network System (DNS) protocol, Common Management Interface Protocol (CM IP), Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication protocols, or any combination thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the training applicationincorporates advanced data analytics, providing users with more comprehensive feedback on their performance. The application can record and process additional performance metrics such as speed, direction, and more, enabling users to track progress over time and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, the applicationhas Al-powered assistant, which is configured to analyze training data and provides a plurality of personalized training tips and recommended drills to help quarterbacks refine their technique.

The applicationcan also be voice operated by a user. This enables users to start and stop drills, request performance summaries, and receive real-time feedback without needing to manually interact with their mobile device. The voice command functionality ensures that users can focus entirely on their training while still receiving the necessary feedback and guidance.

illustrates a perspective view showing one embodiment of the magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The footballis like a conventional football having a prolate spheroid shape to facilitate both carrying and passing. The footballcan be constructed from four panelsof pebble-grained leather. The leather material helps in protecting the disposed magnets therein from physical damage while retaining the magnetic properties and communication of the magnets. A logo or indiciacan also be disposed on the footballfor marketing and branding purposes.

illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the magnetic sensor enabled wireless training wristband used in the training system of the present invention. As illustrated, the magnetic sensor enabled wireless training wristbandis configured to be worn on wrist by a user and is magnetically coupled to the football. In the preferred embodiment, the wristbanddoes not have any digital display but in some embodiments, the wristbandmay have a digital display for displaying additional information such as a duration of a passing play and other vital signs of the wearer of the wristband. The wristbandcan come in different sizes, colors, and designs for accommodating requests of different users.

Referring again to, the training wristbandincludes an arrow markdisposed on the faceof the wristband. The magnetic sensoris disposed below the arrow markwherein the arrowis indicative of the orientation of the training wristbandon the wrist of the quarterback. More specifically, the arrowpoints in the direction of the magnetsto be detected when the footballis within the quarterback's grasp. In a typical setup, the arrowis oriented to point toward the palm of a wearer, from the underside of the wrist, and serves as a reminder when securing the training wristbandto the wrist.

illustrates a perspective view of the magnetically equipped (i.e., magnetically embedded) football illustrating the locations of the magnets within the football in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The magnetsare disposed inside the footballand are protected by the leather cover of the football. Further, the magnetsare placed such that the magnetsare detectable by a magnetic sensorwithin the training wristband. It should be noted that the magnetscan be one or more of Neodymium Magnets (NdFeB) and Samarium-Cobalt Magnets (SmCo). The magnetscan be in the form of bar magnets or cylindrical magnets depending on the manufacturing requirements of the football.

The strength of the magnetsis such that their presence is detectable by the magnetic sensorso long as the magnets are within a predetermined distance (i.e., threshold) of the training wristbandthat contains the magnetic sensor. Preferably, the magnetsare detectable by the magnetic sensorwhen the footballis within the grip of the quarterback. When the quarterback releases the football, such as when a pass is thrown, the distance between the magnets and the magnetic sensorincreases beyond the predetermined threshold and the measurement of the magnitude of the magnetism generated by the magnetsdecreases below a predefined strength and thus is not detected by the magnetic sensor.

illustrates a flowchart depicting a process for initiating use of the magnetic sensor enabled wireless training wristband for detecting magnets in accordance with the disclosed structure. Once the training wristbandhas been powered on, the training wristbandmay be used for the timing of passing plays. Once the training wristbandhas been secured to the wrist of the quarterback, the quarterback uses the wristband hand to grip the football(Step). It should be noted that gripping the football may take multiple forms, such as for example receiving via a toss from a coach or trainer, receiving the footballvia snap from a center as in an actual play, retrieving the footballfrom a stand or other tee type device. The key component is that the footballis within the grip of the quarterback so that the magnets are detected by the magnetic sensorof the training wristband.

Once the footballis within the grip of the quarterback, the embedded timing functionality in the wristbandis automatically activated (Step). The timer is utilized to measure the length or duration of the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection). The timer continues until the football is released or thrown by the quarterback.

In the next step, the determination is made whether the magnetsof the footballare still near the magnetic sensor. The determination is made based on the measurement of the magnitude of the magnetism generated by the magnets and if it is above the specified threshold so that the magnetic sensor indicates that the football is still within the grasp of the quarterback, the timer continues (Step).

When it is determined that the magnets are not near the magnetic sensorsuch as when the quarterback has thrown the football and when the measurement of the magnitude of the magnetism generated by the magnets drop below, a stop timer is released (Step). The stop timer alert stops the timer and also initiates an audible alert. The audible alert, as discussed below may be an air horn or a referee whistle, for example.

Once the timer is stopped, the length or duration of the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection) is recorded at step. The length or duration of the passing play (i.e., the elapsed time between detection and lack of detection) is the release time indicating the length of time from the quarterback receiving the snap until the ball was thrown. It should be noted that quicker release times generally result in statistically better plays on average, which is more touchdowns per interception ratio, higher yards gained, and higher passer rating.

Another play is initiated at stepwhere the quarterback grips a magnet equipped footballwith the wristband hand so that the training wristbandis within range to detect the present of the magnets in the football. The timer starts again at stepand the process is repeated as above. If no further plays are desired, then the process ends at step.

illustrates a flowchart illustrating a flow of events for initiating and using the training application for the smart football training systemas shown in. Initially, for activating the training wristband, the training wristbandis moved near the football(Step).

The training wristbandis held near to the footballfor a predetermined period such as at least two seconds. The initial movement enables the magnets of the footballto trigger the powering on the training wristband. The LED on the training wristbandbegins to flash and indicates that successful pairing of the training wristband(Step).

To connect to the training wristbandvia the application, the training wristbandis moved to the proximity of the mobile electronic device(Step). The training wristband can be brought to a predetermined time distance such as within six inches of the mobile electronic device. Then, the user may select an option such as the ‘Connect Device’ option at (Step). This action syncs the applicationto the training wristband.

Within the application, a player selection is performed (Step). It should be noted that a plurality of training wristbandscan be initialized and synced to the applicationprior to or after any training activity taking place for a specific player. Specific settings for a selected player may be set within the applicationfor a personalized training and recording of the play of the player (Step).

While the player wears the wristband, training utilizing the training wristband is continued (Step). As noted above, an additional player may be selected at Step. The training wristbandfor another player may be powered on and synced as described above. If there are no other players to be synced with training wristbandsthe sync process ends at step.

illustrates an exemplary initial user interface displayed by the mobile electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The initial user interfacedisplays no options other than the ‘Connect Device’ option. The option, when selected, provides a user interface to set up the mobile device and the wristband.

illustrates an exemplary user interface showing the setup instructions for syncing the application with the football in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The user interfaceis displayed when the ‘Connect Device’ optionis selected as shown previously in. As shown, the first step (Step) is to use the footballto power on the training wristband. Initially the training wristbandis powered on by moving the footballnear the training wristband.

Stepindicates to hold the footballnear the training wristbandfor a predetermined time period such as at least two seconds. This initial movement enables the magnets of the footballto trigger the powering on the training wristband.