Sport Stance Trainer

Abstract

A foot positioning aid is disclosed for guide proper positioning of a player's feet for a sport stance. The aid has two foot targets each with a top side, an underside, and a perimeter edge. The foot targets are separate from one another for independent positioning and placement on a playing surface. A securement device on the underside of each of the foot targets is configured to removably retain the foot targets in a selected location on the playing surface during use. The player places their feet on the top sides, one on each of the foot targets during use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 222,706, filed Jul. 2, 2009, and entitled “Batting Stance Trainer.” The entire contents of the prior filed provisional application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Disclosure[0003]The present disclosure is generally directed to foot positioning aids, and more particularly to a foot positioning aid to train a player in proper positioning for a sport stance.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]At a young age, fundamentals of sports can be difficult to grasp. For example, in baseball, before learning how to swing, it is important for batters to first understand proper setup. One of the keys to the setup is a good batting stance with correct placement of the batter's feet within the batter's box. Spacing, alignment, orientation, and positioning of the batter's feet relative to home plate and to one another are each important...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include one or more golf tees.

[0020]In one example according to the invention, the securement device can include a friction enhancing or tacky layer on the underside.

[0021]In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, a method of teaching proper foot placement for a sport stance includes providing two separate foot targets. Each target has an exposed top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge, and a securement device.

Problems solved by technology

At a young age, fundamentals of sports can be difficult to grasp.

Young batters, such as T-ball players, are often not able to consistently execute a proper setup and may need to be repositioned by a trainer, coach, or parent prior to each plate appearance or even each swing.

Repositioning the batter takes extra time and may not improve the batter's skills.

However, this would impede a batter from starting to run if used during a game.

These prior known solutions can also have parts protruding well above the ground surface that may result in the device becoming dislodged and having to time and again replace and reset the device in the ground.

The protruding parts of such devices can also create a tripping hazard, especially for younger players.

Also, the mats may slide around, be unstable and / or slippery, and ultimately undesirable as a surface to use during a game.

The mats can also be relatively bulky, heavy, and cumbersome to transport and store.

Images