DESCRI PTION

RELATED APPLICATION

[Para 1 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/923,992, filed on October 21 , 201 9.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 2] The present invention is directed to a sports swing training aid. More particularly, the sports swing training aid is designed to encourage proper body rotation and arm position at the top, bottom, and follow through of a sports swing. The training aid was particularly developed in reference to a golf swing, but has application in other sports, for example, baseball, where an athlete relies on repetitive arm swing and/or body rotation movements.

[Para 3] The sport of golf involves swinging a club back and forward through an inclined arc so as to contact a golf ball at the bottom of the arc. Baseball also involves swinging a bat through an arc so as to contact a moving baseball in a particular position in front of the athlete. Accurate positioning of the torso, arms and hands throughout the arc of these swings is critical to make sure that the club or bat contacts the ball in the correct position so that the ball follows the desired trajectory. Improper rotation of the torso and/or positioning of the hands/arms during the swing can make the ball travel a shorter distance and/or cause the ball to travel in other than a desired direction, i.e., with a slice, a hook, a fade, or a draw. An athlete could even miss the ball entirely if the arm position is off by enough.

[Para 4] Through practice and repetition, athletes learn through muscle memory the arc of swing. It is important that such practice and repetition teaches body rotation and places the hands and arms in the proper position, otherwise the muscle memory will reproduce an improper swing. Given the length of an athlete’s arms, a slight variation in the positioning of the upper arms can result in a drastic variation in the position of the forearms and hands. Therefore, the positioning of the arms plays a critical role in the positioning of a proper swing arc.

[Para 5] Accordingly there is a need for a sports swing training aid that better allows an athlete to train on the proper rotation of the torso and positioning and placement of his/her arms during the arc of a swing - particularly from the top and bottom of the swing. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 6] The present invention relates to a system and method for training a user in a proper sports swing. The system includes a waist wrap having one or more blocks that are selectively attachable thereto to train a user in proper arm position for various types of sports swings. The method involves a user wearing the waist wrap with appropriate combinations of blocks to train proper arm positioning during a swing based on non-contact with the blocks, or conversely, improper arm positions based on contact with the blocks.

[Para 7] More particularly, the system for training a user in a proper sports swing has a waist wrap with an elongated shape configured for wrapping around a user’s waist or torso having an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside surface has at least one waist securing region at one end of the elongated shape. The outside surface has a plurality of securing regions along the elongated shape. The system also includes at least a first training block having a polygonal shape and one attachment face. The attachment face has a matching securing region configured for selective attachment to one of the plurality of securing regions on the outside surface of the waist wrap. The system preferably has a second training block having a polygonal shape and one attachment face with a matching securing region configured for selective attachment to one of the plurality of securing regions on the outside surface of the waist wrap.

[Para 8] At least one of the plurality of securing regions on the outside surface includes at least one waist securing matching region on an opposite end of the elongated shape from the waist securing region on the inside surface. The plurality of securing regions on the outside surface of the waist wrap may be a continuous securing region extending from one end of the elongated shape to an opposite end.

[Para 9] The first training block and second training block may both be a cube shape. The second training block may include a guide face adjacent to the attachment face that includes three guidelines oriented perpendicular to the attachment face.

[Para 10] The system may further include a third securing block having a polygonal shape and one attachment face having a matching securing region configured for selective attachment to one of the plurality of securing regions on the outside surface of the waist wrap. The system may further include a fourth securing block having a polygonal shape and one attachment face having a matching securing region configured for selective attachment to one of the plurality of securing regions on the outside surface of the waist wrap. In the system with four securing blocks, the first, second, and third securing blocks may each have a cube shape with the fourth securing block having a triangular prism shape.

[Para 1 1 ] The system may further include a shoulder harness attached to the waist wrap.

[Para 1 2] The process for training a user in a proper sports swing begins with securing a waist wrap around a waist of the user. At least one training block is attached to a securing region on an outside surface of the waist wrap. The user then practices a swing arc for the particular sports swing being trained. For a golf swing starting at address of a golf ball, the user moves through backswing, downswing, impact, and frontswing (or follow through). The user is trained to maintain proper arm position and body rotation for the golf swing throughout backswing, downswing, impact, and follow through. Proper arm position and body rotation is indicated by an absence of contact between the user’s arm and the training block.

[Para 1 3] For a golf swing, the training block may be attached to a rear lateral securing region on the waist wrap. In this instance, the maintaining step includes an absence of contact between the training block and a rear arm of the user. The training block may also be attached to a front lateral securing region on the waist wrap. In this instance, the maintaining step includes an absence of contact between the training block and a front arm of the user.

[Para 14] The training block attached to the front lateral securing region may have a laterally extending guideline on an upward facing surface. With this laterally extending guideline, the process further includes the step of monitoring body rotation of the user by visually aligning the laterally extending guideline with a vertical line passing through the golf ball during the backswing. Preferably, the training block has three laterally extending guidelines sequentially across the upward facing surface. With three guidelines, the monitoring step includes visually aligning each of the three laterally extending guidelines in sequence with the vertical line passing through the golf ball throughout the backswing.

[Para 1 5] Alternatively, the training block may be attached to an abdominal securing region on the waist wrap. In this instance, the maintaining step includes an absence of contact between the training block and both a front arm and a rear arm of the user. The process may also include step of attaching a second training block to a second securing region on the outside surface of the waist wrap on a lateral side of the user opposite the training block.

[Para 16] The process further includes repeating the steps of practicing and maintaining for a pre-determined duration.

[Para 1 7] For a baseball swing, the training block may again be attached to a rear lateral securing region on the waist wrap. In this instance, the maintaining step includes an absence of contact between the training block and a rear arm of the user. The training block may also be attached to a front lateral securing region on the waist wrap, or more preferably adjusted to a diagonal securing position - between a front lateral securing position and an abdominal securing position - on the waist wrap. In this instance, the maintaining step again includes an absence of contact between the training block and a front arm of the user. The waist wrap may also be adjusted higher on the user’s torso depending upon the bat swing plane of the user.

[Para 1 8] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 9] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: [Para 20] FIGURE 1 is a plan illustration of individual components of the inventive sports swing training apparatus;

[Para 21 ] FIGURE 1 A is a perspective view is select assembled components of a preferred embodiment of the inventive sports swing training apparatus;

[Para 22] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the inventive sports swing training apparatus with a user wearing the waist wrap having front lateral and rear lateral swing blocks in an address position for a regular swing;

[Para 23] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a partial backswing position;

[Para 24] FIGURE 3A is a close-up view of the rear elbow of the user in FIG. 3 not making contact with the rear lateral block in the partial backswing position; [Para 25] FIGURE 3 B is a close-up view of the rear elbow of the user in FIG. 3 making contact with the rear lateral block in the partial backswing position;

[Para 26] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a full backswing position;

[Para 27] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a partial downswing position;

[Para 28] FIGURE 5A is a close-up view of the rear elbow of the user in FIG. 5 not making contact with the rear lateral box in the partial downswing position;

[Para 29] FIGURE 5 B is a close-up view of the rear elbow of the user in FIG. 5 making contact with the rear lateral box in the partial downswing position;

[Para 30] FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a ball impact position; [Para 31 ] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a partial follow through position;

[Para 32] FIGURE 7A is a close-up view of the front elbow of the user in FIG.

7 not making contact with the front lateral box in the partial follow through position;

[Para 33] FIGURE 7B is a close-up view of the front elbow of the user in FIG. 7 making contact with the front lateral box in the partial follow through position;

[Para 34] FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a full follow through position;

[Para 35] FIGURE 9A is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a start of backswing position wearing the inventive sports swing training apparatus having a front lateral swing box with rotation markings;

[Para 36] FIGURE 9B is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a mid- backswing position wearing the inventive sports swing training apparatus having a front lateral swing box with rotation markings;

[Para 37] FIGURE 9C is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 2 in a full backswing position wearing the inventive sports swing training apparatus having a front lateral swing box with rotation markings;

[Para 38] FIGURE 1 0 is a perspective view of the inventive sports swing training apparatus with a user wearing the waist belt having an abdominal swing box in an address position for a putting or chipping swing;

[Para 39] FIGURE 1 1 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 10 in a putting backswing position with no contact between the arms and the abdominal box; [Para 40] FIGURE 1 1 A is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 1 showing the front arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 41 ] FIGURE 1 1 B is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 1 showing the rear arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 42] FIGURE 1 1 C is a side perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 1 showing the rear arm making contact with a rear lateral box;

[Para 43] FIGURE 1 2 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 10 in a putting follow through position with no contact between the arms and the abdominal box;

[Para 44] FIGURE 1 2A is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 2 showing the front arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 45] FIGURE 1 2B is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 12 showing the rear arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 46] FIGURE 1 3 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 10 in a chipping backswing position with no contact between the arms and the abdominal box;

[Para 47] FIGURE 1 3A is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 3 showing the front arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 48] FIGURE 1 3B is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 1 3 showing the rear arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 49] FIGURE 1 4 is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 10 in a chipping follow through position with no contact between the arms and the abdominal box; [Para 50] FIGURE 1 4A is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 14 showing the front arm making contact with the abdominal box;

[Para 51 ] FIGURE 1 4B is a perspective view of the user in FIG. 14 showing the rear arm making contact with the abdominal box; and

[Para 52] FIGURE 1 5 is a perspective view of select assembled components of another preferred embodiment of the inventive sports swing training apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 53] The sports swing training apparatus of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 1 and 1 A and generally referred to herein by reference numeral 10 consists primarily of a waist wrap 12 having one or more selectively attachable blocks 14, 1 6, 1 8. There may be multiple forms of one or more blocks 1 4, as shown. The waist wrap 1 2 is a belt or similar structure configured to encircle a user’s waist. The waist wrap 12 is preferably elongated in shape having an outer surface 1 2a and in inner surface 1 2b.

[Para 54] The outer surface 1 2a preferably has a plurality of attachment areas 12c, including an end attachment area 1 2d at each end. The inner surface 12b preferably has an end attachment area 12e at least at one end. The attachment areas 12c, 12d, 1 2e are preferably hook and loop-type material, commercially known as VELCRO®, but may also consist of other known fasteners. The end attachment areas 12d and 12e are configured to selectively connect to each other so as to form the waist wrap 1 2 into a loop (FIG. 1 A) around a user’s waist as described below. [Para 55] The blocks 14, 16, 18 preferably have at least one attachment surface 1 4a, 16a, 1 8a. Each attachment surface 1 4a, 16a, 1 8a is preferably hook and loop-type material, commercially known as VELCRO®, or other known fasteners configured for selective attachment and removal to one or more attachment areas 12c on the waist wrap 1 2. The blocks 1 4, 16, 18 are designed to guide and/or restrict torso rotation and arm movement during a swing arc of a sports swing.

[Para 56] FIG. 2 shows a user wearing the waist wrap 1 2 of the system 10 around their waist or torso 1 9 in a standard address position 20 holding a club 22 addressing a ball 24 in a typical swing. In such a typical swing, at least two of the attachment areas 1 2c are designed to be positioned in a front lateral position 26 and a rear lateral position 28, both above the user’s hips. In this description, “front lateral position” refers to a position along a user’s side (“lateral”) to the front, i.e., in the direction that the user intends to hit the ball. Conversely, “rear lateral position” refers to a position along a user’s side (“lateral”) to the rear, i.e., away from the direction that the user intends to hit the ball. The “front” and “rear” directions will be on opposite sides of the user depending upon whether the user is left-handed or right-handed.

[Para 57] Lateral seam lines 30a, 30b may be defined along each side of the user’s torso in a lateral plane 30 through the user’s body. Each seam line 30a, 30b preferably passes through one or the other of the front and rear lateral positions 26, 28. Blocks 14, 1 6, 1 8 are configured to be removably attached at the front and rear lateral positions 26, 28. The blocks 1 4, 1 6, 1 8, particularly the one attached to the rear lateral position 28 may be position with an anterior face angled slightly backwards, depending upon the user’s particular preferences, arm positions, and body style.

[Para 58] The blocks 14, 16 are preferably rectangular or square shaped, i.e., cubes, and may come in various sizes depending on the size of the user and the desired amount of restriction or guidance. The block 1 6 is preferably also rectangular or square shaped with a guideline surface 16b oriented perpendicular to the attachment surface 16a. The guideline surface 16b includes at least one, but preferably multiple guidelines 16c that are used as described more fully below. The third type of block 18 is preferably prismshaped.

[Para 59] When using the system 10 to train a full swing, the blocks 14, 16, 18 are preferably positioned proximate to each seam line 30a, 30b depending on the particular seam line, size of the user, and the natural arm position of a user. A user of the training system 10 may position either or both of the front and rear blocks 14, 16, 18 slightly anteriorly or posteriorly of the seam lines 30a, 30b, or any position in between, depending upon their particular preferences. The determining factors, particularly for the blocks 1 4, 16, 1 8 around the rear seam line 30b, are the size of and natural position of the user’s arms relative thereto.

[Para 60] While the following detailed description focuses primarily on use of the inventive sports swing training apparatus in connection with a golf swing, a person skilled in the art will appreciate how the invention also has applicability to training swing arc for other sports. The following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of this patent to only golf swings.

[Para 61 ] As shown in FIGS. 3-8, with particular attention to a golf swing, the waist wrap and waist boxes rotate with the golfer’s body during the back swing on a full golf swing. FIGS. 3-3B generally illustrate a user of the inventive system in a starting backswing position 32 bringing the club 22 away from the ball 24. This starting backswing position 32 is approximately the bottom 1 /3 to 1 /2 of the backswing arc, i.e., up to the club 22 being horizontal to the ground. In this starting backswing position 32, the preference for use of the system 10 is that the user’s rear elbow 34 does not make contact with the block 14, 16, 18 attached proximate the rear seam line 30b.

[Para 62] As shown in FIG. 3A, when the user has appropriate arm swing and body rotation, the rear elbow 34 avoids contact with the block 14, 16, 18. Conversely, in FIG. 3B, when the user has inappropriate arm swing or insufficient body rotation, the rear elbow 34 will contact the block 14, 16, 1 8. The absence of such contact tells the user that the arm position and body rotation were both proper for the type of swing. The existence of such contact tells the user that either the arm position, body rotation or both were improper for the type of swing. Through repetition, a user can determine which combination of arm position and body rotation needs to be adjusted, thereby improving the swing arc.

[Para 63] FIG. 4 generally illustrates the user in a full backswing position 36 with the club 22 at the top of the swing, the waist/torso 19 fully rotated, and the arms up with the rear elbow 34 clear of the block 14, 1 6, 1 8 in the rear lateral position 28. FIGS 5A and 5B illustrate the start of the downswing position 38 from the full backswing position 36. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the user has appropriate arm swing and body rotation, the rear elbow 34 avoids contact with the block 14, 16, 1 8. Conversely, in FIG. 5B, when the user has inappropriate arm swing or insufficient body rotation, the rear elbow 34 will contact the block 14, 16, 18 on either an anterior surface or a top surface.

[Para 64] As in the starting backswing position 32 the absence of such contact tells the user that the arm position and body rotation were both proper for the type of swing. The existence of such contact tells the user that either the arm position, body rotation or both were improper for the type of swing. Through repetition, a user can determine which combination of arm position and body rotation needs to be adjusted, thereby improving the swing arc.

[Para 65] FIGS 5A and 5B illustrate the start of the transition or downswing position 38 from the full backswing position 36. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the user has appropriate arm swing and body rotation, the rear elbow 34 avoids contact with the block 14, 16, 1 8 indicating the positioning of the club in a desired anterior swing plane. Conversely, in FIG. 5B, when the user has inappropriate arm swing or insufficient body rotation, the rear elbow 34 will contact the block 14, 16, 18 on either an anterior surface or a top surface, indicating the positioning of the club in an undesired posterior swing plane.

[Para 66] As in the starting backswing position 32 the absence of such contact tells the user that the arm position and body rotation were both proper for the type of swing. The existence of such contact tells the user that either the arm position, body rotation or both were improper for the type of swing. Through repetition, a user can determine which combination of arm position and body rotation needs to be adjusted, thereby improving the swing arc.

[Para 67] FIG. 6 generally illustrates the user in an impact position 40 with the club 22 against the ball 24, the waist/torso 19 rotated toward the front, the arms starting the transition across the body at the bottom of a swing arc with the rear elbow 34 having fully cleared the block 14, 16, 1 8 in the rear lateral position 28.

[Para 68] FIGS. 7-7B generally illustrate a user of the inventive system in a starting frontswing or follow through position 42 bringing the club 22 forward after striking the ball 24. This starting follow through position 42 is approximately the bottom 1 /3 to 1 /2 of the follow through arc with the club 22 moving toward horizontal to the ground. In this starting follow through position 42, the preference for use of the system 10 is that the user’s front elbow 44 does not make contact with the block 14, 1 6, 18 attached proximate the front lateral position 30a.

[Para 69] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the user has appropriate arm swing and body rotation, the front elbow 44 avoids contact with the block 1 4, 16, 1 8.

Conversely, in FIG. 7B, when the user has inappropriate arm swing or insufficient body rotation, the front elbow 44 will contact the block 14, 1 6, 1 8. The absence of such contact tells the user that the arm position and body rotation were both proper for the type of swing. The existence of such contact tells the user that either the arm position, body rotation or both were improper for the type of swing. Through repetition, a user can determine which combination of arm position and body rotation needs to be adjusted, thereby improving the swing arc. FIG. 8 generally illustrates the user at the top of the frontswing or follow through position 45 with the waist/torso 1 9 fully rotated and the arms up.

[Para 70] FIGS 9A-9C generally illustrate the user at various position throughout the backswing movement illustrating the use of the guidelines 16c on the upper surface 1 6b of the block 1 6 in the front lateral position 26. The guidelines 1 6c generally have a first guideline 46, second guideline 48, and third guideline 50. The first guideline 46 is generally aligned with the leading face. The second guideline 48 is generally aligned with a center or mid-line on the upper face. The third guideline 50 is generally aligned with a trailing face. [Para 71 ] These guidelines 46, 48, 50 help the user measure the degree of rotation of the waist/torso 1 9 through the backswing. In FIG. 9A, the first guideline 46 is configured for the user to align the end with a vertical line 52 extending upward from the ball 24 at the start of the body rotation in the backswing. In FIG. 9B, the second guideline 48 is configured for the user to align the end with the same vertical line 52 extending from the ball 24 with a greater degree of body rotation. In FIG. 90, the third guideline 50 is configured for the user to align the end with the same vertical line 52 extending from the ball 24 with full body rotation. This alignment helps the user to visualize the amount of body rotation that is expected in a golf swing. [Para 72] FIGS. 10-1 2B generally illustrate the use of the inventive system 10 in the user’s address of a putting shot. In this type of shot, the system 10 does not utilize the front or rear lateral positions 26, 28. Instead, the system 10 utilizes an attachment area 1 2c in an abdominal position 54, placing the block 14, 16, 18 anteriorly relative to the user. The block 14, 16, 18 may be attached to the abdominal position 54 in either in a high position or a low position, subject to the preference of the user. In the starting address position (FIG. 1 0), there is no contact between the user’s arms 56 and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. Alternatively, a user’s arms 56 may be drawn in so as to minimally contact the sides of the block 14, 16, 1 8 during address. There should not be excessive contact with the block 14, 16, 1 8 during address.

[Para 73] FIG. 1 1 illustrates an intended backswing movement with uniform body rotation and arm swing so that there is no contact between the arms 56 and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 1 1 A illustrates an unintended movement where there is too much arm swing and/or not enough body rotation such that there is contact between the front arm 56a and the block 14, 16, 18. FIG. 1 1 B illustrates a converse situation where there is too much body rotation and/or not enough arm swing such that there is contact between the rear arm 56b and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8.

[Para 74] FIG. 1 1 C illustrates an alternate embodiment including a second block 14, 16, 18 attached in a rear lateral position 28 along rear line 30b. This places the block 14, 16, 1 8 behind the rear elbow 34 of the user. In use, a proper swing plane would avoid contact between the rear elbow 34 and this block 14, 16, 18 in the rear lateral position. As shown in FIG. 1 1 C, an improper swing plane causes contact between the rear elbow 34 and this block 14, 16, 18. This alternate embodiment can be used on its own or in combination with the block 1 4, 16, 1 8 attached in the abdominal position 54. Although shown with a putting stroke, this positioning of the block 14, 1 6, 1 8 can be used to practice and train either putting or chipping strokes by preventing excessive contact by the rear elbow 34 with the block 1 4, 16, 1 8 in the rear lateral position 28 during such strokes.

[Para 75] FIG. 1 2 illustrates an intended follow through movement with uniform body rotation and arm swing so that there is no contact between the arms 56 and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 1 2A illustrates an unintended movement where there is too much arm swing and/or not enough body rotation such that there is contact between the rear arm 56b and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 1 2B illustrates a converse situation where there is too much body rotation and/or not enough arm swing such that there is contact between the front arm 56a and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8.

[Para 76] FIGS. 1 3-1 4B generally illustrate the use of the inventive system 10 in the user’s address of a chipping shot. In this type of shot, the system 10 again does not utilize the front or rear lateral positions 26, 28. Instead, the system 10 utilizes the attachment area 1 2c in an abdominal position 54, placing the block 14, 1 6, 1 8 anteriorly relative to the user. The block 14, 1 6, 18 may be attached to the abdominal position 54 in either in a high position or a low position, subject to the preference of the user. In the starting address position (same as FIG. 10 but with different club), there is no contact between the user’s arms 56 and the block 14, 16, 1 8. Alternatively, a user’s arms 56 may be drawn in so as to minimally contact the sides of the block 14, 1 6, 1 8 during address. There should not be excessive contact with the block 14, 16, 18 during address.

[Para 77] FIG. 1 3 illustrates an intended backswing movement with uniform body rotation and arm swing so that there is no contact between the arms 56 and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 1 3A illustrates an unintended movement where there is too much arm swing and/or not enough body rotation such that there is contact between the front arm 56a and the block 14, 16, 18. FIG. 1 3B illustrates a converse situation where there is too much body rotation and/or not enough arm swing such that there is contact between the rear arm 56b and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8.

[Para 78] FIG. 14 illustrates an intended follow through movement with uniform body rotation and arm swing so that there is no contact between the arms 56 and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 14A illustrates an unintended movement where there is too much arm swing and/or not enough body rotation such that there is contact between the rear arm 56b and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8. FIG. 14B illustrates a converse situation where there is too much body rotation and/or not enough arm swing such that there is contact between the front arm 56a and the block 1 4, 16, 1 8.

[Para 79] In either the putting or chipping strokes, the block 14, 16, 1 8 in the abdominal position 54 provides guidance to the golfer during either the putting or chipping stroke. As shown in the figures, in either type of stroke, the block 14, 16, 18 restricts swinging movement of the arms, which is desirable during both putting and chipping. Such strokes are preferably accomplished primarily with body rotation, involving minimal arm movement. If a user’s putting or chipping stroke causes too much arm 56 contact with or movement of the block 1 4, 16, 1 8 during either putting or chipping, the user will know that the stroke involved too much or not enough arm movement. With the block 14, 16, 18 in the abdominal position 54 between the user’s arms 56, the putting or chipping stroke is performed by rotating the body with minimal arm swing.

[Para 80] FIG. 1 5 illustrates and alternate embodiment of the system 10 that includes a shoulder harness 58 that is designed to attach to the waist wrap 1 2 and loop over the user’s shoulders so as to maintain the waist wrap 1 2 in a desired position on the user’s waist/torso 1 9. The shoulder harness includes adjustment straps to accommodate users of different sizes.

[Para 81 ] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.