Inclined Athletic Footwork Training Device

Abstract

An inclined athletic footwork training device is disclosed that is configured to mount to a user's foot and train proper weight distribution during movement. The device features an inclined platform, lateral and ankle supports, and a raised sole surface to promote load on the balls of the feet. The structure encourages proper athletic stance and enhances footwork efficiency through muscle memory development.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 770,932, filed Mar. 12, 2025, entitled “Inclined Athletic Footwork Training Device,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to athletic training equipment, and more specifically to a wearable inclined foot-mounted training device that encourages athletes to adopt proper foot positioning to enhance balance, agility, and coordination.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Footwork is a fundamental component in athletic performance across various sports, including but not limited to baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and football.

[0004] Athletes, particularly younger ones, often exhibit poor body posture, such as standing flat-footed, which limits their ability to move quickly and change direction efficiently.

[0005] While existing training aids like agility ladders and resistance bands can improve general coordination and strength, they do not provide a physical mechanism that teaches athletes to remain on the balls of their feet during motion.

[0006] There is a need for a device that conditions athletes to assume and maintain optimal athletic body and foot posture through repetitive training.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The disclosed invention addresses the shortcomings of prior art by providing a portable, durable, and lightweight foot-mounted training device—referred to as “The Prep Stepper”—that physically encourages proper foot positioning.

[0008] The device comprises:

[0009] An inclined platform that elevates the heel and rearfoot.

[0010] Integrated lateral and ankle support structures to prevent foot roll and promote alignment.

[0011] A raised sole to bias weight forward onto the balls of the feet.

[0012] A cleated or grip-enabled bottom surface for outdoor or turf training environments with the option to add rubber inserts for indoor use.

[0013] A strap for secure adjustment configuration.

[0014] This structure compels users to assume a forward-leaning athletic posture and reinforces muscle memory related to quickness, balance, and coordination.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric back-right perspective view of the training device.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric front-right perspective view.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a right-side elevation view.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear-bottom isometric perspective view.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a front-bottom isometric perspective view.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a labeled isometric rendering illustrating key features including the back support, ankle support, lateral support, platform, strap slots, sole, and cleat.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the athletic footwork training device comprises the following elements:

[0026] 1. Platform: A foot-receiving surface having a ribbed or textured upper layer for anti-slip and grip. The platform is inclined from heel to toe to induce forward lean.

[0027] 2. Ankle Support: An upwardly projecting rearward structure that partially cups the rear of the athlete's shoe to maintain ankle alignment.

[0028] 3. Lateral Support: Raised side walls extending along either side of the platform, providing medial and lateral foot guidance to reduce pronation / supination.

[0029] 4. Back Support: A structural continuation of the ankle support, forming a semi-rigid rear wall that limits excessive rearward displacement of the heel.

[0030] 5. Strap Slots: Integrated voids or openings to accommodate retention straps (e.g., Velcro or buckle systems) for foot security.

[0031] 6. Sole: A contoured, rigid bottom surface configured to induce a forward-biased, rocking stance. The incline of which is specifically designed to shift the user's weight toward the metatarsal heads, thereby promoting and reinforcing an athletic posture maintained on the balls of the feet.

[0032] 7. Cleats or Gripping Elements: Protrusions or molded treads for ground engagement, particularly suited but not limited to outdoor grass, dirt, turf, or field environments with option to add rubber inserts in the cleats for indoor use.

[0033] The platform may be formed of lightweight polymer or composite materials to balance strength and weight. The device is preferably molded as a single body with integrally formed supports but may also be fabricated as modular segments.

Claims

1. An inclined foot-mounted athletic training device comprising a rigid platform having a contoured, anti-slip upper surface configured to receive a cleat or athletic shoe; lateral support walls integrally formed with and extending upwardly from said platform to limit excessive medial and lateral foot movement; an ankle support structure extending rearward and upward from a heel region of said platform for enhanced stabilization; a raised sole beneath said platform, including elevated hind-foot and mid-foot regions, configured to bias the user's weight distribution toward the forefoot or ball of the foot to maintain an athletic-ready stance, condition explosive first-step movement, and reinforce sport-specific muscle memory through repeated athletic training use; and two or more strap slots for an adjustable foot retention strap to provide secure attachment to the cleat or athletic shoe.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said raised sole includes traction-enhancing protrusions and surface-engagement structures configured to maintain stability and forefoot engagement during repetitive explosive athletic movement drills on indoor or outdoor athletic surfaces.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said ankle support structure is configured to stabilize the athlete's foot and ankle while maintaining forward weight distribution toward the forefoot during athletic training exercises.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said anti-slip upper surface includes a textured engagement surface configured to reduce foot slippage during rapid athletic movement drills.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said adjustable foot retention strap is configured to secure a cleated athletic shoe to the platform during repeated lateral, forward, and explosive athletic movements.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the raised sole and platform geometry are configured to condition repetitive forefoot engagement and reinforce athletic posture muscle memory during sports training activities.

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