Golf swing training device and methods of use

Abstract

A golf swing training device and methods for practicing a golf swing is provided. The training device can have a T-shaped frame with a cross-chest bar attached to a shaft. A distal portion of the shaft has a shaft extension that extends to the side, and optionally posteriorly to the shaft, so that a club head on the shaft extension abducts or extends to a side of a golfer. During practice the training device can position a golfer in the proper position and posture for practicing the golf swing. The club head being abducted to the side of the golfer trains the correct torso tilt and weight shift while allowing the golfer to maintain eye contact with a mark.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A golf swing training device comprising components that position a golfer in a posture for teaching a torso tilt, a shift in body weight, and a hip rotation when performing a golf swing, wherein the golf swing training device comprises:
 a T-shaped frame, configured to be placed against the torso of the golfer, the T-shaped frame comprising,
 an upper shaft having a proximal end and distal end, 
 a cross-chest bar, configured to be placed under the arms or shoulders of the golfer, operably attached to the proximal end of the upper shaft, 
 a shaft extension that extends at an angle from the distal end of the upper shaft, such that the shaft extension abducts to a side of a golfer, and 
   a club head operably connected to a distal end of the shaft extension.   
     
     
         2 . The golf swing training device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper shaft has a shaft length that is between about 1.5 ft and about 5 ft. 
     
     
         3 . The golf swing training device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the upper shaft comprises two or more sections and the shaft length is adjustable with the two or more sections. 
     
     
         4 . The golf swing training device, according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft extension is further operably attached at a sideways angle to the shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The golf swing training device, according to  claim 4 , wherein the sideways angle, between a horizontal and the shaft extension, is between about 10° and about 75°. 
     
     
         6 . The golf swing training device, according to  claim 5 , wherein the shaft and the shaft extension form a posterior angle that is between about 5° and about 45°. 
     
     
         7 . A method for practicing a golf swing, the method comprising utilizing a golf swing training device according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . The method, according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 raising the shaft to a backswing position, whereby the club head moves away from the side the golfer; and   initiating a downswing while simultaneously rotating the torso in the direction of the downswing and tilting the torso, thereby moving the club head in front of the golfer.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , further comprising maintaining eye contact with a mark as the club head moves in front of the golfer and through an impact area. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the upper shaft has a shaft length that is between 1.5 ft and 3 ft. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the shaft comprises two or more sections and the method further comprises adjusting the shaft length with the two or more sections. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the sideways angle between a horizontal and the shaft extension is between about 10° and about 75°. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the shaft and the shaft extension form a posterior angle that is between about 5° and about 45°.