Training device for soccer shoes

Abstract

A training device and a method of use thereof in improving trapping, dribbling, passing, and like skills in a sport of soccer. The training device includes a cup of an elliptical and concave shape, and the cup can be mounted over a toe portion of the soccer shoe.

1 . A training device for sports of soccer, the training device comprises:
 a cup, wherein the cup is of an elliptical and concave shape, and the cup is configured to be mounted over a toe portion of the soccer shoe;   
       a left flange and a right flange, both extend from a left edge and a right edge of the cup;
 a left strap coupled to the left flange; and a right strap coupled to the right flange. 
 
     
     
         2 . The training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the training device further comprises:
 a harness for securing the device to the soccer shoe.   
     
     
         3 . The training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the left flange and the right flange are flexible or solid. 
     
     
         4 . A method for improving soccer shoe to soccer ball contact skills of a player during play in a sport of soccer, the method comprising:
 placing a cup assembly having an elliptical and concave shape over and covering a toe portion of anyone of a left, a right, or left and right soccer shoes, the cup having a left flange and a right flange formed integrally with cup and extending distally away from the cup portion along an opposing left and right side of the soccer shoes, respectively, the flanges sharing a smooth outer ball striking surface with the cup;   connecting a first strap to the right flange at a distal end and connecting a second strap to the left flange at a distal end and connecting the straps at a rear end of the soccer shoes forming a single strap holding the cup assembly in place on the shoes;   hitting a soccer ball repeatedly by the cup assembly including the left flange and the right flange on the soccer shoes during practice of a soccer game thereby enhancing impact from the shoe to the soccer ball and requiring more precision in controlling the soccer ball while wearing the cup assembly enabling improvement of ball handling skills of the player when not wearing the cup assembly on the soccer shoes.   
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the left flange and the right flange are flexible in relation to feet of the player moving inside the shoes. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the cup assembly is made of a solid material, such that an impact made by the cup portion, left flange and the right flange to the soccer ball is more than an impact made when the soccer ball is hit directly by the soccer shoe, provided equal forces are applied in both cases. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the soccer shoes include a bottom surface contacting ground, wherein the first and second flanges and the first and second straps do not make contact with the bottom surface.