Posture training apparatus for athletes
Apparatus and method for, inter alia, training a sprinter to transition from a crouched starting position through a drive phase to a running phase. At least 3 height and width indicators are positioned in front of a sprinter at pre-set intervals with pre-determined height and with settings. The width and height settings are based upon certain anatomical features of the sprinter. Positioning the height and width indicator should be at increasing heights approximately one foot, nine feet, and fifteen feet in front of the sprinter in a normal starting position. Apparatus of the invention used in single sets or multiple sets at fixed height can be used to train athletes such as football and basketball players to back pedal or shuffle while maintaining a crouched posture.
This Application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/498,534 filed Aug. 28, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/526,338 filed Dec. 2, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention pertains to training devices for athletes transitioning from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical performance position or for maintaining a crouched or semi-crouched position while moving forward, backward or laterally. In particular, in one aspect the present invention pertains to training sprint racers (sprinters) to transition from a crouched starting position to a generally upright running position.
The prior art contains numerous devices for training runners, especially sprinters, to increase their running speed or decrease the elapsed time for a particular event such as the 100 yard dash, 400 yard dash or other sprint races. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,469,324; 4,728,100; 5,176,597; 5,683,330; 6,482,128 B1; and 6,454,679 B1 are illustrative of devices adapted to help a sprinter increase his or her speed.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,754,965; 4,913,420; 5,199,930; and 5,746,684 illustrate various devices for helping a sprinter with his or her starting or running technique.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,158,389 and 5,070,816 teach rather complex devices for training humans or animals to improve their sprint technique.
There are prior art devices for training athletes such as football players to maintain a crouched position as they move to respond to the development of a play during an actual contest. One such device is an adjustable tent like device sold as a “Complete Adjustable Agility Chute” by Olympia Sports, offered for sale through OnLine Sports.com.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention in one aspect pertains to a posture training apparatus for an athlete starting competitive activity from a crouched position and transitioning to a generally upright or vertical position for the competitive activity. In this aspect the apparatus of the present invention consists of at least three height adjustable devices for placement in front of the starting position of the athlete, e.g. a sprinter, at various heights and widths to give the athlete a visual and tactile indication of improper starting posture. The device of the present invention consists of height adjustable and width adjustable members that can be positioned at the required distances and at the required heights to train an athlete to transition from a crouched starting position to an upright running position with the fewest number of strides.
Therefore, in one aspect the present invention is a posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination: a pair of base members, each of the base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position; a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of the upright members, the horizontal member cushioned in the event of contact by the athletes; whereby a plurality of pairs of the apparatus can be positioned at pre-determined intervals in front of the athlete when in a crouched position with successive apparatus pairs having the horizontal members positioned at increasing height's to teach the athletes to effectively transition from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical position during competitive activity.
In another embodiment the present invention is a method for teaching a sprint racer to emerge from a crouched starting position with head down to a running phase with head and body erect comprising the steps of: placing a first height indicating guide approximately one and one-half feet in front of the sprinter in a normal starting position, the guide set at a height approximately one foot above the sprinters pelvic height when the sprinter is in a normal starting position; placing a second height indicating guide approximately nine feet in front of the first height indicating guide; the second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of the sprinters mid-pectoral muscles, and placing a third height indicating guide approximately fifteen feet in front of the second guide, the third guide set at a height equal to the height of the sprinter's eyes whereby when the sprint racer leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the sprinter's head the sprinter will be positioned properly for transition from a drive phase to a running phase.
The apparatus of the present invention can be used to train athletes, e.g. football players to maintain a crouched position as they move about the field of play either executing or responding to a play.
Thus in another embodiment the invention is a method for training an athlete to maintain a crouched position during at least a part of the athletes playing of a position in a team sport comprising the steps of: placing at least one height indicating guide approximately in front of or in back the athlete in a normal starting position the guide set at a height required to teach the athlete to maintain a proper crouched position while executing his position; and placing a second height indicating guide at a location in line with or at an angle to the first height indicating guide; the second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of the first height indicating guide, and whereby when the athlete leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the athlete's head the athlete will be positioned properly for executing his position.
In yet another embodiment the invention is a posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination: a pair of base members, each of the base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position; a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of the upright members the horizontal members cushioned in the event of contact by the athletes; whereby a pair of the apparatus can be positioned at a pre-determined height in front of or behind the athlete to train the athlete maintain a crouched position while moving forward, back pedaling, or shuffling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the present invention is applicable to training athletes that start from a crouched position such as sprint racers, it can be used in training other athletes such as football players who should maintain a low or crouched position during their entire burst of competitive activity.
The start of a sprint race is extremely important for the sprinter to set-up for a good and effective finish. The most efficient start for a sprinter requires that the sprinter come out of the starting blocks or starting position with his or her body and head down. This is known as the drive phase. The drive phase provides a sprinter with more power and keeps the sprinter from wasting strides during the race. After approximately 10 to 30 meters at the beginning of a sprint race it is important for the sprinter to make a transition from the drive phase to the running phase. The transition should be gradual with the head and body of the sprinter coming upright into the running phase after leaving the starting blocks.
Referring to
The apparatus according to the present invention is conveniently constructed with vertical poles approximately 73 inches in height with a base 18 inches by 19{fraction (1/2)} inches and 26 inch length arms for vertical indicating devices.
Optionally a horizontal stabilizer 16 can be fastened to vertical poles 12, 13 to enable each set of apparatus to resist movement under windy conditions. Stabilizer ban 16 will be at a sufficient height, e.g. approximately 72 inches, to not interfere with the training function of the apparatus.
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The second pair of apparatus 30, 32 (
A third and final set (
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The apparatus of the present invention will prevent a sprinter from standing up when coming out of the starting blocks or from a starting position.
The apparatus of the present invention will help the sprinter stay low during the drive phase of the race and prevent the sprinter from taking a wide first step and will enable a sprinter to control arm swing during the race.
The present invention can also be used for other sports training, such as training athletes to stay in a crouched or a semi-crouched position while back pedaling or moving sideways.
Referring to
A set of the apparatus can be used as shown in
Constructing the devices of the present invention from materials such as PVC pipe with cushioning or flexible arms will prevent injury to the athlete or sprinter since they can either cushion contact or move out of the way quickly, thus providing immediate tactile indication if the sprinter or athlete being trained does not maintain the proper position during the training exercise.
The apparatus according to the present invention can be used in various sports and in particular any sport that requires the athlete to stay low during an initial phase of the athletic endeavor.
The apparatus according to the invention can be used in various ways to train athletes to run, change direction, back pedal or shuffle. For example, a set of the apparatus can be arranged in a T, C, or generally Z shaped array to enable an athlete to stay in a crouched position to perform a forward run, change direction and shuffle, change direction and back pedal. Another exercise can be back pedal, change direction, run, change direction and shuffle. The number of combinations is limited only by the needs and imagination of the user.
The apparatus according to the invention can be conveniently referred to as low-drive acceleration training devices. A full set of devices according to the present invention can be conveniently referred to as low-drive acceleration training system.
Having thus described my invention what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is set forth in the appending claims.
Claims
1. A posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination:
- a pair of base members, each of said base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position;
- a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of said upright members;
- whereby a plurality of pairs of said apparatus can be positioned at pre-determined intervals in one of in front of or behind said athlete when in a crouched position with successive apparatus pairs having said horizontal members positioned at one of, an increased height to teach said athletes to effectively transition from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical position during competitive activity, or a constant height to teach said athlete to maintain a crouched position during a training exercise.
2. A posture training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said horizontal members are covered with a cushioning material.
3. A posture training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said horizontal members are fabricated from a flexible material.
4. A posture training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said horizontal members are resiliently hinged to move upon contact by said athletes during a practice exercise.
5. A posture training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said base member, said upright member and said horizontal member are fabricated from rigid plastic.
6. A posture training apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said rigid plastic is PVC pipe.
7. A method for training a sprint racer to emerge from a crouched starting position with head down to a running phase with head and body erect comprising the steps of:
- placing a first height indicating guide approximately one and one-half feet in front of said sprinter in a normal starting position said guide set at a height approximately one foot above said sprinters pelvic height when said sprinter is in a normal starting position;
- placing a second height indicating guide approximately nine feet in front of said first height indicating guide; said second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of said sprinters mid-pectoral muscle, and
- placing a third height indicating guide approximately fifteen feet in front of said second guide, said third guide set at a height equal to the height of said sprinter's eyes, whereby when the sprint racer leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the sprinter's head the sprinter will be positioned properly for transition from a drive phase to a running phase.
8. A method according to claim 7 including the step of including vertical support members for each of said height indicating guides, said vertical support members positioned approximately one half-foot plus one half the width of said sprinters upper torso measured at the shoulder of said sprinter either side of a center line for said sprinter to follow during training.
9. A posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination:
- a pair of base members, each of said base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position;
- a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of said upright members said horizontal members cushioned in the event of contact by said athletes;
- whereby a pair of said apparatus can be positioned at pre-determined height in front of or behind said athlete to train said athlete to maintain a crouched position while moving forward, back pedaling, or shuffling.
10. A method for training an athlete to maintain a crouched position during at least a part of the athletes playing of a position in a team sport comprising the steps of:
- placing at least one height indicating guide approximately in front of or in back said athlete in a normal starting position said guide set at a height required to teach said athlete to maintain a proper crouched position while executing his position; and
- placing a second height indicating guide at a location in line with or at an angle to said first height indicating guide; said second height indicating guide set at a height equal to the height of said first height indicating guide, and whereby when the athlete leaves a starting position and passes through the height indicating guides just below or with brushing contact with the athlete's head the athlete will be positioned properly for executing his position.
11. A method according to claim 10 including the step of including a third height indicating guide in line with or at an angle to said second height indicating guide.
12. A posture training apparatus for athletes starting competitive activity from a crouched position comprising in combination:
- a pair of base members, each of said base members supporting an upright member in a generally vertical position;
- a variably positionable horizontal member disposed on each of said upright members said horizontal members cushioned in the event of contact by said athletes;
- whereby a plurality of pairs of said apparatus can be positioned at pre-determined intervals of, one, in front of or behind said athlete when in a crouched position with successive apparatus pairs having said horizontal members positioned at one of, increasing heights or uniform height to teach said athletes to effectively transition from a crouched starting position to a generally vertical position during competitive activity.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 26, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 3, 2005
Inventor: Douglas Joseph (Center Valley, PA)
Application Number: 10/926,554