Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a training device and use of the device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for training an individual to perform an evasive movement in sport.

Background Art

Many sports comprising invasion, evasion and fast-ball archetypes require an athlete to perform a variety of dynamic movements in challenging game situations. Common, sporting stressors on athletes include: "form" stressors, anxiety stressors, temporal-spatial stressors and fatigue stressors.

Form stressors emanate from 2 types of neuromuscular skill-sets observable in elite athletes. The first is inter-neuromuscular cohesiveness (prime-mover agonists, antagonists, synergists, co-contractors and stabiliser muscles) in realising precision and timing objectives of any given manoeuvre; whilst the second is intra-neuromuscular behaviours (proprioception, agility, speed, power or strength) in realising force objectives of any given manoeuvre. Optimal athletic performance is achieved by balancing precision, timing and force objectives in a way which does not compromise joint stability and vice-versa. This trade-off constructs a performance window in which floor (joint stability) and ceiling (joint instability) are intrinsically balanced managing form stressors induced by a particular sport. These sports include, without limitation soccer (football), Australian rules football, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, netball, touch football, and baseball.

In respect to form stressors, the sidestep cut is a typical invasive (defensive) or evasive (offensive) manoeuvre in competitive sport. Effectively, the traditional sidestep cut requires the athlete to quickly change running direction in one succinct action. Such a manoeuvre is used to achieve an advantageous position on the playing field in response to an external stimulus. Offensive "evasion" could be described as an athlete's ability to tactically induce a speed advantage or speed-gap over opposition players by: a) creating temporal-spatial uncertainty in opponents, and b) capitalising on reactive time-lag of opponents at the opportune time. Defensive "invasion" would be the reverse.

The sidestep cut is traditionally achieved by applying lateral forces by the feet on the ground during natural or adjusted running gait. By adjusting the natural running gait and creating these lateral frictional forces with the ground, it can be appreciated that the player will change running direction as a result of the lateral forces. Applying lateral forces from the outside foot produces a sidestep cut in the opposite direction. That is, a preferred embodiment of a cutting action to the left would require the athlete to apply lateral force off their right-foot in contact with the ground to propel the athlete in the new "left" direction.

The traditional sidestep cut can cause injury to knee joints which are occasionally unable to sustain high lateral forces during rigorous actions. Predominately knee joint injuries result in ligament ruptures including that of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and other ligaments which brace the knee. Many serious knee ruptures require surgical intervention and intense rehabilitation; however, the athlete's ability to return to the playing arena and perform at optimal levels is still not assured after such measures.

In Australia, although knee injuries account for only 12% of the total sport injuries, they are said to represent 25% of all sporting injury costs with ACL reconstructive surgery often being the only viable treatment option. In fact, ACL injuries among young female athletes occur at rates three to eight times greater than in male competitors and, in general, females experience more sports injuries than males when balanced for activity and playing time. ACL ruptures are a particular concern, as they result in immediate morbidity, high economic costs and may have long-term adverse effects. It is estimated approximately 70% of ACL injuries occur via non-contact episodes during execution of jump-landing, pivoting and the most commonly in sidestep cutting movements.

Traditional sidestep cutting practice utilises a number of speed and agility drills and devices used in field or gymnasium settings in the conditioning of knee joint stability. Runninq approach sidestep cut: Traditional training methods used to reduce incidents of ACL ruptures includes the running-approach side-step cutting task. In this drill, the individual plants the foot of the dominant leg (toes pointed forward) along the path of motion and then cuts about 60° in the opposite direction of the planted foot. Training of these types of side step cut is generally conducted with the use of cones. However, the cones may inadvertently be moved during the training drill or not be positioned in correct alignment for the drill to be conducted correctly or to mimic form stressors or other respective sporting stressors familiar under game conditions.

Box-jump sidestep cut: Another type of side step cut drill is the box-jump side-step cut. When performing the box-jump side-step cut, the individual lunges forward off a 30-cm high box with the dominant leg. The foot of the dominant leg lands within an alleyway marked on the force plate, and the subject cuts about 60° in the opposite direction of the planted foot, however, the same limitations apply in which sporting stressors are difficult to replicate in simple and contrived preplanned cutting actions.

Other training methods: Other ways of training an individual to perform an evasive movement is with the use of agility training devices. Traditionally, agility training devices include agility ladders, agility training mats and mini hurdles to increase foot speed, balance and coordination with striking the ground.

Training ladders typically consist of a longitudinal ladder placed on the ground in which stepping in and out of the ladder 'rungs' imitates the sidestepping actions within a confined space. These predetermined spaced rungs restrict natural running gait actions due to the confined nature of the ladder, which is typically 18 inches apart or the average length of a human foot. A ladder is also limited by space in regards practical width and lengths of the ladder rungs. Also, training on agility ladders comprise mostly routine and pre-planned movements and are unreflective of sporting stressors familiar under game conditions.

The same deficiencies are noted in regards to the training mats. Whilst some of the limitations of training ladders may be overcome with the use of an agility training mat, the size of the training mat is a limiting factor of the practicality of using it efficiently and effectively on a game sized sporting field sized simular to the before mentioned sports. The practicality of a training mat to accommodate the running gait of an individual running at speed is restricted by the material weight, storage and versatility of the material required on larger sized grassed and/or pavements areas and does not allow the athlete the opportunity to practice under familiar game conditions.

It can also be appreciated that an appropriate anatomical positioning and balance of the legs, hips and upper torso whilst performing the sidestep cut is advantageous to manage form stressors on the knee joint in preventing potential ACL ruptures. One of the benefits of managing form stressors with whole body sidestepping techniques is to reduce the high vector change of direction and respective lateral forces upon foot strike with the ground putting the body in a more natural anatomical position and allowing fluid change of direction. By formally practicing these movements, athletes of all levels can learn proficient sidestepping techniques by means of muscle memory, and acquiring these attributes would be of great benefit in reducing the risk of injury. However, known knee joint conditioning devices do not allow athletes to develop fluid sidestepping techniques through muscle memory. Muscle memory is said to be a form of procedural knowledge that involves consolidating a specific motor task into the muscle memory through repetition. When a movement is repeated over time, a long-term muscle memory is created for that task; eventually allowing it to be performed without conscious effort.

Whilst the above mentioned devices are common in ACL rupture prevention and rehabilitation environments, a major encumbrance of reducing incidents of ACL rupture has been studies purporting agility training had limited transfer to straight sprinting speed and vice-versa; therefore, they should be trained and assessed separately for specificity. As a result known speed and agility devices have followed this tenet explicitly ensuring they are trained in isolation of each other.

It is appreciated that if speed and agility neuromuscular behaviours are trained in isolation, athletes are not adequately exposed to the rigours of high speed changes of direction. Notably, devices which refine speed in isolation of agility (and vice versa) imperil the muscle memories ability to encode procedural knowledge in sidestepping tasks which include both speed and agility. It is therefore suggested that such an approach limits the neuromuscular dexterity about the knee joint capable of maintaining joint stability during rigorous sidestepping actions.

Examples of procedural muscle memory are found in all sports comprising invasion, evasion and fast-ball games where events leading up to the injury are generally unanticipated in nature whereby athlete's are distracted in future "outside and then" decision making factors of a game environment such as passing or catching rather than internal "inside and now form. Therefore, managing temporal-spatial stressors of performance to ensure athletes can better anticipate future events should be another criterion of ACL rupture prevention strategies, however, none of the known speed and agility devices are able to pragmatically control the unanticipated nature of sporting manoeuvres, creating an intrinsic level of FLOW where the athlete can practice evasive skills in an errorless environment and without anxiety stressors of traditional evasive practice. Errorless learning results in skills that are implicit because of the absence of (motor) mistakes means that the performer doesn't need to test hypotheses about the best way to move. This causes a passive state of accumulating procedural knowledge when performing.

Anxiety stressors in athletes who have sustained an ACL rupture are also a common problem in which the knee feels vulnerable in unpredictable temporal- spatial events. Given the unpredictable nature of evasive options and the eclectic nature of manoeuvres; the notion of consciously splitting speed and agility movement in sports practice for specificity is considered counterproductive in allowing athletes the neuromuscular dexterity and proficiency to practically reduce incidents of non-contact ACL rupture mechanisms. However, no known devices allow freedom of movement where evasive manoeuvres can be repeated and routinely practiced in a controlled, errorless environment for implicit skill development.

The unanticipated nature of sporting stressors has recently been acknowledged in "open-agility" Talent Identification assessments. Open-agility assessments have been introduced to ensure the assessment task cannot be pre-planned, therefore the athlete must use an array of perceptual and decision making expertise, such as: visual scanning, knowledge of situations, pattern recognition and anticipation to an external stimulus or a postural cue from an opposition player. However, such a rationale fails to combine speed and agility simultaneously in the one practical assessment embodying a multitude of sporting stressors.

It is also important for the training individual to be taught how to predict a certain event in a finite time in the future by visualisation techniques. Visualisation in a task has been suggested to result in muscle memory, and the appraisal and assessment of an evasion action, thereby improving the individual's ability to reduce reflex or hap-hazard reactions to game play and ensure a clear tactical approach is employed in anticipation to problem-solve a particular game-play situation or dilemma in real-time. Spatial frame of reference analysis is critical for this to be effective allowing kinaesthetic feedback regularly to the athlete in negotiating the "outside and then" environment. That is, it is considered important for the athlete to use learned instincts and experience to anticipate various evasive forms to achieve their sporting goal. However, none of the known training drills or devices takes into account the importance of spatial frame of reference or visualisation techniques of play whilst allowing freedom of movement and the ability to practice at game situational speed.

It is also an observed trend amongst young athletes that the sidestep cut must involve a pronounced cut action to be effective or "deceptive". In this belief a heavy-footed sidestep is a preferred action of young athletes generating unorthodox and unnecessary forces about vulnerable knee joints and putting young careers sporting at risk. Given our definition of evasion which is an athlete's ability to tactically induce a speed advantage or speed-gap over opposition by: a) creating temporal-spatial uncertainty in opponents, and b) capitalising on reactive time-lag of opponents at the opportune time, it is suggested that heavy footed sidestepping actions thwart forward momentum hindering the primary objective, hence, allowing an "invasive" defensive player to achieve their goal. Therefore, fluid, whole body cutting is desirable in all evasive situations, yet no known device is effective at training young athletes of this performance enhancing technique. In fact, athletes having suffered a serious knee joint injury may find comfort in the knowledge that a more fluid sidestepping action can be learnt, reinstating confidence to return to the playing field and perform at optimal levels, however, known devices do not provide athletes with sufficient kinaesthetic feedback mechanisms promoting desirable cutting techniques at game situational speed.

It is also appreciated environmental factors such as frictional coefficient of the playing surface can be a limiting factor in executing a sidestep cut action; therefore, footballers must train in a variety of environmental conditions in understanding these environmental challenges. Gaining intrinsic knowledge of how to move with different conditions underfoot is considered another significant ACL rupture risk mitigation tool of muscle memory. Given the playing surface conditions can change significantly in wet or dry conditions it is desirable for the athlete to warm-up before a competition or practice in calibrating their muscle memory in unfamiliar conditions. However, no kinaesthetic feedback devices are presently known to achieve this without compromising some of former ACL prevention strategies.

Fatigue stressors have also been shown to increase incidents of ACL rupture in which the athlete must overcome muscular fatigue and maintain joint stability in challenging and often uncompromising sporting situations. Therefore, athletes procedural muscle memory should be conditioned in a variety of fatigue states, including: unfatigued, anaerobically fatigued and aerobically fatigued. Having this experience allows the neuromuscular subsystem to encode procedural muscle memory in a variety of fatigued states, however, no known device allows athletes to practice evasive sidestep cutting in an errorless environment which faithfully reproduces inherent sporting stressors in many invasive, evasive and fastball archetypes.

As a result of the limitations of the known training devices and drills, there is a need for a training device that addresses at least some of the problems of the current devices and training drills.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a unique training device and method for its use in training an individual to perform an evasive movement. The training device also aids in the development of visualisation techniques and spatial frame of reference for injury prevention training, injury rehabilitation training, performance improvement and the appraisal of speed and agility assessments.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a training device comprising: an elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the band.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a training device comprising: an elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the band, and at least one second visual identification means, distinguishable from the first identification means and wherein the at least one second identification means is located at a pre-determined position along the length of the band.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the training device may optionally comprise at least one third visual identification means, distinguishable from the first and second identification means and wherein the at least one third identification means is located at a pre-determined position along the length of the band.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a training device comprising at least two elongated bands, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the bands, and optionally at least one second visual identification means, distinguishable from the first identification means and wherein the at least one second identification means is located at a predetermined position along the length of at least one of the band.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the training device comprising at least two elongated bands, optionally includes at least one third visualisation means distinguishable from the first and second visual identification means and located at a pre-determined position along the length of at least one of the bands. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising at least one elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, and optionally a plurality of second visual identification means, wherein the second visual identification means are distinguishable from the first visual identification means and optionally instructions for their use. The kit may further comprise one or more third visual identification means, which are distinguishable from the first and second visual identification means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for training an individual to carry out a training exercising or training drill using one or more of the training devices of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for testing speed and agility of an individual in carrying out a time-trial using one or more of the training devices of the present invention.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the ensuing description, which proceeds with reference to the following illustrative drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1(a) a schematic view from above showing one set of two training devices constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 (b) a schematic view from above showing one set of two training devices constructed in accordance with the present invention wherein the training device comprises first, second and third visual identification means.

Figure 2 a schematic view from above showing the training device of the present invention in use; (a) - (u) illustrate two training devices set up to illustrate a number of different types of training drills.

Figure 3 a schematic view from above showing the training device of the present invention in use; four training devices are set up to illustrate one example of a training drill. Figure 4 a schematic view from above showing the training device of the present invention in use; six training devices are set up to illustrate an example of a training drill.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

General

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in Australia or any other country.

The terms "athlete(s)", "player(s)" and "individual(s)" are used interchangeably throughout to describe an individual. A person skilled in the art would be aware the meaning of these terms.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The training device of the present invention aims to ensure evasive movement practice combines speed and agility in training drills providing the athlete with an understanding of the athlete's limitations of knee and ankle joints in applying lateral forces and to ensure a safer evasive movement can be achieved both at training and in a game situation in reducing joint instability about the knee whilst increasing athletic performance. Athletes using the present invention are therefore more experienced in managing knee joint instability in rigorous sidestepping actions being proactive with eclectic and dexterous training initiatives allowing the athlete the neuromuscular ability to encode creative procedural knowledge within muscle which braces the knee joint and avoid potential ACL rupture.

It is also appreciated if the player can anticipate a sidestep cut action at the opportune time and space from a "would-be" defender, the player can mitigate the temporal-spatial stressors associated with the action. Such a skill would allow for a fluid change of direction in managing neuromuscular dexterity early in the cutting manoeuvre; hence reducing the risk of injury.

It is also appreciated that when executing a sidestep cut with a "heavy" foot the athletes will have thwarted forward momentum with this poor action. This decrease ground speed and places the athlete in a distinct disadvantage in attempting to evade covering or scrambling defence. Effectively, by maintaining ground speed, time and space of your opposition is limited and often an athlete can create more successful attacking opportunities simply by maintaining speed when executing sidestep actions.

It is also observed that whilst some experienced players know when to sidestep at the opportune time; players tend to target fixate on a defender. Whole body sidestepping technique reduces this phenomenon known as target fixation to promote better biomechanical positions during contact-evasion situations. To take advantage of the target fixation phenomenon, athletes simply need to actively look in the direction they want to go away from a defender and the body will react accordingly. If an attacker embraces this whole body technique, the athlete can often present a would-be defender with a bony hip, rather than an exposed and un-balance torso, leading to a biomechanically stronger position if a contact situation ensues. Therefore, learning a safer sidestepping action can actually give dual outcomes for the athlete in injury prevention and performance improvement in contact and non-contact episodes of evasion.

The training device of the present invention therefore aids in the training of an individual to perform an evasive movement, such as a sidestep action, wherein the individual learns to change the direction of their entire body to the new direction. In order to complete the rationale of the training drill, the individual learns to mitigate the high coefficient of friction forces at the foot strike and use other balance factors to enable a more efficient directional change with whole body sidestepping techniques. As a result, there is less force and reduced risk to the individual in performing the evasive movement and the individual is provided with an opportunity to learn correct body position via muscle memory. The training device of the present invention also aims to develop visualisation techniques and the development of spatial awareness in a controlled and errorless training environment conducive to intrinsic FLOW motivation and reduced anxiety stressors leading to implicit skill development.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a training device comprising: one elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the band.

In a preferred embodiment, the training device comprises an elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the band, and at least one second visual identification means, distinguishable from the first identification means and wherein the second identification means is located at a predetermined position along the length of the band.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the training device optionally includes at least one third visual identification means, wherein the third visual identification means is distinguishable from the first and second visual identification means and is located at a pre-determined position along the length of the band.

Preferably the band is of a sufficient width to be readily visible to an individual when the training device is placed on a training surface. In addition, the band should be of a width and thickness that the training individual is not hampered by the band in carrying out the training drill. Preferably, the width of the band is between about 20 mm to 250 mm. In a highly preferred embodiment the band width is 50 mm.

Although the length of the band may vary, it is preferable that the band is of a length sufficient for the training individual to simulate game play situations, including running at a fast pace and performing several evasive movements in the one training drill. Thus, the length of the band is preferably ten or more meters. In one embodiment of the invention, the band is at least fifty meters in length. It is also possible to join the bands of two or more training devices together in a longitudinal direction to increase the length of the training drill. For example, two or more bands may be joined together to provide a training drill that covers a length of 100 meters (m) or more. The distal end of a band of a first training device is joined to the proximal end of a band of a second training device via any means known to a person skilled in the art, including but not limited to fastening tape (e.g. Velcro™), press studs, or hook and eye closures. In this manner, the length of the training drill may be varied depending on the length of the training devices and the number of training devices joined together.

The colour of the band may be used to distinguish the training device from the training surface. For example, a white band may be used on dark surfaces (such as grass or timber), and a dark coloured band when used on light coloured surfaces, such as sand. When the training exercise requires the use of at least two training devices arranged substantially parallel to each other, it is preferable that the first band is distinguishable from the second band via its colour. This aids in the training individual identifying two separate visible lines during a training drill.

The band may be manufactured from a variety of materials. Preferably, the band is formed from a mesh-type fabric. The mesh-type fabric aims to ensure the training device remains in position even in a windy environment. In addition, the band is of such a fabric to allow positioning on surfaces, such as grass. The material from which the band is preferably made permits the training device to be folded or rolled for storage, transportation and for ease in laying out prior to the training drill. For example, a preferred fabric or material would be one that is a derivative of resign glue, plastic PVC or rubber type polymer or silicone based, which is flexible, light, durable and water resistant. It may also be fibreglass or string line reinforced to prevent longitudinal stretching when rolled out and pulled taut.

In a highly preferred feature of the present invention, the bottom surface of the band is adapted to adhere and/or frictionally engage with the training surface such as a gymnasium floor or Astro-Turf™ . In another embodiment of the invention, there are provided a plurality of apertures or printed images along the length of the band wherein the apertures or printed images are evenly spaced along the length of the band at a consistent distance apart. The apertures allow for the visualisation means to be secured to the bands at a regular or random spacing along the length of the band. In one embodiment the apertures are 0.5 m to 1 metre apart. The printed images allow for the visualisation means to be flush with the surface of the band. A person skilled in the art would be aware of other ways in which to form an image of the visualisation image on the band other than printing.

'Visualisation' is the ability of an individual to predict a certain event in a finite time in the future. In practising visualisation techniques during a training drills, the player will learn how best to either modify a flawed action or continually reinforce the desired action, such as fluid evasive sidestepping movements. This ability is fundamental to players of a sport, allowing the player to analyse a particular action and when controlled in practice environment athletes can pragmatically control the level of errorlessness allowing skills to be implicitly developed.

Furthermore, the training device described herein can be used in conjunction with other players assuming an oppositional defensive role to invoke visual scanning; pattern recognition, knowledge of situations and anticipation strategies which aids in development of real time visualisation techniques by the offensive player to ensure the best option is taken by an individual in a particular phase of play in avoiding "channels" occupied by an opposition defensive player. Furthermore, the training device described herein can be used in conjunction with another player in a shadow evasive game whereby two athletes are tethered together in close proximity whilst the front runner attempts to break the tether of the "shadowed" player by running through the plurality of said band and markers in a random sequence in deterministic of the shadowing player.

The device of the present invention aims to improve proprioception, agility, speed and power sidestepping forms and evasive expertise of the player, developing the freedom, creativity and flexibility to practice game play situations in a controlled environment and apply ad-hoc visualisation techniques to "get the jump" on opponents to develop and enhance game play experiences and skills-sets. An individual in a game situation typically analyses the available options and chances of success of each of those options. For example, in rugby union, a player carrying the ball may decide on an evasive sidestep movement on an imminent opposition defensive fullback, thus the player might engage in a sidestepping tactical action rather than initiating other tactical processes for a pass. It can be appreciated in this situation that the player utilises ad-hoc, real-time visual scanning and pattern recognition whilst engaging improvised visualization techniques to ensure a desirable result. When the athlete can control these elements with refined practice in a controlled environment, the athlete experiences less anxiety and is more intrinsically motivated in a FLOW environment.

When using the device of the present invention, the individual may be required to perform a sidestep cut from one side of the band of the device to the other side (either left-to-right or right-to-left) by applying a lateral force from the outside foot during normal running gait to propel the individual in the new direction. The individual aims to avoid contact with the band in stepping over the band in performing the evasive movement, which aids in the individual's proprioception and agility form in performing the evasive movement. Thus, the training device of the present invention comprises a plurality of first visual identification means, located along the length of the band. In a preferred embodiment, the first visual identification means are secured or printed to the band in such a manner that they are not easily dislodged from their position. However, a person skilled in the art would realise that the first, second or third visual identification means may be varied and relocated in accordance with various training drills.

Preferably, the first visual identification means are able to be seen by individuals from a distance of at least several meters and distinguishable from the band. In a highly preferred embodiment, the first visual identification means are bright, reflective or fluorescent markers or prints which aid in the individual distinguishing the markers or prints from the other components of the training device. The visualisation identification means may be of any size or shape that is safe for use in the training exercises/drills and to be seen by the training individual. For example, the visualisation identification means may be rectangular, square, round or oblong in shape. The size of the visualisation identification means may range from about 10 cm to about 50 cm.

The first visual identification means provide the training individual with an indication of distance when performing the training drill. Thus in one embodiment, the first visual identification means are spaced at a distance of one to three running gaits apart. That is, the plurality of visualisation identification means is positioned along the length of the band at a distance of about 1.0 m to about 5.0 m apart from each other. In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first visualisation means is spaced about 2.5 m apart.

The timing for the individual to perform an evasive movement can be directed by the individual themselves or under a coach's instruction incorporating visual training aids such as postural cues and pattern recognition thereof. The incorporation of visualisation techniques from the former will engage the individual to perform evasive movements throughout the plurality of first visible identification means.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the training device aids in the development of the individual's ability to analyse the spatial positions of the individual's own team or the attacking team to ensure the individual has the ability to apply any evasive options available to the individual, such as passing a ball to be in a more advantageous position, to pass the ball to a teammate, or to kick the ball ahead. The training device of the present invention may also aid in the development of an individual's ability to analyse the individual's own spatial position at a finite time in the future. This training conducted within a spatial frame of reference grid will aid in developing or practicing the critical timing as to the success of the evasive option taken in the rehearsed 'set-piece' move with other players in offensive "evasive" or defensive "invasive" practice drills.

The side step cut is a good example of an evasive movement which requires various levels of expertise of a player to be effective. The effectiveness and efficiency of the sidestep cut can be confounded by various external, and environmental influences such as precision, timing and force of the sidestep cut and the spatial distance from a respective opposition player or "impediment" as would be observed in game-play situations, of for example an evasive ball sport. Thus, it is desirable for the player to practice learned instincts anticipating various evasive options and tactics within a spatial frame of reference grid. It is also desirable to train an individual in the tactical direction the individual chooses to produce the sidestep cut - either to the left or right. The reasoning for the tactical directional change could be that during the ad-hoc visualisation analysis, the player might recognise the presence of extra support players and teammates in a particular direction; or less oppositional impediments or defensive players in the same respective direction. Hence the chances of success for a particular direction are justified and the player chooses to sidestep cut the same way. A device which promotes efficiency at sidestepping in left and right directions is a deficiency of traditional field drills and devices; however this is achieved with the present invention. For example, it is observed individual players are inclined to practice on a favoured or preferred leg, hence, restricting sidestepping expertise to be developed ambidextrously. This is acknowledged in the paradigm that "athletes practice what they knew, rather than what is new". The present invention ensures both left and right sidestep cutting forms are deliberately practiced within the rationale of the training drill focused around a central defensive channel with freedom of movement in both left hand side and right hand side "wings" of the device.

In the present invention and in order to achieve an effective and efficient sidestep cut, the player develops the ability to not only predict the spatial position of an imminent impediment at a finite time in the future, but also the spatial position of their own body in a finite time in the future and must adapt their running gait in order to perform the desired sidestep cut based on their predetermined goal; in this case a left or right sidestepping action.

In one example the player intends an evasive movement by performing a sidestep cut to the left. The player would be in a more advantageous position to perform the side step cut by applying lateral forces off the "right" foot. However, in this particular game play situation the optimal timing and spatial position for the player to apply this frictional force to the ground with their right foot places the player in a compromising position by having his opposite left foot in contact with the ground. In this example, the player would not be able to produce an effective sidestep cut to his preferred left-hand side and hence the opportunity to perform a successful evasive movement of a "right footed" sidestep cut would be lost. The training device of the present invention aids in this situation by training the player to be better prepared for the up and coming sidestep action by practicing to make small adjustments their running gait to suit the particular game play situation mitigating temporal-spatial stressors and reducing the risk of ACL rupture of reflex or haphazard cutting actions.

Similar spatial awareness situations can be observed in ball sports such as soccer and hockey. For example, in a game-play situation involving a ball rolling away from an imminent attacking player wanting to strike at the ball, the player has a predetermined aim in his approach to the moving ball; in that the player must be able to place his body in a practical body-position to be able to enact an accurate strike on the ball. In other words, in order to produce the desired strike, the player predicts the spatial position of ball at a finite time in the future, whilst at the same time adapting the spatial position of his own body in a finite time in the future in order to place his body in a practical position to enact the correct moment-of- inertial forces about their respective strike foot or perhaps a hockey stick based on the ball's speed and tactical options envisaged.

In order to be successful in the evasion movement described in the above examples, the player modifies their natural running gait in order to produce the desired result. This ability is a learned skill developed over numerous game play situations to develop intuitive spatial awareness and depth perception. Learning, heightening and developing this ability in a spatial frame of reference grid is considered important in correctly executing a game play action with expert precision, timing and force, such as an evasive or invasive movement in fast ball sports. It can be appreciated that development of spatial frame of reference would be achieved as the player performs evasive movements, such as the sidestep cut techniques, using the training device of the present invention.

As the player crosses a visual line on the ground in applying the lateral sidestep cut the athlete will not only gain depth spatial instinct of the markers or prints on the ground in a single dimension, but will develop vector angle instinct in a second lateral direction as the player engages peripheral vision senses in crossing the one or more substantially parallel lines on the ground. This visual information will allow the player to engage lateral instincts as to the angle produced by the respective sidestep cut, thereby, allowing the player positive and negative feedback mechanisms as to the effectiveness of the sidestep cut in the new vector direction and the opportunity to reflect on modifying a flawed action.

The importance of having a visual line, in the case of the present invention the band, on the ground to cross as opposed to having a "void" space created by markers, has the significance of engaging the same feedback mechanisms for the player to adjust his legs, hips, and upper torso to the new running direction, positively reinforced by the body rotational aspect of crossing visualised lines on the ground. The training device of the present invention ensures a consistent frame of reference grid which allows the individual to explore their natural and adaptive running gait in a controlled environment providing consistent positive and negative feedback mechanisms to develop the individual's spatial awareness instincts and ad-hoc visualisations instincts.

The training device of the present invention allows the player or individual to practice his running gait variations in a controlled and consistent frame-of- reference grid ensuring he is able to develop learned instinct in a controlled, repeatable and uncomplicated training environment. This ability is then able to be taken onto the playing field to achieve more consistent and favourable game-play situations.

The training device of the present invention ensures consistent spatial distances can be maintained as the at least one second visual identification means form part of the training device.

Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the training device comprises at least one second visual identification means to simulate obstacles to be avoided within a consistent spatial frame of reference grid.

The at least one second visual identification means may also provide the training individual with an indication of distance when performing a training drill. Thus, in one embodiment, the at least one second visual identification means are spaced at a distance of 10 m along the length of the band. In a highly preferred embodiment, the second visual identification means are placed at 10m, 2Om ₁ 30m and 40 m and so on, along the length of the band. This provides the training individual with a visualisation aid in the distance to be covered during the training drill, as well as a spatial frame of reference.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the training device optionally comprises at least one third visual identification means which may also simulate obstacles or to construct a lateral gate to be avoided or intercepted within a consistent spatial frame of reference grid.

Thus, the training device of the present invention optionally further comprises at least one third visual identification means. The third visual identification means is useful for aiding in the training individual to visualise a distinctive position in the drill to perform an evasive movement. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second visualisation means provide distance markers for the training individual. Once the individual identifies the third visual identification means in a training drill, the individual will perform the evasive movement close to or at that distinguishable visualisation means. Thus one or more third visual identification means may be used in a training drill. The third visual identification means may be located at any position along the length of the training device and may be either at set intervals or at random positions.

Preferably, the second and/or third visual identification means are capable of being seen by individuals from a distance of at least several meters and distinguishable from both the band and the first visual identification means and from each other. In a highly preferred embodiment, the second or third visual identification means are bright, reflective or fluorescent markers, or prints which aid in the individual distinguishing the markers or prints from the other components of the training device. The markers or prints may be coloured, black or white. The markers or prints may be of any size or shape that is safe for use in the training exercises/drills and to be seen by the training individual. For example, the markers or prints may be rectangular, square, round or oblong in shape. The size of the markers or prints may range from about 10 cm to about 50 cm The second visualisation markers are distinguishable from the first visualisation means. Similarly, the third visualisation means is distinguishable from the first and second visualisation means.

The second and/or third visualisation means are preferable able to be attached and detached at random positions along the band of the training device. Alternatively, the second and/or visualisation means are permanently inherent within the plurality of the band. Preferably the second visualisation means is positioned on the training device to ensure the consistent frame of reference of the spatial grid to be maintained consistent with the plurality of first visualisation means.

In a further embodiment, the third visualisation means is created by having one surface of the band a different colour to the surface of the underside of the band. For example, the third visualisation means such as a distinguishable colouration of the band, may be achieved by turning the band over to expose a different colour on the underside of the surface of the band facing the ground. Once a suitable range of colour variation is achieved to suit a particular drill, the band maybe turned back over to expose the original band surface, over the remaining section of the band to engage the athlete in other actions or movements.

In one example when using the training device of the present invention to achieve one type of desired training drill, the second or third visual identification means may replace every fifth or sixth positioned of the first visualisation means or band along the length of the band.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a measuring system incorporated within the training device which ensures consistent placing of the first and second visualisation identification means at predetermined distances along the band(s) of the training device. For example, the training device has lines, dots or the like marked at regular distances along the band so that the person setting up the training drill can position the visualisation identification means consistently along the length of the band. The measuring system may be in centimetres or metres. In one embodiment, the measuring system sets out 1 metre distances. The training device of the present invention may be used in many types of training exercises. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a training device comprising at least two elongated bands, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the bands, and optionally at least one second visual identification means, distinguishable from the first identification means and wherein the at least one second identification means is located at a predetermined position along the length of at least one of the band.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the training device comprising at _x least two elongated bands, optionally includes at least one third visualisation means distinguishable from the first and second visual identification means and located at a pre-determined position along the length of at least one of the bands.

In one example of a training device comprising two training devices of the present invention, two substantially straight and substantially parallel lines are formed by using at least two training devices. For example, the length of the training drill is 50 m. One training device, comprising one band of 50 m in length is positioned on a training surface. A second training device also comprising one band of 50 m in length is positioned substantially parallel to the band of the first training device. The distance between the bands of each training device may be varied, depending on the distance apart required by the training drill. For example, the bands of the training devices may be separated by a distance of 0.5 m to 10 m. A person skilled in the art would be aware that two or more bands of the training devices may be joined together to increase the length of the training drill. Training devices comprising bands shorter than 50 m are also encompassed by the present invention.

The training device of the present invention may be used in many types of combined speed and agility assessments. In one example, two substantially straight and substantially parallel lines are formed by using at least two training devices to form a training drill 50m in length. The distance between the bands of each training device may be varied, depending on the distance apart required by the training drill. In this example, the bands of the training devices are separated by a distance of between about 0.5m to 1.Om, to suit the purposes of assessing speed and agility within standardised spatial grid. A standard band length of 50m and a band separation distance of 0.7m in which time-trial results is one set of variable used in the assessment for a predetermined sampled group. The result of the particular individual would then be used to assess the speed and agility of the individual within a performance category matrix gathered from normative data or prescribed data collected to suit a particular demographic or population.

The underlying principle for engaging with the present invention for time-trialling assessment would therefore need to ensure consistency within the exercise or drill performed over the required distance. Therefore, rules with regards to the number of "crosses" of the bands in carrying out the training drill would be required to ensure consistency between assessment groups. The separation distance between individual bands of the drill to form "lanes" would also be nominated for our purposes.

The assessment task may also include a depth challenge, where-by the athlete must engage perceptual and decision making task whilst performing the assessment. Such a challenge promotes the athlete to engage expertise in visual scanning, pattern recognition, knowledge of situations and anticipation in negotiating various sporting stressors in the assessment trial. Such challenges may engage the athletes to "read and react" to various postural cues presented to them during an assessment task, differentiating expertise in both physical and cognitive skill-sets. Such an assessment embodies an "open" archetype, which has proven a better indicator of athletic performance then "closed" assessments where the task can be pre-planned. The present invention also has the ability to combine open speed and open agility manifestations of performance in the appraisal of speed and agility performance which is reflective of game stressors. The device of the present invention also allows the athlete to assume the role of an offensive "evasive" player, where speed and agility expertise is revered by coaches, trainers and players alike allowing for individual Talent Identification assessments to measure and benchmark athletes in a more relevant embodiment of player expertise.

Capturing the time information would ideally be with the use of electronic time capture means located at the start and finish of the 50m band. However, a person skilled in the art would be aware of the different ways in which to measure the elapsed time. Other time capture instruments would ensure a stop-watch or simular capabilities to within one hundredth of a second to ensure time accuracy for time trialling purposes is achieved.

A person skilled in the art would be aware that the training device of the present invention could be used on any type of training surface. In addition, the training device of the present invention could be used in association with training mats, slalom polls, raised markers, cones or mini hurdles.

Although the training device of the present invention is capable of staying in place once positioned on the training surface, it may at times be necessary to secure the training device to the surface. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the training device of the present invention further comprises a means for securing the training device to the training surface. Examples of means for securing or tethering the training device to a surface include but not limited to pegs, spikes, weights, elastic or ties.

In some exercise drills, the length of the drill may require a long distance to be covered. In order to aid in the setting out of the training device, the training device may be adapted to be fitted onto a roller system. For example, the band of the training device is about 100 m in length. Setting out the training drill may be aided by loading the training device onto a roller barrel of a roller system. Roller systems for storing are known to those skilled in the art. One end of the training device is attached to the roller barrel and the band is loaded onto the roller by winding, for example, a hand wheel or an accompanied rotational bearing system connected to the roller barrel. The training device can be easily released from the stowed position to a released position by pulling the unattached end of the training device.

In one embodiment, the band may also be able to detach fully from the roller barrel system to ensure the roller barrel does not produce an obstruction for the user at either end of the training device. Attaching and detaching bands from roller barrel system is known to people skilled in the art. The roller system may be adapted to accommodate more than one training device. For example, if the training drill requires two or more bands to be laid out, the roller system will be adapted to load two or more training devices. The roller system also aids in the positioning the bands of the training device at a substantially parallel position apart from each other. In addition, the roller system may allow for the training devices to be spaced at various positions along the roller barrel, allowing for ease in positioning the bands of the training devices at various distances apart.

The roller system may also have markings on the circumference of the roller wheel which acts as a measuring wheel and aids in positioning the bands of the training device at a substantially parallel position apart from each other.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of training an individual to perform an evasive movement comprising the training device of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (i) providing a training device comprising at least one elongated band, a plurality of first visual identification means, wherein the first visual identification means are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the band or bands, and optionally at least one second visual identification means, distinguishable from the first identification means and wherein the at least one second identification means is located at a pre-determined position along the length of at least one of the bands; (ii) positioning the training device on a training surface; and (iii) providing instructions to the individual to perform an evasive movement as directed by the positioning of the visual identification means.

In a further embodiment method described above optionally includes at least one third visualisation means distinguishable from the first and second visual identification means and located at a pre-determined position along the length of at least one of the bands.

In another example, there may be four training devices used to form the four sides of a square to define a confined space for a respective training exercise or to mark-out a temporary field in performing a team training drill. A person skilled in the art would be aware that the training device of the present invention could be used in a multitude of training exercises and drills. The following examples are provided to set out only an example of the use of the training device.

Examples

Figure 1 (a) shows two training devices 10 of the present invention positioned substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other on a training surface.

Each device comprises a band 11. Each band has a plurality of first visualisation identification means 12 positioned along the length of the band. In this example, the first visualisation means are positioned evenly at 2.5 m apart. Second visualisation identification means 13 are positioned at 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m along the length of the band. The bands in this example are positioned about 5 m apart to form a lane 14 between the two bands.

Figure 1 (b) shows two training devices 10 of the present invention positioned substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other on a training surface. Each device comprises a band 11. Each band has a plurality of first visualisation identification means 12 positioned along the length of the band. In this example, the first visualisation means are positioned evenly at 2.5 m apart. Second visualisation identification means 13 are positioned at 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m along the length of the bands. The bands in this example are positioned about 5 m apart to form a lane 14 between the two bands. A third visual identification mean 15 is located at a random position along the length of the band which offers a lateral gate or marker for the athlete to sidestep upon a lateral crossing or to avoid upon a lateral crossing depending on further instructions on its application dictated by a coach.

Single lane drill

Figure 2 provides an illustrative example of the use of two training devices of the present invention in one training drill. The band of the first training device is shown as white and the band of the second training device is shown as grey. A plurality of first visualisation identification means are located approximately 2.5 m apart and appear as black lines. A plurality of second visual identification means are located at 10 m marks in Figure 2a. In Figures 2b and 2c, second visualisation identification means are located at the 20 m and 30 m marks. The example in Figure 2 shows the individual starting on the left hand side of the training devices. However, the individual can perform the same drill by commencing on the right hand side or in the middle of the two devices.

Figure 2a shows the individual taking three steps before reaching the third of the first visualisation identification means and then crossing the band of the first training device before reaching the second visualisation identification means located at the 10 m mark. In this example, only one step in taken in the lane formed between the devices before the individual steps over the band of the second training device. The individual then takes a further five steps before crossing the band of the second training device at the 20 m mark. Again, exactly one step is taken in the lane formed between the two bands as dictated by the rationale of the drill being performed. The individual emerges on the other side of the band of the first device and continues in the same pattern of steps for the length of the training drill.

The rationale of the training drill in this manner necessitates the athlete perform at least 3 running strides in the new lateral direction. Therefore, the athlete must rotate their entire body including legs, hips and torso in the new direction; encouraging whole body technique and promoting balance dexterity in executing the sidestep cut with a fluid action. Desirable actions are reinforced via feedback when the athlete successfully completes the lateral crossing fluidly and comfortably.

Used for injury rehabilitation, this drill can facilitate more successful rehabilitation programs in controlling training intensity progressively in the prescribed order of: proprioception, agility, speed, power and strength. It can also be appreciated an increase in lane width proportionally increases the forces felt about the knees and ankles. By progressively increasing lane widths, the athlete controls phases of knee joint rehabilitation within a spatial grid whilst incorporating game situational challenges and forces into rehabilitation practice and realising the lower potentialities of neuromuscular efficiencies as well as combining speed and agility elements in evasive practice.

In one example for rehabilitation purposes, the athlete starts at one end of the device; positioning themselves on the outside of the lane, commonly known as the wings of the device. The athlete will accelerate alongside the lane in the wings, and simply initiate the lateral movement across the nearest band when they are balanced to do so. For example, the athlete initiates a sidestep movement from the outside foot, crossing into the middle lane with the inside foot. A lateral crossing from Left to Right requires a Left footed sidestep cut into the middle of the device. The athlete then places exactly 1 foot within the body of the lane; (in this case their Right foot) before striding out of body with their original Left foot into the opposite wing. Upon completing a crossing of the lane; the athlete straightens up their running line by means of swerve or sidestep cut and realigns themselves alongside the lane on the opposite wing; ready to practice their sidestep cut from the opposing foot. The athlete should perform between 2 to 4 sidestep cut actions over a 50m distance depending on the demographic, drill style and speed the athlete chooses to engage with the device.

In Figures 2b to 2u a variety of training exercises are shown. Briefly, the individual is required to perform a sidestep cut from one side of the band to the other (either left-to-right or right-to-left) by applying a lateral force from the outside foot during a normal running gait to propel the individual in the new running direction. The individual is encouraged to avoid contact with the band or bands in stepping over the band when performing the evasive movement, which aids in the individual's proprioception and coordination in performing the evasive movement.

The timing and desirability of the individual to perform the evasive movement may be directed by the individual themselves or under a coach's instruction incorporating visual training aids such as postures and pattern recognition. The incorporation of visualisation techniques from the former will engage the individual to perform evasive movements throughout the plurality of first or second visual identification means positioned on the band or bands.

When under a coach's or user's instructions, the individual may also utilise visualisation techniques to align a third marker, where at least one third visual identification means, distinguishable from the first and second identification means is placed consistently or randomly at predetermined position(s) along the length of the band or bands. The individual will utilise peripheral vision, focusing on the respective visual identification means to achieve a desired evasive movement.

One of the advantages of the device of the present invention is the freedom for the athlete to experiment with their natural or adjusted running gait in learning functional depth perception as required in a game environment.

The old adage "Consistency breeds familiarity" is especially true when it comes to developing depth perception. For example, a long-jumper acquires proficient depth perception by having a well rehearsed long-jump approach.

By having the consistently placed visualisation means; the athlete may develop heightened familiarity and spatial instincts within a controlled frame-of-reference grid. After numerous passes on the device; the athlete will start to recognise the consistent visualisation means pattern as a derivative of their running gait providing context in depth perception at a multitude of running speeds.

Another feature of the device is significance of the visual lines between the visualisation means, such as "markers" as opposed to a void space. The visual line subtly engages with the athlete's peripheral vision reaffirming body-rotation and body-lean upon each crossing which is especially effective when executing a sidestep cut with a fluid action and reducing the risk of ACL rupture in contact and non-contact episodes.

The lane spacing also positively reinforces the lateral displacement of each sidestep cut produced and hence the vector angle of each cut produced. This frame of reference grid allows athlete to intuitively learn aspects of the sidestep cut such as the above allowing the athlete to acquire, refine and update knowledge and limitations of their sidestep cut efficiently and effectively.

Multiple lane drills

Athletic training programs should also not solely focus on the upper echelons of athletic performance realising a power "ceiling" to their neuromuscular behaviour; rather athletic training is eclectic in nature and pragmatically sequenced in which the former neuromuscular adaptation become floor-buffers deliberate training can build upon. Being proactive with eclectic and dexterous training initiatives allows viable autonomy in the muscles which brace the knee to act in more diverse behavioural roles (proprioception, agility or speed) or more menial cohesive roles (synergists, co-contractors and stabiliser muscles) improving procedural muscle memory and knee joint stability in unanticipated cutting tasks.

The training device of the present invention is first used to develop proprioception of the knee joint with slow calculating manoeuvres through the device with a narrow lane width ensuring fluid cutting action. Once proprioception drills have been mastered, the athlete is assumed to have a proprioception neuromuscular capacity buffer which can more highly refined with multiple lanes in promoting a stochastic training environment building upon proprioception practice. Once the stochastic agility environments are mastered, the athlete is assumed to have agility neuromuscular capacity buffer which can more highly refined into a dynamic speed environment to refine sidestep cutting proficiency. Once the dynamic speed drills have been mastered, the athlete is assumed to have a speed neuromuscular capacity buffer which be further refined with myostatic "power" neuromuscular potentiality of the sidestep cutting action.

Assuming the athlete is competent in all these neuromuscular behaviours (proprioception, agility, speed and power) and the athlete is capable of encoding procedural muscle memory within pre-planned and anticipated movements; the athlete is expected to engage with the said markers of the device introducing temporal-spatial stressors and refining muscle memory expertise comprising of other sporting stressors (temporal-spatial, anxiety and fatigue) which can be taken onto the playing arena by engaging in multiple lane drills.

It is also important for all athletes to refine their visualisation techniques whilst training. By incorporating visualisation techniques, the athlete is able to develop new and more meaningful cognitive skills to build upon their playing experience. Used in training and by means of visualisation, the "markers" induce temporal- spatial stressors familiar to the athlete in game situations. By engaging with the device this way; the athlete skilfully predicts which marker they will wish to sidestep (or evade) upon each crossing. These features offer the user a playful and functional element of training, integrating cognitive challenges whilst exercising with the device. Another convenient application of the present invention is for warm-up initiatives pre-competition or practice. It is appreciated, environmental surface conditions in competition may change inadvertently; therefore, there is a need for the athlete to recalibrate their evasive and muscle memory aptitude in which the athlete can encode neuromuscular procedural knowledge within the present surface conditions. The present invention is effective on all playing surfaces, therefore, is able to be used proactively in invasive, evasive and fast ball archetypes for conditioning neuromuscular expertise in the prevention of ACL ruptures.

Swerve type training drill

A 'sidestep swerve' is a favoured technique for performing an evasive movement, as the ability to perform numerous and subtle directional changes during running in a game situation helps mitigate the forces applied to knee and ankle joints. In a swerve type training drill, the sidestep cut action is initiated by the individual in crossing the band of the first training device. The band of a second training device is positioned 3 m to 10 m from the band of the first training device. A 'shallow cut' is observed in which the directional change of the individual is enacted over several strides. The rationale for the swerve is to straighten up the direction before the individual reaches the band of the second training device. It can be appreciated that several running steps are taken in running an elongated "S" type evasion technique known as a "swerve". This is somewhat different to a sidestep cut technique in which it can be appreciated that an elongated "Z" type running line is enacted with more intense lateral forces applied during the running action in initiating a tactical directional change.

A variety of training exercises can be set up using two or more training devices. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the use of four and six, respectively training devices. Each exercise is designed to practice a particular drill. Each drill is designed to aid in the development of visualisation, spatial awareness and to prevent injuries associated with developing the skill of evasive movement in a training session.