TILTS: Next generation soccer practice fields

Both of my sons now play on the same soccer team in a U8 (under 8 years old) division. They've reached the level of soccer where clumping together and trying to get the ball no matter where it is on the field is discouraged.

But it's tough for a lot of kids this age to learn to stay in their position and to not always go where the ball goes.

Which is why I've dreamt up this new Technology I'd Like to See (TILTS). I'd like to see a high-tech soccer practice field that utilizes the same technology as the invisible fencing used to keep dogs in their yards.

Beeps, not shocks

Now, before you go thinking that I want to shock a bunch of 6-8 year-olds when they travel out of their zone, that's not what I'm talking about!

What am I talking about is using the same wiring underneath the ground to delineate each zone where a player should play. Then each kid could wear some kind of receiver around their waist that beeps when they travel outside of their zone. Of course, the receivers would need some sort of setting on them to indicate which zone they are supposed to respond to. And it would need to be easily switchable to another zone.

As for the beeping outside of the zone, it would cease once a player returns to his or her own zone.

No substitute for good coaching

This technology wouldn't eliminate the need for good coaching. Just because you are in a zone, it doesn't mean you should let the ball go right by you on defense because the ball was 6 inches outside of your zone. Coaches would have to teach that it's ok to go out of your zone but that you should return to your zone once play has moved away from where you are.

What do you think? Am I on to something here?

Disclaimer: Technologies presented in the Technology I'd Like To See (TILTS) series are based on my original (and sometimes delirious) thoughts. I present them here to the public only because I can not afford to implement any of them myself. If you steal borrow one of my ideas and end up filthy rich because of it, please remember where you got the idea and throw a little love my way. Something like a BMW or a big fat check would do just fine.