Athletic training implement and method

Abstract

An athletic training implement is provided. The implement has a light emitting device, such as a laser, affixed thereto such that a beam of narrow light is emitted from the training implement that is indicative of the path of movement of the implement. In a training method, a chart is provided having a pattern thereon. As such, the user can be trained in the use of the athletic implement by repetitively causing the beam of light to follow the pattern on the chart so that a smooth, consistent movement of the athletic training implement can be learned by the user. The pattern on the chart may have a plurality of lines which may be straight or curved and can be horizontal vertical, or diagonal depending on the movement desired to be taught the user. While particularly adapted for training for the use of a lacrosse stick, other athletic implements may be used.

1 . An improved athletic implement for use in an athletic event, comprising:
 an athletic implement for use in an athletic event;   a light emitter affixed to the athletic implement adapted to direct a narrow beam of light indicative of the movement of the device.   
     
     
         2 . The athletic implement of  claim 1  wherein the light emitter is a laser. 
     
     
         3 . The athletic implement of  claim 1  wherein the athletic implement has an elongated handle and the light directed from the light emitter travels in a path that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. 
     
     
         4 . The athletic implement of  claim 1  wherein the athletic implement is a lacrosse stick. 
     
     
         5 . The athletic implement of  claim 4  wherein lacrosse stick has a handle and a basket having a front edge and the light emitting device is affixed to the handle and the path of the light is proximate to the front edge of the basket. 
     
     
         6 . The athletic implement of  claim 1  wherein the light emitter is affixed to the athletic implement by the use of a pair of brackets, one of which encloses the light emitter. 
     
     
         7 . The athletic implement of  claim 1  wherein one bracket has a chamber for enclosing the light emitter. 
     
     
         8 . The athletic implement of  claim 7  wherein brackets are bolted together to sandwich the handle therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . A light emitting device for attaching to an athletic implement comprising:
 a pair of brackets;   one of the brackets having affixed thereto a chamber containing a light emitter;   the brackets being adaptable to be affixed together sandwiching a part of an athletic implement therebetween.   
     
     
         10 . The light emitting device of  claim 9  wherein the athletic implement is an athletic implement having an elongated handle. 
     
     
         11 . The light emitting device of  claim 9  wherein a pair of brackets sandwich the elongated handle therebetween. 
     
     
         12 . The light emitting device of  claim 9  wherein the light emitting device is located within a chamber that is integral with one of the brackets 
     
     
         13 . The light emitting device of  claim 9  wherein the light emitting device is a laser. 
     
     
         14 . The light emitting device of  claim 9  wherein the brackets retain the light emitting device to emit the light beam generally along the longitudinal axis of the elongated handle. 
     
     
         15 . A method of training a person in the use of an athletic implement comprising the steps of:
 providing an athletic implement having a light emitter for emitting a narrow beam of light;   providing a chart having at least one pattern thereon;   moving the athletic implement along a path that causes the beam of light to trace the at least one pattern on the chart.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the chart has a plurality of patterns. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the at least one pattern includes at least one of a horizontal line, a vertical line and a diagonal line. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the at least one pattern includes a horizontal line, a vertical line and a diagonal line 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the step of providing an athletic implement comprises providing lacrosse stick. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the step of providing a lacrosse stick comprises providing a lacrosse stick having the light emitter affixed to the handle of the lacrosse stick.