This invention relates to golf training devices, and in particular discloses a device for stabilizing a golfer's feet and stance while he practices his swing. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a substantially flat mat in which a left foot gripping element and a right foot gripping element are each slidably engaged. The gripping element have a front tongue and a rear tongue respectively engaged with a front groove in a raised front border and with a corresponding rear groove in a raised rear border of the flat mat. The gripping element can thus secure a golfer's feet parallel to each other in a given stance while the golfer practices a golf swing. The gripping element can be slid nearer or farther away from each other and locked in the selected position to provide a variety of widths of stance. The device is thus useful as a training device in order to prevent the golfer from getting his feet in the wrong orientation to each other during the course of his swing. The device also enables the beginning golfer to start practicing his swing with his feet parallel but close together, and gradually work his way up to a wider stance.
A rocking footplate alerts an athlete such as a golfer or a baseball player to the occurrence of improper rear foot weight placement. The footplate is placed under the athlete's rear foot and includes upper and lower plates which are joined by a hinge having an axis of rotation which is aligned with the center of the foot. The bottom of the device includes spikes which engage the ground to provide a stable base for the hinged top plate. The top plate is in the anatomical shape of a foot to aid proper foot placement on the device.
A golf driving instructional station includes a portable platform equipped with a golf ball support mat, a golf club selector mat, and a shoe-support mat. The golf club selector mat has markings that can be used to select different golf clubs for use with the instructional station. The shoe support mat has shoe-positioner markings that enable the golfer to position his feet correctly when swinging different golf clubs against a golf ball located on the golf ball support mat. Reference markings on the golf club selector mat permit the golfer to reposition the shoe support mat to a proper position for each particular golf club.
A golf training apparatus comprising a base pad with indicia for locating a golfer's feet for different golf swings, and a pair of footpads, one of which rocks on a fulcrum and the other is disposed in a non-rocking position for teaching a golfer a proper weight shift during his swing.
At least four alignment members, namely, an aim member 11, a guide member 12, and two positioning members 13, 14, may be arranged in various configurations to assist the golfer with putts and with wood and iron shots. A connector 25 is disposed at an end 27 of each of the guide and positioning members 12 14. A member-receiving passageway 29 is formed on each of the connectors 25 and extends generally perpendicularly to the elongated member 12 14 upon which the connector 25 is disposed.
The present invention is directed to a golf alignment system that generates a visible, audible and/or tactile response indicating when a golfer is properly aligned with respect to an intended target line or to a golf ball. One embodiment includes a first shoe having at least one transmitter disposed on an instep portion thereof. A second shoe has at least one receiver disposed on an instep portion thereof. The receiver is activated by a signal from the transmitter when the first shoe is in a predetermined position relative to the second shoe. Activation of the receiver causes actuation of an indicator, such as a light emitting device which projects a visible reference line on the ground. The present invention is also directed to a method of aligning a golf ball.
