Training systems and methods for athletes

Abstract

The system monitors a user's key physical movements when performing a particular activity, such as a golf swing, and signals visually and/or aurally when a single (or several) error(s) is/are committed, for the purpose of encouraging faster learning of fundamentally sound physical skills. Mental conditioning is achieved when the effects of repeatedly listening to the specially constructed and authored audio conditioning programs during practice sessions and games are combined with the above described physical monitoring effects of the system. Better physical execution of a selected technique or skill results, and the user experiences the benefits of mental conditioning on his/her playing performance.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A system for improving the skills of a user in a particular activity, comprising:
 a base unit for providing feedback to the user regarding his/her activity mechanics; and   an audio programming unit for transmitting audible messages related to the particular activity to the user.   
     
     
         14 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , and further comprising a sensor on said base unit and an emitter adapted for disposition on a portion of the body of the user, wherein said feedback comprises a message provided to the user when sensor contact is broken between said sensor and said emitter. 
     
     
         15 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said system comprises a controller for permitting the user to select from a menu the particular audible messages to be transmitted by the audio programming unit. 
     
     
         16 . The system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said audio programming unit comprises an audio module having a flash memory for storing an audio program downloaded from a particular source and a micro-controller, said audio module being capable of communication with hardware adapted for transmitting portions of the audio program to the user. 
     
     
         17 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said hardware is disposed on said base unit. 
     
     
         18 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A method of conducting a program for training users in conducting a particular activity, comprising:
 creating suitable audio programming comprising messages related to different aspects of the particular activity;   encrypting the audio programming;   downloading the audio programming to an authorized memory device; and   connecting the authorized memory device to a device which is capable of decrypting and playing the audio programming.   
     
     
         24 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , and further comprising periodically updating the audio programming 
     
     
         25 . The method as recited in  claim 24 , and further comprising a step of collecting periodic subscription fees from authorized users. 
     
     
         26 . The method as recited in  claim 23 , and further comprising a step of simultaneously providing feedback to the user as the user practices the particular activity, while listening to the audio programming. 
     
     
         27 . The method as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the feedback comprises a visual or audible alarm transmitted to the user if contact is broken between a sensor on a base unit and an emitter on the user while the user is conducting the particular activity.