Athletic training device

Abstract

A training device to limit or restrict a portion of a person's field of vision to improve a skill or the ability to perform a task. The training device assists in the training, practicing or learning various skills related to a certain activity, such as sports. The device includes a restrictor component and a control component. The control component is configured to be positioned in the mouth of a person such that the restrictor component extends outward to limit the field of vision.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to athletic training devices and more specifically to a device that restricts the vision of an athlete during training or practice or learning of a sport in order to improve skill.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Recreational or professional sports often require the development of certain skills related to the sport. Skills may include, for example, running, jumping, coordination, concentration, confidence, or handling a sport element. For purposes of this application, a sport element is anything used in conjunction with playing the sport such as a ball, a puck, or a racquet.[0003]Skills associated with a particular sport include, for example, dribbling a basketball, catching or throwing a baseball, directing a hockey puck or gripping a tennis racquet. Initially, skills are usually learned through instruction from a coach or a friend, from watching others perform the skill, or from a book.[0004]Skills typically incl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In one embodiment, the present invention is a device for practicing a skill of a sport by restricting or limiting a portion of the person's field of vision. The device trains an athlete to use the skill of straight-ahead vision and to preclude reliance on vision in the downwardly direction. In one example, the vision restrictor device of the present invention permits an athlete to learn and practice the skill of dribbling a basketball without monitoring or looking at the ball. It is well known that it is more efficient for an athlete to look up and ahead while dribbling a basketball without having to look down to follow the ball.

[0027]It is another object of the present invention to provide a training device that can be easily cleaned, stored, and reused.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of this device is interference with prescription glasses or goggles worn by an athlete.

An additional disadvantage is that the device may slip off of the athlete's face or slip out of a desired position when an athlete perspires causing the skin to become slippery.

A further disadvantage is that a one-size-fits-all frame may not accommodate athletes with various sized heads, i.e., too tight on a large head and too loose on a small head, thereby causing discomfort.

A disadvantage of these devices is that they are not well adapted to multiple uses since adhesive loses its effectiveness after one or more uses.

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