KickTrix: The Ultimate Soccer Training System

An Innovative Solution for Indoor Soccer Training

Ball control skills are difficult for young people to acquire, especially indoors, and lack of fitness is becoming a real social problem. KickTrix was created as an enjoyable and safe game experience based on a scientific approach, utilizing technology to encourage self-motivation. To be successful, the product needed to be fun and also provide a competitive element both for self-improvement and peer-to-peer rivalry. Professional coaches were involved in user scenario research with test rigs.

KickTrix is a wirelessly connected product that supports a tethered ball and simulates the natural movements and behavior required to keep a ball in the air. It has different difficulty levels and enables friends to play competitively while recording results. User trials have demonstrated that youngsters become highly motivated and quickly and confidently learn the correct skills.

The design of KickTrix incorporates several unique properties that set it apart from other soccer training systems. The product is compact and can be used indoors, making it ideal for young players who want to practice their skills at home. The wirelessly connected feature allows for interactive gameplay and competition, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the tethered ball and adjustable difficulty levels ensure that players of all skill levels can benefit from using KickTrix.

The realization of KickTrix involved the development of proof-of-principle rigs to establish the correct geometry and material combinations. The solution utilizes an injection-molded tether with a special grade polyamide core, over-molded in TPE. The ball carrier/pivot is also injection-molded. The base is rotationally molded polyethylene, filled with sand for stability. New sensor methods were developed to count the number of kicks, and the electronics and display are housed securely in their own injection-molded enclosures within the base.

With dimensions of 390mm width, 280mm height, and 820mm depth in its resting position, KickTrix is designed to be compact and easily portable. The ball and tether are removable for packing, and the packaging size is 420mmx210mmx750mm.

The KickTrix game experience is based on keeping a freely rotating ball in the air for the maximum time by kicking with a combination of left and right feet. The ball has lines to assist body alignment, helping to develop and reinforce good technique. A flexible tether has two positions to increase the degree of difficulty, and the game is enhanced by electronic kick counting, stored in memory. An associated app allows interaction with the data and also lets two players compete in real time.

The KickTrix design project started in April 2014, with research test rigs being designed and tested from July to August. Data for production tooling was issued in June 2015, and sample evaluation started in July 2015. All design work was conducted in the UK, with production of parts in the UK, Italy, and Taiwan.

The design of KickTrix was based on extensive research, including user insight and scenario research involving sports coaches and youngsters. Test rigs were developed over time, and videos were taken and analyzed to improve the design iteration. The key elements of skills, fitness, and motivation were maintained throughout the research process.

The KickTrix design faced several challenges, including replicating the motion and experience of kicking a ball in free space while tethered. The design team also had to create long-term interest and motivation by utilizing a digital gaming approach with a physical product. Value engineering and high-volume production methods were incorporated to achieve a consumer product price point, which involved researching the latest fully automated rotational molding machinery from Italy and developing new insert and over-molding methods in Taiwan.

KickTrix was designed to be fun for youngsters while also developing their soccer skills and fitness. By simulating the natural movements and behavior required for keeping a football in the air, KickTrix provides an engaging and effective training experience. The system provides timing and counting with different difficulty levels and also offers the option to compete wirelessly with friends using a linked app. It merges digital gaming techniques with physical exercise and can be used safely indoors, motivating children to adopt correct techniques while building confidence.

Images: All images courtesy of LA Design

Intellectual Property Notice: KickTrix is protected by a UK patent pending (GB1508590.5), a PCT patent pending (PCT/EP2015/078873), and European Community Registered Designs (001426514-0001, 001426514-0002, 001426514-0003).

Awards and Accolades: KickTrix was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Sporting Goods, Fitness, and Recreation Equipment Design category in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding expertise and innovation demonstrated by the design, as well as its technical characteristics and artistic skill.