APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAY FOR A SOCCER KICKING AND TRAPPING GAME

Abstract

An apparatus and method of play for a soccer kicking and trapping game incorporating a goal. The game includes a goal panel that is elevated above the playing field by foldable supports. One set of goals is provided under the goal panel between the supports on opposite sides. In addition, the goal panel has an aperture that serves as a horizontal goal. To play one goal is set in the middle of a playing field, or two goals are set at either end of the playing field. Teams take turns kicking, passing and trapping in pursuit of having the soccer ball hit or enter one of the goals to score various levels of points.

Claims

1. A soccer kicking and trapping game comprising: a multi-faceted goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a top surface and a bottom surface and further including a front edge, a rear edge and left and right sides forming a periphery of the goal panel; and a left and a right support pivotally coupled to the left and right sides, respectively, wherein said supports fold against said bottom surface for portability and storage and wherein said supports fold outwardly to form legs that elevate the goal panel for game play above a playing surface; wherein in the game play configuration, the space below the front edge and between the legs forms a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs forms a second goal, and the aperture forms a third goal.

2. The game of claim 1, wherein each of said supports includes: an upper end pivotally coupled to said goal panel; a lower end with a width greater than said upper end; and a semi-circular cutout formed within said lower end so that the supports avoid occluding the aperture when said supports are folded against said bottom surface, whereby a soccer ball can be disposed within the aperture and cutouts for portability and storage.

3. The game of claim 2, further including a soccer ball having a width W, wherein said aperture has a diameter that is between about 2.0 times and about 2.4 times greater than width W.

4. The game of claim 3, wherein said supports elevate the goal panel a distance above the playing surface that is between about 2.0 times and about 2.4 times greater than width W.

5. The game of claim 4, wherein said supports when folded outwardly form an angle between about 100 degrees and 120 degrees to said goal panel.

6. The game of claim 5, wherein said goal panel and said supports are made from a material durable enough to withstand multiple repeated strikes from soccer balls.

7. The game of claim 6, wherein said goal panel and said supports are made from a material selected from wood, wood composites, plywood, natural materials treated to provide water resistance, plastic, synthetic material and metal.

8. The game of claim 6, wherein said goal panel and said supports are formed from injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic or foam injection molded plastic.

9. The game of claim 8, wherein said goal panel is integrally formed from molded plastic and includes a flat top surface, a pair of bosses extending off the bottom surface at each of the left and right sides and structural ribs on the bottom surface disposed between the aperture and the bosses; wherein each support is made from molded plastic in a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape with the lower end being parallel to and longer than said upper end and including a hinge panel extending from said upper end which is shorter than said upper end and a pair of hinge pins disposed on said hinge panel for engaging said bosses, and structural ribs extending around a periphery of the support and extending between the semi-circular cutout and the hinge panel; and wherein a diameter of the semi-circular cutout along the lower end of the support is approximately the same length as said hinge panel.

10. A method of playing a soccer kicking and trapping game comprising the steps of: configuring a goal by unfolding supports and locating the goal at approximately a middle point on a playing field; dividing two or more players into teams A and B and a choosing a starting team and an ending team; playing a round by having a player from the starting team kick a soccer ball toward the goal, then having a player from the ending team kick a soccer ball toward the goal; awarding various points for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal including an automatic win interaction; and determining a score for each team at the end of each round (a) if a threshold number of point is awarded or an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if the winning score is not achieved repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above the threshold continuing to an overtime round.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the goal includes an elevated goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a front edge, and a rear edge; wherein said awarding various points step comprises: awarding points when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal; awarding additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member; awarding more additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture; and awarding a more higher additional points when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture.

12. A method of playing a soccer kicking and trapping game comprising the steps of: configuring two goals A and B by unfolding supports and locating the goals at opposing ends of a playing field; dividing two or more players into teams A and B assigned to goals A and B, respectively, and choosing a starting team and an ending team; playing a round by giving a turn to a player from the starting team by having the player kick a soccer ball toward one of goal A or a team member wherein the team member optionally traps the soccer ball and kicks the soccer ball toward their respective goal or a team member, kicking and trapping until a goal shot is taken; a player from the ending team then gets a turn with turns alternating between the teams until all players have had a turn thereby completing a round; awarding various points for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal result including an automatic win interaction; and determining a score for each team at the end of each round (a) if a threshold number of point is awarded or an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if the winning score is not achieved repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above the threshold continuing to an overtime round.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each goal includes an elevated goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a front edge, and a rear edge; wherein said awarding various points step comprises: awarding points when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal; awarding additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member; awarding more additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture; and awarding a more higher additional points when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture including declaring awarding an automatic win interaction.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein each goal includes an elevated goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a front edge, and a rear edge; wherein said awarding various points step comprises awarding 1 point when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal; awarding 3 points when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member; awarding 5 points when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture; and awarding an automatic win interaction when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture; wherein said determining a score for each team comprises (a) if 25 points are solely awarded or an automatic win interaction has been achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if neither team achieves 25 points repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above 25 points continuing to an overtime round.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of playing an overtime round; awarding various overtime points for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal result including an automatic win interaction; and determining an overtime score for each team at the end of each overtime round (a) if a team is awarded more points than the other team, declaring that team the winner (b) if an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (c) if both teams are tied repeating said steps of playing an overtime round, awarding various overtime points, and determining an overtime score.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a soccer kicking and trapping game.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a front, top perspective view of the game.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a rear, top perspective view of the game.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the goal panel.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a support.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a top, right, rear side perspective view of the goal with the supports folded against the bottom of the goal panel.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a bottom, right, front side perspective views of the goal with the supports folded against the bottom of the goal panel.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a top, front, right side perspective view of the goal with the supports opened and configured for play.

[0030] FIG. 8A is a front side elevational view of the soccer kicking and trapping game with supports folded with a stowed soccer ball.

[0031] FIG. 8B is a front side elevational view of the soccer kicking and trapping game with supports open and soccer ball removed.

[0032] FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the soccer kicking and trapping game played in a field with one goal.

[0033] FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the soccer kicking and trapping game played in a field with two goals.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the steps during play of the soccer kicking and trapping game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] A soccer kicking and trapping game is provided with a multi-faceted soccer scoring apparatus. This game is unique because it comes with a scoring apparatus that is novel to soccer and it is played in teams of two. The general purpose of the invention is provide a means for people to play a soccer related game that requires less skill, and is less strenuous and requires less space than a typical game of soccer. The scoring apparatus will be of sturdy construction but small and light enough to easily transport from one place to another. Therefore it is ideal for a backyard, park, beach or any open area.

[0036] The game is played by player A kicking the ball toward the target where a teammate is positioned behind the target. Player A can either kick the ball directly into or on the top portion of the target to score points. Another option is for player A to kick the ball past the goal to player B who can redirect the ball into or on top of the target.

[0037] Referring now in detail to the drawing, and in particular FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 of the invention includes a top panel 10 that is raised above the playing field by supports 12a and 12b. Top panel includes a left side 10a, a right side 10b, a front side 10f and a rear side 10r. Supports extend down from the left side and the right side to raise top panel above the playing field by a distance greater than the diameter of a regulation soccer ball. For example, if a soccer ball has a diameter of 8 inches, the top panel would be raised to a height of between 16 and 20 inches, preferably 18 inches. Since there are different sized balls, the height of the top panel can be set between 2.0 and 2.4 times the ball diameter, preferably 2.2 times the ball diameter. The width of front side 10f and rear side 10r is about 2 times the diameter of a soccer ball. The area between the ground and the front side 10f, bordered by the supports, forms a first goal 20a. The area between the ground and the rear side 10r, bordered by the supports, forms a second goal 20b.

[0038] Top panel 10 is rectangular having dimensions approximately 2 times by 3 times the diameter of a soccer ball. In other words a depth D that is 2 times the diameter and a width W that is 3 times the diameter. FIG. 1 shows rear side 10r as a rectilinear edge. The front and rear sides could also be arc shaped with the curve extending outwardly away from aperture 10c. In a practical embodiment, the front and rear sides are formed by three rectilinear sections of approximately equal length that extend the top panel outwardly in the center, as depicted by 10f in FIG. 1. With three sections at the front and rear edges the top panel in its entirety has an irregular 8-sided octagonal shape.

[0039] Top panel 10 also includes an aperture 10c which is centered within the top panel. The center aperture is a circular opening between about 2.0 times and 2.4 times the soccer ball diameter, preferably 2.2 times the ball diameter. When using an 8 inch diameter ball, the aperture may be between 17 and 18 inches in diameter. Kicking the ball on a fly into the center aperture provides a skill improving drill that can be practiced by one or more players. In a competitive game, kicking the ball into the aperture could give a team multiple points, whereas kicking the ball through one of the goals 20a,b could give a team 1 point.

[0040] Supports 12a, 12b may extend down perpendicular to the top panel. In an alternate embodiment, the supports may extend down at a draft angle A, for example 100 to 120 degrees from the top panel so that they flair outwardly providing a wider, more stable stance. The draft angle may provide an advantage for removing the apparatus in a one piece construction from an injection molding machine, blow molding machine or foam injection machine. The apparatus may be made from plastic, polymer, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material or any other suitable material. In addition, the draft angle would allow multiple one piece construction devices to be stacked for shipping and retail display.

[0041] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, top panel 30 and supports 40 are separately molded from plastic, for example blow molded. Top panel 30 includes two pairs of bosses 32 at the left and right sides thereof, with an aperture 30c located in the center. The bosses extend downwardly from the bottom of the top panel. As shown the lower surface of top panel is generally recessed to reduce the amount of material used and lower the overall weight. Structural ribs 36 are disposed between the aperture and the bosses.

[0042] Support 40 includes a hinge panel 50 extending from the upper end 44 and being shorter than the upper end. The hinge panel is about the same thickness of the support and extends off the top end of the support. Accordingly, the hinge panel resides in the same plane as the remainder of the support. The upper end 44 is shorter than the lower end 42 and longer than the hinge panel. The hinge panel is also shorter than the span 34 between the bosses, for example 1/16 to ? inches shorter, preferably ? inch shorter. A pair of hinge pins 52 extend outwardly from the hinge panel and in opposite directions from each other. The hinge pins also reside in the same plane as the hinge panel and the remainder of the support. The hinge panel extends outwardly in a longitudinal direction from the support, like a support extension. The hinge pins extend transversely to the longitudinal direction. The bosses 32 include correspondingly sized holes facing each other for receiving the hinge pins. The lower end 42 includes a semi-circular cutout 46 having a diameter D measured along a line that is co-linear with the bottom surface of the support. The diameter is approximately the same length as the hinge panel. The diameter D is approximately the same as the diameter of a soccer ball, for example, 8 inches. As shown the inner surface of support is generally recessed to reduce the amount of material used and lower the overall weight. Structural ribs 48 are disposed between the semi-circular cutout and the hinge panel. More particularly, ribbing extends around the periphery of the support, with additional ribs extending radially outward from the semi-circular cutout. Ribs extend radially outwardly from the semi-circular cutout 46 towards the corner where the hinge panel 50 meets the upper end 44 of the panel.

[0043] FIG. 6A shows the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 fully assembled with the supports 40a, 40b folded flat against the lower surface of top panel 30. The supports are about half the length of the top panel. Accordingly, when the supports are folded they form a second panel about the size of the top panel and arranged parallel to the top panel. When the supports 40a, 40b are folded the semi-circular cutouts form a circular cutout that is concentric to the aperture 30c. The circular cutout is sized so that a soccer ball 6 of the game can fit snugly therein for transport and storage. FIG. 6B illustrates with greater clarity that the supports 40 are about half the length of top panel 30. Supports 40 are narrower than top panel 30. For example, the centerline where the two supports meet, the supports are about 1 inch narrower than the top panel. At the end of the supports where the hinge panel originates, the supports are about 2 inches narrower than the top panel. To use the soccer kicking and trapping game, the supports 40 are folded open to the play configuration as shown in FIG. 7. From the folded position, the supports are pivoted away from the top panel 30 between about 100 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0044] One version of play involves a soccer kicking and trapping game with one goal as shown in FIG. 9. If a soccer ball 6 is stored in the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 as shown in FIG. 8A, it would first be removed as shown in FIG. 8B. The soccer kicking and trapping game 8 is referred to under the tradename Spotkick Goal. The Spotkick Goal is then configured for game play 100 by unfolding the left and right supports to their fully open position. The Spotkick Goal is then located in the approximate center or middle 102m of the game area or playing field 102p with the supports placed on the ground thereby elevating the goal panel above the playing field. The utility of the Spotkick Goal is that soccer kicking, trapping and scoring can be engaged in within an area much smaller than a regulation size soccer field. The single Spotkick Goal is well suited for a game being played in a smaller backyard or confined indoor space. The Spotkick Goal provides a space below the front edge and between the legs as a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs as a second goal, and the aperture as a third goal.

[0045] Two teams are fielded, where each team consists of one or more players. Team A starts with the soccer ball and attempts to score points by kicking the soccer ball into one of the goals or into contact with the Spotkick Goal. Team B then has an opportunity to score points thereby completing one round. The first goal can be assigned as Team A's goal while the second goal can be assigned as Team B's goal. The third goal, referred to as The Spot then serves as a bonus goal for both teams.

[0046] A scoring system is provided where different interactions between the ball and the Spotkick Goal result in various point awards. At the most basic level a player A1 that passes the ball on the ground into their first or second goal is awarded 1 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which hits the Spotkick Goal directly or after being redirected is awarded 3 point. A player A2 that passes the ball in the air which is redirected by player A1 into the third goal is awarded 5 points. A player B that passed the ball in the air directly into the third goal, that is The Spot, is awarded an automatic win. The team that first accumulates 25 points wins. At the end of a round if the score is tied at 25 or more points, the game goes into overtime. Overtime consists of one extra round and the team that scores the most points is the winner. If the score is again tied, a further overtime round commences until a winner emerges. At the end of the game, the supports are folded against the lower surface of the goal panel so that the Spotkick Goal is ready for transport or storage. The soccer ball can be conveniently disposed in the aperture of the goal panel and the semi-circular cutouts formed within the lower ends of the folded supports.

[0047] Another version of play involves a soccer kicking and trapping game 8 with two goals as shown in FIG. 10 with the method of play set forth in the flow chart of FIG. 11. If a soccer ball 6 is stored in the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 as shown in FIG. 8A, it would first be removed as shown in FIG. 8B. The Spotkick Goals are configured for game play by unfolding the left and right supports to their fully open position100. The Spotkick Goals are then located at opposing ends 102 of the game area or playing field 102p with the supports placed on the ground thereby elevating the goal panel above the playing field102. The Spotkick Goals can be arranged in a horseshoe game layout. The Spotkick Goals are placed 12 yards apart, space permitting. The game is flexible in that the distance between the goals can be adjusted based on the size of the playing field and the skill of the players. The Spotkick Goal provides a space below the front edge and between the legs as a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs as a second goal, and the aperture as a third goal. The player who is up, stands behind a line even with their opponents goal, thereby having approximately 12 yards to their goal. In FIG. 10 players A2 and B2 are shown behind the line (of their opponents goal) kicking toward their goal about 12 yards away.

[0048] Two teams are fielded, where each team consists of one or more players. Team A uses Spotkick Goal A while Team Buses Spotkick Goal B. The starting team is selected by coin toss or other method104. Team A starts with the soccer ball and attempts to score points by kicking the soccer ball into one of the goals or into contact with the Spotkick Goal A. Team B then has an opportunity to score points at Spotkick Goal B thereby completing one round106. In FIG. 10, player A2 is shown kicking directly through the front of their goal, and also shown having their ball redirected by teammate A1 to hit the goal or pass through one of the goals. Player B2 is shown kicking directly into the front goal, and also having their ball redirected by teammate B1 to hit the goal or pass through the rear of the goal.

[0049] A scoring system is provided where different interactions between the ball and the Spotkick Goal result in various point awards. At the most basic level a player that passes the ball on the ground into their first goal is awarded 1 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which hits the Spotkick Goal directly or after being redirected by a teammate is awarded 3 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which is redirected into the second goal or the third goal is awarded 5 points108. A player that passes the ball in the air directly into the third goal, that is The Spot, is awarded an automatic win110. The team that first accumulates 25 points wins122. If scores are below 25 points continue playing additional rounds120. At the end of a round if the score is tied at 25 or more points, the game goes into overtime124. Overtime consists of one extra round130, 132 and the team that scores the most points is the winner134. If the score is again tied136, a further overtime round commences until a winner emerges. At the end of the game, the supports are folded against the lower surface of the goal panel so that the Spotkick Goal is ready for transport or storage. The soccer ball can be conveniently disposed in the aperture of the goal panel and the semi-circular cutouts formed within the lower ends of the folded supports.

[0050] A sample set of instructions is included as follows.

Method of Play (Standard)

[0051] The game can be played indoors or outdoors in a space that provides ample room. The game uses two Spotkick goals.

[0052] The game can be played with one goal or two. In the preferred format, the game is played with two opposing goals and two two-player teams. The first player that initiates play for the first team will kick the ball to the opposing goal with the opposite player from that team kicking the ball back to the original goal. Then the second team will follow the same procedure. When all participants have had the chance to kick the ball a round is complete. After the ball is kicked, points are awarded if the ball successfully hits or goes through the target and whether or not the ball goes through the goal either assisted or unassisted. The team that reaches 25 or more points first after an equal number of rounds are completed wins the game. Another way to win the game is the automatic win. This occurs when a player kicks the ball through the opening in the top of the goal without assistance. If the score is tied after an equal number of rounds and both team score is 25 or greater, then an overtime of one round will be played. The team with the highest number of points in that round wins. If the score is still tied the process repeats until there is a winner.

Standard Rules

[0053] The game is played with 1 or 2 Spotkick goals (preferably 2) [0054] The game is played with 2 or 4 players (preferably 4) [0055] The goals will be placed 12 yards apart (front to front) [0056] Team partners face each other from OPPOSITE GOALS [0057] Play starts at either goal. Partners will alternate passing and trapping (if needed) [0058] Both teams get an equal number of chances to score. A round is complete when all players have had a chance to kick and receive.

[0059] If the score is tied at 25 or more points at the end of a round, the teams go into overtime. Overtime consists of one extra round and the team that scores the most points is the winner. If the score is tied after playing one round of overtime, the same process continues until there is a winner.

Scoring (Simple)

[0060] The first team to score 25 points wins. [0061] A team earns points based on several factors. [0062] Kicker passes the ball ON THE GROUND and the ball [0063] Goes through the front of goal1 point [0064] Kicker passes the ball IN THE AIR and the ball [0065] hits the goal directly or after being redirected3 points [0066] is redirected by partner into the reverse side of goal or the hole on top (The Spot) of the goal5 points [0067] AUTO WIN Kicker passes the ball directly into The Spot

[0068] Having described preferred embodiments of a soccer kicking and trapping game and a method of playing a soccer kicking and trapping game (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The soccer kicking and trapping game may be made from a variety of durable, weatherproof materials and manufactured by various methods, including plastic molding methods. The game may be of unitary structure or provide separate supports that fold for convenient transport and storage. A regulation size soccer ball or other ball may be included in combination with the soccer kicking and trapping game. Regardless of the ball size, the aperture in the top panel has a diameter about 2.0 to 2.4 times the ball diameter. The top panel is raised above the ground, i.e. the support height is, about 2.0 to 2.4 times the ball diameter. In the folding version, the supports include semi-circular cutouts that have a diameter approximately the same or slightly smaller than the ball diameter. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.