Abstract:
A multi-functional athletic training system for automating many currently manually implemented tasks and performing reaction time, football receiver pattern, and shuttle/split training exercises, including one or more identical training domes, a touchpad unit, and a handheld control unit. In each mode of operation, different cue methods such as MANUAL VISUAL, MANUAL VISUAL &amp; AUDIBLE, CADENCE and PAD may be selected to vary and train the athlete to respond to different starting cues.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/078,148, filed on Jul. 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to sports performance and athletic training devices, and more particularly to devices for measuring and improving speed, agility, and reaction time. 
     Numerous training devices and tools for evaluating and improving athletic performance or general physical fitness, or to aid in practicing specific movements or skills, are known in the prior art. For example, mechanical stopwatches or digital timers are typically used to time athletes in completing a straight run, timed course or drill, or the like. However, other than calculating an overall performance time, such devices provide only a limited amount of pertinent feedback to the athlete that can be used to improve upon and optimize his or her performance, such as how the athlete reacts or responds to particular stimuli or audible and/or visual queues, or performance in different segments of a course or drill. In addition, known training aids optimized to test or improve performance of specific tasks or skills, such as required by a particular sport or activities, have limited usefulness and cannot be easily adapted or used to measure performance in other tasks or skills. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,183 issued to T. A. Wills on Oct. 4, 1983, entitled “Exercise Monitoring Device”, discloses a device which enables users to compare the elapsed time in performing an exercise against a preselected pace or rate. A pickup transducer is used to detect a repetitive exercise action, and the performance is visually compared with the preselected rate on a display using a graph. The applicability of the Wills device is limited to those exercises that are repetitive in nature and confined to a small area within sensing distance of the transducer, such as performing deep kneebends. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,458 issued to J. R. Williams on Feb. 24, 1987, entitled “Athletic Evaluation and Training Apparatus”, discloses a method and device for measuring athletic performance, wherein an athlete proceeds from a starting point to a reaction point, at which one of a plurality of lamps is energized to indicate a predetermined action the athlete must accomplish upon reaching the reaction point, which time is then measured. Light beams are used to start the training scenario and indicate to the system by suitable detectors when the athlete has reached the reaction point, and a control unit is provided. The Williams training apparatus cannot carry out the variety of training scenarios available in the present inventor&#39;s system, which can be used to test reaction time to visual or audible stimuli, perform a large number of training patterns, and track split times in other training courses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,620 issued to J. Yang on Dec. 9, 1986, entitled “Electronic Athlete Trainer for Improving Skills in Reflex, Speed and Accuracy”, discloses a training apparatus that includes an electronic control having a timer and speed selection controls, and several target devices which are in communication with the electronic control. Each target device includes an LED light that is activated when a target is selected using the control, and a target ring which when hit by the player resets the target. In use, the targets are placed on the ground around the player, and the control device is operated to begin a sequence wherein the LED lights on the targets are randomly or sequentially activated. The player must rush to the lit target and hit the target ring in the fastest time possible, after which another target is lit and the player must hit the target ring on that target, and so on. Structurally, the targets are unlike the training domes of the present invention, and in addition, the Yang training device is not capable of performing the multiple training scenarios for which the present invention is designed. 
     Other systems for training and practicing sports-specific movements and improving reaction time are known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,475 issued to Elstein et al., wherein similar to what is shown in Williams an array of lights is placed in front of the athlete and programmed so that each light signifies a different movement pattern to be carried out. U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,100 issued to Smith discloses another exercise pacing device generally similar to the Wills device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,839 issued to Goodwin et al. discloses a portable sports training device for injecting real time speed into practice sessions, whereby skills must be successfully completed within a preset time simulative of actual game times in order for the athlete to get credit for completing the skill. U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,669 issued to Marshall discloses a foot pad sensor system for calculating foot movement speeds. 
     Various sports training systems including digital video cameras and video display images, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,578 issued to Baum, U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,204 issued to Iannazo et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,492 are also known. These, in general allow an athlete&#39;s movements to be repetitively displayed for detailed study, often slowed down for better analysis. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,961 issued to Holland, III, discloses a system for measuring reaction time including a floor pad, several sensor pads, and a control device. The floor pad includes a pressure sensitive switch on which the user stands, and the sensor pads are provided in a box-like housing and include a light device. The sensor pads are spaced apart from the floor pad, and when a light on one of the pads is activated, the user leaves the floor pad and moves as quickly as possible to press the lighted sensor pad. Such device does not appear to be capable of performing a full “pattern” routine as is provided in the present inventor&#39;s device, however, and in addition cannot be used to measure split times or performance of other athletic activities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,234 issued to D. Mathog discloses a sports cone having two rings of LED lights, one colored red and one colored blue. Depending upon the state of such lights, an athlete is instructed to pass the athlete on either the left, right, or either side of the cone, or not to pass at all, with the light signals being set at random. 
     The present inventor&#39;s athletic multi-functional training device and system is designed to improve an athlete&#39;s speed, reaction time, agility, and the efficiency and overall quality of a workout regimen. The multi-functional training device and system is a benefit to both coaches and athletes and may be used to improve training regimens and skills in virtually any sports activity. The present device is particularly applicable for use with timed drills, such as for tracking sprint speeds, sports specific movements, and hand-eye coordination. Athletes are required to react to a drill initiation cue, with may be auditory, visual, or auditory and visual, and the training device automatically calculates their time in completing such drill, whereby the end of the drill is completed when the user either passes through a laser sensor or hits a button to signal the end of the drill. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an athletic training device and system for conducting athletic training drills and evaluating and improving training drill results, including reaction time drills, pattern exercises, and shuttle/split exercises. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional training system for improving the training of athletes for both individual and team sports. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional training system that automates many of the manually implemented tasks now being performed by coaches, and which system is portable and provides for multiple training exercises. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an athletic training device and system for determining and improving an athlete&#39;s reaction time, and in which mode multiple athletes can competitively train. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an athletic training device and system for conducting and improving performance of pattern exercises such as football receiver patterns. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an athletic training device and system for conducting and improving performance so-called in shuttle/split exercises. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a training device that increases and maintains the interest and motivation of athletes during performance of training drills. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an improved multi-functional athletic training system designed to improve the training and performance of athletes in both individual and team sports, and in addition to automate many manually implemented tasks performance tasks now being individually performed by coaches. The improved training system is extremely versatile in that the system components are reconfigurable to accommodate different sport training activity modes such as reaction time exercises, football receiver pattern exercises, and so-called shuttle/split exercises, and allows multiple athletes to competitively train in active reaction mode. In addition, the system is provided in a compact portable package, and is comprised of and supplied in a preferred commercial embodiment of one or more identical training domes, a touchpad unit, and a handheld control unit. In one mode of operation, the touchpad unit emits an audible tone and infrared signal when activated, which signal is received by the handheld unit, which control unit emits an audible signal for the athlete to begin an exercise event. When the athlete releases the touchpad unit, the infrared signal ceases, and the handheld unit transmits a start timer signal to one of several training domes, and the athlete&#39;s reaction time thereto is measured. In another mode, a sequential pattern of activation of training domes can be selected, which pattern the athlete then repeats as quickly as possible. In yet another mode, the training domes, which include infrared emitters, are aligned in a straight line and corresponding infrared reflectors are positioned opposite and equidistant from the respective domes, forming a running lane. The reflectors are aligned with the infrared emitters so that the emitted signal is reflected back to a detector in the training domes, whereby when the athlete interrupts such signal a split time is recorded by each dome and transmitted to the handheld unit. Using the present inventor&#39;s multi-functional training system, a coach or fitness trainer can instruct athlete&#39;s to perform a variety of different training scenarios to improve reaction time, speed, agility, strength, and to practice specific exercises or patterns by providing useful and detailed feedback regarding each athlete&#39;s performance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDED DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the system components of the multi-functional training system of the present invention arranged to accommodate reaction time exercise mode. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partially cut away view of a training dome of the system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the printed circuit board schematic of the training dome. 
         FIG. 4   a  illustrates a top view of the remote touchpad unit of the training system depicting the infrared transmitting module and on/off switch. 
         FIG. 4   b  illustrates a partially cut side away view of the remote touchpad unit. 
         FIG. 5  shows the printed circuit board schematic of the touchpad unit. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the front panel of handheld unit  300 . 
         FIG. 7  shows the printed circuit board schematic of the handheld unit. 
         FIG. 8  shows the initialization flow chart of the handheld unit. 
         FIG. 9  shows the flow chart of the mode selection process. 
         FIG. 10  shows the flow chart for the reaction mode of operation. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the LCD display for the reaction mode. 
         FIG. 12  shows the flow chart for the pattern mode of operation. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the physical placement of the components for the splits mode of operation. 
         FIG. 14  shows the flow chart for the splits mode of operation. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the LCD display for the splits mode of operation. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view from the top of an alternative embodiment of the touchpad unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one side of an alternative embodiment of the training domes of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a close-up view of the display screen of the training dome shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the reflector units of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. 
     Fast moving sports, such as track, football, soccer and other similar sports require, for winning performance, quick reactions, maximum responses and changes from inactivity or relative inactivity to intense activity and maximum output. For example, a football receiver must sprint quickly ahead for a predetermined distance upon the snap of the ball, avoiding defensive players and then at an optimum distance, suddenly turn at almost a right angle and proceed at usually a lesser speed along a projection of said right angle to the prior movement, alertly watching for the throw of the ball and when the ball is thrown, alter his movement such that he will arrive at the spot where the thrown ball will return to the earth at the same time the ball descends. All such movements should be executed or completed, not only at a maximum speed, but at an output that will leave sufficient vitality to continue all expected further maneuvers. The player must also be aware through his senses of what is going on around him, adapting his movements to signals received, and when the ball is caught he must again frequently alter his course sharply toward the goal line, meanwhile watching and avoiding, if possible, all other players. Great players will be able to do this instinctively at least with a little practice, but other players may need to practice and train in order to attain the form of high intensity movements and patterns of movements executed at high speed and intensity characteristic of this sport. Usually the training necessary is provided by experienced coaches who either show the player “how to do it”, or may have other players who know how show less experienced players how to do it while directing the entire operation. The same general pattern of training is inherently followed in most sports. 
     Special equipment has in the past been invented to aid coaches to provide the necessary instruction and training, but sometimes with limited results. The present invention, however, allows a considerably more varied repetition of training activities with a single apparatus system which not only aids coaches and trainers, but allows the players themselves to execute varied training moves and routines. Through the use of light and auditory signals received from the apparatus that can be placed at various locations and distances on a training field, a number of different training routines can be performed to increase a player&#39;s reaction time and execution of patterns of movement found within their sport. 
       FIGS. 1-15  illustrate a first mode of construction of the multi-functional athletic training device and system of the present invention, while  FIGS. 16-19  illustrate an alternative construction of the components of the system. Wherever possible, like reference numerals to those in the previously described embodiment or other system components denote like elements or like functional means. The multi-functional athletic training device and system, which is generally indicated in  FIGS. 1-15  by reference numeral  1 , consists of one or more identical training domes  100 ,  101 , and  102  (see  FIG. 13 ), remote touchpad unit  250 , and handheld unit  300 . Additional training domes  103 ,  104 ,  105  etc. identical to domes  100 - 102  may also be provided as necessary, without deviating from the intended scope of the invention. Training domes  100 - 102 , remote touchpad unit  250 , and handheld unit  300  are each preferably battery operated and rechargeable. Additionally, the components of system  1  can be stored and transported in a conventionally constructed impact resistant aluminum case (not shown). As demonstrated below, domes  100 - 102  and touchpad  250  are preferably positioned on an exercise field  151  in a desired spaced-apart configuration, while handheld unit  300  is usually held and operated by a coach or other user/trainer. As shown in the example in  FIG. 1 , dome  100  is separated from dome  101  by a known distance  152 , and domes  100  and  101  are positioned known distances  153  and  154  respectively from touchpad  250 . Additional domes  102 ,  103  etc. can similarly placed on field  151 . 
     Referring in particular now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown in partial cross-section one of the training domes  100 , which comprises a conventional telescopically extendable tubular support member  110 , a lower support base  160 , a communication module  180  and a covering  140 , which as shown has the appearance of a conventional traffic cone but may have other appearances or shapes. Support member  110  is further comprised of upper member  112  and lower member  114 , which members are preferably tubular in nature. A locking collar  116  attached to the distal end of lower member  114  is rotatable in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction as indicated by arrow  118 , and allows upper member  112  to be telescopically extended from lower member  114  and then locked into place, thereby adjustably extending the length of member  110 . Preferably, upper member  112  has a smaller diameter than lower member  114 , and is extended out of lower member  114  a sufficient distance so that its upper end protrudes through top hole  130  of covering or traffic cone  140 . Support member  110  can therefore be extended to accommodate coverings or cones  140  having different vertical lengths or height  142 . The distal end of upper member  112  also has internal thread  120 . 
     Support base  160  includes a bottom flanged ground support plate  164  which is placed on ground surface  151 , and extending upwardly from ground support plate  164  is integral upright tubular support  162  in which the proximal end of lower support  114  of support member  110  is secured. The inside diameter  166  of tubular support  162  is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the proximal end of lower support  114 , allowing support  114  to be easily inserted into base  160 . A conventional clamping arrangement (not shown) of a type known to those skilled in the art is used to secure member  110  to base  160  (not shown). For example, this may be a friction fit of the proximal end of lower member  114  in tubular support  162 . Four through-holes  166   a ,  166   b ,  166   c , and  166   d  ( 166   b - 166   d  not shown) in ground support plate  164  are concentrically located around the periphery of plate  164 , and have a diameter sized to accept stakes  168   a ,  168   b ,  168   c , and  166   d  ( 166   c - 166   d  not shown), respectively. Stakes  168   a - 168   d  are to be driven into the ground surface  151  to further support base  160  and therefore vertical member  110 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , upright tubular support  162  also supports along its outer surface concentrically positioned upper cord chamber  170 , which is stacked on top of lower cord chamber  172 . Cord chambers  170  and  172  independently and axially rotate around the outside diameter of upright tubular support  162 , and hold measuring cords  176  and  178 , respectively. Cords  176  and  178  have visual delimiters such as every foot or thirty centimeters, and are retractably extended from base  160  during setup of the components of the system  1  for determining distances between training domes  100  and  101  and between cones  100  and  101  and touchpad  250 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Cord chambers  170  and  172  preferably include a latch mechanism (not shown) of a type that is similar to a conventional retractable tape measure. 
     Cylindrically shaped communication module  180  has an externally threaded lower support tube  182  extending downwardly from module  180 . The external threads on support tube  182  match internal threads  120  of support  112 , and lower support tube  182  is dimensioned to allow module  180  to be threadably secured to the distal end of telescoping upper support  112  of support member  110 . Axially integral with tube  182  is downwardly directed chamber  184  having an outwardly sloped side surface  186  and a top surface  188 . Mounted and axially aligned with top surface  188  is cylindrically shaped housing  190 , on which a top accessible electrical push button switch  192  is mounted. Additionally, housing  190  includes a high intensity light emitting diode cover  194  on its side surface. Further enclosed within housing  190  is printed circuit board  196  (see  FIG. 3 ) and battery  197  (not shown), while antenna  198  is electrically connected to circuit board  196 , and is mounted to top surface  188  of chamber  184 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in which the printed circuit board schematic of training dome circuit board  196  is shown, circuit board  196  comprises a conventional microcontroller  200  having flash memory  201  for storing a program and random access memory  202  for storing program variables. Microcontroller  200  is preferably a low voltage, low power eight bit microcontroller such as a 68HC508 manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor. Connected to microcontroller  200  is switch matrix  210  having a plurality of individual switches  210   a - 210   c . Also connected to microcontroller  200  is switch  192 . 
     Microcontroller  200  has programmable pull-up resistors which are enabled for each switch input lines  212   a - 212   c  of matrix  210  and line  202  of switch  192 . Thus, closing any of switches  210   a - 210   c  or closing switch  192  will pull down their respective lines to microcontroller  200 . Further connected to microcontroller  200  via a seven line bus  211  is a display device, which is preferably a conventional seven segment high intensity light emitting diode display  213 , but may also be another type of display such as a dot matrix display. 
     Antenna  198  connects to radio frequency switch  220  via line  219  and receives or transmits respective radio frequency signals  207  or  209 . Switch  220  is controlled by microcontroller  200  via line  225  and either connects antenna  198  to radio frequency receiver  222  or connects antenna  198  to radio frequency transmitter  224 , depending upon the signal placed onto line  225 . Receiver  222  is connected to microcontroller  200  via line  227 . Receiver  222  amplifies and demodulates signals  207  received by antenna  198 . 
     Microcontroller  200  is further connected to transmitter  224  via line  229 . Transmitter  224  is responsive to signals placed onto line  229  from microcontroller  200  and converts these signals to radio frequency signals, which are then placed onto line  219  via switch  220 . The signals placed onto line  219  are then radiated by antenna  198  as signals  209 . Thus, microcontroller  200  can receive signals  207  or transmit signals  209 . 
     Microcontroller  200  further connects to light emitting diode driver  225  via line  227 . Driver  225  is connected to high intensity white light emitting diodes  230  and  231  which, when activated by microcontroller  200  via line  227  and driver  225 , produce respective visible light  233  and  232 . Colored transparent filter  194  provides for the coloring of the LED white light into, for example, red, yellow and green light. 
     Additionally, circuit  196  further comprises an infrared transmitter module  237  having on/off switch  235 . When powered on, module  237  transmits a focused beam of infrared radiation  239  onto a distant and externally mounted reflector  241 . Reflector  241  reflects incident radiation  239  back towards infrared receiver  245  via infrared radiation  243 . Receiver  245  in response to receiving reflection  243  places a signal onto line  247  which flows back to microcontroller  200 . Transmitter  237  could also be a focused laser beam transmitter module. 
     Circuit  196  is powered by rechargeable battery  197 . On/off switch  249  applies power to circuit  196 . An external battery charger connects to and charges battery  197  via connector  226  and diode  228 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , there is shown in greater detail from the front or top remote touchpad unit  250  which consists of a rectangular shaped base  251  having a top mounted cap  253  secured in an aperture in the top surface of base  251 . Corner through-holes  255   a - 255   d  extend through base  251  and allow the base to be securely held in place on the ground by inserting stakes through such through-holes  255   a - 255   d  and into ground surface  151  in a similar fashion for securing base  160  of training domes  100 - 102  to ground surface  151 . In addition, infrared transmitting module  257  is mounted to the front or top of base  251 , which when activated, transmits an infrared radiation signal  283 . Also provided on the top surface of base  251  is on/off switch  261 . 
     In  FIG. 4   b , which is a partially cut-away side view of touchpad unit  250 , it is apparent that cap  253  is resting or positioned over or on top of stainless steel flexible dome  254 , and furthermore dome  254  is resting on or secured to the upwardly facing surface of printed circuit board  271 . Cap  253 , dome  254  and printed circuit board  271  together form a metal dome electrical switch  273 . Board  271  is conventionally mounted and secured to base  251  with screws (not shown). Cap  253  also has a flange  258  along its lower edge, which flange extends outwardly from the side surface of cap  253 , and is positioned under lip  259  of base  251  surrounding the opening in which cap  253  is housed in base  251 . Flange  258  thus prevents cap  253  from extending upwardly out of such opening beyond lip  259 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , which shows the printed circuit board schematic of touchpad unit  250 , electrical power is provided to pad  250  via on/off switch  261  and battery  263 . Battery  263  is recharged via electrical connector  267  and diode  265 . Audible sound beeper  274  is electrically connected in parallel with the series combination of infrared emitting diode  277  and current limiting resistor  275  to battery  263  via switch  261 . The other end of the parallel combination connects to one terminal of switch  273 . The opposite or other end of switch  273  connects to ground. Depressing cap  253  deforms dome  254  closing switch  273  allowing electrical current to flow through both beeper  274  which emits an audible tone and the series combination of diode  277  and resistor  275  which emits infra red radiation  283 . Additional series combinations of resistor  279  and diode  281  may be added to increase infrared output power and/or increase the angle of transmission. Also, a radio frequency transmitter  285  having connected antenna  287  may also be added in parallel to beeper  274 . Closing switch  273  activates transmitter  285  emitting radio frequency signal  289 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , handheld control unit  300  comprises preferably a plastic case or housing  301 . Case  301  has a top surface  302  and further encloses alphanumeric LCD display  303  and contains training dome pushbutton switches  305 ,  309 ,  313 , and  317  and their respective visible dome light emitting diodes  307 ,  311 ,  315 , and  319 . SAVE DATA pushbutton switch  321  and ON/OFF switch  323  are additionally mounted on the top surface  302  of case  301 , as are three mode pushbutton switches  325 ,  329  and  333  along with their respective visible mode light emitting diodes  327 ,  331  and  333 . RESET pushbutton switch  337  is positioned on top surface  302  to the right of mode switch  333 . Further switches on top surface  302  include Players  1  pushbutton switch  339  and Player  2  pushbutton switch  341 , numeric pushbutton matrix  343  having numeric pushbuttons  0  through  9 , and DONE  345 , AGAIN  347 , MANUAL VISUAL  349 , MANUAL V &amp; A (Visual and Audible)  351 , CADENCE  355  and PAD  360  pushbutton switches. Dome selection switches  305 ,  309 ,  313  and  317  are grouped together, as are the mode selection switches  325 ,  329  and  335 . On the back of case  301  (not shown) is an access compartment having address program switches  403 ,  405 ,  407  and  409  for programming unique addresses for each dome respectively corresponding to dome switches  305 ,  309 ,  313  and  317 . The address set for each dome within case  301  corresponds to the address programmed for each dome via dome switch  210 . ON/OFF switch  323  powers-on handheld control unit  300 , and vertical antenna  427  is securely mounted onto case  301 . Also mounted underneath case  301  is an audible beeper  441  (not shown). Also included within handheld unit  300  is a conventional bi-directional USB communication port, and housed within case  301  is a rechargeable battery  419 , printed circuit board  401  and recharging jack  477 , which items not shown in  FIG. 6  but are referred to in the circuit diagram of  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 7 , printed circuit board  401  comprises circuit schematic  401   a  and includes microcontroller  402  having FLASH  450  and RAM  455  memory. FLASH  450  stores a program which is executed by microcontroller  402  and RAM memory  455  stores program variables. Microcontroller  402  is preferably a 16 bit 68HC5 12 microcontroller manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor. Switches  403 ,  405 ,  407  and  409  are connected to a port of microcontroller  402  via respective lines  404 ,  406 ,  408  and  410  and respectively correspond to the programming switches on each dome. For example, switch  403  corresponds to the address programming switch  210  for Dome  1 , switch  405  corresponds to address programming switch  210  for Dome  2  etc. Also, individual switch  403   a  corresponds to switch  210   a  on Dome  1 , individual switch  403   b  corresponds to switch  210   b  on Dome  1  etc. 
     Further connected to and in bi-directional communication via bus  461  with microcontroller  402  is liquid crystal display (LCD)  303 . Conventional USB interface circuit  457  is connected to microcontroller  402  via bi-directional bus  459 . LED matrix  411  corresponds to all of the LEDs contained within case  301  and is of conventional design and connects to microcontroller  402  via line  451 . Likewise, switch  10  matrix  413  corresponds to all of the switches except for switch  417  contained within case  301  and is of conventional design and connects to microcontroller  402  via line  452 . LED matrix  411  is arranged so that microcontroller can turn on one or more individual LEDs. Switch matrix  413  allows microcontroller to individually scan each switch and to determine if that switch has been depressed. 
     Further connected to microcontroller  402  via line  435  is infrared detector circuit  439 . Detector circuit  439  receives infrared radiation  283  transmitted by diode  277  from touchpad  250 . Also connected to microcontroller  402  via line  437  is audible beeper  441  which when activated produces audible tone  443 . Additionally included within printed circuit board  400  is battery charger connector  477 , charging diode  415 , battery  419  and power switch  417 . 
     The multi-functional athletic training device and system  1  of the present invention is a comprehensive training platform providing reaction time (REACTION), receiver pattern (PATTERN) and sprint/split (SPLIT) modes of operation. System  1  further provides for both the accurate and repeatable geometrical placement of system components thereby insuring consistent and accurate relative distances among system components even when the system has been removed from field  151  and placed at a different training location (for example, the system can be used inside as well as outside and will still maintain the exact geometric relationship among system components). 
     In use, all modes will first require that the system components be positioned on field  151  depending upon the selected mode. The system components will then need to be programmed to establish bi-directional radio frequency communication between domes  100 ,  101 ,  102  and  103  and handheld unit  300 . 
     For REACTION mode, one dome is positioned a desired distance from the touchpad as shown in  FIG. 1  using only dome  100  and touchpad  250 . For PATTERN mode, one to four domes are each positioned a distance from the touchpad and from each other as shown in  FIG. 1  using as an example domes  100  and  101  and touchpad  250 . For SPLIT mode, one to four domes are aligned in a line and positioned a distance from the touchpad and from each other as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     To position one or more of the domes onto field  151  (for example, dome  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 ) the dome&#39;s respective base  164  is first placed a desired distance  153  from touchpad  250  using the delimiters on cord  176  to measure distance  153 . To place a second dome (for example, dome  101  in  FIG. 1 ) a desired distance  152  from dome  100  and a distance  154  from touchpad  250 , respective cord  176  is used to measure distance  152  and cord  178  is used to measure distance  154 . Thus, both cords can independently measure two distances from the respective dome to other system components. Having properly positioned the system components with respect to each other, the cords are unlatched and wound back onto their respective forms. 
     Locking ring  116  of support member  110  is then loosened so that upper member  112  can be extended past height  142  of cone  140 . Ring  116  is then tightened rigidly securing upper member  112  to lower member  114  so that support member  110  is at the proper height. The proximal end of lower member  114  is then inserted into upright tubular support  162   166  of support base  160 . Cone  140  is then positioned over member  110  so that the distal or upper end of upper member  112  protrudes a distance through the hole in the narrow end of cone  140 . External threads  182  on cap  180  are then aligned with internal threads  120  on upper member  112  and cap  180  is threadably secured to member  112 . As cap  180  is being screwed into or threadably connected to upper member  112  of support member  110 , the beveled sides  186  of cap  180  forcibly contact and press against the upper outside portion  141  of cone  140 , firmly anchoring member  110  to cone  140 . The wide base of cone  140  adds stability for member  110 . The height adjustability of member  110  allows the invention to be used with cones of various vertical heights  142  to accommodate both children and adults. 
     Having positioned the system components according to the desired operational mode, the system components are then programmed to establish bi-directional radio frequency communication between domes  100 ,  101 ,  102  and  103  and handheld unit  300 . To program the system, the coach first programs the address of dome  100  by opening and/or closing one or more switches  210   a ,  210   b  and  210   c  of switch matrix  210 . This address will be used by handheld unit  300  to uniquely communicate with dome  100 . Likewise, if more than one dome is used such as dome  101 , switch  210  matrix of dome  101  will be programmed in a similar fashion but with different  210   a ,  210   b  and  210   c  switch positions than those used for dome  100 . Switch matrix  403  of handheld unit  300  is programmed with exactly the same switch state as dome  100 . If dome  101  is also required, switch matrix  405  of handheld unit  300  is programmed with exactly the same switch state as dome  101 , and if additional domes are being utilized, the same programming procedure would be repeated for such domes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , which illustrates the initialization process for system  1 , in step  501 , the user applies power to dome  100  and handheld unit  300  by placing the respective power switches  249  and  417  into the ON position. Then, in step  503 , a bi-directional communication link is established between handheld unit  300  and dome  100 . After an internal power-on initialization process which defines the proper port configurations for microcontrollers  200  and  402 , handheld unit  300  places switch  425  into the transmit position connecting antenna  427  to transmitter  417 . Microcontroller  402  then sends an encoded radio frequency signal consisting of the address of dome  100  previously set using switch matrix  403  and a concatenated bounce-back command data word which instructs dome  100  to send back its address and the same concatenated command data word. Then, microcontroller  402  places switch  425  into the receive position, connecting antenna  427  to receiver  415 . If the decoded address matches that previously programmed by switch matrix  210  for dome  100 , microcontroller places switch  220  into the transmit position connecting antenna  198  to transmitter  224 . The exact same address and command data word is then transmitted back to handheld unit  300 . After transmission is completed, microcontroller  200  places switch  220  into the receive position. 
     After receiving the address and bounce-back command data word, microcontroller  402  compares the received address and command data word with that which was previously sent and if a match occurs, microcontroller  402  sends a signal via bus  451  to LED matrix  411  illuminating LED  307 . Microcontroller then places switch  425  into the transmit position. Handheld unit  300  has now established a bi-directional communication link with dome  100 . 
     This procedure for establishing a bi-directional communication link between handheld unit  300  and the remaining domes  101 ,  102 , and  103  continues in steps  507  through  517 . Thus after the steps outlined in  FIG. 8  have been completed, handheld unit  300  knows which domes are on-line and communicating properly with unit  300  and informs the user by activating the respective LEDs  307 ,  311 ,  315  and  319 . Simultaneously depressing all of the dome switches  305 ,  309 ,  313  and  317  in step  521  forces a complete reset system command and the entire process of  FIG. 8  is repeated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , microcontroller  402  then scans the mode switches  325 ,  329  and  335 . If a mode switch is depressed, microcontroller identifies which mode switch was depressed and proceeds to the respective process. In step  523 , if REACTION mode switch  325  is depressed, microcontroller proceeds to step B  525 . In step  527 , if PATTERN mode switch  329  is depressed, microcontroller proceeds to step C  529 . In step  531 , if SPLIT mode switch is depressed, microcontroller proceeds to step D  533 . If no modes switches are depressed, microcontroller  402  continues to scan these switches. Depressing RESET switch  337 , as indicated by step  537 , causes microcontroller  402  to again begin scanning the mode switches  325 ,  329 , and  335 . 
     REACTION Mode: 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in step  551  microcontroller  402  turns on corresponding LED  327  giving a visual indication to the user that the REACTION mode has been accepted by the microcontroller. The user then selects the chosen dome in step  553  by depressing one of the dome switches  305 ,  309 ,  313  or  317 . In response to this selection, microcontroller  402  responds by turning on the corresponding switch LED  307 ,  311 ,  315  or  319  to indicate visually on handheld unit  300  which dome  305 ,  309 ,  313 , or  317  was selected. The user then selects either one player by depressing switch  339  or two players by depressing switch  341  in step  555 . The user then selects the type of cue method in step  557 , by which the user will be prompted to perform the training program. Four types of cue methods are provided and include MANUAL VISUAL, MANUAL V&amp;A, CADENCE and PAD having the respective switches  349 ,  351 ,  355  and  360 . 
     The MANUAL VISUAL cue is initiated when the user depresses switch  349 . Microcontroller  402  inputs the state of the switches address switches  403 ,  405 ,  407  or  409  depending upon the dome selected in step  553 . Then, microcontroller  402  transmits the dome address and a “start timer” and “light LED” command to the selected dome in step  559 . In response to the transmitted signal, the selected dome turns on LED driver  225  which in turn illuminates LED  230  on the selected dome and starts an internal timer in step  561 , thus providing a visual signal to the player. The player then races to the illuminated dome and depresses switch  192  which stops the internal timer. The time increment between start timer transmission (step  559 ) and depressing switch  192  (step  561 ) is stored in microcontroller  200  and is defined as the reaction time. 
     In step  563 , microcontroller  402  communicates with the selected dome to transmit back to the microcontroller the stored reaction time. In step  565 , microcontroller receives the reaction time from the dome, and in step  567  displays the data onto LCD screen  303 . More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , LCD screen  303  may be programmed to display the type of event  581 , the selected dome  579 , the player or players (in this display, two players have been selected in step  555 ), the reaction time  575  in seconds, and the repetition number  577 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a plurality of reaction time tests may be provided for each player, with the results of such tests being displayed simultaneously on LCD screen  303 . In step  569 , microcontroller  402  scans the RESET switch  337  and if depressed exits to A step  519 . Otherwise another reaction time event begins with the depressing of a cue switch. 
     If MANUAL V &amp; A (Manual Visual &amp; Audible) is selected in step  557  by depressing switch  351 , the steps in the routine are similar to the MANUAL cue except that handheld unit  300  produces an audible signal with microcontroller  402  enabling beeper  441  in addition to activating LED  230  on the addressed dome. 
     Selecting the CADENCE cue in step  557  by depressing switch  355  causes handheld unit  300  to produce two short audible tones followed by a longer tone which mimics a quarterback&#39;s “hut-hut-hut” cadence. At the beginning of the long tone handheld unit  300  transmits the appropriate start timer signal to the selected dome in step  559 . 
     Before selecting the PAD cue, which refers generally to the use of touchpad  250 , the player first positions himself over touchpad  250  and depresses cap  253  of electrical dome switch  273  which activates infrared diode  277 , producing an infrared transmission  283  and also producing an audible tone from beeper  274 . The coach then points handheld unit  300  towards touchpad  250  and aligns infrared receiver  439  with touchpad  250  receiving infrared transmission  283 . If microcontroller  402  is receiving signal  283 , LED  365  is activated via bus  451  and LED matrix  411 . A short tone is then produced by microcontroller  402  via beeper  441  which audibly informs the player to begin the event. As soon as the player releases switch  273 , infrared signal  283  terminates which is subsequently detected by handheld unit  300  which then transmits the appropriate start timer signal to the selected dome in step  559 . The reaction time of the player is then calculated as previously described. 
     PATTERN Mode: 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the PATTERN mode is selected by depressing switch  329 . Microcontroller  402  in response to this selection turns on LED  331  in step  600 . The user then selects a dome by depressing one of the dome switches  305 ,  309 ,  313 , or  317  in step  601 . The user then selects a number to be subsequently displayed by the selected dome from switch matrix  343  in step  603 . After selecting a number from switch matrix  343 , microcontroller  402  transmits the respective dome address and the selected number data to the addressed dome. In step  605 , the addressed dome responds by storing the selected number data into its corresponding RAM  202 . In step  607 , microcontroller  402  scans DONE switch  345  and either returns to step  601  to program another dome or continues to step  609 . In step  609 , the user selects one of the four cue switches MANUAL VISUAL  349 , MANUAL V&amp;A  351 , CADENCE  355  and PAD  360  previously described in the Reaction Mode section. 
     Having selected the cue in step  609 , in step  613  microcontroller  402  sequentially transmits each selected dome address along with a DISPLAY NUMBER command. In response to the handheld unit  300  transmission, each addressed dome responds by displaying the previously transmitted and subsequently stored number onto seven segment LED display  213 . 
     The user can again repeat the drill by depressing AGAIN switch  347  in step  615 . If the AGAIN switch is depressed, program flow continues to step  617  in which microcontroller  402  sends a corresponding address and reset signal to each dome. In response to the reset signal, each dome shuts off their respective seven segment display  213 . Program flow then returns to step  609  (if a cue is selected by depressing one of the cue switches  349 ,  351 ,  355  or  360 ) or back to step  601  to reprogram a selected dome with a new display number. If RESET switch  337  is depressed in step  619 , program flow continues step  621  where microcontroller  402  sends a reset signal to each dome shutting off their respective seven segment display  213 . Program flow then continues to A step  519  where microcontroller  402  again scans the mode switches. 
     SPLIT Mode: 
     In the SPLIT mode of operation, as shown  FIG. 13 , the domes (for example three domes  100 - 102  in  FIG. 13 ) are aligned in a straight line and are separated a distance  690  from each other and from touchpad  250 . Such distances are measured using the measuring cords  176  and  178  stored in base  160  of the domes as previously described. In addition, corresponding infrared reflectors  100   a ,  101   a  and  102   a  are positioned opposite and equidistant from their respective domes  100 ,  101  and  102 . Reflectors  100   a ,  101   a , and  102   a  are represented in  FIG. 3  by reflector  241 . A running lane is therefore established, with as illustrated in  FIG. 13  the aligned domes forming the left boundary line and the aligned reflectors forming the right boundary line, with touchpad  250  positioned in the center of the lane. The user then closes switch  235  on each dome turning on infrared transmitter  237  (or laser beam transmitter as previously described) which transmits signal  239  to reflector  241 . Each respective reflector must be aligned to reflect infrared signal  239  as signal  243  back to infrared detector  245 . When reflected infrared signal  243  is received by receiver  245 , aligned LED  233   a  on the dome is turned on giving a visual indication  232  to the user that transmitter  237 , reflector  241  and receiver  245  are properly aligned. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the SPLITS mode is selected by depressing switch  335  in step  531 . Microcontroller  402  in response to this selection turns on LED  333  in step  651 . Program flow then continues to step  653  where microcontroller  402  polls each dome for proper alignment with their respective reflectors by sequentially addressing each dome and sending an ALIGNMENT command. The addressed domes send back either a good alignment of bad alignment response. If any dome is not aligned with its respective reflector, microcontroller  402  directs the corresponding dome LED  307 ,  311 ,  315  and/or  319  in step  657  to flash or blink. 
     Program flow then continues to step  659  where the player positions him or herself over touchpad  250  and depresses cap  253  of dome electrical switch  273 , which activates infrared diode  277  and produces an infrared transmission  283 . The coach then points handheld unit  300  towards the touchpad  250  and aligns infrared receiver  439  with touchpad  250  receiving infrared transmission  283 . In step  661 , if microcontroller  402  is receiving signal  283 , LED  365  on handheld unit  300  is activated via bus  451  and LED matrix  411 . A short tone is then produced by microcontroller  402  via beeper  441  which audibly informs the player to begin the event. In step  663 , as soon as the player releases switch  273 , infrared signal terminates which is subsequently detected by handheld unit  300 . In step  665  and in response to the player releasing switch  273 , microcontroller  402  transmits a timer start signal to each aligned dome  100 ,  101 ,  102  etc. which starts each dome&#39;s timer. 
     As the player runs past each dome-reflector pair  100 - 100   a ,  101 - 101   a ,  102 - 102   a , etc., the corresponding incident  239  and reflected  243  infrared beam is interrupted, which is detected by each dome&#39;s respective microcontroller  200  stopping its timer. In step  667 , handheld unit  300  polls each dome and inputs their respective accumulated timer values. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , and in step  669 , microcontroller  402  displays all of the timer results on LCD screen  303  displaying the times for each distance traveled by the player. For example, Split  1  represents the elapsed time from the moment the player released switch  273  until the player reached dome-reflector pair  100 - 100   a , Split  2  represents the computed elapsed time from the player reached dome reflector pair  100 - 100   a  until the player reached dome-reflector pair  101 - 101   a , determined by subtracting the elapsed time from releasing switch  273  and reaching dome-reflector pair  100 - 100   a  from the elapsed time from releasing switch  273  and reaching dome-reflector pair  101 - 101   a . The split times between reaching dome-reflector pairs  102 - 102   a  and  103 - 103   a , as well as the total elapsed time, are also displayed. 
     The athletic training apparatus and system of the present invention is thus extremely versatile and capable of coordinating performance of a variety of different training routines according to the needs and requirements of athletes.  FIGS. 16-19  illustrate an alternative construction of the components of the multi-functional training system  700  of the present invention. In  FIG. 16 , there is shown touchpad unit  702  which in the present embodiment consists of a cylindrically shaped vertically extending housing  704  having tripod-type legs or supports  706 ,  708 , and  710  connected to the lower end of housing  704  by U-shaped channel members  712 . More particularly, legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are pivotally connected between the arms of channel members  712  by pivot bolts  714 , and are pivotable between a support position as shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the legs are extended outwardly, and a storage position, not shown, wherein legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are pivoted upwardly so that they are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical housing  704 . Legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a support position by pins  716  which are passed through apertures  718  in the lower end of channels  712  and through corresponding apertures in each of the leg members. Similarly, legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a storage position by removing pins  716  from apertures  718 , pivoting the legs upwardly, and then passing pins  716  through apertures  720  in the upper end of channels  712 , and matching notches  722  or other aligned apertures on legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 . Ground engaging foot members  724  are provided on the outer ends of legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 , and the legs each include a handhold area  726  to facilitate gripping, carrying and pivoting the legs during setup and storage of unit  702 . Meanwhile, transparent or translucent cylindrical housing section  730  is secured on the upper end of housing  704 , and cap  732  is mounted on top of housing  724 . Touchpad unit  702  also contains an infrared transmitting module similar to the previously described embodiment, which is preferably mounted to housing section  730 , and which when activated transmits an infrared signal. 
     Also provided on housing  704  is and on/off switch  728 . Cap  732  is electrically connected to wire  734  and serves as an electrical switch or button that activates the infrared signal which signal is then transmitted in the manner already described or in another manner that will be evident to those skilled in the art to the handheld unit, shown in  FIG. 20 . Touchpad unit  702  and cap  732  are provided to indicate in at least one mode of operation that the athlete is ready to begin an exercise course or training session. Thus, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the cap or activation switch is raised off of the ground a distance so that it is within easy reach of the athlete&#39;s hand in a standing or ready position, rather than as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  being in close proximity with the ground surface so the athlete must either contact the cap or switch with their foot or bend over and contact the switch with one of their hands. Touchpad unit  702  also preferably includes a battery power unit, and may comprise a printed circuit board schematic as shown in  FIG. 5 , a sound beeper is also preferably provided that will emit an audible beeping sound when the athlete is ready to begin. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates one the training domes  750  having an alternative construction, which construction at least with respect to the base portion is generally similar to touchpad unit  702 . Additional training domes identical to dome  750  may also be provided as necessary, without deviating from the intended scope of the invention. As in the previous embodiment, training dome  750  includes a vertically disposed housing or support member  752  that is further comprised of inner member  754  and outer member  756 , which members are preferably tubular in nature with inner member  754  being telescopically and slidably adjustable in outer member  756 . A clamping member such as hose clamp  758  is attached to the upper end of outer member  756  which when tightened secures inner member  754  at a desired height or position, thereby adjustably extending the length of member  752  for use in different training scenarios as desired, or when training dome  750  is not in use inner member  754  may be moved downwardly so that it is substantially contained or stored in outer member  756 . 
     In addition, similar to touchpad unit  702 , housing or support member  752  is held in a vertical position by tripod-type legs or supports  706 ,  708 , and  710 , which are connected to the lower end of housing  752  by U-shaped channel members  712 . Legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are pivotally connected to channel members  712  by pivot bolts  714 , and are pivotable between a support position as shown in  FIG. 17  and a storage position, not shown, wherein legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are pivoted upwardly so that the legs are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical housing  752 . Legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a support position by pins  716  which are passed through apertures  718  in the lower end of channels  712  and through corresponding apertures in each of the leg members. Similarly, legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a storage position by removing pins  716  from apertures  718 , pivoting the legs upwardly, and then passing pins  716  through apertures  720  in the upper end of channels  712 , and matching notches  722  or other aligned apertures on legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 . Ground engaging foot members  724  are also provided on the outer ends of legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 , and the legs each include handhold areas  726  to facilitate gripping, carrying and pivoting the legs during setup and storage of unit  750 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 17 , mounted on the upper end of inner telescoping member  754  is cap or electrical push button switch  759 . Additionally, a high intensity light emitting diode cover  758  is provided in the side surface of inner member  754 , preferably near its upper end, and as best shown in  FIG. 18  underneath cover  758  there is a display device  760  such as seven segment LED display  213  LED display which is electrically connected to a battery power supply and in communication with the system as illustrated in  FIG. 3  or in another similar arrangement of a type that will be evident to those skilled in the art. Similar to the schematic illustrated in  FIG. 3 , an antenna and radio frequency transmitter are also provided, and the circuit further comprises an infrared transmitter/receiver  760  which when powered on transmits a focused beam of infrared radiation outwardly. 
     Infrared transmitter/receiver  760  may be aligned with the reflector  782  of reflector a unit  780 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , which when properly aligned similar to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 13  with respect to the previously described embodiment which reflects incident radiation back to infrared receiver  260 . Receiver  260  in response to receiving such reflected infrared signal in turn sends a signal to be device microcontroller, and a signal light confirming such alignment is activated. Transmitter  760  could a so be a focused laser beam transmitter module. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , reflector housing  780  is similar in construction to training dome  750 , and includes a vertically disposed housing or support member that is further comprised of inner member  784  and outer member  786 , which members are preferably tubular in nature with inner member  754  being telescopically adjustable in outer member  756 . A clamping member such as hose clamp  788  is attached to the upper end of outer member  786  which when tightened secures inner member  784  at a desired height, thereby adjustably extending the length of reflector housing  780 . Preferably, inner and outer members  784  and  786  have similar lengths to members  754  and  756  of training domes  750  so that it will be easy to align infrared transmitter/receiver  760  at the same height as reflector  782 . Reflector housing  780  is held in a vertical position by tripod-type legs or supports  706 ,  708 , and  710 , which are connected to the lower end of outer member  786  by U-shaped channel members  712 . Legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are pivotally connected to channel members  712  by pivot bolts  714 , and are pivotable between a support position as shown in  FIG. 19  and a storage position with legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  pivoted upwardly and aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical housing  704 . Legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a support position by pins  716  which are passed through apertures  718  in the lower end of channels  712  and through corresponding apertures in each of the leg members. Similarly, legs  706 ,  708 ,  710  are secured in a storage position by removing pins  716  from apertures  718 , pivoting the legs upwardly, and then passing pins  716  through apertures  720  in the upper end of channels  712 , and matching notches  722  or other aligned apertures on legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 . Ground engaging foot members  724  are also provided on the outer ends of legs  706 ,  708 ,  710 , and the legs each include handhold areas  726  to facilitate gripping, carrying and pivoting the legs during setup and storage of reflector housing  780 . 
     In addition, each of touchpad units  702 , training domes  750 , and reflector units  780  preferably also includes at least one hook or tab member  790  near the lower end of the cylindrical housing  704  or outer member  756  and  786 , respectively. Members  790  are preferably formed of or include a magnetically attractive material, and are used during setup of the components of the system to connect a measuring cord or the like between the several system components to more easily calculate the distances between such components and to ensure that such distances are correct or uniform as may be desired. Such feature is particularly useful where the field or ground surface on which the system is being deployed does not include any delimiting markings such as commonly found on a football field or the like. 
     While the components of the multi-functional training system of the present invention has been described herein with respect to two possible structural configurations, it will be understood that other configurations may also be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the invention. For example, while handheld control unit  300  is shown having a particular configuration, as an alternative to having a number of different buttons representing the different modes, domes, players and queues, such items could be displayed in an menu style on the display screen for selection, and the control unit in such case many have a significantly fewer number of input buttons. As another alternative, rather than having a separate reflector unit that must be aligned with the coupled light beam emitter/detector in the training domes, the detectors could be mounted in the reflector units, or reflection type sensors that receiving reflected light from the athlete&#39;s body as he or she passes through the light beam, rather than recording the lack of such a reflection from the reflection unit, in which case the reflection units would not be required. It is therefore possible to employ different types of sensors such electromagnetic sensors and ultrasonic sensors designed to detect physical movements or motions. 
     Also, while the present invention has been described in a form particularly related to football where sudden starts and abrupt changes in direction at maximum output of physical energy are particularly applicable, it should be understood that the multifunctional capability of the invention can be used in many instances for other sports training as well. 
     While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularly with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention