US 4,645,458 · Granted 1987-02-24
The 1987 Drill That Timed Football Players' Split-Second Decisions
Imagine a training course where lights flash at random, telling a football player to cut left, cut right, or throw a ball at a target — while timers measure how fast he reacts and completes each task. This patent covers exactly that: a system that turns reaction speed into measurable data.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a testing apparatus and method that measures athletic reaction time in two stages: first, the time it takes a player to sprint from a start line to a trigger point (stopping the first timer), and second, the total time to complete a series of actions — like directional cuts or throws — signaled by illuminated lights. What's protected here is the combination of dual timing, visual stimulus cues, and the sequential measurement of acceleration versus task execution.
Why it matters
This patent captures an early automated approach to quantifying reaction speed and agility in football training. Before widespread video analysis and wearable sensors, coaches relied on manual stopwatches and subjective observation. This apparatus brought objectivity and repeatability to athletic evaluation, making it possible to track improvement over time and compare players on the same standardized course. The technology sits at the intersection of sports science and electrical engineering.
Real-world use
A football team's strength and conditioning coach uses this kind of timed course during spring training to measure which players have the fastest reflexes and footwork — the kind of drill that separates starters from backups.
Original USPTO abstract
This relates to a method and apparatus for testing and enhancing a football player's ability to quickly react to visual stimuli. When the player leaves a starting position, first and second timers begin counting. When the player reaches a first reaction point, the first counter is stopped thus containing an indication of how long it took for the player to reach the first reaction point. Simultaneously therewith, one of a battery of lights is energized indicating to the athlete that he must undertake and complete a particular action. This action may represent a cut right or cut left or may require the athlete to throw a ball at a particular target. The second timer is stopped when all the required actions have been completed thus giving an indication of how long it took the player to run the entire course.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 4,645,458
- Filing date
- 1985-04-15
- Grant date
- 1987-02-24
- Assignee
- Harald Phillip
- Inventor(s)
- WILLIAMS; JERRY R.
- CPC class
- A63B69/0053
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