Golf swing training apparatus

Abstract

A golf swing training apparatus and method of using same that instructs a trainee in the two optimum golf swings, namely an inward swing and an outward swing. The apparatus of the invention is of a unique configuration that, through the use of a novel practice ball assembly, allows a trainee to positively observe the differences between the inward golf swing and the outward golf swing.

1 . A golf training apparatus comprising:
 (a) an elongated, generally planar paddle having a first end, a second end and a body portion disposed intermediate said first and second ends;   (b) a tubular member rotatably connected to said second end of said generally planar paddle, said tubular member having a first open; and   (c) a practice ball assembly operably associated with said tubular member, said practice ball assembly comprising a first practice ball a second practice ball and an elongated cord interconnecting said first and second practice balls, at least one of said first and second practice balls being closely receivable within said tubular member.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said body portion of said paddle is tapered. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , in which said elongated, generally planar paddle further includes a first side having a first-length interconnecting said first and second ends of said paddle and a second side spaced apart from said first side and interconnecting said first and second ends of said paddle, said second side having a second length greater than said first length. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 3 , in which said second side includes a first segment extending generally parallel to said first side to form a hand grip portion. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 4  in which said second side includes a second segment connected to and extending from said first segment at an obtuse angle. 
   
   
       6 . A golf training apparatus comprising:
 (a) an elongated, generally planar paddle having:
 (i) a first end having a first extremity and a second extremity; 
 (ii) a second end having a first extremity and a second extremity; 
 (iii) a first side of a first length interconnecting said first extremity of said first end and said first extremity of said second end; 
 (iv) a second side of a second length greater than said first length interconnecting said second extremity of said first end and said second extremity of said second end; and 
 (v) a body portion disposed intermediate said first and second ends; 
   (b) an elongate tubular member rotatably connected to said second end of said generally planar paddle, said tubular member having a first closed end and a second open end; and   (c) a practice ball assembly operably associated with said tubular member, said practice ball assembly comprising a first practice ball, a second practice ball and an elongated cord interconnecting said first and second practice balls, at least one of said first and second practice balls being closely receivable within said tubular member.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 6  in which said second side has a first segment that extends substantially parallel to said first side and along with said first side defines a hand grip portion. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 7  in which said second side further includes a second segment that extends from said first segment of said second side at an obtuse angle. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 8 , further including a pivot pin rotatably connecting said elongated, generally planar paddle to said elongate tubular member. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as defined in  claim 8  in which said elongated cord of said practice ball assembly comprises an elastomeric cord. 
   
   
       11 . A method for practicing any golf swing to practice the inward golf swing using an elongated, generally planar paddle having a first end, a second end, a first side, a spaced apart second side and a tapered body portion; a tubular member having an open end rotatably connected to the second end of the generally planar paddle; and a practice ball assembly comprising a first practice ball a second practice ball and an elongated cord interconnecting the first and second practice balls; said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) inserting the first practice ball into the open end of the tubular member and positioning the second practice ball at a location outside the tubular member;   (b) grasping the paddle proximate the first end thereof with the first side thereof facing in a downward direction;   (c) swinging the paddle in a rearward, upward direction to a first elevated position;   (d) swinging the paddle in a forward, downward direction from said first elevated position to a second lowered position to cause the first practice ball to drag the second practice ball from the open end of the tubular member.   
   
   
       12 . The method as defined in  claim 11 , further including practicing the outward golf swing, said method comprising the further steps of:
 (a) re-inserting the first practice ball into the open end of the tubular member and positioning the second practice ball at a location outside the tubular member;   (b) inverting the paddle;   (c) grasping the paddle proximate the first end thereof with the first side thereof facing in an upward direction;   (d) swinging the paddle in a rearward, upward direction to a first elevated position;   (e) swinging the paddle in a forward, downward direction from said first elevated position to a second lowered position to cause the first practice ball to be ejected from the open end of the two so as to drag the second practice ball from the tubular member.