Electronic Arts has signed a deal with Toy Island to create a new range of sports equipment designed speciically to teach children how to play sports.

The EA SPORTS-branded products will utilise infrared, motion and equilibrium sensors. The products, which will serve as a virtual coach as they instruct the user on form and technique, speed and power, and more, are in development for baseball, American football, basketball, football and hockey.

Products will include:

• a line of interactive training tools featuring voice commands and instructional coaching elements designed to take budding stars to the next level;
• a complete game-in-a-box containing all the equipment necessary for kids to practice and play a sport;
• a line of sports toys that will utilize electronics to reward young athletes with cheers when they use proper techniques;
• a basic line of high density-foam balls to help kids develop throwing and kicking motor skills at an early age.

The first range of products will be released in Autumn, 2009 in the U.S. A European launch is expected to follow.

The products will be available for three youth categories: ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12. Other sports are expected to follow this year’s launch.