WO2002074397A1

WO2002074397A1 - Sports training aid

Info

Publication number: WO2002074397A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheryl Ann Dobbie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-21
Filing date: 2002-02-21
Publication date: 2002-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2003-08-21
Also published as: GB2395134B; AUPR326201A0; GB2395134A; GB0321595D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sports training aid (10) for practicing batting techniques including a foot starting position indicator (12, 14), and a foot finishing position indicator (34), wherein foot finishing position indicator (34) is movable relative to the foot starting position indicator (12, 14) to enable a user to adjust the aid (10) to practice a desired batting technique. The invention further provides methods for teaching correct foot positioning used in batting.

Description

SPORTS TRAINING AID

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of sports training, and to training aids for use therein. More specifically, the invention relates to a training aid to assist in teaching batters the correct foot positioning to use when striking a ball.

BACKGROUND

A number of sports rely on the central theme of a batter facing an opponent who pitches, bowls or throws a ball to the batter. The batter generally attempts to hit the ball as far as possible, though in a manner avoiding interception of the ball by any of the opposing team members positioned on the field (fielders). Therefore, sometimes placement of the ball is more important than sheer distance. By the use of judicious batting techniques, the batter is able to keep the ball away from the opposing team, and is able to run from the batting position to a second position, thereby increasing his team's score. Cricket, baseball and softball are examples of sports based on this theme

To complement the offensive strategy outlined above, the batter also plays a defensive role to prevent the ball from moving past him or her so that it may be caught by a keeper or catcher of the opposing team positioned behind. In the game of cricket, the batter must also prevent the ball from hitting a wicket positioned immediately behind the batting position.

The opposing aim of the bowler or pitcher is therefore to deliver the ball in such a way that the batter has a reduced chance of striking the ball, or if he or she hits the ball that it will be intercepted by a fielder, catcher or keeper. In the game of cricket, the bowler has the further aim of bowling the ball past the batter so that it hits the wicket immediately behind.

With these aims in mind the bowler or pitcher relies on a number of delivery techniques in order to surprise the batter. Therefore students of batting games such as cricket, baseball, and softball must learn a number of batting techniques in order to become proficient at the game. Thus, there exists a significant number of basic batting techniques which must be mastered if one is to become a successful batter.

In the game of cricket, for example, striking the ball relies on not only effective movement of the bat using the upper body but also the correct positioning of the feet. When facing a delivery, the batter is generally positioned side-on to the bowler with the feet close together. Once the ball has been bowled, the batter makes a decision as to which stroke to implement. The batter must then reposition his or her feet according to the stroke to be played. While the feet are being correctly positioned, the batter must also correctly position the upper body to prepare for striking the ball. With the feet in the correct position and the upper body positioned appropriately, the bat is then swung to strike the ball. It is clear therefore, that the basis of an effective batting technique is the result of combining correct foot positioning with upper body movements.

For the student of cricket a number of batting techniques must be mastered. As stated earlier some batting actions are defensive (to prevent the ball hitting the wicket) while others are offensive (to propel the ball as far as possible and/or place it in a specific position on the field in order for the batter to make as many runs as possible). The choice of stroke used by the batter is often determined by the delivery of the ball from the bowler. Since cricket balls are generally delivered at great speed or with "spin" applied, it is essential for the batter to be able to make a quick choice as to which batting stroke to use, and to then institute the appropriate stroke virtually instinctively. Each different stroke involves different foot positioning to be used in conjunction with effective upper body movement. As. a result, there are a number of strokes which need to be instantly executable with little conscious thought on the part of the player.

In view of this a great deal of practice and therefore time and effort is invariably necessary to reinforce a range of strokes so that a player can automatically execute the appropriate movements. Teaching students the correct upper body movement in conjunction with foot positioning is difficult since a number of movements must be coordinated simultaneously. To this end, the present application discloses devices and methods for teaching the correct footing used for a range of strokes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports training aid for practicing batting techniques including a foot starting position indicator, and a foot finishing position indicator, wherein the foot finishing position indicator is movable relative to the foot starting position indicator to enable a user to adjust the aid to practice a desired batting technique. The training aid may be used for the sports of cricket, baseball or softball.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the training aid is used for cricket. The present invention is particularly advantageous for training in the game of cricket given the wide variety of strokes that must be mastered.

Preferably, the foot finishing position indicator is of a colour and/or finish which visually contrasts to the surface on which it is placed, thereby making it easily distinguishable by the user. This is of advantage to the student as it allows him or her to concentrate on the approaching ball, while still being able to see out of the corner of the eye the correct foot position for the particular stroke being played.

In a preferred form, the aid includes a stationary foot position indicator. This foot position indicator indicates the foot which does not move during a stroke. However it is to be understood that a stroke may require that both feet change position. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates training aids including a foot starting position indicator and a foot finishing indicator for both left and right feet.

Preferably the aid includes a generally planar surface upon which the foot position indicators lie on, or are attached to. For example, the planar surface may be a mat composed of rubber, carpet, plastic, synthetic grass, wood or metal. However, it is to be appreciated that the foot position indicators could be used effectively in the absence of a separate underlying attachment surface. In this respect, the foot position indicators could be placed directly on or attached to the ground, concrete or asphalt if desired.

Preferably, the planar surface has at least one indicium to provide guidance to as to the best position for placing the foot position indicators for a given stroke. The indicium may also provide guidance as to the best position for placing the foot position indicators considering the size of the user. The indicium may be printed or stenciled onto the surface, or may be molded or embedded into the surface.

The training aid preferably includes attachment means for reversibly attaching the foot position indicator to the generally planar surface. As for the indicia referred to above, the attachment means may also be arranged on the planar surface to provide guidance to the user in the placement of the foot position indicators. In a particularly preferred form, the attachment means is a hook- and-loop type attachment device. Most preferably, the foot position indicator will have the hook side of a hook-and-loop type attachment device.

In a preferred form, the indicium or attachment means are arranged along a substantially straight line on the planar surface, the line originating proximal to the foot starting position indicator and terminating distal to the foot starting position indicator. More preferably, the indicium or attachment means define a single continuous substantially straight line.

Arranging the indicium or attachment means along a substantially straight line enables the foot finishing position indicator to be adjusted according to the size of the user's stride. For a user with a larger stride (generally a taller user) the foot finishing position indicator can be placed further from the foot starting position indicator. Conversely, a shorter user would position the foot finishing position indicator closer to the foot starting position indicator. The direction of the substantially straight line is determined by the batting stroke which is to be practiced

In a more preferred form, the training aid includes indicia or attachment means that define a plurality of substantially straight lines. In this case the user can select from a number of batting strokes to practice, since the foot finishing position indicator for a given batting stroke can be placed along any one of the plurality of substantially straight lines, with each stroke being defined by a specific line.

In one form of the Invention the indicia or attachment means are oriented along at least substantially straight lines at predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot placed on the starting position indicator. The angles of these lines correspond to the correct position for the foot finishing position indicator for a given stroke. The exemplary angles detailed below are therefore calculated with reference to an imaginary straight line which runs longitudinally through a foot placed on the foot starting position indicator.

Thus, in a preferred form of the invention, the position of the foot finishing position indicator can be according to the size of the user and the stroke which is being practiced.

To train a user in the correct execution of the cover drive, the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line preferably between an angle of about 31 and about 58 degrees. More preferably the line is at an angle of about 44 degrees.

To train a user in the correct execution of the off drive, the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line preferably between an angle of about 58 and about 78. More preferably the line is at an angle of about 71 degrees

To train a user in the correct execution of the straight drive or forward drive, the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line preferably between an angle of about 78 and about 97 degrees. More preferably the line is at an angle of about 85 degrees.

To train a user in the correct execution of the on drive, the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line preferably between an angle of about 97 and about 120. More preferably the straight line is at an angle of about 108 degrees

To train a user in the correct execution of the square cut, the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line preferably between an angle of about 270 and about 360 degrees. More preferably the straight line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

To train a user in the correct execution of the pull shot or back foot defence the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight that intersects the square cut line at an angle of between about 0 and about 180 degrees. More preferably the pull-shot or back foot defense line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

The present invention also relates to methods of teaching correct foot positioning used in batting. Preferably, the method of teaching includes the use of a sports training aid for practicing batting techniques including a foot starting position indicator, and a foot finishing position indicator, wherein the foot finishing position indicator is movable relative to the foot starting position indicator to enable a user to adjust the aid to practice a desired batting technique.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For the purposes of clarification, the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the training aid for right-handed batters. Figure 2 is a plan view of the training aid for left-handed batters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention when used for cricket, In this embodiment the sports training aid includes a mat 10. The mat is one form of the planar surface described above and is manufactured from heavy duty synthetic carpet. The carpet has a soft rubber backing. Stencilled on the mat are two foot position indicators 12, 14, indicating where the left 12 and right 14 feet should be placed when facing the bowler. These two foot position indicators are immovable and reflect the correct stance when facing a bowler. The foot position indicator 12 closest to the bowler correlates to the foot

starting position indicator discussed above when practicing the cover drive, off drive, straight drive/forward drive, and on drive shots. The foot position indicator away from the bowler 14 correlates to the foot starting position indicator discussed above when practicing the pull shot, back foot defence and square cut techniques.

Also stencilled onto the mat is a line 16 to simulate the position of the crease, and a center mark 18 to indicate the position of the center stump of the wicket.

Radiating outwards from the foot positioning indicators 12 and 14 are a number of attachment means 20 to 22 which define lines along which the foot should be placed when playing certain strokes. The angle of the attachment means relative to the foot starting position indicator provides correct positioning for the following strokes: on drive 20, straight drive\forward drive 22, off drive 24, cover drive 26, pull shot 28, back foot defence 30, and square cut 32. Foot positioning for other shots could be easily added by the skilled artisan. In this embodiment the attachment means is a strip of Velcro® (looped side) which has been sewn to the mat.

The training aid also includes a "floating foot" 34 which correlates to the finishing foot position indicator discussed above. This movable foot has affixed to one surface a strip of Velcro® (hooked side), allowing it to be reversibly attached to any other area of the mat having looped Velcro®.

In use, the floating foot 34 is placed along one of the lines defined by the attachment means 20 to 32 depending on the size of the user and the stroke to be practiced. A taller user will have a longer stride and so the finishing foot position indicator should be placed further from the first. Simple trial and error will show the best position to place the floating foot for any given user.

To practice a cricket batting stroke, the floating foot is first attached to a position along any of the attachment means 20 to 32 according to the size of the user and the stroke to be practiced. The user then stands with their feet aligned on the foot position indicators 12 and 14. A second person bowls a ball in a manner allowing the user to play the desired stroke. While correctly positioning the upper body, the user is able to visualise where to move their foot since the finishing foot position indicator acts as a clearly visible marker upon which the user places his or her foot while playing the stroke.

The mat may be fabricated from any suitable material. Thus, for indoor training domestic carpet may be appropriate, while for outdoors use an artificial turf may be used. For added resilience, the mat may also be made of a more durable material such as plastic, wood or metal

It is to be appreciated that while the description of the drawings refers to a mat, the foot positioning indicators could be placed directly on the ground. In this case it is contemplated that the foot positioning indicators could be equipped with means for frictionally engaging the ground (such as spikes) to prevent movement

The foot position indicator may be any shape, and may be fabricated from any suitable material. The foot position indicator may simply be a drawing on the mat which can subsequently be erased and then redrawn at a new position for when a new stroke is to be practiced. It is further contemplated that the foot position indicator could take the form of lights which are embedded in the mat. A user could "move" the foot position indicator by switching off the light at one position, and switching another light on at a different position.

The attaching means can be fixed to the mat by any suitable method including but not limited to gluing, stitching or riveting. While the attaching means form generally straight lines in the preferred embodiment, it is not strictly necessary for this to be so.

The method for reversibly fixing the floating foot to the attachment means need not be limited to a hook-and-loop device. Clearly, other attaching means could be used, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive or press studs.

The present invention is suitable for use by left-handers or right-handers. Fig 2 of the drawings shows a mirror image of the sports training aid shown in Fig 1. The embodiment shown in Fig 2 is suitable for left-handers.

The practice aid could be used by novice and experienced players alike. The dimensions of the aid can be adjusted to suit adults or children. In addition the aid may be used to practice without an actual ball, to simply reinforce a certain movement.

Applicants have found that students are more easily and quickly able to coordinate correct foot positioning with upper body movement when provided with the sports training aid as disclosed herein.

It should be understood that the above disclosure describes only preferred embodiments of the invention, and that various modifications, alterations and/or additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sports training aid for practicing batting techniques including a foot starting position indicator, and a foot finishing position indicator, wherein the foot finishing position indicator is movable relative to the foot starting position indicator to enable a user to adjust the aid to practice a desired batting technique.

2. A sports training aid according to claim 1 wherein the desired batting technique is used in a sport selected from the group consisting of cricket, baseball, and softball.

3. A sports training aid according to claim 2 wherein the desired batting technique is used in cricket.

4. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the foot finishing position indicator is of a colour and/or finish which visually contrasts to a surface on which it is placed.

5. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one foot position indicator lies on, or is attached to a generally planar surface.

6. A sports training aid according to claim 5 wherein the generally planar surface is a mat.

7. A sports training aid according to claim 6 wherein the mat is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, synthetic grass, carpet, plastic, wood or metal.

8. A sports training aid according to claim 5 wherein the generally planar surface is the ground, asphalt, or concrete.

9. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 8 including a stationary foot position indicator.

10. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 9 including a foot starting position indicator and a foot finishing indicator for both feet.

11. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein the generally planar surface and/or at least one foot position indicator includes attachment means for reversibly attaching at least one foot position indicator to the generally planar surface.

12. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 10 including indicium to guide in the placement of at least one foot position indicator.

13. A sports training aid according to claim 12 wherein the indicium are printed on and/or molded into the generally planar surface.

14 A sports training aid according to claim 13 wherein the attachment means guide in the placement of at least one foot position indicator.

15. A sports training aid according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the attachment means includes a hook-and-loop type attachment device.

16. A sports training aid according to claim 15 wherein at least one foot position indicator has the hook side of a hook-and-loop type attachment device.

17. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the attachment means are arranged along a substantially straight line on the planar surface, the line originating proximal to the foot starting position indicator and terminating distal to the foot starting position indicator.

18. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the attachment means defines a single continuous substantially straight line.

19. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the attachment means define a plurality of substantially straight lines.

20. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the position of the foot finishing position indicator relative to the foot starting position indicator can be altered according to the size of the user and/or the stroke to be practiced.

21. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the foot finishing position indicator is positioned to practice a cricket stroke selected from the group consisting of the cover drive, the straight drive or forward drive, the on drive, the square cut, the pull shot or back defence, late cut, hook and leg glance.

22. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 21 wherein the indicium or attachment means are oriented along at least substantially straight lines at predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the starting position indicator.

23. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line between an angle of about 31 and about 58 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

24. A sports training aid according to claim 23 wherein the angle is about 44 degrees.

25. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 11 to 24 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line between an angle of about 58 and about 78 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

26. A sports training aid according to claim 25 wherein the angle is about 71 degrees.

27. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 26 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line between an angle of about 78 and about 97 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

28. A sports training aid according to claim 27 wherein the angle is about 85 degrees.

29. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 28 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line between an angle of about 97 and about 120 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

30. A sports training aid according to claim 29 wherein the angle is about 108 degrees.

31. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 13 to 30 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line between an angle of about 270 and about 360 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

32. A sports training aid according to any one of claim 31 wherein the straight line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

33. A sports training aid according to any one of claims 11 to 32 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line that intersects a line defined in claim 31 or claim 32 at an angle of between about 0 and about 180 degrees.

34. A sports training aid according to claim 33 wherein the indicium or attachment means are aligned along a substantially straight line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of a foot if placed on the foot starting position indicator.

35. A method of teaching correct foot positioning used in batting including the use of a sports training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

36. A sports training aid according to any one of the embodiments substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Figures.