Method and assembly for golf swing training

Abstract

A method and assembly for golf swing training incorporating steps and elements of providing a wand having back swing tracking and down swing tracking ends, providing a mat having a back swing tracking line and a down swing tracking line, placing the mat upon the ground, positioning a golfer behind the mat, causing the golfer to manually grasp and hold the wand laterally across his upper chest, and causing the golfer to repeatedly rotatably move his upper chest and hands so that the back swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand alternately and successively pass over the back swing and down swing tracking lines of the mat.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to golf swing training. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for golf swing training having steps which are preliminary to golf club swinging and ball driving. This invention further relates to apparatus facilitating such methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In order to properly strike a golf ball, a golfer must perform a complicated series of body motions including, but not being limited to, shoulder rotation, hip rotation, upper arm flexion and extension, forearm flexion and extension, and hand and wrist motions. Just as a golfer's pectoral and pelvic girdles provide foundational skeletal support for a golfer's body, the motions of the pectoral and pelvic girdles during a golf club swing serve as basic or foundation motions of the golf swing. Where a golfer, during a golf club swing, executes proper hip and shoulder motions, while keeping his or her spine angle and knee flex constant, the golfer's arms, wrists, and hands are guided through a swinging motion which minimizes the effect of any arm swing errors. A “natural” golf shot executed by a novice golfer is typically the result of proper core shoulder and hip motions combined with constancy of spinal alignment and knee flex. Conversely, where a golfer fails to execute proper shoulder and hip motions during a golf swing or changes spinal angle or knee flex during a golf swing, the golfer is forced to utilize unnatural arm and hand motions to compensate for errors occurring in the core body motions. Such compensating arm and hand motions typically result in inconsistent, inaccurate, and poorly struck golf shots. Unintended hook or slice golf shots typically are a result of errors in core body motions discussed above. Regardless of a golfer's ability to compensatingly adjust hand and arm motion, defective core body motions tend to betray the golfer. A golf shot utilizing compensating hand and arm motion will at best produce an accurate shot having deficient power.

[0003] It is difficult for a golfer to simultaneously learn or train core body motions discussed above along with arm and hand motion. Thus, it is desirable for a golfer to learn to execute proper body positioning and shoulder and hip motions separate from, or in isolation of, arm and hand motions.

[0004] The instant invention may be utilized by both novice golfers and by accomplished golfers who have persistent core “body mechanics” deficits.

[0005] The instant inventive method and assembly for golf swing training advantageously allows such golfers to learn proper shoulder and hip motions and body positioning by providing a motion guiding wand, a wand guiding ground or floor mat, and method steps for usage of the wand in conjunction with the mat.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A major structural component of the assembly of the instant invention is a staff or wand preferably having a length between 106 inches and 110 inches. Opposite ends of the wand serve as back swing and down swing guiding pointers. For compactness of storage, the wand preferably is composed of alternately assembleable and disassembleable segments which are joinable by means of slip sleeve and slip pin connections. Preferably, the segments of the wand are hollow bored, having a tensioned elastic cord extending therethrough for quick assembly of the wand, and for prevention of misplacement of wand segments while disassembled. Preferably, end segments of the wand are tapered, allowing the wand to aerodynamically rotate, and enhancing the wand's function as a visual pointer. The wand may suitably be fabricated from materials such as wood, PVC plastic, fiberglass, and graphite composites. Preferably, the wand has midpoint marking indicia marking the middle of its central segment.

[0007] A second major component of the assembly of the instant invention comprises a preferably rectangular floor or ground mat having a forward end, a rearward end, and having opposing lateral ends spanning between the forward and rearward ends. The floor or ground mat necessarily has back swing guiding indicia thereon, preferably in the form a of straight line, such indicia beginning at a point on the mat and extending laterally toward one of the mat's lateral ends. Where the floor or ground mat is to be used by a right-handed golfer, a left end of the back swing guiding indicia serves as golf ball position indicia, and the opposing right end of the back swing guiding indicia preferably terminates at the lateral right end of the mat. Preferably, the rightward extension of the mat from such golf ball position indicia is fitted to accommodate and guide an approximate ninety degree back swing shoulder rotation as described below.

[0008] The floor or ground mat of the inventive assembly necessarily further has down swing guiding indicia, preferably in the form of a curved line, such indicia commencing at the golf ball position indicia and extending both in the direction of the back swing guiding indicia and rearwardly therefrom. Preferably, the down swing guiding indicia terminates at a point between six and ten inches to the rear of the terminal end of the back swing guiding indicia. The opposite end of the down swing guiding indicia preferably extends beyond the golf ball position indicia, intersecting the line of the back swing guiding indicia, and terminating at the lateral left end of the mat. Preferably, the leftward extension of the mat is fitted so that the down swing guiding indicia terminates at a point accommodating an approximate 90 degree follow through shoulder turn, as discussed below.

[0009] The floor or ground mat of the instant inventive assembly preferably has golf ball address guiding indicia extending rearwardly from the golf ball position indicia. Preferably, such indicia comprises a straight line extending perpendicularly from the back swing guiding indicia. The ball address guiding indicia desirably aids a golfer in orienting his or her stance in relation to the golf ball position indicia.

[0010] To facilitate use of the inventive mat by left-handed golfers, indicia mirroring those described above are preferably additionally drawn upon the mat, either upon the same surface, or upon opposing surfaces. Where the mat comprises a transparent material such as transparent plastic, a single set of indicia as described above facilitates use by both left-handed and right-handed golfers. The floor or ground mat may alternately be suitably composed of indoor/outdoor carpet material, heavy canvas, or vinyl plastic. While not in use, the wand is disassembled and folded, and is preferably rolled within the mat for storage. The rolled components are preferably stored within a tubular nylon storage bag.

[0011] In use of the inventive assembly, the floor or ground mat is unrolled and placed upon the ground or upon a floor. In order to securely hold the mat upon a ground surface, the mat may be pinned at its corners with golf tees extending through golf tee receiving apertures. Where the inventive assembly is utilized at a golf driving range or golf course, it is desirable to orient the mat so that its back swing guiding indicia additionally serves as a target line.

[0012] After placement of the mat upon the floor or ground surface, the jointed segments of the wand are unfolded, allowing the elastic cord extending through the bores of the segments to securely engage the segments' slip pin and slip sleeve joints, forming a full length wand. Thereafter, the golfer, holding the wand in both hands, approaches the mat, and assumes a ball address stance and position identical to that which the golfer would assume upon actual play. In orienting himself or herself in such ball address stance, the golfer assumes that the golf ball position indicia is the location of a ball, and that a pin or fairway line lies in alignment with the back swing guiding indicia. Accurate lateral positioning of the golfer in relation to the golf ball position indicia is assisted by the rearwardly extending ball address guiding indicia. The distance the golfer stands rearwardly from the golf ball position guiding indicia is dictated by golf club selection. For example, where the golfer desires to train shoulder and hip motions associated with a nine iron swing, the golfer stands a distance from the ball matching his or her nine iron ball address. Where the golfer desires to train shoulder and hip motion for golf ball driving, the golfer stands further away, at a distance identical to the golfer's driver or one wood ball address.

[0013] Upon assuming a proper stance in relation to the mat, the golfer centers the wand along the golfer's central spinal axis, guided by the wand's midpoint indicia. The golfer then raises the wand to his or her upper chest, orienting the wand laterally across the golfer's upper chest or pectoral region. Thereafter, the golfer crosses his or her forearms, allowing left and right hands to securely hold the wand in its laterally extended orientation.

[0014] While securely holding the wand as described above, and while assuming a ball address stance as described above, the golfer attempts to repeatedly and successively execute rotating and counter-rotating shoulder and hip motions which are identical to those associated with a proper golf club swing. As with a proper golf club swing, maintenance of a constant knee flex and spinal angle throughout the rotating and counter-rotating motions is desired. Such motions necessarily rotate the wand within angled planes about the golfer's spinal axis. Upon such rotations, the golfer necessarily watches the opposing ends of the wand as they alternately and successively pass over the mat so that the golfer can observe wand tip positions and trajectories in relation to the mat's guiding indicia. Visual observation of the wand tips allows the golfer to correct the wand motion through shoulder and hip motion adjustments, or by eliminating undesirable spinal angle changes or knee flexion. Through repeated use of the method and assembly, a golfer learns proper body positioning and proper hip and shoulder golf swing motions.

[0015] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and assembly for golf club swing training which is capable of training body positioning and shoulder and hip motions in isolation of arm and wrist motions.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a method and assembly which incorporates a chest mounted wand used in conjunction with and which is guided by a wand tip guiding floor or ground mat.

[0017] Other and further objects, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become known to those skilled in the art upon review of the Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] (All drawings are submitted informally.)

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the wand of the instant inventive assembly, shown in a folded configuration.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mat of the instant inventive assembly.

[0021] FIG. 3A is a front view of a golfer positioned for commencement of the initial rotation step of the instant inventive method.

[0022] FIG. 3B is a side view of the image of FIG. 3A.

[0023] FIG. 4A is a front view of a golfer engaged in one of the rotation steps of the instant inventive.

[0024] FIG. 4B is a side view of the image of FIG. 4A.

[0025] FIG. 5A is a front view of a golfer terminating one of the rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0026] FIG. 5B is a side view of the image FIG. 5A.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a front view of a golfer engaged in one of the counter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a side view of the image of FIG. 6A.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a front view of a golfer further engaged in one of the counter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0030] FIG. 7B is a side view of the image of FIG. 7A.

[0031] FIG. 7A is a front view of a golfer further engaged in one of the counter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a side view of the image of FIG. 7A.

[0033] FIG. 9A is a front view of a golfer terminating one of the counter-rotation steps of the instant inventive method.

[0034] FIG. 9B is a side view of the image of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIG. 1, the wand utilized in the present inventive method and assembly is referred to generally by reference arrow 1. The wand 1 preferably has a middle segment 14 approximately three feet in length, said segment 14 preferably being composed of a plastic or composite material such as polyvinyl chloride plastic or a carbon fiber composite. Preferably, middle segment 14 has a half inch diameter hollow bore, the ends of which preferably serve as slip pin receiving slip sleeves 13. Preferably, the wand 1 has a pair of end segments 6 and 8, the proximal ends of end segments 6 and 8 preferably forming slip pins 10 for secure engagement with slip sleeves 13. Preferably, ends 6 and 8 are tapered for aerodynamic turning, and for enhancement of their function as visual pointers. Where the wand 1 is utilized by a right-handed golfer, the distal ends 2 and 4 of segments 8 and 6 respectively serve as back swing and down swing guiding ends. Preferably, ends 6 and 8 are hollow bored, and preferably a tensioned elastic cord 18 extends through their hollow bores, and through the bore of middle segment 14, facilitating quick assembly, and preventing any one of the segments 14, 8, or 6 from becoming misplaced. Preferably, the wand 1 has midpoint indicia 16 marking the middle of middle segment 14, such indicia guiding orientation of the wand 1 in relation to a golfer's spinal axis.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred configuration of the floor or ground mat of the present inventive assembly is referred to generally by reference arrow 2. The mat depicted in FIG. 2 is configured for use by a right-handed golfer. In order to facilitate use by a left-handed golfer, a mat mirroring that depicted in FIG. 2 is utilized. Guide indicia and motions described below in relation to a right-handed golfer mirror those applicable to a left-handed golfer.

[0037] Further referring to FIG. 2, the floor or ground mat 12 has a forward edge 28, a rearward edge 33, and left and right lateral edges 30 and 32. The mat 12 preferably has back swing guiding indicia 22, preferably in the form of a drawn line. The left end of the back swing guiding indicia 22 preferably serves as a golf ball position indicia 20, and the right end of the back swing indicia 22 preferably terminates at the right lateral end 32 of the mat 12. While the back swing guiding indicia 22 may suitably be slightly rearwardly curved, such indicia is preferably straight, serving as a reminder to the golfer that rightward hip rotation upon execution of a back swing (potentially resulting in an undesirable “inside takeout”) is to be minimized.

[0038] Referring further to FIG. 2, the mat 12 further has arcuately curved down swing guiding indicia 24, such indicia commencing at the right lateral end 32 of the mat 12, and curving forwardly and leftwardly to the golf ball position indicia 20, and thence continuing leftwardly and forwardly to the left lateral end 30 of mat 12.

[0039] Referring further to FIG. 2, the floor or ground mat 12 preferably has ball address guiding indicia 26 extending rearwardly from the golf ball position indicia 20. In order to facilitate pinning of the mat 12 upon a ground surface, golf tee receiving apertures 23 extending through the mat 12 are preferably provided.

[0040] Referring simultaneously to all figures, FIGS. 3A through 9B depict use of the inventive assembly by an exemplary right-handed golfer who is training shoulder and hip motions associated with a one wood or driver swing. Such figures depict usage of the inventive assembly within a room, and upon a floor surface as opposed to a ground surface of a driving range or golf course.

[0041] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the golfer 3 assumes a ball address stance in relation to golf ball position indicia 20 identical to that which would be assumed upon driving a golf ball. The back swing guiding indicia 22 is assumed to lie along a desired target line, while the ball address guiding indicia 26 aids the golfer in assuming a proper lateral body position in relation to the ball position indicia 20. The golfer 3 holds the wand 1 across his upper chest with crossed arms as depicted, so that midpoint indicia 16 of the wand 1 aligns with the golfer's spinal axis.

[0042] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, the golfer 3 rotates his shoulders counter-clockwise causing the back swing guiding end 2 of wand 1 to swing downwardly to a position overlying golf ball position indicia 20. While the golfer moves from the position depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B to the position depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, rotation of the golfer's hips about his spinal axis is minimized. Referring further to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rotational movement of the shoulders of golfer 3 depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B continues until the golfer 3 completes an approximately 90 degree back swing shoulder turn. During such rotational movement, the golfer 3 views the back swing guiding end 2 of wand 1 in relation to the back swing guiding indicia 22 to assure that such end travels rightwardly along a path extending substantially perpendicularly from the golf ball position indicia 20 with respect to the ball address indicia 26. By teaching movement of the back swing guiding end 2 of the wand 1 along such perpendicular and straight path, the mat 12 trains the golfer 3 to avoid an undesirable “inside takeout” back swing motion error.

[0043] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, upon reaching the position depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the golfer 3 commences leftwardly rotating his hips, pointing his right toe, dropping his right shoulder, and counter-rotating his upper body and shoulders. Such counter-rotation draws the wand 1 from the fully rotated position depicted in FIG. 5A to the position, approximately ninety degrees removed depicted in FIG. 6A. Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 7A and 7B, such counter-rotation of shoulders and wand continues until the down swing guiding end 4 of wand 1 overlies the right-most end of the curved down swing guiding indicia 24. Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 5B and 7B, it can be seen that the down swing guiding end 4 of wand 1 must be drawn rearwardly during its counter-rotational path in order to reach the depicted point overlying the rightward end of down swing guiding indicia 24. Such rearward tip drawing motion represents a proper transition from a back swing (having a proper “outside takeout”) to a proper down swing power stroke.

[0044] Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 1, 2, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the counter-rotational motion of the shoulders of golfer 3 and of wand 1 continues until the down swing guiding end 4 of wand 1 overlies the golf ball position indicia 20, such motion representing proper passage of a golf club through a ball contact point. Thereafter, further referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, such counter-rotational motion continues to an approximate 90 degree follow through shoulder turn. Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2, 5A, and 9A, the lateral length of the mat 12 is preferably fitted so that upon execution of the depicted 90 degree shoulder turns, wand tips 2 and 4 continue to point at the mat surface.

[0045] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 3A-9B, it can be seen that the golfer 3 holds his knee flex and spinal angle substantially constant throughout the rotation and counter-rotation steps. Where the golfer undesirably alters his spinal angle or knee flex during the rotating and counter-rotating steps, proper tracking of wand tips over the mat indicia does not occur. Indicia upon mat 12 therefore assists the golfer 3 in maintaining the desired constant spinal angle and knee flex.

[0046] Through repetition of steps described above, a golfer's core body position and shoulder and hip motions may be effectively and advantageously trained in isolation of arm and hand motions.

[0047] While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the above illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may make modifications in the structure, arrangement, portions, components, and method steps of the invention without departing from those principles. Accordingly, it is intended that the description and drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense, and that the invention be given a scope commensurate with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf swing training method comprising steps of:

(a) providing a wand having a back swing tracking end and having a down swing tracking end;

(b) providing a mat having a forward end, a rearward end, a back swing tracking line, and having a down swing tracking line;

(c) placing the mat upon a ground or floor surface;

(d) positioning a golfer upon the floor or ground surface rearwardly from the back swing and down swing tracking lines;

(e) positioning the wand across the golfer's chest;

(f) rotatably moving the golfer's upper body so that the back swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand alternately and successively pass over the back swing and down swing tracking lines.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the golfer positioning step orients the golfer a distance away from the back swing tracking line greater than or equal to the golfer's nine iron ball address distance, and less than or equal to the golfer's driver ball address distance.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of crossing the golfer's forearms, said step occurring contemporaneously with the wand positioning step.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising steps of visually observing the back swing and down swing tracking ends of the wand as said ends alternately and successively pass over the back swing and down swing tracking lines.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of rotatably moving alternately rotates and counter-rotates the wand about the golfer's spinal axis.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the steps of passage of the back swing tracking end of the wand over the back swing tracking line of the mat occur during the wand rotation steps, and wherein the steps of passage of the down swing tracking end of the wand over the down swing tracking line of the mat occur during the wand counter-rotation steps.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising repeated steps of rotating the golfer's hips, each such step occurring during one of the wand counter-rotation steps.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising steps of moving the down swing tracking end of the wand rearwardly, each such step occurring substantially contemporaneously with transitions between the wand rotation steps and the wand counter-rotation steps.

9. An assembly for golf swing training comprising:

(a) a wand having a back swing tracking end and a down swing tracking end;

(b) a floor or ground mat having a forward end, a rearward end, and having opposing lateral ends, said mat having golf ball position indicia, said mat having back swing guiding indicia extending from the golf ball position indicia and toward one of said mat's lateral ends, said mat having down swing guiding indicia extending from the golf ball position indicia toward said lateral end and extending rearwardly from the back swing guiding indicia;

(c) the wand being positionable upwardly and rearwardly from the golf ball position indicia and across a golfer's chest for rotational movement of the wand by the golfer in relation to said mat.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the back swing guiding indicia is substantially straight, and wherein the down swing guiding indicia is arcuately and forwardly curved.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the down swing guiding indicia intersects a line extending along the back swing guiding indicia at the golf ball position indicia.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the floor or ground mat further comprises ball address guiding indicia extending rearwardly from the golf ball position indicia.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the wand comprises a plurality of alternately assembleable and disassembleable segments.

14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the wand has a midpoint, and further comprising midpoint indicia fixedly attached to the wand.

15. The assembly of claim 13 wherein each of the alternately assembleable and disassembleable segments comprises a slip pin or slip sleeve.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein each of the alternately assembleable and disassembleable segments of the wand has a hollow bore, and further comprising an elastic cord extending through the hollow bores.