U.S. patent application number 10/137798 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for club swing training method.
Invention is credited to Latella, Frank A. JR..
Application Number | 20030232701 10/137798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29418359 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030232701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Latella, Frank A. JR. |
December 18, 2003 |
Club swing training method
Abstract
A method of swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a
sports implement, the method comprising repeated performance by a
trainee of at least one swing drill, the at least one swing drill
including execution of the following steps gripping a first spacer
between the hands and parallel to the floor, swinging the first
spacer in a backswing motion and an opposed downswing motion to
bring the first spacer parallel to the floor, and swinging the
first spacer in a follow-through motion to an opposite side and an
opposed downswing motion.
Inventors: |
Latella, Frank A. JR.;
(Wilton, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Maxim H. Waldbaum
SALANS
620 Fifth Avenue
New York
NY
10020
US
|
Family ID: |
29418359 |
Appl. No.: |
10/137798 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 69/3673 20130101;
A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101; A63B 2069/0008
20130101; A63B 69/0024 20130101; A63B 69/0086 20130101; A63B
2208/0214 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/92 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a
sports implement, the method comprising repeated performance by a
trainee of at least one swing drill, the at least one swing drill
including execution of the following steps: a) gripping a first
spacer between the hands and parallel to the floor; b) swinging the
first spacer in a backswing motion and an opposed downswing motion
to bring the first spacer parallel to the floor; and c) swinging
the first spacer in a follow-through motion to an opposite side and
an opposed downswing motion.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the backswing motion positions a
first arm behind one shoulder and a second arm extended parallel to
the floor and the forward motion positions the second arm behind an
opposite shoulder with the first arm extended parallel to the
floor.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first spacer is a cylindrical
pliable object having a diameter between 20 and 50 cm.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the following steps: d)
holding the first spacer between the hands with a first end against
the chest so that the hands grip an opposite end of the spacer; and
e) swinging the first spacer to one side and an opposed downswing
motion; and f) swinging the first spacer to an opposite side and an
opposed downswing motion.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein steps d-f are repeated with the
hands gripping the first spacer at a middle section.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed with a second spacer placed under a foot.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the second spacer is an elongated
pliable object with a top curved side and a bottom flat side and
having a diameter between 4 and 40 cm.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by transferring the second spacer under a second foot.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
10. The method of claim 4 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed with a second spacer placed under a foot.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the second spacer is an
elongated pliable object with a top curved side and a bottom flat
side and having a diameter between 4 and 40 cm.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the swing drill is executed by
transferring the second spacer under a second foot.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein the foot is placed on the top
curved side of the second spacer.
14. The method of claim 8 wherein the foot is placed on the bottom
flat side of the second spacer.
15. The method of claim 8 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the foot is placed on the top
curved side of the second spacer.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the foot is placed on the bottom
flat side of the second spacer.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing one knee on the floor during steps a-c.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein a pliable object is placed under
the knee.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the pliable object is an
elongated cylindrical object with a diameter from 4 to 40 cm.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the pliable object is a disc
having a diameter from 20 to 50 cm.
23. The method of claim 4 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing one knee on a pliable object during steps
a-c.
24. The method of claim 1 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed while in a seated position.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein a trainee is seated on a
compressible ball.
26. The method of claim 24 comprising repeatedly executing the
swing drill between two to ten times.
27. A method of swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a
sports implement, the method comprising repeated performance by a
trainee of at least one swing drill, the at least one swing drill
including execution of the following steps: a) gripping a first
spacer between the hands and parallel to the floor; b) swinging the
first spacer in a backswing motion and an opposed downswing motion
to bring the first body spacer parallel to the floor so that a
first arm extends behind one shoulder during the backswing and a
second arm extends parallel to the floor; and c) swinging the first
spacer in a follow-through motion to an opposite side and an
opposed downswing motion, so that the swing training method trains
the proprioceptors within the trainee's body to improve the
trainee's swing.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the forward motion positions the
second arm behind an opposite shoulder with the first arm extended
parallel to the floor.
29. The method of claim 27 wherein the first spacer is a
cylindrical pliable object having a diameter between 20 and 50
cm.
30. The method of claim 27 further comprising the following steps:
d) holding the first spacer between the hands with a first end
against the chest so that the hands grip an opposite end of the
spacer; and e) swinging the first spacer to one side and an opposed
downswing motion; and f) swinging the first spacer to an opposite
side and an opposed downswing motion.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein steps d-f are repeated with the
hands gripping the first spacer at a middle section.
32. The method of claim 27 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed with a second spacer placed under a foot.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein the second spacer is an
elongated pliable object with a top curved side and a bottom flat
side and having a diameter between 4 and 40 cm.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by transferring the second spacer under a second foot.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
36. The method of claim 30 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed with a second spacer placed under a foot.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein the second spacer is an
elongated pliable object with a top curved side and a bottom flat
side and having a diameter between 4 and 40 cm.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the swing drill is executed by
transferring the second spacer under a second foot.
39. The method of claim 34 wherein the foot is placed on the top
curved side of the second spacer.
40. The method of claim 34 wherein the foot is placed on the bottom
flat side of the second spacer.
41. The method of claim 34 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
42. The method of claim 37 wherein the foot is placed on the top
curved side of the second spacer.
43. The method of claim 37 wherein the foot is placed on the bottom
flat side of the second spacer.
44. The method of claim 37 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
45. The method of claim 27 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing one knee on the floor during steps a-c.
46. The method of claim 45 wherein a pliable object is placed under
the knee.
47. The method of claim 46 wherein the pliable object is an
elongated cylindrical object with a diameter from 4 to 40 cm.
48. The method of claim 20 wherein the pliable object is a disc
having a diameter from 20 to 50 cm.
49. The method of claim 30 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing one knee on a pliable object during steps
a-c.
50. The method of claim 27 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed while in a seated position.
51. The method of claim 50 wherein a trainee is seated on a
compressible ball.
52. The method of claim 50 comprising repeatedly executing the
swing drill between two to ten times.
53. A method of swing training for a sport requiring swinging of a
sports implement, the method comprising repeated performance by a
trainee of at least one swing drill, the at least one swing drill
including execution of the following steps: a) gripping a first
spacer between the hands and parallel to the floor; b) swinging the
first spacer in a backswing motion and an opposed downswing motion
to bring the first body spacer parallel to the floor so that a
first arm extends behind one shoulder during the backswing and a
second arm extends parallel to the floor; c) swinging the first
spacer in a follow-through motion to an opposite side and an
opposed downswing motion; d) holding the first spacer between the
hands with a first end against the chest so that the hands grip an
opposite end of the spacer; and e) swinging the first spacer to one
side and an opposed downswing motion; and f) swinging the first
spacer to an opposite side and an opposed downswing motion, wherein
the swing drill is repeated with a second spacer under a foot to
create an instability so that the body is forced to train the
proprioceptors to maintain body stability
54. The method of claim 53 wherein the first spacer is a
cylindrical pliable object having a diameter between 20 and 50
cm.
55. The method of claim 53 wherein steps d-f are repeated with the
hands gripping the first spacer at a middle section.
56. The method of claim 53 wherein the second spacer is a pliable
disc.
57. The method of claim 56 wherein the second spacer is an
elongated pliable object with a top curved side and a bottom flat
side and having a diameter between 4 and 40 cm.
58. The method of claim 57 wherein the swing drill is repeated with
the second spacer under a second foot.
59. The method of claim 58 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing the second spacer parallel to the shoulder and
placing both feet on the top curved side of the second spacer and
repeating the drill by placing both feet on the bottom flat side of
the second spacer.
60. The method of claim 57 wherein the foot is placed on the top
curved side of the second spacer.
61. The method of claim 57 wherein the foot is placed on the bottom
flat side of the second spacer.
62. The method of claim 53 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed by placing one knee on a pliable object during steps
a-f.
63. The method of claim 63 wherein the pliable object is an
elongated cylindrical object with a diameter from 4 to 40 cm.
64. The method of claim 63 wherein the pliable object is a disc
having a diameter from 20 to 50 cm.
65. The method of claim 53 wherein the swing drill is additionally
executed while in a seated position.
66. The method of claim 53 wherein a trainee is seated on a
compressible ball.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for swing
training, and more particularly, to a method of training to improve
sport specific proprioceptive demands of the muscle physiology in
order to correct faulty swing mechanics. This involves utilizing
unique stretching and stability exercises that control the
neuro-physiological properties required to train muscles in order
to acquire the desired biomechanical/physical conditions for the
execution of a proper swing. A number of popular sports including
golf, tennis, baseball and hockey require the arms to swing while
holding an elongated striking implement, for example a club, bat,
or racquet, for the purpose of hitting an object. Fishing employs a
comparable action to cast a lure into the water.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Although many swing training methods and devices are known
in the prior art, no known method or device is fully effective in
improving athletic performance and preventing muscle
dysfunctionality.
[0003] Muscle injuries are common to athletes as a result of
repetitive and unusual strain on various muscle groups. This
problem is often more pronounced in sports such as golf, baseball,
and tennis where a good swing is an essential component of the
sport. A poor swing training technique leads athletes to
inconsistencies in their game, and may lead to injuries as well as
to poor execution of the athletic task. Prior attempts to overcome
these problems have included various stretching exercises as well
as weight training and plyometrics to strengthen and tone muscles.
Although these exercises help to increase muscle flexibility, these
methods have not provided all the improvements trainees seek from
training methods due to lack of adequate proprioceptive innervation
(stimulation) and stability in swing position.
[0004] In golf, existing methods often overcomplicate the function
as to the swing plane and preferred club positioning, while
underestimating the importance of proper setup and how it affects
swing mechanics. In fact, many of these existing methods simply
reinforce poor mechanics because they fail to address the
neuromuscular demands that indeed cause physical swing faults.
Trainees who have tried to improve their swings have often given
up, commenting that their feel is compromised by the distraction of
bearing in mind the many technical points needed to make the
adjustments required to correct the faults in their swing. This is
due to the misnomer of "muscle memory." The patterns of movements
can be trained and indeed altered to correct for improper physical
flaws. However, in the existing methods, the improper techniques
are in fact reinforced through the use of external restraints
without training the body naturally to overcome improper physical
swing form. The central nervous system stores repeated patterns and
thus a method utilizing techniques that train the central nervous
system is key to improving the swing.
[0005] Physiology
[0006] To better understand the problems of providing an effective
swing training method, it is helpful to understand the kinesiology
involved with the movement of the body when executing a swing. The
bones and joints form a system of levers in the human body with the
muscular system providing force and movement to the levers. There
are two types of joints: hinged joints that flex and extend the
limb and ball and socket joints that rotate the limb in one
direction or another. Every joint is moved by at least two opposing
sets of muscles.
[0007] It is clear that if both opposing muscle sets contract
together equally there will be no movement of the joint.
Conversely, the greatest amount of power will be generated when one
set controls and the opposing set is in a state of complete
relaxation. Put another way, the force of a concentric contraction
of a muscle can be enhanced if it is immediately preceded by an
eccentric contraction by the same muscle. A concentric contraction
has a line of action passing through the center of the joint, and
therefore does not urge rotation, while an eccentric contraction is
off-center and urges the joint to rotate. A complete state of
relaxation cannot be reached if the muscles are not flexible.
Therefore, it is important to note that muscle tightness can affect
the execution of any movement.
[0008] Energy may be stored in a muscle in the form of elastic
energy. When a contracting muscle is forced to stretch, some of the
work done in stretching the muscles is available in the following
contraction. Maximum reuse of stored energy will follow if the
contraction immediately follows the stretching. This type of
contraction yields more power, more speed and more efficiency.
[0009] Undesired muscle tensions also increase as the body tries to
restore lost balance or make other compensators for errors, so that
reducing mistakes made in the initial setup and early in a swing
will keep the player relaxed and swinging freely. To this end, it
is important to understand the proprioceptor. The proprioceptor is
a sensory receptor that detects the motion or position of the body
or a limb by responding to stimuli arising within the organism. The
proprioceptor is found chiefly in muscles, tendons, joints, and the
inner ear. Proprioception, as it relates to exercise, is the
ability of the brain to recruit the proper muscle groups needed to
counteract any outside force. The brain is able to propriocept, or
assess, how the body is positioned and properly process that
information in order to control the body into the next position.
For proprioception, the brain gets its stimuli from the muscles,
eyes and ears.
[0010] Since stability and balance can greatly affect a player's
swing performance, it is paramount that the training method address
the neuromuscular physiology behind the swing motion in order to
meet the sport specific demands of the swing. Therefore, there is a
need not only to stretch and selectively train groups of muscles to
prevent dysfunctionality and improve overall performance in
athletic activities but also correct faulty swing mechanics by
requiring a swinging skill by training sport specific
proprioceptive demands of the muscle physiology.
[0011] There have been previous attempts to train muscle groups
selectively to prevent dysfunctionality and to improve overall
performance in athletic activities.
[0012] THERABRAND.TM. elastic band, an elastic band attached to a
wall was developed to provide specific eccentric training intended
to enhance muscular recovery following pitching in baseball or
softball, thus reducing muscle soreness. Isotonic exercises are
performed with the elastic band which is used to add resistance to
strengthen isolated muscles by increasing the work applied on the
muscles.
[0013] Because of the limitations of the THERABRAND.TM. elastic
band mechanics, it appears that the subjects were not able
adequately to duplicate the actual motion of a baseball swing.
Thus, the apparatus and related method do not even recognize the
need to train the proprioceptors needed for adequate swing training
so that the subject may be able to repeat good swing techniques.
Rather, this device is limited in it use for stretch training to
develop muscles for general use.
[0014] The Ecosque Method attempts to correct dysfunctional muscle
control through a series of several exercises designed to
strengthen muscles used in athletic activities including golf. One
drawback of the Ecosque method is that it is not adequately
specific for golf. Diagnostic testing is used to try to pinpoint
specific problem areas, where muscle flexibility is limited. The
method provides stretching exercises using a T-bar and some weight
training. The method does not appear to help a golfer or other
athlete maintain a proper swing plane and improve the mechanics of
a sports swing.
[0015] Neither method seems to tailor the exercises specifically to
the needs of trainees. Furthermore, the methods do not appear to
obtain any benefits from training proprioceptors so that the body
can learn and repeat the good swing techniques. Therefore, there is
a need for a method of swing training designed to meet, inter alia,
the specific needs of golf, where the player or trainee can strive
for the execution and maintenance of an ideal or desired swing
plane.
[0016] Latella, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,968, (hereinafter "Latella
'968") discloses a swing training method using a series of
exercises which includes one or more balls of varying sizes,
weights and pliability gripped at strategic body locations between
an armlbody or legs. Specifically, Latella '968 discloses methods
including gripping a supportable spacing object between a limb and
another body component, holding another object between the hands
and executing a swing motion while gripping the spacing object to
support it. Latella '968 fails to disclose a simple method with a
minimum amount of moveable objects and parts such that the core
muscles used in a golf swing are strengthened. Moreover, Latella
'968 fails to provide a method that focuses on improving a
trainee's balance and stability during a swing motion, and instead
teaches a shifting of weight from one foot to the other. In fact,
Latella '968 does not recognize the importance of training
proprioceptors so that good swing techniques may be maintained. The
Latella '968 method's use of compressive objects placed between
joints and limbs in fact restrict movement, balance, and stability
such that a smooth swing motion remains difficult to accomplish and
even more difficult to repeat.
[0017] Various loops, tethers, cuffs, harnesses and the like have
been proposed for training trainees by physically constraining one
or more body movements. These devices may be awkward to use or
inconvenient to attach and, while each presumably supplies some
benefit, none satisfactorily trains a trainee to have a precise and
powerful swing employing simple training aids while focusing on
stability and proper form to avoid back and spinal injuries.
[0018] For example, Radakovich, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,909,
discloses a golf club swing training device and method employing an
elastic loop worn around the neck, chest and hips which is intended
to correct the trainee's golf swing. The elastic loop is donned
over the head of the player with the major portion of the loop
resting over the chest, abdomen and shoulders. The player swings
against an upward pull exerted by tension in the elastic loop to
produce improved control of the trainee's arms. Radakovich's device
does not appear adequate to meet the specific need for training,
stretching or preparing muscles for a precisely executed golf
swing. For example, Radakovich's training device and method does
not prevent a flying right elbow, arms separating or casting of the
club. Nor does Radakovich's device train the trainee to properly
position the hips, legs, knees and feet. The method does not
necessarily increase shoulder turn, cause any separation turn and
trunk rotation, and does nothing to train the lower body, which are
desirable training requirements. Radakovich's method emphasizes
left hand and left arm movements for right handed players.
Furthermore, Radakovich's method does not correct arm position at
the top of the backswing, correct posture, correct weight
disbursement, or help coordination and stability throughout the
swing plane. Nor does Radakovich's method address physical
limitations of individual trainees, for example if a person lacks
the flexibility to turn the shoulders and hips, separately.
[0019] Leith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,575, discloses a harness to be
worn by a golfer while making practice swings which harness
restricts the golfer's arm and hand movements. Leith's device may
provide some control of the hands and arms in relation to the club,
but it appears to do little or nothing to control and train other
components of the golfer's body that are important to the
swing.
[0020] According to Leith's disclosure, a flexible strap or a rigid
rod is attached to a point on the shaft of the golf club, just
above the club head, and extends to a point on the golfer's forearm
where it is adjustably fastened. The position on the arm is
adjustable. The device appears to be intended to support the arms
to keep them straight just before impact, and does not appear to
constrain other body components. The lack of restriction of
movement in other areas of the body appears to prevent effective
muscle memory training. Nor does Leith address the issue of muscle
stretch training in significant areas of the body such as the hip,
arm, shoulder and leg areas. Furthermore, Leith's harness does not
help increase the range of motion or the flexibility of the
shoulders, hips and trunk. Nor does it prevent many common faults
such as flying right elbows, twisting and bending of the knees, and
twisting of the legs. Nor does the device address a player's
physical limitations or lack of conditioning. Leith's methods do
not provide adequate training for golfers desiring a significantly
improved swing.
[0021] Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,690, appears to control and
perhaps train somewhat more of the golfer's body than does Leith
but does little or nothing to train other body components important
to the swing, for example the legs.
[0022] Johnson discloses a golf swing device including two elastic
arm cuffs which are interconnected, and which each fit on one of
the golfer's arms such that the golfer's arms are biased towards
each other while executing a golf swing. An elastic hip strip 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
from the golfer's trailing swing arm. Johnson's device appears to
restrict arm movement, possibly relative arm and hip movement and,
to a degree, wrist movement and to keep the elbows together
throughout the swing, which may or may not be effective in
preventing a flying right elbow, but does not appear to train the
lower body. Furthermore, some of the restrictions imposed by
Johnson's rather complex restraining device may even hinder
desirable results such as training the proprioceptors for the
relevant muscles so that the body can replicate the correct
movements.
[0023] Hundley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,948 discloses a complex
free-standing apparatus for golf swing training which controls the
movement of the head of a club to force the golfer to maintain one
swing plane. Reportedly, the Hundley device allows the trainee to
imitate the hand movement used in a proper golf swing, as well as
allowing for the full extension of the golfer's arms in
follow-through. This device comprises a system of articulated arms
including a swing element, a swing plant adjuster element, and in
upright post-and-base element to support the movable elements from
the floor. The device also uses in adjustable counter-balance
connected to vary the loading with a view to developing muscles
required in golfing. The biomechanics of the swing lack muscle
group specificity and lower body training is not effectively
addressed. In addition, because of the strong physical restraints
imposed on a golfer's limbs, without supervised use, the device may
actually lead to muscular dysfunction or minor injury with
inappropriate muscle movements and weight distribution to the back
and legs.
[0024] Perry et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,927, discloses a golf
training device including a hip belt and an elastic cord where one
end of the elastic cord is attached to the belt and the opposite
end is attached to a stirrup for receiving a foot of the golf
player and method using the same. The stretched cord is designed to
create a rotational torque at the hips of the player to assist the
player in maintaining a good body stance and properly turning the
hips as required for a good swing. Perry's device is designed to
induce the trainee to perform the proper turning of the hips during
swing. The device seems to restrict hip movement by inducing good
rotation while restricting arm movement. However, it is not clear
from the disclosure if the arm is guaranteed to swing back in the
exact plane desired to achieve maximum effect. Furthermore, There
is no restriction of the legs and knees which may twist and turn or
be spaced awkwardly apart. No time mechanics are addressed since
the upper torso and limbs are totally unaffected. Finally, the
Perry's cord may get in the way of good mechanical use of legs. The
novice golfer using Perry's device would have difficulty with the
proper placement of the feet, and the positioning of legs and
hips.
[0025] Dorotinsky et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,074, discloses a golf
swing training device having an adjustable belt, intended to be
worn around the waist, which belt is attached to one end of a
resilient cord, the other end of which is attached to a stake which
is affixed to a ground mass. The cord is designed to stretch during
the trainee's backswing and retract during the trainee's
follow-through and the device is intended to guide the golfer's
hips and body. However, there is no upper body training, no control
of upper torso, shoulders, hands and arms to keep appropriate
positions throughout the swing. Nor does Dorotinsky's device
address body stability, coordination and flexibility. In addition
there are drawbacks to Dorotinsky's methodology so far as it
relates to the hips. For example, Dorotinsky's device cannot guide
the golfer through the entire sequence of hip rotation involved
throughout the swing because it is inherently a one-sided training
method which works only on hip rotation in the back swing (or
possibly, only in the follow-through). Furthermore, since the
device pulls the trainee, it does not allow them to work against
resistance in the follow-through nor in the finish. Dorotinsky
further fails to recognize or address the dangerous effects of
improper hip rotation on the spinal chord and lower back.
[0026] Grossman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,059, discloses a training
device consisting of a flat rectangular framework around air
resistant material, which framework is attached to a handle gripped
by a swinger. Grossman's object is to provide a variable amount of
air resistance to simulate muscle forces felt in an actual golf
swing. The amount of drag is determined by the nature and extent of
the material within the framework. A further stated object is to
train swinger's muscles for good swing motion. However, Grossman
does not seem to ensure good positioning of the wrists. Nor does
Grossman appear to provide any control of foot and leg position nor
address the problems of a flying elbow, heading knees and other
unnecessary movements. Furthermore, Grossman's device presumably
will not build muscle since there is insufficient muscular overload
to require any significant muscle memory not exactly trained.
[0027] Other than Grossman and the Ecosque exercises, the
above-described swing training methods depend upon the use of a
restraining device to physically limit the free range of movement
of some part of the golfer's body. Such devices offer some risk of
jarring and perhaps injuring muscles or tendons if the imposed
limit is reached suddenly. Such devices are designed to oppose and
physically limit specific muscular activity responsible for
undesired movements during the swing. Because physical restraints
prevent a group of muscles from executing certain undesired
movements while repeatedly practicing a swing, there is no
guarantee that bad habits will not be resumed when the restraints
are removed. Historically, the training process has focused upon
the improvement of muscle strength, endurance and flexibility
without consideration to the role of the neuromuscular system. It
would be desirable to provide a swing training method where the
body naturally constrains itself, by its own, unfettered muscular
exertions to avoid undesired movements and which method preferably
enhances the ability of the body to repeatedly perform desired
movements. It is believed that this cannot be achieved without
inclusion of proper proprioceptive training methods. Moreover, many
of the aforementioned methods neglect to appreciate the complete
physiological concerns of golf swings in order to teach techniques
that avoid lower back and spinal chord injuries.
[0028] Therefore there still exists a need for a training method
which is simple, inexpensive, biochemically specific to a desired
or preferred swing pattern, and also takes into account the
importance of training the neuromuscular system to aid the body in
repeating proper swing movements while avoiding the dangers of
lower back and spinal injuries due to improper hip rotations and
improper balance/stability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention provides a method of swing training
for a sport requiring swinging of a sports implement, the method
comprising repeated performance by a trainee of at least one swing
drill, the at least one swing drill including execution of the
following steps:
[0030] a) gripping a first spacer between the hands and parallel to
the floor;
[0031] b) swinging the first spacer in a backswing motion and an
opposed downswing motion to bring the first body spacer parallel to
the floor; and
[0032] c) swinging the first spacer in a follow-through motion to
an opposite side and an opposed downswing motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1F provide a view of a trainee practicing the
method of the present invention for the Beginner Drill 1, using a
first spacer to perform a series of swings.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2F provide a view of a trainee practicing the
method of the present invention for the Intermediate Drill 1,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F and a second spacer placed
under one foot while performing the series of swings shown in FIGS.
1A-1F.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3F provide a view of a trainee practicing the
method of the present invention for the Intermediate Drill 2,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F and a second spacer placed
under both feet while performing the series of swings shown in
FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-fF provide a view of a kneeling trainee practicing
the method of the present invention for the Advanced Drill 1,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F to practice the series of
swings shown in FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0037] FIGS. 5A-5F provide a view of a kneeling trainee practicing
the method of the present invention for the Advanced Drill 2,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F and a second spacer placed
under one foot while performing the series of swings shown in FIGS.
1A-1F.
[0038] FIGS. 6A-6E provide a view of a seated trainee practicing
the method of the present invention for the Advanced Drill 3,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F and a pliable ball placed
upon which the trainee is seated while performing the series of
swings shown in FIGS. 1A-1F.
[0039] FIGS. 7A-7F provide a view of a seated trainee practicing
the method of the present invention for the Advanced Drill 4,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F, a pliable ball placed upon
which the trainee is seated, and the second spacer placed under one
foot while performing the series of swings shown in FIGS.
1A-1F.
[0040] FIGS. 8A-8F provide a view of a seated trainee practicing
the method of the present invention for the Advanced Drill 4,
showing the first spacer of FIGS. 1A-1F, a pliable ball placed upon
which the trainee is seated, and the second spacer placed under
both feet while performing the series of swings shown in FIGS.
1A-1F.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The present invention includes certain novel physiological
discoveries, observations, or insights relating to the achievement
of a preferred swing of the arms for use in golf and other sports
and activities employing a repetitive arm swinging motion where the
accuracy, efficiency or power of the swing are important. While no
device or method can guarantee success or improvement in the
performance of a particular sport for every trainee, and the
present invention does not provide any such guarantees, it is
believed that the methods of the present invention, when practiced
as described herein, will enable many people to learn good golf
skills relatively easily, or to improve their existing skills
significantly while avoiding common injuries related to improper
golfing methods. The methods of the present invention can be
beneficially applied to other sports and activities, with
appropriate adaptations, as will be apparent to those skilled in
the art, through their unique ability to train new patterns of
movement that are learned by and in the different levels of the
central nervous system. Specifically, the present inventive methods
train new patterns in the levels coordinating muscle innervation,
visco-elastical properties, balance, and stability.
[0042] The following description will refer to a male, right-handed
trainee, by way of example, who will be assumed to be about six
feet tall and about 175 pounds. The invention is of course
applicable to women trainees, left-handed trainees and trainees of
most heights and weights. Suitable adjustments or modifications of
the invention for such other trainees will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art.
[0043] According to the findings of the invention, a swing training
method should be biomechanically specific to an idealized or
sport-characteristic swing pattern, which is expected to provide
good performance. The swing training method disclosed herein, in
preferred embodiments, is a sport-specific technique intended to
train individual muscle groups naturally to perform specific
components of a desired or preferred swing pattern, and possibly
also to compensate naturally for mechanical disadvantages caused by
a player's or athlete's bad habits or physical limitations.
Furthermore, the present invention discloses a swing training
method which provides better stability by utilizing a minimum
amount of moving parts and avoiding movements which normally cause
lower back and spinal injuries by specifically focusing on
stability throughout the movements.
[0044] Many known training methods for golf, or other sports,
emphasize the development of muscle strength, with or without
mechanical aids, by repeatedly contracting selected muscles against
a resistance. Some examples of training methods used for many
sports include weight-lifting and bicycling. Swing training
requires good control as well as muscle strength, or power, and to
this end, some known training methods, for example, as described
above, add constraining means to control the movement of body parts
that some individuals have difficulty in properly aligning for the
desired swing. In most prior methods little, if any, emphasis is
placed on the need to improve the influence of specific
neuromuscular demands of the golf swing.
[0045] Proprioception, coupled with Kinesthesia (the sense of joint
motion and acceleration) are keys to the consideration of each
exercise in the present invention. These components lend strength
and control to the movements by improving the body's ability to
maintain stability with increased flexibility of the muscles.
Feedback from receptors in the joint, ligaments, tendons, and
muscles train motor unit synchronization. The methods of the
present invention address neuromuscular demands which form and
control strength and positioning of specific muscles used in the
swing. Inter alia, the invention is designed to impose
proprioceptive demands that help train the central nervous system
to store repeated patterns, thereby eliminating, or at least
reducing the otherwise confusing swing thoughts golfers may
experience.
[0046] Specifically, the present invention is designed to increase
the mechanical advantage obtainable with the leverage system of the
body. The present invention utilizes methods to selectively
elongate core muscle that play a primary role in any swing by
regulating motor control and synergistic patterns of muscle
contractions. The drills and exercises of the invention can also
help break down resistance to such muscle elongation through the
joint position sense and proprioceptive patterns utilized in the
methods of the present invention
[0047] The joint stability concept involves accomplishing a balance
of the correct amount of motion in the correct plane, at the
correct time and at the correct joint. With this in mind, "hip"
mobility and stability is of paramount importance. At the knee and
ankle, stability is important due to the ground reaction forces in
swinging. Hence the present inventive methods train from stable to
unstable drills to reinforce the concept of stability and
flexibility, which is more indicative of what is happening, sport
specifically, in the swing.
[0048] Emphasis is then placed on as large an amount of motion as
an individual can control "influenced" by proprioceptive
information based on collective kinesthesia, vestibular, and visual
information. Because of the nature and quality of input from these
sensory systems, all of these components must be, and are,
incorporated into the present invention.
[0049] Preferred training methods according to the invention, train
an elastic component of muscle tissue to enhance the elongation of
selected muscles or muscle groups and provide a significantly
improved mechanical advantage in the forces applied to the golf
ball. A preferred methodology of the invention employs a
combination of drills or exercises which provides a sequential
stretching of each muscle group involved in the swing while
maintaining stability and minimizing movements to concentrate on
core muscles through the novel proprioceptive methods described
hereinabove.
[0050] The biomechanics of a golf swing may be analyzed into a
number of component actions. Important swing component actions are
rotations of the shoulder, the torso, the midsection and a
stretching of the legs. The rotation of the shoulders stretches the
torso muscles; the rotation of the torso stretches the midsection
muscles; and the rotation of the midsection stretches the hips.
However, it should be noted that in the present invention, the
methodology provides stability and controls the rotation of the
hips to help prevent lower back and spinal injuries.
[0051] Key elements of good golfing skills lie in the movements of
the torso and arms while swinging, and an ability to focus the eyes
on the head of the club hitting the ball rather than in the
intended direction of travel. The length of a trainee's drive is
only partially determined by the force put into his shot. Important
additional factors are an ability to maintain stability while
maintaining a preferred swing plane throughout execution of the
golf swing and the leverage applied.
[0052] Terminology
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 1A complete golf swing has three
component swing phases: a backswing BS, the movement from address,
over one shoulder, to the top of the swing; a downswing DS, the
movement from the top of the swing to the point of contact; and a
follow-through FT, the movement from the point of contact over the
other shoulder to the end of the swing.
[0054] As used herein a "preferred swing plane S" refers to a
desirable plane of travel for a golf club as it moves in a golf
swing and is a hypothetical plane defined by the movement of a line
L passing along the length of the shaft. The "swing trajectory" is
the actual path followed by the hands, shaft and club which need
not be, and usually will not be planar. It is difficult to execute
a swing on the preferred swing plane. Ideally, throughout the
complete golf swing, a line passing through the hands, shaft and
club head remains in a single plane. This is virtually impossible
to achieve, but is a valuable objective.
[0055] While the swing is most effective when trainees swing on the
preferred swing plane, very few trainees are consistently able to
do so because the effort is so demanding and considerable precision
is required. Furthermore, body limitations, such as a lack of
flexibility, make it difficult to reproduce a consistent swing
pattern on a desired plane.
[0056] As used herein, the "swing arc" is the part-circular line
defined by rotation of the fully extended left arm holding the club
of choice about the left shoulder. The size of the swing arc is
dependent upon the club used, so that the smaller the club, the
smaller the swing arc. The swing arc is an idealized concept which
cannot be fully attained in an actual swing.
[0057] As used herein, the "swing path" is the actual path on which
the club head travels through the swing, which may be good bad or
indifferent in any given swing. It is desirable for the swing path
to coincide with the swing arc at the point of contact with the
ball. Solid extension of the left arm while pushing the club into
the preferred position starts and maintains a desirable swing path.
Starting the club head on the preferred swing path initiates good
timing and starts to build club head speed by providing a start to
a maximum swing path.
[0058] Positioning or Setup for a Golf Swing
[0059] Starting body alignment or address is important to execution
of a good swing and is preferably adopted in performing the
exercises and drills of the present invention. Good alignment
begins with the transverse body lines through the shoulders, hips,
knees and feet respectively extending parallel to a target line on
which the ball is to travel. A center line between the shoulders,
hips, knees and feet should aim just to the left of the target, or
intended point of contact of the club head with the ball, with the
leading edge of the club face set perpendicularly to the target
line. The club should be set with the club head on the center line
and with the shaft vertical and parallel to the center line,
defining a desired shaft angle and shaft plane with it.
[0060] The placement of the trainee's feet before the swing is
closely linked with the way he generates power during the swing. A
preferred foot placement is obtained by setting the insides of the
heels approximately shoulder width apart. If the stance is too
wide, then turning freely and fully becomes difficult while if the
stance is too narrow the trainee may lack stability and balance.
Good balance reduces excessive muscle tension. Additionally, the
trainee's knees should be slightly flexed to lower the center of
gravity and keep the balance. This stance is helpful in several
respects: in producing good torso rotation; in stretching the leg
extensor muscles; in flattening the swing trajectory to conform
more closely with the preferred swing plane; and in gradually
absorbing force in the follow-through.
[0061] Execution of the Swing
[0062] In the backswing, the club head, the hands, and the
shoulders should start in one motion. This is more easily
accomplished and controlled with proper stabilization and joint
awareness supplied first at the core muscles. At the top of the
backswing, the left arm should be above and parallel to the shaft
plane created at address, and the club shaft should point just to
the left of the target, on the target line. This posture optimizes
the probability that the energy of the hips, shoulders, arms and
hands will be released in the correct order, and a desirable chain
reaction will result.
[0063] The position and motion of the wrists are also important
factors in attaining maximum club head velocity. Uncocking of the
wrists too early in the downswing will decelerate the arm motion,
and decrease the angular velocity of the entire swing. Therefore,
it appears that controlling the uncocking of the wrists to occur at
an appropriate moment of the downswing is an important mechanical
element of the swing. Again, proper stabilization and joint
awareness supplied first at the core muscles can facilitate such
control.
[0064] Conforming closely to the preferred swing plane during the
backswing helps the upper body and arms to be properly
inter-aligned to pre-group forces so that each muscle group
functions in a preferred sequence. The torso sets the club head,
the hands, arms and shoulders in motion. The hands move the club
and the swinging of the arms turns the shoulders. The downswing is
inaugurated by the turning of the pelvis to unwind the upper part
of the body. The muscles of the chest, shoulders, arms and hands
flow easily into the swing, without interference between their
individual motions, pursuant to what may be referenced as a
"summation of forces" principle.
[0065] Since it is the club head's momentum that drives the ball,
the higher the velocity of the club head, the further the ball will
go. The club head may be considered to be set in motion by the
body's musculature operating the osseous system as a series of
levers, firmly articulated together, and functioning as a composite
whole. The further away from the club head the power is applied,
the more rapidly the head will move. The longer the lever provided
by the arms, and the greater the arc determined by shoulder turn
and trunk rotation, the greater the velocity of the club head. Also
the nearer to the feet the power is applied, the more rapidly the
club head will travel.
[0066] The more powerful muscles of the back, hips and legs are not
used as much as the weaker muscles of the shoulders, arms and
wrists. The longer the path taken by the club head in the
backswing, the longer and flatter the downward swing trajectory
path is likely to be. There are a variety of external
anthropometric and biomechanical factors which can vary from person
to person performing a golf swing. Flexibility, coordination,
balance, strength and the ability to develop specific movements of
the lower torso, trunk, hips and shoulders can all affect swing
performance.
[0067] Pursuant to these principles, the present invention provides
easily performed training methods and drills employing very simple
apparatus, such as ordinary cylinders and balls and the like to
control and work specific muscle groups to produce/promote a swing
on a plane while maintaining stability and minimizing lower back
and spinal injuries.
[0068] Drills and Apparatus
[0069] Some exemplary exercises and drills embodying the invention
and which will be described in more detail hereinafter employ, in
various modes and combinations, a number of items of training
apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the training apparatus
comprises multiple spacers, namely a large cylindrical object and a
medium semi-cylindrical object to control the behavior of various
body components during practice swings and drills, notably to
prevent erratic limb movements and to help isolate the actions of
different groups of muscles while maintaining stability and
reducing risks of injuring the lower back and spine. Other simple
apparatus such as a rigid bar and a tension belt can also be used
to supplement or enhance the drills. A plurality of pliable objects
are also used, including at least one small disc and at least one
large ball for supporting the knee during the kneeling drills and
to provide a seat during the seated exercises, respectively. The
following are some examples of suitable dimensions and other
characteristics for these various items of training apparatus.
[0070] Referring to the FIGURES, a preferred first spacer 10 should
be suitable for gripping between the hands while swinging and can
have a diameter of from about 10 cm to about 60 cm., preferably
about 20 cm. to about 50 cm., depending upon the physiology of the
trainee. Depending on the level of skill of the trainee, the weight
of the spacer can be varied. The action of gripping such a spacer
between the arms while swinging helps isolate the swing movements
from unwanted hip movements. Specifically, the spacer provides the
freedom of the joints in the body to allow the navel to move to the
right, which in turn moves the arms in one sequence, causing the
pelvic bone as opposed to the hip to turn in the backswing motion.
The elongated spacer 10 and the method of gripping the spacer 10
keeps the wrist in line with the proper plane of motion, thereby
reducing risks of wrist injury.
[0071] A second spacer 12 having a diameter of from about 4 cm to
about 40 cm, preferably from about 6 cm to about 30 cm. is used as
an foot support. The second spacer is placed under either one or
both feet, serving to provide instability of the lower torso. An
unstable surface produces more ground reaction forces on the foot
to create more neuron recruitment. Therefore, the body must work
harder to keep the core muscles stable during the swing movements
while increasing flexibility by training the proprioceptives
utilized in the swing movements.
[0072] A pliable object 14, intended to be placed underneath the
knee during the kneeling exercises, have a diameter of from about
20 cm and about 50 cm, preferably a diameter of from about 25 cm to
about 45 cm. It should be noted that the diameter of the pliable
object may vary depending on the size and skill level of the
trainee. The pliable object provides support to the knee during the
repetitive drills and aids in destabilizing the trainee during the
swinging motions to once again train the proprioceptives involved
in the swing motion.
[0073] A pliable object 16 is provided as a large ball for seating
the trainee during the seated drills. The pliable object 16 has a
diameter of between about 20 cm and about 100 cm, preferably from
about 30 cm to about 90 cm, and most preferably from about 30 cm to
about 85 cm. The large ball provides a compressible support for the
trainee while seated to further aid in focusing the drills on
proprioceptive stabilization, strengthening and stretching the
desired muscles during the swinging motions. The external
instability aids the body in focusing on internally stabilization
such that the proprioceptives are trained during the training
method. In an alternative embodiment, the user may either lay on
the ball or sit on a chair or similar apparatus, as will be known
to those skilled in the art.
[0074] The weights of the spacers and the pliable objects, or
equivalent significantly weighted objects, is preferably selected
to provide a comfortable level of resistance that suits the trainee
at a given time. With experience and development of swing specific
muscle strength, the trainee may adopt heavier spacers offering
more resistance.
[0075] The particular size of each spacer is preferably selected
according to the physiology, and perhaps the skills, of the
individual trainee, within the general ranges set forth above, to
help comfortably position or guide the club on to a desired swing
plane. The judgment as to what constitutes an optimally sized
spacer or other implement is probably best made by an experienced
instructor. A reasonable degree of comfort is important: the
muscles should be worked and stretched, but not uncomfortably
strained. In general, subject to variations in proportions, the
optimal size of each ball or other spacer object used will
correlate with the height of the trainee, so that shorter trainees
use smaller balls, and taller trainees use larger ones.
[0076] It is contemplated that the methods of the present invention
may be combined with, for example, tethering of a ball to the waist
or other body part, either elastically or inelastically.
[0077] While a variety of spacers and objects is described and
shown as being useful implements in practicing drills and exercises
according to the invention, it will be appreciated that equivalent
objects, articles or devices may be used and provide many of the
benefits of the invention, for example, flattened or substantially
rectilinear, e.g. cubic objects or bridge-like objects or devices
that maintain a desired separation between selected body anatomies,
yet will be dropped if not properly gripped.
[0078] Preferred drills are performed with the specific actions
detailed below. Preferably, the beginner and the advanced player
should perform each drill from the opposite side of the body to
train the antagonist muscles. By performing the drills both ways,
the muscles will be worked eccentrically, assist in greater
acceleration and also greater deceleration. Each drill should be
repeated about ten times on each side before advancing to the next
drill. The number of repeats is not critical and may be varied, for
example between about six and about twenty depending upon the
trainee, their conditioning, experience with the drills, and so
on.
[0079] The invention extends to training programs employing
preferred combinations of drills, as will be described
hereinafter.
[0080] Beginner Drill
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, in beginner Drill 1, the trainee
is shown with a first spacer 10 between his hands 18. The knees 20
should be flexed slightly. The feet 22 should be firmly placed with
toes forward and knee caps forward, as shown in FIG. 1. To isolate
the arm 24 movement, the hands 18 grip outer ends of the spacer 10,
as seen in FIGS. 1A-1B. Although not shown, the backswing
demonstrated in FIGS. 1A-1B are repeated on an opposite side to aid
in stretching out the muscles eccentrically to provide greater
acceleration and deceleration in moving a club.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 1C-1D, the drill is repeated with the
trainee gripping the first spacer 10 near an end of the first
spacer 10 so that a first end 26 of the first spacer 10 is held
against the chest and a second end 28 extends longitudinally out
and toward the floor. This drill restricts the arm 24 and shoulder
movements to provide focus to strengthening and stretching the back
muscles. In FIGS. 1E-1F, the drill is again repeated with the
trainee gripping a center of the first spacer 10. This allows a
wider range of movement on the backswing motion, which can be seen
in FIG. 1F. The combination of drills in FIGS. 1A-1F therefore
provide a range of motions for both strengthening and stretching
the arm 24 and back muscles to prepare the trainee for the golf
swing.
[0083] Intermediate Drill 1
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, shown therein is a trainee
with a first spacer 10 and a second spacer 12 placed under one
foot. The second spacer 12 aids in destabilizing the trainee during
the drills as well as add a level of difficulty in the swing
motions to help strengthen the specific muscles utilized in a golf
swinging motion. The instability forces the body to rely internally
on establishing stability while increasing flexibility, thereby
training the proprioceptors to reproduce new, more efficient joint
position involved during the golf swing.
[0085] As shown, the swing motions in FIGS. 1A-1F are repeated with
the second spacer 12 in FIGS. 2A-2F. Moreover, the second spacer 12
is preferably partially cylindrical so that a top side is curved
and a bottom side is flat. In the first repetition, the foot is
placed on the top side. The repetition is then repeated with the
foot placed on the bottom side. Such shifting not only increases
instability during the swing motions, but forces the trainee to
maintain a more rigid lower body to allow focus on the upper body
muscles. Moreover, the elevated foot allows strengthening of the
muscles in the thigh region 30.
[0086] Intermediate Drill 2
[0087] Turning to FIGS. 3A-3F, shown therein is the second spacer
12 placed parallel to the trainee's shoulders so that the trainee
places both feet on the second spacer 12 while repeating the swing
motions described and shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. Once again, the motions
are repeated with the trainee standing on the top curved side of
the second spacer 12 as well as the bottom flat side of the spacer
12. Such practice increases the trainee's balance while focusing
the thigh muscles and the upper body muscles.
[0088] Advanced Drill 1
[0089] Turning to FIGS. 4A-4F, shown therein is a trainee with one
knee 32 placed on the floor with the other leg 34 extended out in
front of the body so that a foot 36 is flat on the floor. Each of
the swinging exercises shown and described in FIGS. 1A-1F are then
repeated. This drill therefore substantially eliminates any
stability problems with standing but increases the tension in the
thighs 30 and the rear 38 to target the muscles in the thighs 30
and the rear 38 while maintaining the strengthening and stretching
of the muscles on the upper body. To increase difficulty, a pliable
disc 14 may be placed underneath the knee to provide support while
increasing the elevation of the knee 32.
[0090] Advanced Drill 2
[0091] Turning to FIGS. 5A-5F, shown therein is a trainee with one
knee 32 place on the floor and the other leg 34 extended out in
front of the body with the foot 36 is resting on the second spacer
12. The elevation of the foot 36 shifts the focus to the muscle
opposite thigh while strengthening and stretching the upper body
muscles. In an alternate embodiment, both a disc 14 and a second
spacer 12 may be used in performing the exercise to increase
difficulty.
[0092] Advanced Drill 3
[0093] Turning to FIGS. 6A-6E, shown therein is a trainee seated on
a pliable ball 16 while performing the swinging motions described
and shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. This drill allows greater isolation of
the lower body so that the movements are even further concentrated
on the upper body muscles, providing a more difficult and advanced
work-out of such muscles.
[0094] Advanced Drill 4
[0095] In FIGS. 7A-7F, the trainee is seated on the pliable ball 17
and has one foot 36 elevated on the second spacer 12. As in the
kneeling drill, this drill concentrates on providing support for
the foot to create stability while increasing the load on the
opposite leg, thereby exercising the thigh muscles as well as the
upper body muscles. It should be noted that the drill is repeated
with the foot 36 placed on both the top curved side and the bottom
flat side of the second spacer 12.
[0096] Advanced Drill 5
[0097] Finally, turning to FIGS. 8A-8F, shown therein is a trainee
seated on the pliable ball 16 and with both feet placed on the
second spacer 12. Such a drill enhances the effects of the arm
movements on the thigh muscles while allowing free movement of the
arms to strengthen and stretch the upper body muscles. It should be
noted that the drill is repeated with the foot 36 placed on both
the top curved side and the bottom flat side of the second spacer
12.
[0098] While the invention has been described with particular
reference to embodiments relating to the sport of golf, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be
applied to other sports and activities where an accurate and
powerful swing is required, especially those sports employing a
two-handed swing, for example, baseball, hockey and cricket. A
chart detailing the muscle groups exercised are provided
hereinbelow.
1 Down- Eleva- Depres- Abduc- Adduc- Upward ward tion sion tion
tion Rotation Rotation Superficial Muscles Acting at the Scapula
Trapezius Part 1 X Part 2 X X X Part 3 X Part 4 X X X Serratus X X
Deep Muscles Acting at the Scapula Levator X X Scapula Rhom- X X X
boids Pectoralis X X X X Minor
[0099]
2 Horizontal Horizontal Inward Outward Flexion Extension Abduction
Adduction Abduction Adduction Rotation Rotation Superficial Muscles
Acting at the Humerus Deltoid Anterior X X X X Middle X Posterior X
X X X Pectoralis Major Clavicular X X X Sternal X X X X
Coracobrachialis X X X X Latissimus Dorsi X X X X Teres Major X X X
X Infraspitiatus X X X Teres Minor X X X Deep Muscles Acting at the
Humerus Subscapularis X X Supraspinatus X X
[0100] It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted
to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages
mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently
preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this
disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in
the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *