Golf training device

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of golf training devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foot placement and stance training device that aids in stance, targeting, ball placement, and other factors related to the execution of a proper and effective golf stroke.

2. Description of Related Art

It has long been widely accepted that striking the golf ball on plane and in tempo will result in more accuracy, greater power and superior velocity. To achieve a straighter flight with the greatest possible force and distance is the pursuit of all golfers.

At least three factors are considered to be important to this pursuit. First, it is generally accepted that a player should not shift his body away from the target during the back swing, but should remain on balance. Second, it is believed that a player should shift his body weight at point of impact of the ball by rotating his hips in the direction of the target while keeping his left foot posted in a retained position. Third, that even though the right foot should turn and pivot to allow proper follow-through, the player should maintain his left foot in its fixed position through the complete follow-through of the stroke. The player doing these three things has the best chance of achieving a straight flight with long ball distance.

In addition, there is the issue of aiming or targeting the golf shot. A beautifully achieved stroke with proper follow-through is largely meaningless if the stance is not directed so as to send the golf ball towards the hole. Golf teaching professionals, when giving lessons, will place a golf club on the ground that is pointing towards a desired target and direct the student to position his feet perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club so that the student's body will also be aligned to the target.

However, players do not generally achieve the foregoing goals and objects because they do not set up in a stance that is proper and that is properly directed. Establishing the foundation of correct foot position in relation to the ball and to the target will result in the necessary balance needed to remain on plane during the back swing, at impact of the ball, and as the hips properly shift toward the target during follow through.

Various devices have been developed to help the player achieve these goals, but most, if not all, have fallen into disuse because they isolate one aspect of the golf swing. Execution of a proper golf swing, like many other athletic achievements, is a multi-faceted task that requires proper and balanced coordination of numerous muscles and muscle groups. This type of coordination can, ultimately, only be learned and consistently achieved through constant repetition of technique in proper form so that muscle memory is attained and retained. Constant and consistent repetition in proper form creates a sense of proper form in the golfer. This allows him to develop a sense of whether he is properly positioned with regard to the golf ball and the target. It also allows him to sense and “feel” whether he has properly or improperly controlled his body relative to the increments of his swing. However, there is no device or apparatus currently available or taught by prior art that efficiently facilitates and accomplishes this type of training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

My invention provides a golf training device that facilitates and teaches the maintenance of correct stance and positioning of the lower body throughout the golf swing. Although it is possible to play the game of golf from the hips upward, a golfer must establish a foundation starting with the proper lower body stance and positioning to maintain balance. Further, a golfer must have good form from the hips down in order to generate the correct torque and tempo to be a first class golfer. In order to accomplish this, my invention utilizes a connector joining a forward foot pad and a rear foot pad. This basic system includes several important innovations.

First, the forward foot pad includes a foot retainer (in the form of a retaining wall or ledge) so that the golfer's forward foot will remain immovable as the golfer completes his swing. This foot retainer stops a common error in golf. That is, the “spinning out” or “stepping out” of the stance during the golf swing. Further, it does so in a way that is convenient to the golfer, allowing the golfer to step on and off of the pad without stopping to unfasten or free himself from straps or other foot retainers.

Second, the rear foot pad includes a rotating disk so that when the golfer strikes the ball, the foot on the disk can turn in the direction of the intended target. This, in turn, allows the hips to freely rotate towards the intended target. (Failure to rotate the hips results in strokes using the upper body alone, leading to shorter distances and various other errors in golf such as slices, hooks, and misses).

Third, the connector joining the forward and rear foot pad also serves as an “alignment base” to help align the golfer properly towards the target of the golf shot. As previously noted, an improperly “aimed” stance leads to an improperly aimed shot. It is necessary to train the golfer in the proper alignment of stance and target.

Fourth, my invention includes a ball positioning marker that attaches to the alignment base intermediate the two foot pads. This is an extremely valuable component as one of the most difficult techniques to master in the game of golf is correct placement of the golf ball in relation to stance when making various golf club selections. (Even professionals struggle with correct ball placement in relation to stance). My ball positioning marker can be snapped onto the alignment base and includes a linear member that is perpendicular to the alignment base when the marker is in position. It can be moved freely along the alignment base to different positions depending on the needs of the golfer. As the alignment base itself is marked in one-half inch increments along the edge of the base, the golfer can consistently place the golf ball in the same correct position in relation to his stance each time a particular golf club is chosen. Positioning the ball correctly in relation to the golfer's stance and the club that is being used results in a golf shot with greater accuracy, power and velocity.

Thus, as will become even more clear from the discussion of the drawing figures that follows, my invention is a multifaceted golf-training aide that, through regular use during practice, can serve to create the muscle memory needed in order to execute the numerous aspects of a proper golf swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides an assembled perspective view of a preferred embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of my invention.

FIG. 3A provides a view from above of the alignment base and rear foot pad of my invention.

FIG. 3B provides a side edge view of the alignment base and rear foot pad of my invention.

FIG. 4A provides a view from below of the ball positioning marker of my invention.

FIG. 4B provides a side edge view of the ball positioning marker of my invention.

FIG. 5 provides a view from above of the front foot pad of my invention.

FIG. 6 provides an inverted perspective view of the rotating disc incorporated into the rear foot pad of my invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The basic configuration of my invention includes a connector (alignment base 1) joining a forward foot pad 2 and a rear foot pad 3 all of which are preferably formed from ABS plastic. The rear foot pad 3 and alignment base 1 are preferably formed as a single unit (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3B). Forward foot pad 2 is preferably formed as a separate unit (as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5) slidably mounted to alignment base 1 via a sliding T-bolt and compression lock system (retainer lock 2B) or an equivalent. This system allows forward foot pad 2 to be adjusted via slot 1A to accommodate different stance widths.

Forward foot pad 2 includes a foot retainer (in the form of a ledge or retaining wall 2A) so that the golfer's forward foot will remain immovable as the golfer completes his swing. These elements are formed from ABS plastic as a single unit. Retaining wall 2A is molded in such a way that when a golfer steps onto substantially flat forward foot pad 2, the edge of the golfer's foot will conform to the edge of retaining wall 2A to prevent “spinning out” or “stepping out” of stance during the golf swing. Retaining wall 2A can be set at a variety of angles. However, the most advantageous angle for retaining wall 2A is 10 degree from the perpendicular as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 5. This provides a slightly more open stance and is preferred by golf professionals in order to allow more ease in pivoting of the hip during the golf swing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3A, rear foot pad 3 includes a rotating disk 3A so that when the golfer strikes the ball, the foot on the disk can turn in the direction of the intended target. Rotating disk 3A is inset into rear foot pad 3 and attached thereto by a fixed pin or snaps 3C. Directly behind rotating disk 3A is an extension 3B forming the remainder of rear foot pad 3. Extension 3B accommodates the heel of the golfer's rear foot, allowing it to rest comfortably on the rear foot pad 3 during initial stance set-up. Disk 3A rotates freely. This, in turn, allows the golfer's rear foot to rotate freely when/as the club face impacts the golf ball, forcing and/or allowing the golfer's hips to rotate for maximum power during the stroke. In addition, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3B, the rear foot pad 3 can be canted inwardly (sloping upward from front edge 3D to rear edge 3E by approximately 10 degrees). This promotes balance and weight transfer to the front foot during the golfer's forward swing and discourages shifting weight to the back foot during the back swing.

Alignment base 1 is cut in the shape of an arrow in order to help the golfer to align my invention (and his/her stance) properly in relation to and towards the intended target. Thus, it is provided with a pointed front extension (pointer 1B) and a rear extension 1C to emphasize its linear shape and its function as a pointing device. It also includes markings ID at one half inch increments to serve as position markers for a removable ball positioning marker 4. Snap-on marker 4 is also advantageously formed from ABS plastic in the shape of an arrow as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4A and 4B. It can be moved freely along alignment base 1 to help set the position of the golf ball being used in an appropriate location based on the club that is being used.

My invention is generally flat on the top and bottom (with the exception of retaining wall 2A and the inclined surface of rear foot pad 3). Its underside should advantageously be covered by a non-slip rubber to keep it from slipping on various surfaces. It is easy to use and easy to manufacture. It fully satisfies its primary purpose of establishing and training golfers in the adoption and use of a balanced and well aligned foundational stance. When a golfer stands on forward foot pad 2 and rear foot pad 3 he can easily align to his target, set the ball at the appropriate position contingent on club selection and adjust forward foot pad 2 to various widths of stance to achieve comfort, aim and ball position. Once the golfer is positioned properly, he can practice the proper mechanics of the swing, maintaining balance on the back swing, rotating his hips toward the target during the swing, and keeping his forward leg posted. My invention thereby guides the golfer in the many aspects of the golf swing.

Overall, my invention includes at least some or all of the following features:

• 1. A foot-retaining retaining wall 2A on a foot pad 2 that moves freely along an open slot 1A in an alignment base 1 and that is completely adjustable to the width of an individual's personal comfort stance when standing on/in the foot pads 2, 3 of my invention.
• 2. The foot retaining wall 2A is angled at 10 degrees accommodating a slightly open golf stance.
• 3. The foot retaining wall 2A can also be adjustable to accommodate a closed or open stance.
• 4. The retaining wall 2A maintains the forward foot's position.
• 5. The upper surface of the foot pads 2, 3 and disk 3A are covered with a non-slip surface.
• 6. An alignment base 1 that aligns the lower body to a target, the alignment base including a pointed end (pointer 1B) and being shaped like an arrow so as to provide a visual alignment to the intended target.
• 7. A hip rotator plate that is a circular disk 3A recessed into the alignment base 1 that rotates freely so that when the rear foot is placed on the disk it allows and promotes rotation of the foot, forcing and allowing the golfer's hips to rotate in the direction of the intended target at follow through of the golf swing.
• 8. The bottom of the entire device is covered with a non-slip substance preventing movement on various surfaces.
• 9. A ball positioning marker 4 may be attached to the alignment base 1 and can move freely along the base 1 so the ball is in the proper position as it relates to a specific golf club selection.
• 10. The rear foot pad 3 is inclined or angled slightly above the horizontal so as to encourage proper stance and weight shifting during the golfer's swing.

However, it should be remembered that numerous variations and changes are possible without exceeding the scope of the inventive concept discussed herein. For example, even though a left foot forward version is illustrated in the drawing figures, a right foot forward version would also be covered by the teachings of this invention. Also, the rear foot pad rather than the front foot pad could be used for stance width adjustment. Additionally, a movable laser generator could be installed and used as a positioning marker instead of the simple marker 4 illustrated in the drawing figures. Further, forward foot pad 2 (and/or retaining wall 2A) could be made adjustable to different angles, instead of being fixed. Thus, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to and shall not serve to limit the scope of the invention claimed.