WO2024226593A1 - Golf swing training device and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf swing training device and methods for practicing a golf swing is provided. The training device can have a T-shaped frame with a cross-chest bar attached to a shaft. A distal portion of the shaft has a shaft extension that extends to the side, and optionally posteriorly to the shaft, so that a club head on the shaft extension abducts or extends to a side of a golfer. During practice the training device can position a golfer in the proper position and posture for practicing the golf swing. The club head being abducted to the side of the golfer trains the correct torso tilt and weight shift while allowing the golfer to maintain eye contact with a mark.

Description

DESCRIPTION

GOLF SWING TRAINING DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/497,786, filed April 24, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The golf swing is one of the most studied motions in all of sports and one of the most difficult to master. It is a complex series of motions that involve, for example, stability, alignment, and balance to perform an unnatural sequence of movements to rotate the body and shift weight. While the motions required can be generally understood, extensive practice is necessary to instill within each golfer the task-specific motor skills or “muscle memory” necessary for the golfer to repeatedly execute a proper golf swing.

The mechanics of a golf swing can be broken into four distinct steps or actions. The swing is initiated by “addressing” the ball with the arms hanging down and both hands gripping the handle of the golf club. The knees are flexed and the head of the golf club is placed just behind the ball. The ball should be in front of, and between, the feet, and a right- handed golfer should be positioned with the left shoulder and left hip towards the direction that the ball is intended to move. This would be opposite for a left-handed player. This position should create a “triangle” between the shoulders and the hands, which is preferably maintained throughout the entire swing to achieve accuracy and distance when hitting the ball.

During the “backswing”, the golfer swings the club backwards away from the ball so the arms are raised above and to the front of the right shoulder and the club should be behind and over the right shoulder. During the backswing, the golfer should rotate the hips and shoulders and shift body weight to the right side. The “downswing” occurs when the golfer swings the golf club downward while rotating the hips and shifting body weight to the left side. Accuracy and distance are influenced by proper body rotation and weight movement throughout the swing. Follow-through occurs immediately after the ball is hit. The torso and back leg continue to rotate until fully turned. Much of the body weight should be shifted to the left side.

Address, backswing, downswing, and follow-through have interrelated motions that depend on the golfer maintaining the proper posture, alignment, and weight movement throughout the swing to strike the golf ball such that the desired distance and accuracy is achieved.

In some situations, such as when shorter distances are required, a golfer can utilize, for example, a A or % golf swing. The Vz or % swing requires less body rotation and generates less force but is intended to provide more accuracy and the desired distance. A 'A or % golf swing generally has an abbreviated or smaller arc during the backswing than what is used for a full golf swing. In the A golf swing the club is raised usually such that the hands are below the shoulder to about a nine o’clock position during the backswing, and swings to about a three o’clock position during the follow-through. A % swing can have the club raised slightly higher during the backswing and the follow-through, but in either case the hands are not as high as when performing a full golf swing.

Development of a proper golf swing requires not only understanding and perfecting the motions performed during each step or action, but also the ability to apply those motions to accurately hitting a golfball. A golfer should watch the ball while maintaining the proper posture and motions for swinging a golf club. If the ability to watch the process of hitting a golf ball is incorporated with the motions of a golf swing, the cognitive and associative skills can be developed to a level where the golf swing becomes a more natural and repetitive action when actually hitting a golfball on the golf course.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The subject invention provides a golf swing training device for practicing the interrelated motions for properly executing a golf swing. The golf swing training device of the subject invention is beneficial for practicing swings of varying length, including the motions of a Vz or ³/4 golf swing.

More specifically, the golf swing training device can be used by a golfer to develop the proper weight shift, hip rotation and posture throughout the golf swing while watching the ball and maintaining the desirable “triangle” between the shoulders and the hands that is created when grasping a golf club.

When used to enact the actions of a ’/a or % golf swing, the golf swing training device can also help a golfer synchronize the motions of the arms and torso to maintain the proper posture during the steps of the golf swing, which can improve distance, control and accuracy. The training device can provide instantaneous feedback during practice of a golf swing. If the proper rotation and weight shift are not performed during practice of a swing, the “head” of the device will not strike the location of the ball, thus alerting the user of the device that the swing needs adjustment.

Advantageously, the training device is configured to be swung with the same general motion as an actual golf club. This allows a golfer to watch, or “keep an eye” on the ball, as the club head hits a golfball (or a mark) during practice of the golf swing. The correlation between the effort of maintaining the proper posture and “tilt” while shifting weight and rotating the hips during the golf swing, while simultaneously watching the club head hit a golf ball (or mark), can help the golfer maintain the proper posture and body movement during the entire swing. The golfer can then more effectively develop the correct “muscle memory” and mobility to teach the body a complete and effective golf swing during actual play.

In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides a golf swing training device in the form of a frame that can be secured under both arms or shoulders and/or held in place against the chest of the torso by grasping the handle of the frame with both hands. When held in this fashion, the frame can assist the golfer in forming space from the chest and a posture that provides the desirable “triangle” between the shoulders and the hands.

The training device can have a “T-shaped” frame with a cross-chest bar attached at, or near, the top or proximal end of an upper shaft. In one embodiment, the cross-chest bar is detachable. When the cross-chest bar is detached, proximal end of the upper shaft is placed against the chest. When present, the cross-chest bar can be placed under each arm or shoulder with the shaft directed downwards and in front of the golfer. The distal end of the upper shaft can be used as a handle to be grasped in the hands with the same formation as used to grasp the grip of a golf club, so as to hold the proximal end of the upper shaft against the sternum, or cross-chest bar under the arms and shoulders. In this position, with the hands grasping the forwardly directed handle, the golfer can attain the desirable posture for addressing the ball at the beginning of the golf swing.

At the terminal or distal end of the upper shaft there can be operably attached an elongated member or “shaft extension” that bends or projects non-collinearly from the upper shaft. The shaft extension can also be non-parallel to the cross-chest bar. With this configuration, when the frame is held in place with the hands grasping the handle, the shaft extension can project angularly to the handle and can abduct to the side of the golfer. The distal end of the shaft extension can have a club head or facsimile thereof operably attached for contacting the golf ball, object, or location representing a golf ball. The club head can be beneficial for watching the golf ball or other mark being hit during practice.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the shaft extension can be offset from and non-colinear with the upper shaft.

To use the training device, the golfer can place the cross-chest bar or the proximal end of the upper shaft against the torso, preferably the chest, and in the case of the crosschest bar, under each arm or shoulder. The handle can be grasped at a comfortable position for, for example, a full '/₂ or % swing. The golfer can then swing the shaft in the same fashion as a golf club, while maintaining eye contact with the ball or mark, to bring the club head in contact with the golfball or mark.

During the swing, the golfer can feel the cross-chest bar under the shoulders and determine when or if the “triangle” is not maintained during a swing. The club head being abducted to the side of the golfer’s leg is also beneficial for training and mobility with the proper bend or tilt in the torso.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any reference or inference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the embodiments disclosed. Any variations of these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are to be considered within the scope of the subject invention. Figure 1 illustrates a front elevation view of an embodiment of the golf swing training device, according to the subject invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a right-side elevation view of an embodiment of the golf swing training device, according to the subject invention. As shown in this view, components of the golf swing training device can have variable lengths. Also shown is the posterior angle of the shaft extension that causes the club head to abduct to the side of the leg of the golfer.

Figure 3 illustrates a right anterior perspective view of an embodiment of the training device, according to the subject invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of the training device, according to the subject invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a front or coronal plane view of a golfer addressing a golf ball utilizing an embodiment of the golf swing training device, according to the subject invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a right side or sagittal plane view of a golfer addressing a golf ball utilizing an embodiment of the golf swing training device, according to the subject invention.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the device wherein the shaft extension, including a handle, is offset from the upper shaft.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

The subject invention provides a golf swing training device for teaching or practicing a golf swing. More specifically, the subject invention provides a golf swing training device that can be used to practice the correct posture and body motions for executing a V2 or % golf swing, or even a full swing.

When executing a correct golf swing, the golfer must rotate the torso and shift weight with the proper posture (tilt) such that at the conclusion of the downswing the club head strikes the golfball with the desired forced and in the correct direction. This necessitates the golfer turning the torso from one side to the other with the hands and arms in a generally triangular alignment and maintaining that alignment through the step of hitting the golfball.

The subject invention can provide feedback to the golfer during practice. Practice with the device can teach the golfer how to maintain the proper alignment of the shoulders and hands while rotating the torso, and shifting weight, so as to cause a side bend or tilt while watching the ball.

While the subject invention is particularly useful for practicing a V or % swing, variations of the invention can be utilized to practice a full swing or putting. Thus, the invention is not limited to practicing only a Vi or 74 golf swing. Furthermore, as the ordinary artisan can readily envision, the subject invention can be configured for either a right- or left-handed golfer. For the purposes of the following description, the invention will be described relative to a right-handed golfer.

In the description that follows, a number of terms are utilized. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided.

The term “mark” as used herein, describes any visual cue, representing a golf ball, that a golfer can use to practice a golf swing with the device of the subject invention. A mark can be a golf ball or a mark can be any other object, symbol, area, or device representing the location of a golfball.

The terms “about” or “approximately,” as used herein, are defined as at least close to a given value or either end of a range as is necessary to cover manufacturing variances, equipment tolerances, and normal variances in material, as understood by those skilled in the art.

Also, as used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms “operable communication,” “operable connection,” “operably connected,” “operably attached” “cooperatively engaged” and grammatical variations thereof mean that the particular elements are directly or indirectly connected in such a way that they cooperate to achieve their intended function or functions.

Further, reference is made throughout the application to the “proximal end” and “distal end.” As used herein, the proximal end of the device is that end placed nearest to the arms or shoulders during use. For example, the cross-chest bar is operably attached at or about its center to the proximal end of the upper shaft. Conversely, the distal end is that end furthest from the golfer or the end that engages with the mark. For example, the club head is at the distal end of the shaft extension.

The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of,” “consists essentially of,” or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting, or consisting essentially, of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context). Use of the term “comprising” contemplates other embodiments that “consist” or “consisting essentially of’ the recited components.

Reference will be made to the attached figures on which the same reference numerals are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen in Figure 1 that a golf swing training device 100 of the subject invention can have a T- shaped frame 120 with a cross-chest bar 121 attached at or about its center 126 to a proximal end 5 of a shaft 124, which can be grasped to position the golf swing training device under the arms and shoulders. The shaft can also have sections that allow for adjustment of the shaft length 131. A shaft extension 140 can be angled from a distal end 10 of the upper shaft with a club head 160 at the distal end of the shaft extension to promote watching as a mark is “hit” by the club head at the bottom of the downswing. Each of these general components can have one or more sub-components, which will be discussed in detail below.

The golf swing training device 100 can have a T -shaped member 120 with a posterior side 15 that can be positioned against the golfer, such as, for example, under the arms and against the chest. The T-shaped can have a cross-chest bar 121 attached at or near a proximal end 5 of a shaft 124. The cross-chest bar can be configured for placement under the arms of the golfer. Preferably, the cross-chest bar is arranged under, or at least near, each shoulder, which allows the golfer to be aware of the position of the cross-chest bar during a swing.

In one embodiment, the cross-chest bar 121 is linear and approximately perpendicular to the shaft, an example of which is shown in Figures 1 and 4A. In alternative embodiments, the cross-chest bar is non-linear, of which non-limiting examples are shown in Figure 4B. The cross-chest bar can have a length that extends at least slightly past the shoulders, so as to extend out to each side of the golfer, as shown, for example, in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 4A, the cross-chest bar can be straight, without curves or bends between each end. Alternatively, a cross-chest bar can be angled or have one or more curves or bends that facilitate positioning around or under the arms or shoulders. Such curves or bends in the cross-chest bar can be advantageous for women using the golf swing training device 100.

The cross-chest bar can also be detachable or not present at all.

Figure 4B illustrates some non-limiting examples of alternative configurations for a cross-chest bar. As a person of skill in the art would understand, a cross-chest bar 121 can have alternative configurations that facilitate placement against the chest of the torso and, at or near, the shoulders. Such variations are within the scope of the subject invention.

When present, the cross-chest bar 121 can be operably attached to an upper shaft 124. The shaft can be rigidly or immovably attached to the cross-chest bar. Alternatively, the shaft can be rotatable between the posterior side 15 and the anterior side 20 relative to the cross-chest bar, as indicated in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the upper shaft is straight or approximately straight, an example of which his shown in Figures 2 and 3. The upper shaft can have a length that allows the golfer to grasp the shaft in a manner similar to grasping a golf club grip, which can hold the T-shaped member in position against the chest with the cross-chest bar under the arms and near the shoulders.

The upper shaft 124 can be an elongated member that can be grasped anywhere between the proximal end 5 and the distal end 10 to hold the cross-chest bar under the arms and shoulders and swing the golf swing training device 100. In one embodiment, the upper shaft can have means for lengthening or shortening that portion of the shaft. Alternatively, the upper shaft can be operatively connected to a separate piece of the shaft that can be lengthened or shortened.

As shown in Figure 7, the device can have one or a plurality of clamps 25, or extender joints 170 or other adjustment means, to adjust the length (extender joints; 170) of the various components and/or the angle (clamps; 25) of those various components with respect to, for example, the other components. Figure 7 also shows a handle 150.

Thus, to accommodate for different height golfers, the shaft can have an adjustable shaft length 131. In one embodiment, the shaft has two or more pieces or sections that slide one within or over the other to adjust the upper shaft length 131. In one embodiment, shown in Figure 2, the shaft has a section 122 at the proximal end 5 that slides within or over a section 130 at the distal end 10 used to grasp the training device 100. Any of a variety of securing mechanisms 125, known in the art, can be used for securing the position of the sections, thereby securing the shaft length 131. Thus, the shaft length 131, or the combined length of the sections of the shaft can be adjusted depending on the height of a golfer. In one embodiment, the upper shaft length 131 can be adjusted to at least about 1 ft., 2 ft., 2.5 ft., 3 ft., 3.5 ft., 4 ft, 4.5 ft., 5 ft., or a combined length between any two of the listed values.

When making a ! or % golf swing, the torso will turn or rotate during the downswing in the direction of the swing in advance of the golf club head contacting the ball. During this rotating of the torso, the shoulders and hands should form a triangle 50, an example of which is shown in Figure 5. The golfer should maintain this triangular posture while rotating the torso, shifting weight, and maintaining proper tilt through the impact area at the conclusion of the downswing, while keeping their eye on the golf ball through the entire backswing and downswing until the ball is hit by the golf club head.

During the backswing step, weight should be transferred to the back foot, or the foot on the side opposite the target, and the torso will maintain a bend or “tilt.” During the follow-through, after the ball is hit, much of the body weight should be shifted to the front foot and the torso should be facing the direction of the ball having maintained a tilt through the impact area.

The golf swing training device 100 of the subject invention has an advantageous shaft extension 140 that can teach proper torso rotation, weight transfer, and posture to maintain a “tilt” throughout the swing. At the distal end 10 of the shaft extension is a club head 160 that can assist the golfer in watching a mark being “hit” during practice with the golf swing training device 100.

In one embodiment, the shaft extension has a proximal end 5 that is operably connected to the distal end 10 of the upper shaft 124. This connection can be made via an offset portion 135. In a further embodiment, the shaft extension is angled relative to the upper shaft, so that it extends sideways with respect to the upper shaft. A non-limiting example of this is shown in Figures 1 and 5. The height of a golfer can be a factor in determining the length of a shaft extension and can be about 8”, 8.5”, 9”, 9.5”, 10”, 10.5”, 11”, 11.5”, 12”, 12.5”, 13”, 13.5”, 14”, 14.5”, 15”, 15.5”, 16”, 16.5”, 17”, 17.5”, 18.”18.5”,

19”, 19.5”, 20”, 20.5”, 21”, 21.5”, 22”, 22.5”, 23”, 23.5”, 24”, 24.5”, 25”, 25.5”, 26”, 26.5”,

27” 27.5”, 28”, 28.5”, 29”, 29.5”, 30”, 30.5”, 31”, 31.5”, 32”, 32.5”, 33”, 33.5”, 34”, 34.5”, 35”, 35.5”, 36”, 36.5”, 37”, 37.5”, 38”, 38.5”, 39”, 39.5”, 40” and/or a length between any two of the listed values.

When viewed from the coronal plane 30 of the golfer, or the anterior side 20 of the golfer, as shown, for example, in Figures 1 and 5, the sideways angle 142 between the shaft extension 140 and the horizontal 143 can be between about 10° and about 90°, between about 15° and about 85°, between about 20° and about 80°, between about 25° and about 75°, between about 30° and about 70°, between about 35° and about 65°, between about 40° and about 60°, between about 45° and about 55°, or about 50°.

In a further embodiment, the shaft extension 140 is also angled towards the posterior side 15 of the upper shaft 124, so that it abducts or angles towards the leg of the golfer, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 6. When viewed in a sagittal plane 40, or from the side, of the golfer, as shown, for example, in Figure 6, it can be seen that the club head 160 is both raised with respect to the ground (the sideways angle) and abducts to the side of the golfer.

The golf swing training device of the subject invention can aid a golfer in developing and refining the motions necessary to “clear the hips,” to encourage proper weight shift as well as hip and torso rotation. To clear the hips, the front or leading hip that is directed towards the target is pushed away or back from the mark during the downswing, which initiates the desirable torso rotation and, as the downswing progresses, maintains the tilt or side bend in the torso necessary to maintain the proper alignment 50 through the impact area.

The angle to which the shaft extension 140 extends posteriorly relative to the shaft handle 124, as shown, for example, in Figure 2 and in the sagittal or side view in Figure 6, can vary depending on, for example, the height and swing stance of the golfer, as well as other factors, known in the art to affect a golf swing. This posterior angle 144, between the shaft and the shaft extension 140, as shown in Figure 2, can be between about 0° and about 45°, between about 5° and about 30°, between about 10° and about 25°, or between about 15° and about 20°.

A typical golf club head has a bottom side that is usually flat, so that it is parallel with the ground, or as close as possible thereto, when the golfer hits a golfball. The bottom side of the club head and the shaft of a golf club can define a “lie angle”, which can be variable between golfers and clubs. Likewise, at the terminal end or distal end 10 of the shaft extension 140 there can be operably attached a representation of a club head 160. A club head at the end of the shaft extension can aid a golfer during practice by watching how the club head hits the mark. In order for the club head to line-up and hit the mark, the club head can protrude or extend away from the golfer, so that, when swinging the golf swing training device 100 the club head can engage with a mark in a fashion similar to that of a typical golf club. Figures 1 and 4 A illustrate non-limiting examples of a club head directed away from the golfer and at an angle that will position the club head in a desirable position to engage with a mark during a swing.

A club head 160 can have any of a variety of configurations. For example, the club head can be a short post that extends from the shaft extension. In another example, the club head can have a shape that is more representative of a golf club head. In one embodiment, the club head 160 has a flat bottom side 162, as shown, by way of example, in Figures 1 and 4A. In one embodiment, the length 131 of the upper shaft 124, as well as the length, sideways angle 142, and posterior angle 144 of the shaft extension can be adjusted so that the flat bottom side of the club head 160 is parallel to the ground during a swing. In a particular embodiment, the club head is adjustably attached to the shaft extension.

To use a golf swing training device of the subject invention, the golfer can position the proximal end of the upper shaft or posterior side 15 of the cross-chest bar against the torso, preferably against the chest, and arrange the cross-chest bar 121, when present, under the arms and near the shoulders and grasp the upper shaft to create the triangle between the shoulders and the hands. In this triangular posture, the golfer can then address the mark by directing the upper shaft handle towards the mark. This will position the shaft extension to the side of the golfer with, in one embodiment, the club head at least partially abducted towards the golfer’s leg, as shown, for example, in Figure 6. The golfer can then initiate the backswing. During the backswing the torso can be rotated to swing the shaft upwards to, for example, the height of a ‘A or % swing position, while maintaining the proximal end of the upper shaft against the sternum, or the cross-chest bar under the arms and shoulders. The golfer should maintain eyes on the mark during the backswing. The next step is the downswing that begins immediately after the shaft reaches the top of the arc of the backswing.

During the downswing, the torso can rotate towards the target and the shaft swings downwards towards the mark. The shaft extension 140 advantageously causes the golfer to move the side of the body directed at the target, so that the hip and buttock on that side are shifted back or away from the mark. This forces the golfer to rotate and bend laterally or tilt the torso back.

During the downswing, body weight will also shift to the front leg or the leg closest to the target. This shift can move the center line or sagittal plane 40 of the golfer towards the target. The amount of shift of the center line depends on the golfer. Thus, for some golfers there can be little or no significant shift in the center line and for other golfers the center line up can shift up to 20” or more from the center line.

The golfer should continue to maintain eye contact with the mark during the entire swing until the follow-through. This allows the golfer to watch the club head 160 make contact or otherwise engage with the mark. If, during the swing, the club head does not engage or improperly engages the mark, the cross-chest bar is not held under the arms or shoulders, or there is a loss of eye contact with the mark, the golfer can make changes to the swing process to address these issues.

In one embodiment, the golf swing training device comprises sensors to provide the user with feedback as to, for example, whether the golf club head has hit the mark and/or whether any of the angles or lengths of the components of the device should be adjusted.

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and other publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification. Additionally, the entire contents of the references cited within the references cited herein are also entirely incorporated by reference.

The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A golf swing training device comprising components that position a golfer in a posture for teaching a torso tilt, a shift in body weight, and a hip rotation when performing a golf swing, wherein the golf swing training device comprises: a T-shaped frame, configured to be placed against the torso of the golfer, the T- shaped frame comprising, an upper shaft having a proximal end and distal end, a cross-chest bar, configured to be placed under the arms or shoulders of the golfer, operably attached to the proximal end of the upper shaft, a shaft extension that extends at an angle from the distal end of the upper shaft, such that the shaft extension abducts to a side of a golfer, and a club head operably connected to a distal end of the shaft extension.

2. The golf swing training device, according to claim 1, wherein the upper shaft has a shaft length that is between about 1.5 ft and about 5 ft.

3. The golf swing training device, according to claim 2, wherein the upper shaft comprises two or more sections and the shaft length is adjustable with the two or more sections.

4. The golf swing training device, according to claim 1, wherein the shaft extension is further operably attached at a sideways angle to the shaft.

5. The golf swing training device, according to claim 4, wherein the sideways angle, between a horizontal and the shaft extension, is between about 10° and about 75°.

6. The golf swing training device, according to claim 5, wherein the shaft and the shaft extension form a posterior angle that is between about 5° and about 45°.

7. A method for practicing a golf swing, the method comprising utilizing a golf swing training device according to claim 1.

8. The method, according to claim 7, further comprising: raising the shaft to a backswing position, whereby the club head moves away from the side the golfer; and initiating a downswing while simultaneously rotating the torso in the direction of the downswing and tilting the torso, thereby moving the club head in front of the golfer.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising maintaining eye contact with a mark as the club head moves in front of the golfer and through an impact area.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the upper shaft has a shaft length that is between 1.5 ft and 3 ft.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the shaft comprises two or more sections and the method further comprises adjusting the shaft length with the two or more sections.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the sideways angle between a horizontal and the shaft extension is between about 10° and about 75°.

1 . The method according to claim 12, wherein the shaft and the shaft extension form a posterior angle that is between about 5° and about 45°.