Football Tuck

Abstract

A training device to develop muscle memory for better ball handling skills for football players. The device comprises a flat stretchable elastic material that is joined to form one arm loop at one end then stretched with a single strap to a finger loop at the other end. The finger loop fits over the index finger. The arm loop is used for the football player to slide up his arm and to fit over the upper part of the bicep. Once in place the football players arm will have correct form to hold the football. At this point the strap will act as a spring so the football player can be trained to have correct control of the football. A football tuck is made of a flat stretchable elastic which causes the arm to form a perfect tuck for the football to fit inside.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a training device for football players to develop proper ball handling skills which is adapted to be worn on the upper arm and finger as they hold on to the football. Repetition is a big part of football and important in training. Using this device correctly, the upper arm, hand and finger will be tilted at the right angle, wherein the football player will have better control of the football keeping the football close to his body.

[0002] The device also causes muscle memory, wherein if the device is used often then the upper arm, hand and finger will eventually remember it's position when holding the football. Untrained football players tend to hold the football loosely and away from their body, this device trains the football player to hold his hand up and on the same level as his elbow.

[0003] The device is a need for football players of all ages. The device will help them to improve on ball control and ball handling while running. The device has already been tested and proven to be effective in ball control, ball handling and muscle memory. The device is lightweight and is barely felt when worn by the football player.

[0004] Football players have no device that is worn on the upper arm, hand and finger that trains them to have better ball control, ball handling and muscle memory. Over the years I have seen costly turnovers that have caused teams to lose games.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a football player who runs with the football. A football tuck is a training apparatus used to teach football players of all ages to hold the football close to their body. A football tuck will train a football player to securely tuck the ball tight to his body for better control. The football player will still have full arm mobility while wearing a football tuck. The football tuck causes the football player to memorize its arm position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It has been found that there is a need among football players for a training device which helps in the development of proper ball handling. Better ball handling is created by better form. It is found that memory is the key in the alignment of the hand, arm and finger while holding the football. It has still further been found that if the football players arm swings to far away from his body or if his hand is raised too far up, this will cause the player to incorrectly control the football and possibly lose it.

[0007] The use of proper ball control and ball handling significantly increases the players ability to hold on to the football while getting hit. With practice using the invention, proper ball control and ball handling will be the results from muscle memory.

[0008] The invention provides a device that initiates the development of confidence in ball control while causing muscle memory. Muscle memory creates a physical balance that initiates proper form. The invention is lightweight, durable and can be used on either arm, hand and finger.

[0009] Although devices for training the football player are generally known, these devices do not train the football player for muscle memory. Further, these devices do not train football players ball control and correct posture while holding the football.

[0010] The invention can be adjusted to fit various arm sizes based on your size and age. The invention is adaptable to be used by a right or left handed player.

[0011] The invention is made entirely from stretchable flat elastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a football tuck including the finger loop, strap and arm loop.

Finger Loop:

[0013] This subclass is intended under the class definition. The part of a football tuck in which fits under the thumb then hooks around and covers the index finger to hold the index finger and arm in place.

Strap:

[0014] This subclass is intended under the class definition. The middle part of a football tuck which acts as a spring for both finger and arm giving the football player better control of the football and holding the arm and index finger in place.

Arm Loop:

[0015] The subclass is intended under the class definition. The part of a football tuck which is pulled up over the hand and arm then wraps around the upper arm over the bicep. The arm loop is connected to the middle flat stretchable elastic strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Reference is now made to the drawing wherein the training device for developing ball control and muscle memory of football players is depicted.

[0017] In FIG. 1, a device comprising of a single arm loop 20, respective stretchable flat elastic, an interconnecting strap 21 and a finger loop 22 is also shown.

[0018] The device comprises a single arm loop 20 that is designed to fit over the upper bicep of the football player's ball carrying arm; a strap 21, which is directly attached to the single arm loop 20 and runs openly to a finger loop 22 that snugly fits on the index finger of the football player; a finger loop 22 at the end of the strap 21 slides over the index finger that serves as a tightener to allow the strap 21 to tighten and pull, causing a spring like effect. The football player will still have a full range of motion with his arm, hand and finger.

[0019] The stretchable flat elastic may be of any type of elastic material. The device are 22 inches to 24 inches long and from 1 inches to 2 inches wide. The folds will make the arm loop 20 shorten by 6 inches.

[0020] The device is folded at the 6 inch point and stitched together to form the arm loop 20. As described in more detail, the interconnection of the fold cause the arm loop 20 to appear in a circular loop. The structure of such loop and the means by which they cooperate in fastening together is readily apparent from Vitales U.S. Pat No. 5,860,872. The arm loop 20 is stationary and does not adjust in size with the use of rings apparent from FIG. 1 16, 18 of U.S. Pat No. 5,860,872.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, there is only one arm loop 20, a strap 21 and a finger loop 22, wherein the arm loop 20 is adapted to be securely connected to the strap 21 by seam stitching. The arm loop 20, strap 21 and finger loop 22 all stretch to conform comfortably with the length of the football player's arm length.

[0022] The device is prepared to snugly fit in an adjustable fashion in a manner that prevents those elements from fitting loosely or out of place. The finger loop 22 snugly fits over the index finger and is the key component to the spring tension connected to the strap 21 interconnecting to the arm loop 20.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the arm loop 20 is a flat stretchable elastic component that is securely fastened to the strap 21 by means of thread stitching. The thread is made of extra strong 100% nylon which securely attach to form the arm loop 20. At the end of the strap 21, wherein a finger loop 22 stitching is also used on the outer part of the finger loop 22 to strengthen the loop.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the device comprises a finger loop 22, which is attached to the strap 21. The finger loop 22 act as a hook on the index finger that tightens the strap so the arm can control the football.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the device comprises three components: an arm loop component 20, a strap component 21, and a finger loop component 22, wherein the arm loop component 20 is adapted to be securely connected to the arm. Each of the three components is adjustably and comfortably connected to the overall length of the players length of arm. The material of the three components are stretchable flat elastic.

[0026] The three components are prepared in an adjustable fashion and in a manner that prevents those elements from becoming unconnected during use. The arm loop component 20 has an opening of 6 inches or more upon opening while in use. The open slit component 22 has an opening of 1 to 2 inches when snugly covering the index finger.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the strap component 21 is connected to the arm loop component 20 by stitching. The strap component 21 is stretched and act as a spring once the finger loop component 22 is hooked over the index finger. The strap component 21 is designed to cooperate with the arm loop component 20 stretching the elastic to control the arm, hand and finger.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the finger loop component 22 contains a 1 to 2 inch opening which comprises stitching around the edge. The finger loop component 22 which snugly fits over the index finger pulls the strap component 21 to securely tighten to allow a limited range of motion.

[0029] While only one embodiment of this invention has been shown, muscle memory and ball control is the main goal in training football players to hold the football correctly. The above device also helps a football player to train and control the football when they are hit by another player. The device is safe, lightweight and is barely felt when worn as a football player train to hold the football.

Claims

1. A training device for developing proper ball handling technique by a football player; comprising: one strip of flexible flat elastic defining an arm loop that is adapted to fit over the bicep of the ball carrier. The second is a strap that connects to the arm loop and runs down to the opposite end. The third is a finger loop at the end of the strap. The arm loop and strap are respectively attached. The finger loop at the end of the strap is adapted to fit over the index finger.

2. The training device of claim 1 wherein the arm loop, strap and finger loop are comprised of material of flat stretchable elastic.

3. The training device of claim 2 wherein the arm loop is an open fold connected by the strap.

4. The training device of claim 3 wherein the arm loop is an open fold connected with seam stitching to form an extension to the strap.

5. The training device of claim 3 wherein the strap extend from the arm loop further which comprises a finger loop at the opposite end.

6. A training device for developing proper ball handling technique by a football player comprising an arm loop to fit over the bicep, respectively, of the ball carrying arm of the football player; the strap connected to the arm loop extend down to the index finger, wherein the finger loop connects to the strap then covers the index finger to form a pivot point causing the arm to cuff for the football to sit.