Free kicks under the microscope

Beckham knows how to bend it

An East Midlands university has developed new technology to study the bend and swerve of footballers' free kicks.

The QuinSpin system, developed by experts at Loughborough University, uses microphones, cameras, flashes and an unusually designed ball.

Coaches will be able to use it to assess kicking ability and develop young players' skills.

It will be officially launched at a convention in America next year.

IDEAL KICK Experts say the best kicks move at 60mph (96km/h) and 500rpm

Dr Paul Neilson, from the University's Sports Technology Research Group, said: "The assessment of kicking ability is currently based solely on coach opinion, but with QuinSpin, players or coaches can receive instant feedback on their performance.

"Players could also use QuinSpin to help develop their weaker foot and a further application could be for monitoring rehabilitation after injury."

The technology will be adapted to monitor ball flight for other sports.