Abstract: A golf training glove for emitting distinctive physically perceivable signals in response to a failure of a golfer to maintain a correct grip about a golf club during a golf swing. The basic glove is similar to a conventional golf glove with a hand access opening and plural finger stalls. A sensor is located in a region corresponding to the back of a golfer's thumb and/or in a region corresponding to an area around the intersection of the palm, and the middle, ring and little fingers. A physically perceivable signal is generated by an electrical device if one of said sensors senses an absence of pressure thereagainst. The signal is preferably an audible signal, having different characteristics for each sensor. Typically the sensors are pressure sensitive, capacitive or proximity switches. The electronic and signaling components are housed in a pocket on the back of the glove.

Abstract: A golf training system for conditioning a golfer to keep his head down and straight during a full golf swing by alerting the golfer after the execution of each swing whether said previous swing was performed properly, comprising a cord, said cord having a proximal end and a distal end, a mouthpiece, said mouthpiece secured at the proximal end of said cord, and a fastening assembly, said fastening assembly secured to the distal end of the cord. The mouthpiece is grasped within the mouth of the golfer, and the fastening assembly then secured to an article of the golfer's clothing such that the cord located between said fastening assembly and the mouthpiece is semi-taught when the golfer's head is fixed in a straight, downward position. After execution of the swing, if the fastening assembly has disengaged the golfer's clothing, the golfer is alerted that the execution of his swing was faulty in that he improperly lifted or turned his head.

Abstract: A golf practicing aid and its method of use which includes written and graphic indicia in the form of a diagrammatic depiction of a typical golfing hole to be used at a driving range or other practice area which is employed by its user for recording thereon the user's shot pattern established during the course of making various actual practice shots. The aid further includes directions for its use and a shot statistical tabulation to allow the user to summarize the user's performance in terms of shot quality which allows the golfer to identify and correct errors in his golf game (swing, grip, etc.).The practice materials are preferably provided in booklet form consisting of a multitude of such golf hole diagrams and attendant statistical tabulations. Basic golfing tips are also preferably included in the booklet.

Abstract: A golf putting teaching aid includes a putting surface that has disposed thereon a cup near one end and a number of patterns disposed along the length thereof. Each of the patterns has parallel lines aligned with the desired putting path, the two parallel lines being separated by a predetermined distance, preferably the width of a typical golf ball. The length of the two parallel lines in each of the patterns increases as the pattern is moved away from the cup. At a predetermined location along each of the two parallel lines in each of the patterns, a ball location area is defined. The golf ball is disposed at this location and then the club first aligned with the ball such that the face thereof is perpendicular to the desired path of travel and then moved back to the most distal end from the cup.

Abstract: A sports trainer by which a user is positioned in front of a full length mirror which reflects the image of the user when performing certain sports activities combined with a television monitor and video cassette player which provides an observable illustration of the same sports activity in the form of a mirror image depicting an optimum of the sports activity involved thereby enabling the user to compare the reflected image in the mirror and the illustrated mirror image in the television monitor in order for the user to closely approach the optimum position and movement illustrated on the television monitor. The disclosure in this application relates to golf but the sports trainer can be used with various types of sports involving positions and movements of individuals and various equipment used in various sports.

Abstract: Proper golf swing characteristics for a particular shot are provided from an electronic device by successive overlaying of solution overlays associated with a hierarchy of decision parameters describing the shot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for improving consistency of a golfer's swing by affording visual feedback of head displacement and resultant body orientation. The training apparatus includes a scale member having calibrated indicia disposed thereon and a support structure including a base portion and cantilever member adapted to position the scale at a predetermined relative location along the golfer's line-of-sight when the golfer is in an initial address position. Head displacement during the backswing is visually apparent to the golfer as a shift in the position of the object ball from the address position. By controlling the amount of shift and ensuring the ball has visually returned to a desired point at or near the address position at the moment of impact, the golfer may be assured of proper body orientation and weight distribution at impact resulting in improved swing consistency.

Abstract: A golf training method in which the player is provided with a source of uniformly spaced-apart beat signals which are discernable by the golfer, either visually or audibly, or both. The golfer is guided to perform the backswing and foreswing portions of the golf stroke, from the moment of take-away to the moment of ball impact at the end of the foreswing, in synchronization with a predetermined number of beat signals, the first of which is synchronized with the moment of take-away and the last of which is synchronized with ball impact. The tempo of beat signals is adjustable to accommodate different golfers, and also to accommodate different swing tempos of the same golfer with different clubs and swing lengths. The source of beat signals advantageously is a small, pocket-size, battery operated electronic device adjustable to provide beat counts over a substantial range from, for example, 40 to 216 beats per minute.

Abstract: A hand glove includes markings formed thereon which, when worn by a wearer, provide the wearer with a visual indication of the proper gripping position of an implement, such as a golf club or a baseball bat. By aligning the implement with markings formed on the hand glove, a proper gripping position of the selected implement can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf training device that will help the golfer train himself to maintain the proper arm and wrist position. This invention consists of a glove which is modified by the addition of a pocket to the back of the glove. In this pocket fits an electronic attachment with a sensory mechanism. This sensing mechanism will sense arm and wrist positions and compare these positions to predetermined ones registered in the electronic circuit. If the golfer's body members repeat the predetermined positions a signal will alert the golfer that the proper position has been achieved.

Abstract: The golf ball tracking apparatus has a video camera for producing data representative of video images of a golf ball, a video frame processor connected to receive data from the video camera for determining the golf ball image position within a video frame of the camera, a flight path predictor responsive to the video frame processor for predicting the flight path of the golf ball in response to data from the video frame processor, and a motion controller responsive to the flight path predictor for controlling the movement of the camera to thereby track the actual flight of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf instruction aid and method of providing a tactile feedback to a golfer to remind the golfer to observe the proper weight shift during a backswing. The golf instruction aid includes a generally flat main body portion adapted to slip between the instep of the golfer and the golfer's shoe. A first flange extends underneath the foot of the golfer, while a second flange projects outward from the foot of the golfer above the rim of the shoe. The first flange exerts a slight pressure on the instep of the golfer's foot to remind the golfer to maintain his or her weight on the instep during the backswing. In one embodiment, the first flange is positioned generally underneath the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch of the foot. In the second embodiment, the first flange is positioned forward from the second flange and is positioned to apply pressure to the arch closer to the ball of the foot.

Abstract: An instructional aid (10) for enabling and assisting a person to emulate a predetermined movement such as a golf swing including an image/data capturing device (11) for scanning, capturing and storing the image/data signals of the person's golf swing or movement, and a transceiver (14) for transmitting the image/data signals over a communications network (15) to a remote computer (17). The computer (16) contains a database (17) which stores in digital form image signals and bio-mechanical data of a number of preselected swing or movements. The computer (16) analyzes the person's image/data signals against image/data of a preselected swing and generates in digital form further visual images/data signals which can be transformed so as to assist or enable a person to be able to emulate the preferred swing.

Abstract: A golf training mirror for viewing a golfer's body to determine proper swing alignment comprising:a. a convex mirror having a reflective surface generally free of lines for viewing reflection of a golfer's body;b. at least one pair of horizontal lines on the reflective surface for alignment with a specific part of a golfer's body;c. at least one rectangular box on the reflective surface for alignment with a second specific part of the golfer's body; and,d. a vertical line generally bisecting the reflective surface for aligning the golfer's body.

Abstract: A golf simulator is provided with an improved trajectory sensing and spin detector. The trajectory sending system includes a first row of light sensors located adjacent to a tee and receiving light from a first light source directly above the tee. Second and third rows of light sensors are positioned away from the tee. The second row receives light from a second source directly overhead. The third row receives light from the first light source where a plane of light is defined between the first light source and the third row of sensors. The time intervals between a golf ball passing from the tee to the first plane of light and to the second plane of light, where the second plane of light is defined by the second light source and the second row of sensors are detected by the first, second, and third rows of light sensors. The angle of elevation of a golf ball is determined as a function of the ratio of the first and second time intervals.

Abstract: A golf teaching aid includes a primary hinge member having a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm. The first arm is movable relative to the second arm between a stored position wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel and an operative position wherein the first arm and the second arm are set in angular relation. A first tubular member extends from the first arm. The first tubular member has a first telescopic member which is telescopically received within the first tubular member. A second tubular member has a second telescopic member which is telescopically received within the second tubular member. A target pointer member is pivotally secured to the first telescopic member. The positioning of the target pointer member relative to the second telescopic member is adjustable by extension of the first telescopic member whereby the target pointer member points to the preferred position for ball placement relative to the second tubular member and points toward a target.

Abstract: An alignment and set up teaching aid comprised of adhesive labels, for example, which are adapted to be placed on a golf club and which include symbols and/or indicia representing the proper foot placement, club head orientation, aiming area, target, weight placement and club head impact point. The symbols or indicia are universal within the teaching system provided in this disclosure in the sense that they may be used in different combinations depending on the shot to be executed, to give accurate representations of numerous shots which are not properly executed with a traditional set up and alignment designed for a level lie in the fairway. A further system of labels is provided for teaching proper putting guidelines.

Abstract: A device for aiding in practicing of a golf stroke. A first adjustable signal means produces a first delayed sensible signal at a selectable first time period after the beginning of the backstroke, and a second adjustable signal means produces a second delayed sensible signal at an independently selectable second time period after the first delayed sensible signal. The first time period is adjusted or selected to correspond to the duration of the backswing for the individual golfer, while the second time period is selected to correspond to the duration of the downstroke until contact with the ball.

Abstract: In method and apparatus for analyzing motion of an individual for a predetermined activity, such as during a golf swing, forces on weight pads supporting the individual's feet are converted to signals corresponding to relative weights and dynamic forces on the weight pads. These parameters are displayed numerically as well as graphically on a video image of the individual during performance of the activity, in order to enable the analysis of variation in weight distribution and dynamic forces during the activity.

Abstract: A method of teaching a proper golfing stance for hitting a golf ball utilizing three strips each having three apertures, one at each end of each strip and one positioned midway therebetween comprising the steps of"(a) positioning an end of said first strip on a golfing surface proximate said golf ball and an opposite end away from said ball so that said strip is aligned with said ball and perpendicular to the intended direction of travel of said golf ball;(b) positioning the middle aperture of said second strip on top of and in alignment with the end aperture of said first strip proximate said golf ball so that said second strip is perpendicular to said first strip and parallel to the intended direction of travel of said golf ball;(c) positioning the middle aperture of said third strip on top of and in alignment with the middle aperture of the first strip so that said third strip is perpendicular to said first strip and parallel to said second strip;(d) securing said second strip to said first strip through t

Abstract: A system utilizing an array of high speed video cameras with image processors coupled to data microprocessors, data memory devices, video monitors, control terminals, printout devices, and related hardware and software. The system functions to identify, track, display and record all or selected portions of the path of one or more golf balls from the time each ball is struck, or after it is in flight, until it reaches its final point of rest. The recorded tracking information may be displayed in selected forms such as video or audio replays of the actual golf shot or selected portions thereof, or by printed data in character or graphic form. The tracking information may be reviewed for detailed study of all or portions of the track of the golf shot as well as the final resting place of the ball with respect to the intended target of the shot.

Abstract: The golfing apparatus according to the present invention has a golf shot file providing a representation of at least one actual golf shot by the user. The golf shot representation includes at least a time and a distance of a golf ball travel. The apparatus also has a golf course file for providing a geographic representation of at least a portion of a golf course and simulation means for combining selected portions of the golf shot file and selected portions of the golf course file to simulate at least one golf shot on the selected portions of the golf course based upon at least one actual golf shot by the user. An image display responsive to the simulation means displays at least one simulated golf shot on the selected portions of the golf course.

Abstract: A circular or bar-type slide rule made of a durable rigid material for converting a golf handicap index into a converted playing handicap based upon the slope rating of a golf course. A method for calculating a converted playing handicap by aligning the player's handicap index value on a first logarithmic scale, locating the golf course slope rate on a second logarithmic scale so that the aligned value of the converted playing handicap may be read on the first scale.

Abstract: A golf simulator includes a target screen that receives a projected image of a golf hole from a player's view. As a player hits a ball into the target screen, a main controller analyzes the swing and displays the path of the golf ball using a spotlight generated by a tracer. A slice/hook determining apparatus includes a clubhead impact angle sensor for determining the clubhead impact angle at impact with the ball. A controller in the slice/hook determining apparatus calculates a theoretical impact point where the ball would hit the impact screen if no side spin were imparted on the ball. The main controller compares the theoretical impact point with the actual impact point and accurately determines a slice/hook component of the ball trajectory based on the difference between the actual impact point and the theoretical input point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training a user to move in a desired movement pattern, especially for training a golfer to swing a golf club. One or more sensors are placed adjacent the user, for example pressure sensors under the user's feet and/or between the user's hands and a golf club. The sensors generate signals corresponding to the user's movement. A comparator and signal generator are used to compare a function of the user signals and a reference value, and to generate training signals which are communicated to the user, e.g. by radio frequency signals received by a headset worn by the user. In this way, the user senses, during the actual movement, training signals which represent a relationship between the actual movement pattern and a desired movement pattern.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus provides recording and instant playback of video images of a golfer's swing. A plurality of color video cameras are preferably employed to obtain video images of a swing from different angles. A video processing and storage unit digitally stores the images in memory for instant replay. Image processing and recording is automatically initiated when a golf ball is placed on a designated hitting area through the use of an infrared camera and image processing software that detects a golf ball in the IR camera's image. The IR camera is also used in conjunction with an IR flash unit to obtain snapshot images of a club head and ball just before and just after the golf club hits the ball. An optical sensor array is positioned adjacent the hitting area to detect the passage of a golf club toward the ball. The signals generated by the optical sensor array are employed by the image processing and storage unit to both calculate the club speed and control triggering of the flash unit.

Abstract: The golf ball tracking apparatus has a video camera for producing data representative of video images of a golf ball, a video frame processor connected to receive data from the video camera for determining the golf ball image position within a video frame of the camera, a flight path predictor responsive to the video frame processor for predicting the flight path of the golf ball in response to data from the video frame processor, and a motion controller responsive to the flight path predictor for controlling the movement of the camera to thereby track the actual flight of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus for training a golf player to be skilled in the proper action of a swing at a golf ball on a ground surface, the apparatus comprising:a sight fixing device including at least one of: (a) a pair of spaced apart lighting spots; and (b) a lighting arrow having spaced apart initial and terminal ends anda mechanism for maintaining said spots or ends spaced apart a predetermined distance in a horizontal plane at a predetermined height between the ground surface and the golfer's eye level which permits the user to sight on a golf ball on said surface with said pair of lighting spots or said ends of said lighting arrow while standing in a proper golf address position and at the top of a proper backswing.

Abstract: A golf swing training process comprising the steps of:(a) providing a golf swing training device having a support frame, a force translation member, and a pivot, said support frame supporting said pivot for rotation about a generally vertical axis and enabling the vertical position of said pivot to be adjusted, said force translation member having two ends and being engaged with said pivot for pivoting said ends about said generally vertical axis;(b) adjusting the vertical position of said pivot such that said force translation member is substantially the same distance above ground level as one's knees;(c) assuming a golf stance wherein one's legs are generally apart and one's knees are bent such that a back of each said knee is engaged with an end of said force translation member;(d) swinging a golf club through an arc generally across the front of one's body such that the back of one of said knees moves in a first direction against one end of said force translation member to cause said force translation mem

Abstract: A device for monitoring a golfer's errant hand movements involves a hand position sensing element, a circuit for establishing a circuit condition which is indicative of a preferred hand position, a circuit for detecting changes in the established circuit condition and providing outputs that are indicative of errant pivotal hand movements, and a signals generating circuit for providing perceivable signals that are indicative of such errant movements. Various circuit controls are provided in the device and a training system is disclosed.

Abstract: A golf stance training device (10) has an index member (12) which is placeable between a golfer's feet to extend to a ball end located in desired proximity to a ball (81) to be hit by that golfer using a club (82) selected for that purpose. A ball pointer (14) is connected by a pivot (15) to the ball end (16) of the ball index member (12). A cross-member (11) extends across the index member and a sight target (67) is located above that edge of the cross-member closest to the golfer. A resiliently biased clamp connector (13) is provided so that the position of the cross-member is adjustable along the index member to that position which for that golfer and that selected club, defines the ball-to-toe line distance which correlates to an address position of the golfer's hands on the selected club when the clubhead is grounded behind the ball and the lowest portion of the hands on the club grip are essentially on a sight line from the golfer's eyes to the sight target.

Abstract: A visual monitoring system for a golfer to simultaneously watch his golf swing while the swing is being made. The system includes one or more video cameras and a video monitoring screen mounted below a transparent surface where the swing is being made with a golf club for viewing the swing without distorting the head of the golfer during the golf swing.

Abstract: A golf swing teaching device includes two elastic arm cuffs which are interconnected and which each fit on one of the golfer's arm between the golfer's elbow and the golfer's shoulder such that the golfer's arms are biased toward each other while executing a golf swing. An elastic hip strap is connected to the arm cuff holding the trailing swing arm and includes a clamp which is secured to a point in proximity to the golfer's hip which is on the opposite side of the golfer's body as the golfer's trailing swing arm. As the golfer executes a golf back swing, the hip strap causes the golfer's hip to be rotated in the direction of the golfer's back swing. The position of the hip strap on the golfer's hip and the length of the hip strap can be adjusted to suit different golfers and the use of different clubs by individual golfers. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the golfer first repeatedly practices the golf swing with both arms in their respective arm cuffs.

Abstract: A golf instructional aid device is provided which consists of a generally U-shaped flat frame having a V-shaped base with two parallel arms forming an open gate. The frame is secured to the turf, so that a golf ball can be placed upon the turf within the open gate between the arms. A structure on either of the arms is for allowing a golfer with a golf club to make a perfectly aligned stance, being a ball position and a hand position at address. The golfer can practice a golf swing at the golf ball, which will carry over to the play on the golf course when stroking the golf ball towards a hole.

Abstract: A golf training device having a shaft with a lighting means located in each end of the shaft, with a light beam emitted from each lighting means away from the shaft, with each beam of light on a line with the other beam of light. A method of using the golf training device through a typical golf swing by locating a beam of light emitted from a lower end of the shaft on a line defined by an imaginary object ball and an imaginary target, with the light beam traveling along the line at appropriate points in the swing, and with the beam of light emitted from the opposite end of the shaft striking and traveling along the line at appropriate points in the swing. The device may also be used to achieve proper rotation of the hips and torso during the golf swing by using one's arms to hold the shaft against one's chest or lower torso while rotating one's body rearward and forward as in a typical golf club swing and observing the locations of the light beams emitted from the opposite ends of the shaft.

Abstract: A training device for training golfers the proper movement of the lower body during the golfing swing. The device comprises a base with a first foot pad and a second foot pad supported thereon, one of the foot pads being movable toward or away from the other foot pad. Each foot pad has a support surface upon which one foot of the golfer is placed. The support surface of the first foot pad is rotatable only from a horizontal position to an inwardly-facing position in relation to the second foot pad and the support surface of the second foot pad forms a predetermined angle with the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit for training a golfer to obtain a proper swing, the kit having a base positionable on the ground and having markings to locate the feet and ball in correct relation to a target line to a target. A backswing guide member is securable to the base at a fixed angle to indicate the direction a golf club should be pointing during a first step of a correct backswing when the golfer's wrists are substantially adjacent the leg furthest from the target. "The direction indicated by the backswing guide member is at an angle of approximately 40.degree. to the target line facing away from the target.

Abstract: A video training device and method for enabling a student athlete to closely pattern his dynamic technique after that of a recognized master. The exemplary device includes a pair of video cameras that transmit live images of the student as seen from those directions that best represent the technique. A video overlay generator receives the live images and combines them, while still in their video signal format, with a corresponding set of self-generated template images that represent, in static outline form, the dynamic technique of the master in the desired sport situation. The combined sets of images are sent to a pair of visual monitors for simultaneous, superimposed display of each set on a respective screen. User-operated controls on the video overlay generator permit the static image on each screen to be adjusted in size, moved vertically or horizontally, or switched to a new static image representing a different sport situation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf practice aid for assisting a golfer in maintaining a proper stance about the golf ball and with respect to the pin or target. The golf practice aid comprises a stance quadrant, that includes an angularly adjustable elongated heel guide for defining open and closed stances. Also forming a part of the stance quadrant is an adjustable ball position indicator run that extends parallel to the heel guide. The stance quadrant is tied together by a pair of spaced apart crossties extending between the heel guide and the adjustable ball position indicator. A target support extends outwardly from the stance indicator and there is provided a movable target indicator mounted on the target support and adapted to point towards the pin or hole placement.

Abstract: A golf-swing training device that comprises a club shaft, one end having a grip and the other end having a generally U-shaped member to which a removable flat paddle is attached. The paddle consists of a generally rectangular structure, approximately 1 foot wide and 4 inches tall, featuring a pair of apertures and a retaining channel on one side for cooperative engagement with the generally U-shaped end of the shaft. The training club is swung like a standard club and used to simulate striking a ball with a square face without the use of a golf ball. Because of its size, the paddle provides a visible indication of the position of the club in the hands of a user, allowing immediate adjustments to be made in the course of the swing. In addition, the drag created by the paddle during the downswing results in a force that requires greater effort on the part of the user than a regular club would demand, which in turn strengthens the muscles used to square the face of the club during the downswing.

Abstract: A golf simulator includes a screen for displaying a simulated golf hole. Sensors measure one or more parameters of a hit golf ball hit with a golf club by a player. These parameters may include the velocity, trajectory, and spin of a golf ball. A computer determines the distance and location of the hit golf ball from the simulated hole as a function of the measured parameters. The computer enhances a player's shot by a predetermined enhancement factor. In a preferred embodiment the calculated forward velocity of a hit ball is increased with the enhancement factor to obtain an enhanced forward velocity. The enhancement factor can be a predetermined percentage ranging between 0 and 200 percent. The enhancement factor can be automatically phased out, attenuated, or cancelled as the player approaches the simulated hole. The display screen displays the enhancement factor of a player.

Abstract: A sports training aid has a pair of foot sensors, insertable in a pair of shoes, which generate measurement signals indicative of weight applied to each of the foot sensors. The training aid compares the measurement signals with a specified range of values and produces audible sounds indicative of the relationship between those measurement signals and the specified range of values, thereby providing the training aid's user with immediate audible feedback regarding weight shifts. A grip sensing version of the sports training aid uses a grip pressure sensor which generates a measurement signal indicative of grip pressure applied to the handle of a swingable object, such as a golf club or baseball bat. When the user's grip pressure falls outside specified threshold values, audible tones are generated. In both versions, the user receives the audible feedback signals via a headset worn while using the sports training aid.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid kit comprising three golf practice aids, each of which can be used independently or all three may be used together. The kit, a brief-case sized box opens to form a platform. A self-contained collapsible pole is affixed therein and is adjusted for user height. The pole, held rigidly upright by means of struts and the golfer's weight while standing on a portion of said box, further comprising horizontal bars which provides passive limits to the motion of the golfer's hips.A second aid comprises a chest harness to which a lanyard is attached and whereby said lanyard's free end is looped around the center most part of a golf club's hand grip. Thereby, training the golfer in correct arm and wrist movement.The third related aid, a brightly colored ribbon having eyelets, for attaching ground anchors, for marking out the correct path to be followed by the club head during the golfer's swing.

Abstract: The golf club grip training aid enables the golfer's hand to be properly positioned with respect to each other while maintaining a comfortable grip on the golf club shaft. The training aid includes a band of flexible material having an aperture for receiving the thumb of a first hand, and an adjustable loop adjacent to the aperture that receives the thumb of the second hand. The adjustable loop accommodates different sizes of thumbs, and preferably includes two loop portions each of which is attached to the band. The two loop portions have mating VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners which allow the relative positions of the two loop portions to be changed to adjust the loop size. The training aid is also reversible in that it may be used on either hand by moving the loop through a slot in the band that adjoins the loop. When the training aid is to be reversed, the band is wrapped on the second hand and the loop is moved through the slot and adjusted to accommodate the thumb of the first hand.

Abstract: An innovative teaching process for instruction of the proper placement of the hands on the grip of a golf club using a sequence of golf grips of increasingly greater numbers of flat, longitudinal surfaces incorporates successively less detectable, yet consistently located tactile feedback producing ribs on the golf grip. Teaching starts with a maximum biomechanical feedback grip with ribs that are pronounced. As the golfer develops sufficient proficiency with locating the hands on the grip and maintaining this proper hand positioning through the swing, the maximum biomechanical feedback grip is replaced with a new grip with less pronounced ribs, typically, with the same spacing as the first used grip. This process is repeated until the golfer has advanced from a maximum feedback grip to a minimum biomechanical feedback grip, i.e., to a substantially circular grip as accepted for USGA golf play. In one form, the grip, generally circular in nature, has from five to nine internal ribs.

Abstract: A scorekeeper and distance indicator for use with a golf cart measures distance traversed by the golf cart and uses the measured distance in conjunction with stored information about a hole being played to determine the remaining distance to the pin. The apparatus displays the remaining distance, the number of the hole being played and a cumulative score. The apparatus is adaptable to store scores and other information for a plurality of players. A portion of the apparatus that includes a memory device can be removed from the golf cart and taken to a remote location to read or print scores. The increasing use of golf carts, and especially of powered golf carts, makes it feasible to use an odometer to measure the distance traversed by the golf cart. The availability of inexpensive microprocessor chips makes it feasible to combine information from an odometer or the like about measured distances with stored information about the characteristics of a golf course.

Abstract: A portable battery-operated video camera and recorder system that includes illuminated messages and time displays for automated use to allow one to make a video recording of a golf swing or similar activity. The system is weatherproof and completely automated with a vending machine that provides for a predetermined amount of recording time. The video camera lens is mounted strategically and sized to provide the best optical view of a golf swing at a predetermined distance from the golf swing tee-off mat.

Abstract: Most golf greens slope, which causes balls that are putted on them to follow curves, rather than moving in straight lines. An heuristic visual device is provided to assist a golfer in estimating how a putted golf ball will "break" on a sloping green. The invention provides graphic representations of trajectories of putted golf balls rolling on greens that slope solely along principal directions (i.e. front-to-back and right-to-left). A golfer, who must initially estimate how the green on which he is planning to putt actually slopes in the two principal directions, can metally combine those graphically represented putting trajectories in order to estimate the effects of gravity and thereby to predict his proper `line of play`.

Abstract: A training device for encouraging proper body characteristics during the striking of a ball, such as a baseball or a golf ball. In particular, the training device encourages immobility of the head during ball striking and swinging, and also aids in attaining proper head alignment to the ball. A frame mounted upon a cap visor includes spaced ends, and reference elements formed of a thin material are mounted upon the frame ends and define closed loops. The reference elements are located within the wearer's line of sight while viewing the ball to be struck, and the proximity of the reference elements to the wearer's eyes cause the closed loops to appear to define an enclosed alignment target in which the ball may be located during striking. The particular configuration of the alignment target is determined by the configuration of the reference elements' loops.

Abstract: A means swing training method and apparatus means for perfecting the awareness, dependent swing motion and muscle groups contributing to the performance of players who engage in dependent sport games and activities are disclosed. A blade having sufficient width and rigidity to generate air resistance during a representative swing motion is designed to fold during the upswing motion, to flatten during the downswing motion and to float on the shaft of the appendant training apparatus so as to remain perpendicular to the swing plane throughout said user downswing motion.