Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Body movement or position indicator
Patent
1994-10-21
1997-04-29
Stoll, William E.
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Body movement or position indicator
A63B 6936
Patent
active
056243278
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a golf practice device which actively promotes adherence to the recognised fundamentals of the game and trains the player to develop the high degree of concentration, or focus, necessary in order to perform to the maximum of his potential.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In this embodiment, the device refers to the act of putting, which act is not influenced by the level of athleticism of the participant but rather by his adherence to the fundamentals, coupled with the attainment of a level of concentration such as to preclude any conscious thought not related to the act in hand e.g., the consequences of missing, memories of past failures, etc.
Most short putts--of two meters or less, are missed, either because the player does not conform to recognised fundamentals or because he is not focused on the task, to the exculsion of all irrelevancies, rather than because of any lack of capalility.
It is generally accepted by golfers that a good swing is the result of the successful merging of two distinct phases, which are (i) the static phase and (ii) the dynamic phase. In order to develop a competent swing, there are fundamentals which must be applied to each phase.
The static phase of the swing, i.e., grip, set-up, stance, posture can be learned and mastered. This area is already well provided for by books, videos, practice devices etc. However, unless the player adopts a set-up position such as to place his eyes directly over the intended line of putt he will not have the correct perspective to judge the shot accurately. The invention sets the player in this position and the device can not be properly used until this position is adopted.
The dynamic phase of the swing--the actual swinging of the club--is governed by so many variables e.g., height, build, athleticism etc. that no two swings can be the same. Further, the number and complexity of the various movements required to execute the swing are such that they cannot be successfully controlled or executed by the conscious part of the brain. These movements, as is the case with all physical acts, can and must be controlled by the sub-conscious.
This invention identifies the need for, and provides the user with, a focus so specific as to preclude all `conscious` control whilst ensuring that he comply with the fundamentals of the dynamic phase, which are with the ball. the fixed head position. distance determined by compliance with (i) above.
There is a golf truism that holds that the handicap golfer would immediately improve his shot-making if he were to apply his practice swing to the actual shot. However, as such practice swings are usually taken without the presence of a ball, there is, obviously, no visual feedback to indicate compliance with any or all of the fundamentals. The invention provides this feedback, whether or not a ball is being used. This invention provides visual evidence to the user of any lateral body movement throughout the complete swing.
DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
Devices are known which assist the golfer in the static phase of the swing, e.g., foot position indicators, club-head alignment indicators. Devices are known which, in use, train the user to acquire conscious control of the movement of the club. No device is known which encourages sub-conscious control of the physical action while at the same time ensuring compliance with the recognised fundamentals, by providing a specific active focus which precludes conscious interference, thus allowing the user to learn `naturally`.
This devise is used to help golfers to acquire and maintain a correct position directly over the ball, maintain this original position throughout, acquire the ability to maintain the putter-head close to and parallel to the ground during the execution of the shot, and to develop the mental discipline necessary to ensure that no outside factors, e.g., anxiety, fear, attempts at conscious control etc., impinge on the task at hand. It is precisely such anxieties, coupled with the attempt to consciously control the action, which leads to t
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Gerstenzang William C.
Stoll William E.
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