Patent Publication Number: US-2021187354-A1

Title: Electronic athletic training system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This patent document claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/949,815, filed Dec. 18, 2019, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated into this document by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Cones are typically used to help athletes perform training exercises. For example, cones may be set up in a particular configuration to define a particular course through which a game piece (e.g., a ball, a puck, etc.) or a player is to proceed to complete a certain drill or exercise. As another example, cones may be arranged to indicate an area into which a game piece should be aimed. For instance, for soccer drills, two cones may be arranged in proximity to one another to define a goal between the cones through which a soccer ball is to be aimed during a shot. 
     These training exercises or drills can be used to train various athletic skills such as, for example, control, speed, agility, coordination and/or the like. However, typical cones do not provide feedback to a player or coach regarding the completion of an exercise, drill or portion of exercise or drill. In addition, the use of typical cones can leave the order in which a drill is to be completed up to the interpretation of the player. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, an electronic athletic training system includes a first detection device and a second detection device. The first detection device includes a first transmitter located on a first side of the first detection device, a first receiver located on a second side of the first detection device that is opposite the first side, one or more first visual indicators, a first processor in communication with the first transmitter, the first receiver, and the one or more first visual indicators, and a first computer-readable storage medium. The second detection device includes a second transmitter located on a first side of the second detection device, a second receiver located on a second side of the second detection device that is opposite the first side of the second detection device, one or more second visual indicators, a second processor in communication with the second transmitter, the second receiver, and the one or more second visual indicators, and a second computer-readable storage medium. The first computer-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the first processor to cause the first transmitter to emit a light beam to the second receiver when the first transmitter is in proximity to the second receiver. The second computer-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the second processor to detect when the light beam is broken and perform one or more actions in response to detecting that the light beam has been broken. 
     The first detection device may include a selection mechanism having a plurality of positions such that each position corresponds to one of a plurality of settings of the first detection device. The setting may include one or more of an off setting, a random pairs setting, a dribble lights on setting, a dribble lights off setting, or a goal setting. 
     The second detection device may include a selection mechanism having a plurality of positions such that each position corresponds to a setting of the second detection device. The setting may include one or more of an off setting, a random pairs setting, a dribble lights on setting, a dribble lights off setting, or a goal setting. 
     The second detection device may perform one or more actions in response to detecting that the light beam has been broken by sending a message to the first detection device that includes one or more instructions that instruct the first processor to cause one or more of the one or more first visual indicators to illuminate, or cause one or more of the one or more first visual indicators to turn off. 
     The second detection device may perform one or more actions in response to detecting that the light beam has been broken by causing one or more of the one or more second visual indicators to illuminate, or causing one or more of the second visual indicators to turn off. 
     The second detection device may perform one or more actions in response to detecting that the light beam has been broken by sending a message to the first detection device that includes one or more instructions that instruct the first processor to cause one or more of the one or more first visual indicators to turn off, and cause the first transmitter to continue to emit the light beam to the second receiver after the light beam has been broken. 
     The second detection device may perform one or more actions in response to detecting that the light beam has been broken by causing one or more of the one or more second visual indicators to turn off, and sending a message to the first detection device that includes one or more instructions that instruct the first processor to cause the first transmitter to continue to emit the light beam to the second receiver after the light beam has been broken. 
     In various embodiments, a method of performing a training exercise using an electronic athletic system includes detecting, by a first detection device, that a selection mechanism of the first detection device has been placed in a position that corresponds to a setting. The first detection device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The method includes detecting, by a second detection device, that a selection mechanism of the second detection device has been placed in a position that corresponds to the setting. The second detection device includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The first detection device and the second detection device form a first pair. The method includes emitting, by the first transmitter, a light beam and receiving, by the second receiver, the light beam when the first transmitter is aligned with the second receiver. The method includes detecting, by a third detection device, that a selection mechanism of the third detection device has been placed in a position that corresponds to the setting. The third detection device includes a third transmitter and a third receiver. The method includes detecting, by a fourth detection device, that a selection mechanism of the fourth detection device has been placed in a position that corresponds to the setting. The fourth detection device includes a fourth transmitter and a fourth receiver. The third detection device and the fourth detection device form a second pair. The method includes emitting, by the third transmitter, a second light beam, causing one or more visual indicators of the third detection device and/or one or more visual indicators of the fourth detection device to be illuminated, and receiving, by the fourth receiver, the second light beam, when the third transmitter is aligned with the fourth receiver. 
     The method may include detecting, by the fourth detection device, that the second light beam has been broken, sending a message to the third detection device instructing the third detection device to turn off its one or more visual indicators, and sending a second message to the first detection device and/or the second detection device. The second message may include an indication that the second light beam has been broken. 
     The method may include receiving, by the first detection device and/or the second detection device, the second message, and in response to receiving the second message identifying one of the first pair or the second pair, and in response to identifying the first pair, causing one or more visual indicators of the first detection device and one or more visual indicators of the second detection device to illuminate. 
     The method may include receiving, by the first detection device and/or the second detection device, the second message. In response to receiving the second message, the method may include identifying one of the first pair or the second pair, and in response to identifying the second pair, sending one or more instructions to the third detection device to illuminate its one or more visual indicators, and sending one or more instructions to the fourth detection device to illuminate its one or more visual indicators. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates example components of a detection device. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an external view of an example detection device. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example arrangement of visual indicators of a detection device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a view of a bottom of an example detection device. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example pair of detection devices in alignment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates three pairs of detection devices all operating in a “random pairs” setting. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “goal” setting. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates example components of a detection device according to an embodiment. As illustrated by  FIG. 1 , a detection device  100  may include one or more transmitters  102 , one or more receivers  104 , a processor  106 , a power source  108  and/or one or more visual indicators  110 . A transmitter  102  may be an optical transmitter, such as, for example an infrared transmitter. A receiver  104  may be an optical receiver such as, for example, an infrared receiver. The power source  108  may include one or more batteries. Optionally, one or more detection devices may include one or more speakers  112 . 
     In various embodiments, a transmitter  102  may be located opposite a receiver  104  of a detection device. For example, a transmitter may be located on a left side of a detection device and a receiver may be located on an opposite side of the detection device. This may allow multiple detection devices to be used together, as discussed in more detail below. 
     The processor  106  is a central processing device, configured to perform calculations and logic operations required to execute programming instructions. An example of a processor may be a microprocessor and/or the like. As used in this document and in the claims, the terms “processor” may refer to a single processor or any number of processors in a set of processors that collectively perform a set of operations. 
     A detection device may include one or more data stores or other memory devices  114 . Read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard drives and other devices capable of storing electronic data constitute examples of data stores or memory devices. A data store or memory device may include a single device or a collection of devices across which data and/or instructions are stored. Various embodiments of the invention may include a computer-readable medium containing programming instructions that are configured to cause one or more processors to perform the functions described in this disclosure. 
     The processor  106  may be in communication with one or more transmitters  102 , one or more receivers  104  and/or one or visual indicators  110 . For example, a receiver  104  may provide a processor  106  with information that it receives, and the processor may use this information to perform one or more actions at the detection device such as, for example, causing one or more visual indicators  110  to be illuminated. In various embodiments, one or more visual indicators  110  may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs), light panels, light arrays, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, detection devices  100  may communicate with one or more electronic devices via one or more communication devices  114 . One or more communication devices  114  may facilitate communication between a detection device and one or more other detection devices and/or other electronic devices via one or more wireless communication protocols. Examples of communication devices  114  may include, for example, a wireless communication transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and/or the like. 
     For instance, detection devices  100  may communicate with one another via short range wireless communication such as, for example, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and/or the like. 
     A detection device  100  may include a short range communication receiver, transmitter such as, for example, a Bluetooth antenna, an NFC chip, an RFID tag, a Zigbee chip, a wireless transmitter, receiver and/or transceiver, and/or the like. A detection device  100  may communicate with one another via radio frequency (RF) communication. A detection device  100  may include an RF transmitter, an RF receiver and/or an RF transceiver. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an external view of an example detection device  100  according to an embodiment. The detection device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  has a generally circular shape with an opening  202  through its center. A detection device  100  having this configuration may receive at least a portion of a training cone through its opening  202 . In this embodiment, the detection device  100  may be positioned on a training cone so that it is elevated from the ground. 
     Although this disclosure illustrates a generally circular detection device  100  with an opening  202  through its center, it is understood that detection devices having different shapes or configurations may be used within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a detection device may be generally circular without an opening through its center. As another example, a detection device may be square, rectangular, oblong, triangular and/or any other suitable shape, and may or may not have an opening through at least a portion of the device. 
     As illustrated by  FIG. 2A , a receiver  104  may be located near a first side  204  of the detection device  100 , and a transmitter  102  may be located on a side  206  of the detection device that is opposite the side near which the receiver is located. The position of the transmitter  102  and/or receiver  104  may be indicated by one or more visual designations. A visual designation may be a character, word, symbol, image and/or the like. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the position of the receiver is indicated with ‘R’ and the position of the transmitter is indicated with ‘T’. Other visual designations may be used within the scope of this disclosure.  FIG. 2A  shows these visual indications on a top surface of the detection device in proximity to the component to which it corresponds. However, the placement of the visual designations may vary within the scope of this disclosure. 
     In various embodiments, the visual indicators  110  may be positioned at various locations of the detection device so that they are visible to a player.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an example arrangement of visual indicators according to an embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2B , the detection device  100  may include one or more visual indicator portions  207  which each may be associated with one or more visual indicators  110 . For instance, the detection device  100  shown in  FIG. 2B  has four visual indicators portions  207  (two not shown), and each visual indicators portion corresponds to two lights  110 . Additional and/or alternate visual indicator portions or visual indicators may be used within the scope of this disclosure. 
     A visual indicator portion  207  may be fabricated from a transparent, translucent or semi-transparent or semi-translucent material. In this way, when a corresponding visual indicator  110  is illuminated, it may emit light through a visual indicator portion  207 . In various embodiments, one or more of the visual indicator portions may have a color so that the light that is emitted through the visual indicator portion appears to have a color as well. In various embodiments, the visual indicator may be illuminated all together or one at a time. In other embodiments, the visual indicator may be illuminated in a pattern, such as, for example, in a particular sequence or order. The manner in which the visual indicator are illuminated may depend on, for example, the setting of the detection device or the event that is detected, as is described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a view of a bottom of an example detection device according to an embodiment. As illustrated by  FIG. 3 , the bottom may include one or more compartments  300 ,  302 ,  304  for one or more batteries. The detection device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes three battery compartments  300 ,  302 ,  304 , but it is understood that fewer or additional batteries may be used within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the placement of one or more battery compartments may vary within the scope of this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a detection device  100  may include a selection mechanism  306 . A selection mechanism refers to a mechanism that may be moved or switched between two or more positions. Each position of the selection mechanism may correspond to a mode of operation of a detection device. An example selection mechanism may be a slider switch, a toggle, a dial, a knob, one or more buttons, and/or the like. When a selection mechanism is set to a position that corresponds to a particular setting, the detection device  100  may operate in accordance with the setting. One or more settings may allow an athlete to complete different drills or exercises to improve his or her skills and/or fitness. 
     In various embodiments, two or more detection devices may be arranged in a particular configuration to execute a particular drill or exercise. To do so, a transmitter of one detection device may be aligned with a receiver of a different detection device. Alignment may involve placing the detection devices so that the transmitter of a first detection device is positioned within a threshold distance from a receiver of a second detection device. In various embodiments this threshold distance may be six feet. However, different threshold distances may be used within the scope of this disclosure.  FIG. 4  illustrates a pair of detection devices in alignment according to an embodiment. 
     Because a detection device may include both a transmitter and a receiver, any number of detection devices may be arranged such that a transmitter of one detection device aligns with a receiver of another detection device. For example, multiple detection devices may be arranged in a line. 
     When alignment between two detection devices is achieved, one or more of the detection devices may provide a user with an indication of alignment. The indication may be a visual indication such as, for example, the illumination of one or more visual indicators. For instance, the detection device whose receiver is in alignment with another detection device may cause a visual indicator to be illuminated to indicate that alignment has been achieved. The visual indicator may be located in proximity to the receiver, and may illuminate in a specific color, such as, for example, blue. 
     When alignment between two detection devices is achieved, the transmitter of one detection device may emit a light beam across the gap between the two detection devices which may be received by the receiver of the other detection device. As such, the transmitter and receiver may form a light gate between the two detection devices. The light beam may be invisible to the human eye. In other embodiments, the light beam may have a color. 
     One or both of the detection devices of a pair may detect when the light beam is broken. The light beam may be broken in response to a game piece, such as, for example, a ball, a puck and/or the like crossing the light beam. For instance, if a player kicks a ball in the gap between a pair of detection devices, the ball will break the light beam. 
     As another example, a light beam may be broken in response to an athlete or other person crossing between the detection devices. For example, as part of footwork drills, an athlete may run between a pair of detection devices which may break the light beam. 
     When a light beam is broken, various different actions may be taken depending on the setting on which the detection devices are operating. Example settings that a detection device may operate in include, without limitation, an “off” setting, a “random pairs” setting, a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, a “goal” setting, a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting and/or the like. In an “off” setting, a detection device may operate in a powered off or powered down mode. 
     The “random pairs” setting may be used for one or more pairs of detection devices.  FIG. 5  illustrates three pairs of detection devices all operating in a “random pairs” setting according to an embodiment. When the detection devices are placed into “random pairs” setting (e.g., by placing the selection mechanism in a position that corresponds to the “random pairs” setting), one or more of the visual indicator of one of the three pairs may illuminate. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , lights of detection devices of Pair  1  may illuminate. This illumination may indicate to an athlete that the athlete is to perform an action using the pair such as, for example, kicking a game piece between the detection devices, running through the detection devices and/or the like. 
     When the light beam is broken between a pair of illuminated detection devices, the visual indicators that had been illuminated of the pair may turn off. However, even without having visual indicators that are illuminated, the pair of detection devices may remain engaged, meaning that a transmitter of one of the detection devices may continue to transmit a light beam to a receiver of the other detection device. For example, a receiver of a detection device may detect that a light beam has been broken. That detection device may send a message to the other detection device that includes one or more instructions that cause the other detection device (e.g., the processor of the other detection device) to cause its transmitter to continue emitting a light beam even after that light beam has been broken. 
     When the light beam is broken between a pair of illuminated detection devices, one or more visual indicators of one or more of the pairs may illuminate. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , one or more visual indicators of the detections devices of Pair  1   500 , Pair  2   502 , or Pair  3   504  may illuminate. This process may repeat until an athlete stops practicing and the setting is changed. 
     In various embodiments, the first two detection devices that are paired together when the random pairs are set up may serve as a host pair for communications between and among one or more of the other pairs. For instance, referring to  FIG. 5 , detection device  506  and detection device  508  may be the first two detection devices that are paired. In this context, paired means that they are the first two detection devices whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “random pairs” setting and that are arranged so the transmitter of one detection device  506  is aligned with the receiver of the other detection device  508 . As such, detection devices  506 ,  508  may serve as a host pair. 
     When a light beam is broken between a pair of detection devices (referred to throughout this example as an “engaged pair”), the detection device of the engaged pair that is serving as the receiver (receiver device) may detect the breakage. The receiver device may send a message to the other detection device of the engaged pair (transmitter device). The message may include one or more instructions that cause the other detection device to cause its transmitter device to stop illuminating its visual indicators. If the engaged pair is the host pair, one or more detection devices of the host pair may randomly identify a pair of detection devices, and send a message to both detection devices of the identified pair instructing each detection device to illuminate its visual indicators. 
     If the engaged pair is not the host pair, the receiver device of the engaged pair may send a message to the host pair. The receiver device may send a message to either detection device of the host pair. The message may inform the host pair that light beam of the engaged pair has been broken. Upon receiving such a message from an engaged pair, one or more of the detection devices of the host pair may randomly identify a pair of detection devices, and send a message to both detection devices of the identified pair instructing each detection device to illuminate its lights. In various embodiments, the host pair may send a message to the detection device of the engaged pair that is emitting a light beam instructing that detection device to continue to emit the light beam even after the light beam has been broken. 
     The illumination of the visual indicators of a pair of detection devices may indicate that a game piece or a player is to break the light beam of that pair next. In “random pairs” mode, visual indicators of only one pair of detections may illuminate at a time. 
     As an example, referring to  FIG. 5 , Pair  1   500  may serve as the host pair. Pair  3   504  may currently be the engaged pair. Detection device  516  of Pair  3   504  may detect when the light beam between it and detection device  514  is broken. When it detects the breakage, detection device  516  may send a message to detection device  514  instructing detection device  514  to stop illuminating its visual indicators and/or to continue emitting the light beam. Detection device  516  may also send a message to detection device  506  and/or detection device  508  as notification that the light beam has been broken. Detection device  506  and/or detection device  508  may randomly identify a pair in the set (e.g., Pair  1 , Pair  2 , or Pair  3 ). For instance, detection device  506  and/or detection device  508  may identify Pair  2   502 , and may send a message to detection device  510  and detection device  512  instructing each detection device to illuminate its visual indicators. 
     A “dribble weave (lights on)” setting may be used to facilitate a dribble exercise or drill. Multiple detection devices may be arranged in a straight line.  FIG. 6  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , six detection devices ( 600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 ) are arranged in a straight line.  FIG. 6  illustrates an example path  612  illustrating the movement of a ball (or a person) between the detection devices. 
     When detection devices are operating in a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, the visual indicators of each of the detection devices having this setting may be illuminated. The visual indicators may remain illuminated until an event breaks the light beam between two adjacent detection devices. For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , when the light beam between detection device  600  and detection device  602  is broken, the visual indicators of detection device  600  may turn off and may remain off until the last light beam in the sequence of detection devices is broken. When the light beam between detection device  602  and detection device  604  is broken, the visual indicators of detection device  602  may turn off. This may continue until the light beam between detection device  608  and detection device  610  is broken, at which time the visual indicators of both detection device  608  and detection device  610  may turn off. 
     In various embodiments, the first detection device that is set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting may serve as a host device for communication between and among one or more other detection devices. For instance, referring to  FIG. 6 , detection device  600  may be the first detection device that is placed into a dribble weave (lights on) setting. In this context, this may mean that the detection device is the first whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “dribble weave (lights on)” setting. 
     As other detection device are set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting, each may send a message to the host device. The message may inform the host device that the detection device is in communication. The host device may keep track of an order or sequence of connected detection devices based on the order in which messages are received from such detection devices. For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , host device  600  may receive a message from detection device  602 , followed by detection device  604 , then detection device  606 , then detection device  608 , then detection device  610 . The host device may determine each detection device&#39;s position in line based on when its message is received. 
     One or more detection devices may send a message to the host detection device when a light beam it is receiving is broken. For instance, referring to  FIG. 6 , when the light beam between detection device  602  and detection device  604  is broken, detection device  602  may send a message to host detection device  600 . The detection device that is receiving a light beam may turn off one or more of its visual indicators when it detects that the light beam it is receiving has been broken. For example, detection device  602  may cause its one or more of its visual indicators to turn off upon detecting that the light beam between it and detection device  604  has been broken. 
     When the host device receives a message from the last detection device in the sequence that is receiving a light beam, the host device may send a message to the last detection device in the sequence instructing it to turn off one or more of its visual indicators. For instance, referring to  FIG. 6 , when host device  600  receives a message from detection device  608  that the light beam between detection device  608  and detection device  610  has been broken, host device may send a message to detection device  610  instructing it to turn off one or more of its visual indicators. As explained above, the host device keeps track of the sequence of detection devices in the dribble weave (lights on) setting. 
     In various embodiments, the visual indicators of all of the detection devices may remain off for a period of time. For instance, once the light beam between detection device  608  and detection device  610  is broken, the visual indicators of the detection devices  600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610  may remain off for one second. After this time period, the visual indicators of one or more of the detection devices may illuminate again to indicate that another exercise or drill can be performed. For instance, one or more detection devices of a host pair may send one or more instructions to one or more detection devices to illuminate its visual indicators. 
     In various embodiments, in order to place a detection device into a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting, a user may move the selection mechanism of a detection device to a position that corresponds to this setting. A user may change the setting of the detection to this setting in the order of the cones in the configuration. For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , detection device  600  may be changed to a “dribble weave (lights on)” setting first, followed by detection  602 , detection  604 , and so on. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the detection devices may be arranged so that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to a receiver of an adjacent detection device. 
     A “dribble weave (lights off)” setting may be used to facilitate a dribble exercise or drill. Multiple detection devices may be arranged in a straight line.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , six detection devices ( 700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ) are arranged in a straight line.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example path  712  illustrating the movement of a ball (or a person) between the detection devices. 
     When detection devices are operating in a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting, the visual indicators of each of the detection devices having this setting may be turned off until a light beam between it and an adjacent detection device is broken. The visual indicators may remain off until an event breaks the light beam between two adjacent detection devices. For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , when the light beam between detection device  700  and detection device  702  is broken, the visual indicators of detection device  700  may turn on. When the light beam between detection device  702  and detection device  704  is broken, the visual indicators of detection device  702  may turn on. This may continue until the light beam between detection device  708  and detection device  710  is broken, at which time the visual indicators of both detection device  708  and detection device  710  may turn on. 
     In various embodiments, the first detection device that is set to the dribble weave (lights on) setting may serve as a host device for communication between and among one or more other detection devices. For instance, referring to  FIG. 7 , detection device  700  may be the first detection device that is placed into a dribble weave (lights off) setting. In this context, this may mean that the detection device is the first whose selection mechanism is placed in a position that corresponds to the “dribble weave (lights off)” setting. 
     As other detection device are set to the dribble weave (lights off) setting, each may send a message to the host device. The message may inform the host device that the detection device is in communication. The host device may keep track of an order or sequence of connected detection devices based on the order in which messages are received from such detection devices. For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , host device  700  may receive a message from detection device  702 , followed by detection device  704 , then detection device  706 , then detection device  708 , then detection device  710 . The host device may determine each detection device&#39;s position in line based on when its message is received. 
     One or more detection devices may send a message to the host detection device when a light beam it is receiving is broken. For instance, referring to  FIG. 7 , when the light beam between detection device  702  and detection device  704  is broken, detection device  702  may send a message to host detection device  700 . The detection device that is receiving a light beam may turn on one or more of its visual indicators when it detects that the light beam it is receiving has been broken. For example, detection device  702  may cause its one or more of its visual indicators to turn on upon detecting that the light beam between it and detection device  704  has been broken. 
     When the host device receives a message from the last detection device in the sequence that is receiving a light beam, the host device may send a message to the last detection device in the sequence instructing it to turn on one or more of its visual indicators. For instance, referring to  FIG. 7 , when host device  700  receives a message from detection device  708  that the light beam between detection device  708  and detection device  710  has been broken, host device may send a message to detection device  710  instructing it to turn on one or more of its visual indicators. As explained above, the host device keeps track of the sequence of detection devices in the dribble weave (lights off) setting. 
     The message that is sent by the last detection device in the sequence may inform the host pair that the last light beam has been broken. In various embodiments, the visual indicators of all of the detection devices may turn off for a period of time. For instance, after the light beam between detection device  708  and detection device  710  is broken, the visual indicators of the detection devices  700 ,  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710  may remain off to indicate that another exercise or drill can be performed. 
     In various embodiments, in order to place a detection device into a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting, a user may move the selection mechanism of a detection device to a position that corresponds to this setting. A user may change the setting of the detection to this setting in the order of the cones in the configuration. For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , detection device  700  may be changed to a “dribble weave (lights off)” setting first, followed by detection  702 , detection  704 , and so on. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the detection devices may be arranged so that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to a receiver of an adjacent detection device. 
     In a “goal” setting, two detection devices may be placed in proximity to one another such that the transmitter of one detection device is in proximity to the receiver of the other detection device.  FIG. 8  illustrates an example configuration of detection devices operating in a “goal” setting according to an embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , detection devices  800 ,  802  are a first pair representing a first goal, while detection devices  804 ,  806  are a second pair representing a second goal. When in a “goal” setting, the visual indicators of the detection devices may remain off until a light beam between a pair of detection devices is broken. For instance, referring to  FIG. 8 , the visual indicators of detection devices  804 ,  806  may remain off until the light beam between these detection devices is broken. At this time, one or more visual indicators of both detection devices  804 ,  806  may illuminate to indicate that a goal was made. The visual indicators may illuminate for a certain period of time (e.g., three seconds), before they may turn off. 
     This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. The terminology used in this description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope. 
     In this document: (i) the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”; the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; and (iii) unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also, terms such as “top” and “bottom”, “above” and “below”, and other terms describing position are intended to have their relative meanings rather than their absolute meanings with respect to ground. For example, one structure may be “above” a second structure if the two structures are side by side and the first structure appears to cover the second structure from the point of view of a viewer (i.e., the viewer could be closer to the first structure). 
     The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of agents, to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. 
     The above-disclosed features and functions, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various components may be implemented in hardware or software or embedded software. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.