Golf training device and method

• US 6,346,050 B1
• Filed: 01/26/2000
• Issued: 02/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/26/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Blair Larson
• Original Assignee: Blair Larson
• Inventors: Larson, Blair
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiu, Raleigh W.
• Application Number:
  US09/492,019
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 473/218, 473/219, 473/231, 473/238, 473/266, 473/270, 473/409
• US Class Current: 473/270
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3621 Contacting or non-contacting mechanical means for guiding the swing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3623 for driving A63B69/3608, A63B69/3658, A63B69/3661, A63B69/3667 and A63B69/3691 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3667 Golf stance aids, e.g. means for positioning a golfer's feet

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.

Claims

1. A golf swing training device comprising, in combination:

an alignment shaft;

wherein said alignment shaft contains indicators showing the proper positioning of a user'"'"'s shoulders for striking a golf ball;

wherein said alignment shaft further contains at least one indicator showing the proper positioning of said golf ball for striking;

a template dimensioned to be positioned parallel to said alignment shaft;

wherein said template comprises at least one opening therein at a desired club angle; and

a template shaft dimensioned to be inserted into said opening and to extend in the direction of said user so as to permit said user to orient a golf club below and parallel said template shaft at said desired club angle and with a head of said golf club proximate said golf ball.

2. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle in the range of from about 47.5 degrees to about 57.5 degrees.

3. The golf swing training device of claim 2 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 47.5 degrees.

4. The golf swing training device of claim 2 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 50 degrees.

5. The golf swing training device of claim 2 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 55 degrees.

6. The golf swing training device of claim 2 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 57.5 degrees.

7. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said template comprises four said openings therein at a desired club angle.

8. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said indicators showing the proper positioning of a user'"'"'s shoulders for striking a golf ball and said at least one indicator showing the proper positioning of said golf ball for striking are differently colored.

9. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said alignment shaft contains:

a first indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging one of a wood and a long iron;

a second indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging a medium iron; and

a third indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging a wedge-type iron.

10. The golf swing training device of claim 9 wherein each of said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator is differently colored.

11. A method for improving a golf swing comprising the steps of:

providing an alignment shaft;

wherein said alignment shaft contains two shoulder position indicators showing the proper positioning of a user'"'"'s shoulders for striking a golf ball;

wherein said alignment shaft further contains at least one golf ball position indicator showing the proper positioning of said golf ball for striking;

positioning said alignment shaft in front of said user so that said user is facing said alignment shaft and so that a lateral portion of each of the two shoulders of said user is located opposite one of said shoulder position indicators;

providing a template;

wherein said template comprises at least one opening therein at a desired club angle;

positioning said template parallel to said alignment shaft so that said user is located on one side of said alignment shaft and said template is located on another side of said alignment shaft;

providing a template shaft dimensioned to be inserted into said opening and to extend in the direction of said user so as to permit said user to orient a golf club below and parallel said template shaft at said desired club angle and with a head of said golf club proximate said golf ball;

inserting said template shaft into said opening;

positioning said golf ball proximate said golf ball position indicator;

positioning a head of said golf club proximate said golf ball so that a shaft of said golf club is at said desired club angle; and

swinging said golf club so that said shaft passes below said template shaft while maintaining said desired club angle.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said step of positioning said template parallel to said alignment shaft so that said user is located on one side of said alignment shaft and said template is located on another side of said alignment shaft further comprises the step of positioning said template approximately two feet from said alignment shaft.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle in the range of from about 47.5 degrees to about 57.5 degrees.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 47.5 degrees.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 50 degrees.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 55 degrees.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein said angle of said opening in said template is at an angle of approximately 57.5 degrees.

18. The method of claim 11 wherein said template comprises four said openings therein at a desired club angle.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein said indicators showing the proper positioning of a user'"'"'s feet for striking a golf ball and said at least one indicator showing the proper positioning of said golf ball for striking are differently colored.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein said alignment shaft contains:

a first indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging one of a wood and a long iron;

a second indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging a medium iron; and

a third indicator showing the proper positioning of a golf ball for striking by a user swinging a wedge-type iron.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein each of said first indicator, said second indicator, and said third indicator is differently colored.