Golf training device

Abstract

An exercise apparatus provides a resistance to movements taking place in a golf swing motion. A formed handle grip is ergonomically shaped to accommodate the proper position of the fingers and hands during the swing. A resistance tubing has a metal attachment for one end and a nylon loop or strap at the opposite end to allow fixation to a fixed object, such as a doorframe or the like. Hooks or rings fixed to both ends of the grip allow attachment to the tubing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/928,720, filed Aug. 25, 2004, and titled Golf Training System and Method, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/498,181, filed Aug. 26, 2003, and titled Golf Training System and Method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic training and conditioning devices and systems, and more particularly to golf swing training and conditioning device and system.

Researchers have shown that the fundamentals for generating power in the golf swing are based on laws of physics which involve the “summation of speed principle”. The angular velocity attained at the end of a kinetic chain (club head speed) is a result of sequential movement of body parts so as to maximize the force through impact. Any breakdown in the optimum sequence is counterproductive and results in power leakage.

To describe sequencing one must recognize the utilization of counter-force. Newtonian physics describes equal and opposite forces at work; force applied by the feet to the ground is met by an equal and opposite force back into the leg. This ground reaction force occurs as weight is transferred in the back swing and again in the through swing motions. Ground reaction forces create stability for the sequential movements of body parts. A stable base is established from which peak acceleration forces can be utilized. If one initiates either the takeaway or through swing with the hands and arms there will be disruption of the critical sequence which builds power and allows for the acceleration of one body component on the other. The hands and arms dominate most of our daily activities. There is a definite tendency to initiate both take away and down swing motions with the hands and arms. This is described in golf terminology as picking up the club on take away or coming over the top on the through swing. The most difficult movement for handicap golfers involves transferring weight and maintaining balance. The classic seven factors for skill development are posture, balance, mobility, stability strength and endurance. The exercises in this program emphasize stability, mobility and ultimately optimum power.

Any number of gadgets have attempted to solve the mysteries of swing mechanics and golf. Most products accentuate the problem of focusing on a striking or hitting motion rather than a throwing motion. The full golf swing is truly a throwing motion which requires sequential firing of body parts on a stable base. Typical products will promote the use of the hands independently and the pulling/pushing of weights or cables in such a way as to detract from the movement of the larger body parts.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a very specific golf exercise device and system that allow an individual to; 1) maintain the ergonomics required within the golf swing for multiple exercises 2) utilize the proper sequential motion of large muscle groups. In utilization of the power grip, we can now focus on the core muscles of the body, which are so important in maintaining balance and stability throughout the swing motion.

The present invention provides an exercise apparatus that includes a resistance to movements taking place in a golf swing motion. There is a formed handle grip that is ergonomically shaped to accommodate the proper position of the fingers and hands during the swing. There is resistance tubing that has a metal attachment for one end and a nylon loop at the opposite end to allow fixation to a fixed object, such as a doorframe or the like. There are swivels at each end of the grip to allow attachment to the tubing. For the takeaway exercise the tubing is secured in the door close to the floor with attachment to the proximal end of the grip. The golfer assumes a set up position and moves into takeaway with resistance provided by the fixed tubing. The through swing motion is resisted when the tubing is fixed higher in the door frame (depending on height of golfer) and the tubing is attached to the distal end of the handle. The golfer then works from a top of the swing position through to the impact zone and beyond. With attachments for both poles of the device, the golfer is able to work in both the take-away and explosive through swing motions, all the while focusing on large muscle groups. The grip may used also with common weight stacks for resistance as in a gym setting.

The device and method of the present invention can be effective at training sequential firing and proper weight transfer. When used properly, the device and method of the present invention will encourage the use of large muscle groups and result in improved coordination, mobility, stability, strength and endurance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a resistance tubing and attachment device of an apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a grip assembly of an apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of using the apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative method of using the apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention includes a resistance tubing assembly, illustrated in the following FIG. 1, and a grip assembly, illustrated in FIG. 2. Resistance tubing assembly 11 includes an elastic tubing 13 with an attachment strap 15 at one end and an attachment clip or snap 17 at the other end. Elastic tubing 13 may be selected to provide an appropriate level of resistance. Attachment strap 15 is preferably a strap of nylon fabric or the like having folded-over stitched him 16. Strap 15 is adapted for attachment to a fixed object, such as a door frame by closing a door on the strap, thereby capturing the strap between the door and the frame. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, alternative resistance means, such as a cable running over pulleys and attached to a weight stack may be used as an alternate to elastic tubing 13. However, the elastic tubing embodiment makes the apparatus of the present invention easily portable for use at home, in an office, in a hotel room, or elsewhere.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, grip assembly 21 of the present invention comprises a golf grip 23 affixed to a core 25. In the preferred embodiment, golf grip 23 comprises a training grip configured to position a player's hands and fingers in a proper golf grip. Core 25 is preferably a solid metallic member that simulates the portion of a golf shaft that underlies the grip. According to the present invention, swivel rings 26 and 27 are mounted to the proximal and distal ends of core 25, respectively. The distal end is the end that in a normal club points toward the club head. The proximal is the end that points toward the player in the address position. As will explained in detail hereinafter, attachment snap 17 resistance tubing 11 may be attached to either swivel ring 26 or swivel ring 27 of grip assembly 21.

The method of the present invention is illustrated with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. Referring first to FIG. 4, attachment snap 17 of resistance tubing assembly 11 is connected proximal swivel ring 26 of grip assembly 21. Attachment strap 15 of resistance tubing assembly 11 is attached between a door 30 a door frame 31 at a low position with respect to the player. The low position is below the player's waist, preferably below the player's knees, and most preferably around the player's ankles. The low position may be conveniently obtained using a cable weight machine (not shown) available in most gyms or health clubs or home weight machines.

The player holds grip 23 of the grip assembly 21 with both hands in a proper golf grip and assumes an address position (not shown) with resistance tubing 13 in tension. Then the player rotates his hips and shoulders and cocks his wrist to reach the top of the swing position, as shown in FIG. 4. The resistance of the resistance tubing encourages the player to make a one-piece take away of the club in a swing path with a wide arc. Resistance tubing 13 also strengthens the muscles used in taking the club from the address position to the top and in decelerating the club in the follow through.

Referring now to FIG. 5, attachment strap 15 of resistance tubing assembly 11 is attached to a high position in door frame 31. The high position is above the player's waist and preferably at or above the position of the player's hands at the top of the swing. The high position may be conveniently obtained using a cable weight machine (not shown) available in most gyms or health clubs or home weight machines. Attachment snap 15 is connected to distal swivel ring 27 of grip assembly 21. The player grips grip 23 in a proper golf grip and assumes the “at the top” position with resistance tubing 13 in tension. The player then moves from the top position to the impact position.

The device of the present invention not only strengthens and stretches the muscles used in accelerating the club head through impact, but also encourages the player to use the correct sequence of movements in the kinetic link to achieve maximum acceleration of the club head. The device encourages the player to start the hips fist, followed by the shoulders and then the arms, with the release of the wrist cock delayed until immediately before impact.

Claims

1. A golf swing training and conditioning device, which comprises:

a handle having a distal end and a proximal end;

a first attachment device affixed to the proximal end;

a second attachment device affixed to the distal end;

a grip positioned on said handle between said first and second attachment devices; and,

resistance means selectively connectable to one of said attachment devices.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip is configured to simulate a golf club grip.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said golf club grip is configured to encourage a player to use a proper grip.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said attachment devices comprises a swivel ring.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resistance means comprises:

an elastic tubing having, at a first end, means for attaching to one said attachment devices and having, at a second end, means for attaching to a fixed object.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said means for attaching to one of said attachment devices comprises a snap.

7. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said means for attaching to a fixed object comprises a strap.

8. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fixed object comprises a door frame.

9. A method of training and conditioning a person to make a golf swing, which comprises the steps of:

holding a grip in both hands in a golf grip, said grip being positioned on a handle between a first attachment device affixed to a proximal end of said handle and a second attachment device affixed to a distal end of said handle; and,

connecting a resistance selectively to one of said attachment devices.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, including:

moving said grip handle against said resistance from an address position, through take-away, toward a top position with said resistance connected to said first attachment device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the direction of said resistance is anchored at a low position with respect to said person.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said low position is below the waist of said person.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said low position is below the knees of said person.

14. The method as claimed in claim 9, including:

moving said grip handle against said resistance from a top position toward an impact position with said resistance connected to said second attachment device.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the direction of said resistance is anchored at a high position with respect to said person.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said high position is above the waist of said person.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, where said high position is above the shoulders of said person.

18. A golf swing training and conditioning device, which comprises:

a handle having a distal end and a proximal end;

a first attachment device affixed to the proximal end;

a second attachment device affixed to the distal end; and,

a grip positioned on said handle between said first and second attachment devices.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18, including: resistance means selectively connectable to one of said attachment devices.

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said resistance means comprises:

an elastic tubing having, at a first end, means for attaching to one said attachment devices and having, at a second end, means for attaching to a fixed object.