I have an idea for a product and I was wondering if anyone thinks this would be useful and/or how I would go about getting it manufactured. The idea is based loosely on the hockey nets four holes (each corner). I have seen these flat targets that bolt to the net so the shooters can concentrate on hitting the corners. My idea is to have the target spin backwards (like a paddlewheel) when it is hit so that the puck enters the net and to have the spinning action create a loud whirring sound so that the player hears a sound when he scores. The idea is that young players will be more motivated to shoot accurately if they hear a noise when they score thus keeping them interested and focused longer. The product would be quick to attache, low tech, and inexpensive. I think this would be very helpful to teams practicing without a goalie, or where the goalie is off doing specialized drills. Also this would be ideal for a young player who is practicing on his own net at home. Lastly it could be used for skill building competitions and for fund raising events. Any input would be appreciated.
Better shooters force goalies to become better goalies. It's a vicious circle. Sort of a ying and yang thing. But seriously though, with limited ice time it's often tmes better for the goalie to work one on one with a goalie coach while the rest of the team shoots at the goal. This way the team still gets to work on shot accuracy while the goalie gets valuable on ice instruction and can work on specific skills.
Ya, I know what you are saying
Back to the original topic
Depending on the playing level of the shooters, what would you be making the "device" out of?
Hmmm....Very interesting. I also agree that many times it is better for the goalie to be off on their own with a coach to work on specific things then to just be a target for the players. I also like to be the shooter on tip-in and defelection drills in practice this way I can regulate the shot speed and accuracy. I am also toying with the idea of using the white pucks for practices all together as it will cause the players and goalies to concentrate more on passing and receiving and concentrating on the puck in tip in drills and so on.
I figure that I would use 3 flat thin aluminum plates mounted on a aluminum spindle that rotates on shaft with some sort of plastic ratchet that makes a noise when the plates rotate. Maybe sort of like when playing cards a put into bicycle spokes. The whole asembly would be rubber shock mounted to a sort of clamp that attaches to the net post. Also the target plates would be white with a bulls eye painted on them. The plates would be mounted so that no matter how it spins one target plate is always flat to the shooter.
Oh by the way, I am talking about the Mite and Squirt age levels. I could see this product maybe used in Peewees and Bantams when the goalie is a no-show. It would be difficult and expensive to build a version robust enough for adults. I don't think that adults would getanywhere near the same kick out of it that kids would. This product is more like a target in a shooting gallery that moves and makes sounds when hit.
I have seen targets that attach to the corners of the net, that are on a hinge and when hit they move in a backwards motion, but you've got a great idea, you should develop a prototype. You'll definetly be able to find a test market. Especially with mite and squirt age players & coaches.
goaliedad .. take a look at plinking targets.. most are made of heavy guage steel to with stand 22 cal. bullets. you can get them in all shapes and sizes .. the key is to get a sound (stick with a bell) when it is struck and a reset mechanisem. i would use a good old fasion 5 inch "C" clamp to to attach it to the post any were you would want it. also look a attach an electirc sensor(pressure pad) that would activate a light and a horn via battery and wireless system..
Goaliedad- awesome idea. And I agree it would be much better than bells or breakable targets because kids would definitely try again and again to get the perfect "whirring" effect and thus they shoot for longer durations of time.
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