Abstract: A golf swing instructional cage for teaching a quiet lower body swing, employs a minimum of three body constraints: a rear constraint, a forward upper leg lateral constraint and a constraint at the rear of the rearward knee area such that when the golfer is located in the proper initial swing position proximal the rear constraint and knee area restraint and a short laterally spaced distance from the forward upper leg lateral constraint, avoidance of contact with the spaced forward upper leg lateral constraint during the golf swing instructs in quiet lower body control. Optionally a laterally spaced rear upper leg lateral restraint is also provided which, by avoidance of contact during the golf swing further instructs in additional quiet lower body control.

Abstract: A method of analyzing and practicing golf strokes, such as putting strokes, is provided. A surface is provided, wherein a golfer can practice one or more strokes in an environment simulating components of a golf course, such as a green. A club movement detector embedded in the surface and comprising a plurality of photodetectors and associated circuitry determines the position and velocity of the club face. A head movement sensor detects rotational movement of the golfer's head during the golf stroke. An eye movement sensor detects movement of the eyes of the golfer during the golf stroke. A processor connected to the club movement sensor, eye movement sensor, and head movements sensor gathers movement data during the golf stroke and produces measurements corresponding to the golf stroke, such as eye, head, and club movement of the golfer. The measurements can be compared with those of professional golfers to determine the efficiency and accuracy of the putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf swing apparatus and method for improving a golfer's backstroke and powerstroke includes a mat on which a practice ball is mounted, a target located on one side of the golf ball location and a second target located on the opposite side of the golf ball location, the two targets and the golf ball location being aligned with a desired club powerswing motion. The club handle has a laser light which when the club is raised on the backswing, focus is on the first target, when the club is raised on completion of the powerstroke, the laser light focuses on the second target.

Abstract: A golf swing instructional cage for teaching a quiet lower body swing, employs a minimum of three body constraints: a rear constraint, a forward upper leg lateral constraint and a constraint at the rear of the rearward knee area such that when the golfer is located in the proper initial swing position proximal the rear constraint and knee area restraint and a short laterally spaced distance from the forward upper leg lateral constraint, avoidance of contact with the spaced forward upper leg lateral constraint during the golf swing instructs in quiet lower body control. Optionally a laterally spaced rear upper leg lateral restraint is also provided which, by avoidance of contact during the golf swing further instructs in additional quiet lower body control.

Abstract: A golf swing and ball flight recording system for allowing golfers to visualize their swing from various angles, and the flight of the golf ball after the swing. The system includes a frame having a generally rectangular configuration and including a top, a rear, opposed sides, an open front and an open bottom. The top and the opposed sides each have cross members and the frame is dimensioned for receiving a club swinging golfer therein. A top fixed video camera is fixedly secured to the cross member of the top of the frame. A first side fixed video camera is fixedly secured to the cross member of a first of the opposed sides of the frame. A second side fixed video camera is fixedly secured to the cross member of a second of the opposed sides of the frame. A video recorder is in communication with the video cameras for recording images received by the video cameras. A movable video camera positioned adjacent to the rear of the frame. The movable video camera is supportable on the body of a person.

Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synch, the training device provides feedback to the user. Device basically comprises a belt and strap that secure a sheet to the right leg of the user. A pair of panels is mounted to the sheet. Pair of panels contacts a user's hands if the hip rotation and the movement of the user's hands are out of synch.

Abstract: A golf swing practice device (20) includes a substantially j-shaped shaft (22) having a golf grip (24) at a first end and a back-touching member (26) at an opposite second end. To use the device, a golfer grasps golf grip (24), moves through a backswing until back-touching member (26) touches the back (502) and then takes a practice swing forward ending up in a follow through position where back-touching member (26) again touches the back (502). Repeating practice swings with the present invention “grooves” the golfer's swing.

Abstract: The golf putting practice device has a foundation frame, including a cantilevered support bracket. It has upper and lower optical position lines carried on transparent portions of plate members that are mounted on the cantilevered support bracket so that the plate members are parallel to each other and the optical position lines extend in the direction of a proper putting stroke. A ball-centering sight as well as a head mirror are also mounted on the support bracket. An angled mirror is also provided. A golfer using the device can observe problems with head movement during a putting stroke, as well as the exact posture of the ball, the putter head, and putter head movement during a putting stroke. The correct putting stroke is absolutely perfectly along the optical position lines.

Abstract: An instructional swing device for teaching the proper swing for baseball, golf or the like. The instructional swing device comprises a vest or harness arrangement which positions an adjustable, stretchable strap across the torso of the user from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Attached to the strap is an audible indicating mechanism, such as a buzzer, which is activated by proper movement of the user through stretching of the strap. In operation, the audible indicating mechanism identifies a proper swing during use to provide feedback to the user that the user is performing the desired hip movement in advance of the hands.

Abstract: A training device worn by a golfer includes a first shoe retainer that is secured to a first shoe of the golfer and a second shoe retainer that is secured to a second shoe of the golfer. In a first embodiment, a housing is pivotally mounted to a toe end of the first retainer and a post is mounted to the toe end of the second retainer. An axle is rotatably mounted in the housing and a first tape measure is coiled about the axle and has a first end secured to the axle. A second tape measure is coiled about the axle and has a first end secured to the axle in diametrically opposed relation to the first end of the first tape measure. The axle is biased so that both tape measures are coiled about it when in repose.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and method that is designed to improve a golfer's swing plane, alignment, balance, swing tempo and ball placement skills. The device includes an alignment shaft to act as an aid in aligning the golfer relative to the target and to develop proper balance and ball placement skills, and a template shaft and template for helping a golfer to swing at a desired angle and thus to improve the plane of the golfer's swing.

Abstract: A hybrid format for representing a video lesson which is transported from a first location to a second location across a communication channel includes a first item having a first format type and a second item having a second format type. The first format type is different from said second format type, yet the lesson can be played to the student as if it were a single contiguous data item. As such, efficiencies can be obtained in storage and transfer.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring a golf swing, human movement in other sports, and other activities involving human movement and for teaching and reinforcing desired human movement. A golf swing is monitored for a golfer swinging a golf club through a tee area while standing on a platform housing a tee manipulation mechanism. Six or more infrared (IR) transmitters transmit respective IR beams along predetermined lines in close proximity to the tee area. Each predetermined line defines a portion of three-dimensional space critical to the optimization of the golf swing. Respective IR sensors receive the respective IR beams. Each pair of IR sensors provides a respective output signal indicative of improper club shaft or body positioning. This device is designed to monitor club shaft and body position and alert the golfer to undesirable positioning via audible buzzer, signal lights, and a golf ball removal system.

Abstract: The present invention includes an instructional golf ball including a spherical body having an outer surface with a plurality of dimples formed therein. Situated on the outer surface of the body is instructional indicia. Such instructional indicia include text for providing guidance as to the manner in which a user should play the golf ball. During use, a user might read the instructional indicia while addressing the golf ball, and address and/or strike the golf ball in the manner indicated by the instructional indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporary use with a golf driving range mat or ground practice area in teaching the proper stance for a golfer when swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball placed upon a tee inserted into the mat or the ground. The apparatus comprises first and second strips of flat elastic material. Each strip has a length selected so that the strip will be under moderate tension when it is stretched across the mat from one edge of the mat to the opposite edge of the mat and held against the mat by a discrete anchor at each end of the strip.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus having a large planar surface faithfully replicating the ideal swing plane of a golfer for a particular length club and being shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the positioning of the golfer with his/her head on one side of the plane and his/her hands on the other side of the surface.

Abstract: A golf stance training device comprises an elongated base strip and foot guide means extending rearwardly from said base strip and adapted to guide the placement of the front foot of a golfer. A lateral strip has one end adjustably pivotally connected to the front end of the base strip and extends laterally forwardly therefrom. A forwardly outwardly inclined diagonal strip is connected the other end of said lateral strip, with the lateral strip being adjustably moveable along said diagonal strip. A ball positioning strip, when in use, is fixed to the front end of said diagonal strip at a predetermined angle and extends rearwardly to establish a ball placement position. The lateral strip is adjustable with respect to the base strip and the diagonal strip so as to adjust the device for use by golfers of different heights. The ball positioning strip is substantially parallel to the base strip for all adjusted positions.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a personal golf lesson videotape from a visual recording of a person's golf swing and a partially prerecorded instructional golf lesson videotape. The partially prerecorded golf lesson videotape has gaps in predetermined locations into which are inserted the full motion video of the person's golf swing and selected still frames. The system contains two cameras for recording a player's golf swing from the back and side, a computer connected to the cameras for digitally capturing and storing the recorded golf swing, and a computer-controlled video recording device for copying the selected video and still frames of the recorded golf swing into the gaps of the prerecorded videotape golf lesson. The still frames are selected to match the player's position to the position of the professional golfer in corresponding still frames so that a split screen, side-by-side view can be produced showing the player's and professional's positions at various points along a golf swing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for teaching the basic gesture for sports, performances or behaviors. A preferred teaching method comprises the steps of taking pictures of trainees as playing sports and making performances and other mannerisms with a video camera, giving guidances to them on the spot while analyzing the video image screens, sometimes, in comparison with the gestures made by a trainer playing sports, and making performances and other mannerisms to make the trainees understand the correct forms and timings of the gestures or movements of the body and members.

Abstract: A method of fitting a golf club includes the step of acquiring at least one recorded image of a person swinging a trial golf club to hit a golf ball approximately at the time the club impacts the ball. The recorded image is analyzed to determine an optimal geometry of the club. The information is used to determine an optimum length of a fitted club. A system for fitting a golf club includes a camera positioned with respect to a golf ball supporting surface for recording an image of a person hitting the ball. A monitor interconnected to the camera displays the image and a grid generator generates a grid on the monitor for use in making measurements to fit the club.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for teaching the basic motions for sports, performances or other behaviors. A preferred teaching method includes the steps of taking pictures of trainees playing sports and performing actions with a video camera, giving guidance to them on the spot while analyzing the video image screens, sometimes in comparison with the gestures made by a trainer playing sports, and allowing the trainee to understand the correct forms and timings of the gestures or movements of the body and body members.

Abstract: A new golf swing recording system for allowing a golfer to visualize their swing from various angles. The inventive device includes a frame member having a generally rectangular configuration. The frame member includes a top wall, a rear wall, opposed side walls, an open front and an open bottom. The top wall, the rear wall and the opposed side walls each have diagonal interconnected cross members. The frame member is dimensioned for receiving a club swinging golfer therein. Four video cameras are secured to the diagonal interconnected cross members of the frame member. The four video cameras include a top camera secured to the top wall, a rear camera secured to the rear wall and two opposed side cameras secured to the opposed side walls. A video recorder is secured to the rear wall of the frame member. The video recorder is in communication with the four video cameras.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a personal golf lesson videotape from a visual recording of a person's golf swing and a partially prerecorded instructional golf lesson videotape. The partially prerecorded golf lesson videotape has gaps in predetermined locations into which are inserted the full motion video of the person's golf swing and selected still frames. The system contains two cameras for recording a player's golf swing from the back and side, a computer connected to the cameras for digitally capturing and storing the recorded golf swing, and a computer-controlled video recording device for copying the selected video and still frames of the recorded golf swing into the gaps of the prerecorded videotape golf lesson. The still frames are selected to match the player's position to the position of the professional golfer in corresponding still frames so that a split screen, side-by-side view can be produced showing the player's and professional's positions at various points along a golf swing.

Abstract: A method of and system for analyzing golf swings is described. A three dimensional android computer model of a human as well as a parametric dynamic computer model of a golf club are generated and combined. In addition, the three dimensional motions of a person swinging a golf club are recorded using cameras that track reflective markers placed at various locations on the person. A computer processes the marker path data to calculate three dimensional angular motions of the body segments of the person and the golf club which is then used to kinematically drive the joints of the android model to effect superposition of the recorded golf swing on the android model and golf club model. Kinetic data derived from the analysis of the model may in turn be used to dynamically drive the joints of the android model to also superimpose the recorded swing on the models. The results are used, among other things, to study the biomechanics of the golfer and the performance of the golf club.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a golfer's stance with respect to a turf simulating surface and for determining the direction of lateral forces applied during the golfer's swing by observing the lateral movement of a shiftable member with said turf simulating surface thereon and engaged upon a base member for free lateral displacement from a target line on the base member, the stance of the golfer being determined by a placement line on the base member and positioned relative to the target line.

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: A device for detecting head movement of an individual during an activity of the individual is provided. The device includes a weighted wheel for establishing a reference with respect to an initial position of the individual's head, and a first angular encoder and second angular encoder for detecting angular movement of the head with respect to the reference. The detected head movement is processed by a controller and the output is provided by a display and a speaker.