Soccer tee for use in training

Abstract

A soccer kicking tee is disclosed which is especially useful by soccer players to use as a training aid to learn a kicking technique known as kicking with the laces. The tee provides a support for a soccer ball at a prescribed height above the ground plane. A vertical support element interfaces with the bottom of the ball and prevents the ball from rolling or tipping over. This vertical element is supported by a base that spreads out the portion touching the ground and stabilizes the vertical element and the ball and prevents them from tipping over. The shape of the tee minimizes the likelihood that it will tip over when the ball is kicked or struck with the foot. The tee can be used on any surface and can be further secured to the ground with a golf tee or similar stake like element. The vertical support element is pliable enough to easily deflect if the foot comes into contact with it and is stiff enough to support the ball in a static position. The height of the vertical support element can also be adjusted to a lower position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for training players in lace-kicking techniques for kicking a soccer ball comprising:
 (1) a flip resistant base; and,   (2) a tubular or frusto-conical support member extended from the base for elevated support and orientation of the soccer ball, and, wherein at least portions of the support member are positioned superiorly relative to the base.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flange for retention of the support member. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is deformable relative to the base member. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is adjustable relative to the base. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises at least one stabilizing wing. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is adjustable in height. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member is deformably height adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a penetrative member for temporarily affixing the base to a ground's surface. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a tapering forward edge. 
     
     
         10 . A method for training lace kicking of a soccer ball wherein the soccer ball is progressively lowered in elevation on a kicking tee apparatus comprising the steps:
 (1) providing a bilaterally symmetric or axisymmetric soccer ball tee apparatus having a flip resistant base and a tubular or frusto-conical height-adjustable support member extending from the base;   (2) with tee apparatus on ground aligned to a ball kicking direction;   (3) place ball on tee apparatus at starting ball elevation;   (4) place non-kicking foot lateral to the tee apparatus or ball;   (5) position kicking foot substantially perpendicular to the ground;   (6) shift weight to non-kicking foot and swing the top of kicking foot toward the ball;   (7) once kicking is mastered at starting ball elevation, reduce elevation of the ball; and,   (8) repeat steps 4 through 6 by discretely reducing the elevation of the height adjustable support member when the kicker is able to consistently kick the ball at a desired trajectory and desired velocity with a preceding ball elevation.   
     
     
         11 . A method for training lace kicking of a soccer ball wherein the soccer ball is progressively lowered in elevation on a kicking tee apparatus comprising the steps:
 (1) providing a bilaterally symmetric or axisymmetric soccer ball tee apparatus having a flip resistant base and a tubular or frusto-conical support member extending from the base;   (2) with tee apparatus on ground aligned to a ball kicking direction;   (3) place ball on tee apparatus at starting ball elevation;   ( 4 ) approach the ball while timing the steps in order to get the non-kicking foot in proper position lateral to the tee apparatus;   (5) position kicking foot substantially perpendicular to the ground;   (6) shift weight to non-kicking foot and swing the top of kicking foot toward the ball; and,   (7) repeat steps 4 through 6 by discretely reducing the elevation when the kicker is able to consistently kick the ball at a desired trajectory and desired velocity with a preceding ball elevation.