Athletic training device and method

Abstract

An athletic training system and method for maintaining the head of an individual in an upright position. The system may include an head member that attaches to the head, a torso member that attached to the body and a connecting member that connects and applies a degree of tension between the body member and head member such that the ability of the head to pivot forward and/or downward are limited. The athletic training device may thereby promote improved athletic technique and form including ball handling skills, court awareness, tackling posture, coordination, and cognition.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 an adjustable head strap for attaching to the head of an individual;   an adjustable torso strap for attaching to the torso of the individual; and   an adjustable connector strap connecting the adjustable head strap and the adjustable torso strap, wherein the adjustable head strap is to limit the ability of the head to pivot in a forward direction.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable head strap includes:
 a substantially elongated member; and   one or more fasteners attached to the substantially elongated member.   
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the one or more fasteners are complimentary to secure the adjustable head strap around the head of the individual. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein the adjustable head strap allows the head to rotate from side to side. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable torso strap includes:
 a substantially elongated member; and   one or more fasteners attached to the substantially elongated member.   
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5 , wherein the one or more fasteners are complimentary to secure the adjustable torso strap around the waist or chest of the individual. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable connector strap includes:
 a substantially elongated member; and   at least one adjustment component.   
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one adjustment component is to adjust the length or tension of the substantially elongated member. 
     
     
         9 . A device comprising:
 a head member to attach to the head of an individual;   a torso member to attach to the torso of the individual; and   a connector member connecting the head member and the torso member, wherein the head member is to limit the ability of the head to pivot in a forward direction.   
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein one or more of the head member, the torso member and the connector member are adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the head member includes:
 a substantially elongated and resilient strap; and   one or more fasteners attached to the substantially elongated and resilient strap.   
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the one or more fasteners are complimentary to secure the head member around the head of the individual. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the head member allows the head to rotate from side to side. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the torso member includes:
 a substantially elongated and resilient strap; and   one or more fasteners attached to the substantially elongated and resilient strap.   
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein the one or more fasteners are complimentary to secure the torso member around the waist or chest of the individual. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the connector member includes:
 a substantially elongated member; and   at least one adjustment member.   
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least one adjustment member is to adjust the length or tension of the substantially elongated member. 
     
     
         17 . A method comprising:
 securely attaching a head member to the head of an individual;   attaching a torso member to the torso of the individual; and   attaching a connector member between the head member and the torso member such that the limits the ability of the head to pivot in a forward direction.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to claim  18 , further comprising adjusting one or more of the head member, the torso member and the connector member. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the head member head member is securely attached around the head of the individual, and the torso member is securely attached around the waist or chest of the individual.