Method of enhancing a participant's performance in a sporting activity

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a participant's ability to move an object toward a desired target through athletic movement is provided. The method comprises establishing a point of focus that is positioned outward from a participant's body. The method further comprises instructing the participant to continuously move the point of focus through one or more series of bodily movements within the field of vision of the participant. By shifting his or her emphasis on continuously moving the point of focus, the participant is able to improve focus and concentration, and eliminate the stress and anxiety associated with executing an athletic movement. The method also naturally triggers correct body mechanics, including the proper sequential release of the participant's joints.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of improving the ability of a user to move an object as a result of athletic movement, comprising:
 securing a device to the user, said device comprising a target, wherein the device is configured to secure to an attachment site of the user;   wherein the device positions a target that extends longitudinally beyond the attachment site of the user at a location which is substantially constant with respect to the attachment site of the user;   wherein the target defines a point of focus in substantially constant position relative to the attachment site of the user; and   moving the point of focus through at least a portion of a back movement, a forward movement and at least a portion of a follow-though movement following a point of contact so that the point of focus is substantially continuously within the field of vision of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein moving the point of focus through the at least a portion of a back movement, a forward movement and at least a portion of a follow-though movement cooperate to move the point of focus in a substantially circular pattern. 
     
     
         3 . The method in  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to secure to the user's arm. 
     
     
         4 . The method in  claim 3 , wherein the device is configured to secure to the user's forearm, generally between the user's wrist and elbow. 
     
     
         5 . The method in  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to secure to the user's leg. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the point of focus is moved substantially within a plane. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the location of the point of focus is associated with the position of the user's shoulder or hip. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the back movement, the forward movement and the follow-through movement comprise a golf swing. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the back movement, the forward movement and the follow-through movement comprise a golf putt. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the back movement, the forward movement and the follow-through movement comprise a soccer kick, a tennis swing or a basketball shot.