Stepping away a bit today from traditional social media, if that’s possible, to a new iPhone app that has been catching people’s attention today.  It helps answer the debate about how hard you can really kick a ball and how well you can do it.

At a recent adidas event I went to (see adidas innovation lab) the most fun was participating in a few games that had been set up.  We got to test our, rather debatable, skills in how quick we we could sprint and how hard we could kick a ball.  It enters that realm of the human psyche that enjoys both competition and the ability to test ourselves.  Are you really as good as you thought you were?

I actually surprised myself with the pace of my shooting, just over 50mph, and general fitness.  Wasn’t bad for someone who has let the exercise regime slip  and not kicked a ball since mid-2012.  Now I’m tempted to get back into the nearest field with a ball with a ball at my feet  and try it out again.

The app itself has been launched using the man-of-the-moment Gareth Bale.  The video below shows him giving it a try and recording a speed of 78mph, flight of 37m and angle of 4 – not bad I suppose.  Players can keep record of all kicks in a Library section, track their best achievements and score history or compare their shots with the world’s best players led by Gareth Bale.

Features of the app include real time and super slow-motion video playback and visual effects. The app allows photos and videos of shots to be uploaded to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter and then players can challenge their friends for the highest score and achievements.

Bob Kirk, Senior Development Engineer, adidas innovation team said;

“We are very excited by the launch of Snapshot, a cutting edge smartphone app which will help fans with the analysis and improvement of their own game. Some of our leading players have already enjoyed using the app and it keeps adidas at the forefront of innovation and technology in football.”

The app is available in 18 languages and downloadable on the iPhone and iPod touch from The App Store.

Be great to find out what you guys think about it and what scores you get.  Put them in the comments below!

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