Computer Hockey Training

[grider18 0]

Met a guy out here in Halifax the other night and he has developed a stick handling program for computers. It was insane!!!! There is a little ball and a web-cam type thing that tracks where the balls is and you watch the screen and perform drills for stick handling. This guy is going to make sick money off of this. Your head is up the whole time which we all know is the key to successful stick handling. Don't recall what it is called Quicksticks or something like that.

[SinBinSaint 0]

http://quickstickz.com/

[hollydellproshop 0]

Wow

This looks really cool. I will be ordering one

[Nightcast 0]

Looks to be a great Idea. Can't wait to see and try it in person.

[grider18 0]

It is crazy! after 2 minutes your forearms burn!

[start_today 778]

So, it's a $200 smart ball? Awesome.

[IniNew 53]

Yep, and that's just for the beta. I can't imagine what it's going to cost for the final product.

I still don't understand why places charge for you to try out their products. I guess if the demand is high enough.

[grider18 0]

probably just incase it fails to take off he would at least covered most of his expenses. I can't see this thing failing though. This guy was so positive and had so many ideas. He is really pitching it to assosiations AA and AAA teams.

[start_today 778]

I think best part is the chart of the front page. All three lines move upward (which I assume is "good"), but each one has some point where it just drops. Am I to understand that if I use this for a while my speed will gradually increase and then suddenly drop to LOWER than where I first started? I know that making things look scientific probably increases sales, but have your graphics guy make up a chart that at least makes sense.

Yep, and that's just for the beta. I can't imagine what it's going to cost for the final product.

I still don't understand why places charge for you to try out their products. I guess if the demand is high enough.

I'd assume this is more or less the final product. Think about how many tv/radio/internet commercials you see where a company is offering a "low introductory price" for the next X number of people. You hear the same commerical over and over again, so they're obviously not using that cut off. By advertising this as some sort of "pilot program" you can convince people that they getting in the ground floor of something.

If you want to duplicate this product, just buy a smart ball and a flashlight. Stick handle facing a wall while someone else shines the light on the wall. When they move the light left, move the ball left. When they move it down, pull it closer to you.

It's certinainly interesting technology that can communicate the position of the ball to your computer for the game aspect, but I don't really see it as any sort of break through in training. People who are dedicated enough to practice on their own will do it, others won't.

[junior 1]

I think best part is the chart of the front page. All three lines move upward (which I assume is "good"), but each one has some point where it just drops. Am I to understand that if I use this for a while my speed will gradually increase and then suddenly drop to LOWER than where I first started? I know that making things look scientific probably increases sales, but have your graphics guy make up a chart that at least makes sense.

I think you're missing the point of the chart. It shows a net increase on all 3 measures of skills. I think this in indicatdive of reality, as new drills are thrown at you, you can expect a decrease in certain areas but eventually get better as you learn the new skills brought out by the new drills.

This looks like a program i would love you try, but I don't know if I would actually utilize it. Kinda hard to find the time while working full time and studying. Plus having people in the house limits how late I can be banging a stick on the ground.

[TMAC37 0]

I think best part is the chart of the front page. All three lines move upward (which I assume is "good"), but each one has some point where it just drops. Am I to understand that if I use this for a while my speed will gradually increase and then suddenly drop to LOWER than where I first started? I know that making things look scientific probably increases sales, but have your graphics guy make up a chart that at least makes sense.

I think you're missing the point of the chart. It shows a net increase on all 3 measures of skills. I think this in indicatdive of reality, as new drills are thrown at you, you can expect a decrease in certain areas but eventually get better as you learn the new skills brought out by the new drills.

This looks like a program i would love you try, but I don't know if I would actually utilize it. Kinda hard to find the time while working full time and studying. Plus having people in the house limits how late I can be banging a stick on the ground.

Looks like it will be designed for young kids still improving their skills - mind you anyone can use it.

[Aussie Joe 0]

Young kids? I could do with the benefits this thing describes. :D

Is it me, or is this kinda of Wii-esque type technology? By merging real movements/actions with a video game?

[TMAC37 0]

Young kids? I could do with the benefits this thing describes. :D

Is it me, or is this kinda of Wii-esque type technology? By merging real movements/actions with a video game?

Who couldn't, might make us look better in our beer leagues!

[goodguy 7]

As a hockey parent who "is really into this type of stuff" my thoughts are:

While I like the idea of marrying a "fun" video game aspect to hockey training - I think $200 is too much money for me to pay for this item.

It appears that you just hit the on screen targets and that is it. Sure, keeping your head up is a nice by-product of having to watch the screen but the only way I would consider this is if the price was more like $99 entry point and maybe a one time second tier upgrade of $49 - so I can ease my way into the product without dropping $200 and finding out it is lame.

My concerns would be:

1) Warranty (if the harware stops functioning, ball, sensor, etc)? What would a new ball cost when it stops functioning (and it probably will).

2) Compatibility (many software companies have a weak commitment to upgrading their product when a new operating system arrives i.e. Windows 7 will I be eventually stuck with software that only works on older operating systems when MS releases Windows 11, etc)?

3) Free upgrades - and commitment to coming up with new fun, games?

4) Variety of games (I can see this thing gathering dust after the initial novelty wears off unless there is a multiplayer aspect to it)?

5) The ability to have two (or more) players go head to head in multiplayer skillz competitions using two + balls.

Don't get me wrong - I think it is a great idea and would love to try it - but the issues I mention above are what goes through my head before dropping $200 on the product.

Now if I could get the whole team to put in $15 a head, then you have something there.

BTW This link works:

http://www.youtube.com/user/skillzsystems

[TMAC37 0]

That is a good list of concerns - the company will have to ensure new content. Multi player will also be a great feature, similar to XBOX or PS3.

[camhockey16 5]

i think it would make alot of sense for them to develop this for the wii since it has a large user base and alot of the technology built into the system already (motion control)

also it's not like they would have to sell a huge controller that is a hockey stick - you just need to make the puck/ball motion get detected and then use any stick you already have.

plus if you develop the game for any of the consoles you shouldn't have to worry about compatibilty issues like you would have to with computers.

[IniNew 53]

i think it would make alot of sense for them to develop this for the wii since it has a large user base and alot of the technology built into the system already (motion control)

also it's not like they would have to sell a huge controller that is a hockey stick - you just need to make the puck/ball motion get detected and then use any stick you already have.

plus if you develop the game for any of the consoles you shouldn't have to worry about compatibilty issues like you would have to with computers.

Actually, the Wii technology is a bit different. The Wii uses infrared lights in the sensor bar to generate an invisible triangle, between the two lights, and then your controller.

For the ball to work on the Wii (using the video as an example) the sensor bar would have to be placed underneath the table the TV is sitting on, or the kids would have to be about 15 feet away for the triangle to be made. Neither of these are ideal.

I believe a more comparable technology would be the iPhone with it's Tilt Sensor. You move the iphone, it recognizes the movement and registers it in the way the software tells it to.

I still firmly believe this is way too expensive, especially for something that can easily be achieved with a piece of plexi glass, a few pucks, and a TV.

[goodguy 7]

They should get some regional reps to show it to the local hockey communiites. If they only launch in one area, they pretty much miss out on another year of hockey season - assuming they can survive another year for a more widespread launch. My theroy is get it out there as much as you can, as quick as you can to get a good userbase - then you might be sustainable. More time waiting to roll out means more expenses, etc but I wish them luck as it sounds like a good product. The price, as justifiable as it sounds in a boardroom, may keep many away - especiallly an ongoing monthly charge - why not make the first version more accessible and once you have established yourself, then come up with more exclusive ideas to generate offshoot income from the product. Maybe sell the ball and software for a lesser price with paid upgrades moving on up the commitment ladder. If the product is that attractive, it should sell itself and I'm sure it does. They really have to get it out to see how it holds up in the wider market - a small rollout really dosen't tell you much because your local community will of course praise the invention.

[TMAC37 0]

i think it would make alot of sense for them to develop this for the wii since it has a large user base and alot of the technology built into the system already (motion control)

also it's not like they would have to sell a huge controller that is a hockey stick - you just need to make the puck/ball motion get detected and then use any stick you already have.

plus if you develop the game for any of the consoles you shouldn't have to worry about compatibilty issues like you would have to with computers.

Actually, the Wii technology is a bit different. The Wii uses infrared lights in the sensor bar to generate an invisible triangle, between the two lights, and then your controller.

For the ball to work on the Wii (using the video as an example) the sensor bar would have to be placed underneath the table the TV is sitting on, or the kids would have to be about 15 feet away for the triangle to be made. Neither of these are ideal.

I believe a more comparable technology would be the iPhone with it's Tilt Sensor. You move the iphone, it recognizes the movement and registers it in the way the software tells it to.

I still firmly believe this is way too expensive, especially for something that can easily be achieved with a piece of plexi glass, a few pucks, and a TV.

I sincerely doubt kids would find enjoyment with the set-up you describe. Remember, times are a lot different than when you and I practiced - it's all about technology now and kids need more stimulation to be interested in something.

[TMAC37 0]

I've been keeping tabs on this product - looks like the pre-ordering for the new product is starting up. Price is still $199 and you get a series of drills.

[87vert 0]

Actually, the Wii technology is a bit different. The Wii uses infrared lights in the sensor bar to generate an invisible triangle, between the two lights, and then your controller.

For the ball to work on the Wii (using the video as an example) the sensor bar would have to be placed underneath the table the TV is sitting on, or the kids would have to be about 15 feet away for the triangle to be made. Neither of these are ideal.

I believe a more comparable technology would be the iPhone with it's Tilt Sensor. You move the iphone, it recognizes the movement and registers it in the way the software tells it to.

I still firmly believe this is way too expensive, especially for something that can easily be achieved with a piece of plexi glass, a few pucks, and a TV.

Wii also uses bluetooth which would work especially with the motion sensor plus

http://www.instructables.com/id/SM2HDJCFBJIMSGY/

[goblue9280 33]

As cool as it'd be to develop something like this for the wii (using existing wii tech = less expensive for users... thus probably resulting in a better, more advanced product) the big hurdle I see is that it would severely reduce their customer base. Not everyone has a wii, but just about everyone has a personal computer.

[TMAC37 0]

As cool as it'd be to develop something like this for the wii (using existing wii tech = less expensive for users... thus probably resulting in a better, more advanced product) the big hurdle I see is that it would severely reduce their customer base. Not everyone has a wii, but just about everyone has a personal computer.

I agree - a lot more reach to start with developing just for computers. Wii technology may be better once the product is established.

[IniNew 53]

Actually, the Wii technology is a bit different. The Wii uses infrared lights in the sensor bar to generate an invisible triangle, between the two lights, and then your controller.

For the ball to work on the Wii (using the video as an example) the sensor bar would have to be placed underneath the table the TV is sitting on, or the kids would have to be about 15 feet away for the triangle to be made. Neither of these are ideal.

I believe a more comparable technology would be the iPhone with it's Tilt Sensor. You move the iphone, it recognizes the movement and registers it in the way the software tells it to.

I still firmly believe this is way too expensive, especially for something that can easily be achieved with a piece of plexi glass, a few pucks, and a TV.

Wii also uses bluetooth which would work especially with the motion sensor plus

http://www.instructables.com/id/SM2HDJCFBJIMSGY/

As you can see, regardless of how it's connected the Wii Remote still uses the sensor bar, which would be the biggest hurdle in creating something like this for the Wii. The whole idea is to learn to stick handle without looking up; for the Wii to work either the sensor bar would have to be on the ground in front of the ball, or you would have to stick handle with your entire setup at the balls level. A stand alone accelerometer (like in the iphone) would be ideal, and is probably what they actually use.

[camhockey16 5]

ideally i would think the best thing for them would be to not require you to have a computer or game system and just sell a stand alone product - but if they can't do that the next best thing would be to put the product out for every available system - you want to have the largest audience possible