EP1007166A1

EP1007166A1 - Apparatus for demonstrating golf or the like

Info

Publication number: EP1007166A1
Application number: EP98900928A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenneth Bernard Kingston
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-01-21
Filing date: 1998-01-21
Publication date: 2000-06-14
Also published as: WO1998031438A1; AU5673198A; GB9701182D0

Abstract

Apparatus for teaching golf or the like comprises a movement assembly (7) mounted on a main frame (5) which retains a golf club (2) or equivalent in a club holder (23). The movement assembly (7) includes a main shaft (12) extending forwardly from the main frame (5) having a first arm (15) of adjustable length extending donwardly therefrom and perpendicularly thereto. A second arm (17) extends forwardly from and perpendicular to the first arm (15) and has a movement control block (21) at its end. The movement control block (21) includes the club holder (23). Motors (11, 19) are provided, which, under the control of a programmable electronic control unit (8), drive the movement assembly (7) to move the golf club (2) or equivalent through a predetermined swing or stroke path programmed therein. The movement control block (21) moves the club (2) within the club holder (23) under the control of the electronic control unit (8) to achieve the correct orientation of the golf club (2) or equivalent during the swing or stroke. The apparatus can be operated in a demonstrating mode whereby the swing or stroke is performed at normal speed and can hit a ball to demonstrate a shot. In a learning mode of operation, the swing or stroke is performed at reduced speed so that a player can grip the handle of a golf club (2) or equivalent retained in the club holder (23) and feel the correct hand, wrist and arm movement of an ideal swing or stroke.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DEMONSTRATING GOLF OR THE LIKE

The present invention relates to an apparatus for teaching golf or similar games in which the player has to hit a ball with a club, racquet or bat. More particularly, the apparatus is for use in demonstrating an ideal golf swing, racquet stroke or equivalent.

Whilst the embodiments of the invention described herein are particularly for use in relation to golf, as mentioned above, the invention is applicable to other games, such as tennis, baseball etc. In all such games, the player needs to learn the correct hand and wrist movements to produce a correct swing or stroke.

In the following description, certain terms are used in referring to the swing or stroke to be reproduced by the apparatus of the present invention. These terms are generally understood in the art but are defined below for the avoidance of doubt.

Swing path means the 3-dimensional path followed by a golf club, racquet or equivalent throughout the swing. For example, at any moment in time, a golf club, for example, occupies a volume in 3-dimensional space defined by the locus of points of the surface thereof. During the swing, the relative positions of the individual points of the locus may change with time. The term swing path refers to the volume traced by the locus of points of the surface of the club during the swing and thus includes both position and orientation of the club at every moment in time.

Swing plane is defined as the 2-dimensional plane in which the longitudinal axis of the club, racquet or equivalent lies during the swing. For example, in many golf swings, the axis through the shaft of the club lies in a constant plane throughout the swing as shown in Figure 2C. Some golf swings, however, take the shaft of the club out of a constant plane, and in this case the swing plane becomes curved and thus a non-planar surface. A swing typically follows an arc which is centered about a single axis. However, for many golf swings, for example, the arc is not a circular arc but is elliptical. Thus, the radius of the arc from the axis is altered during the swing. The radius of the swing or swing path is conveniently defined as the distance between the axis and the extreme end of the golf club, racquet or equivalent.

A known games stroke practising apparatus is described in WO 85/00529. This known apparatus provides a guide for the shoulder, hand, arm and leg movements of the golf player when performing a golf swing and is intended to co-ordinate these movements. The apparatus includes a hand guide means which is mounted to pivot about a fixed swing axis within a swing plane, which can be inclined at the desired angle to the vertical. The hand guide means is thus intended to guide the player's hands in a circular swing path in a fixed swing plane.

A problem with this apparatus is that it can only provide an approximate guide to the correct hand movement for a player. The player's hand movement is not precisely controlled by the apparatus, and the player is free to move his or her wrists so as to incorrectly tilt the handle of the club, thus altering the overall swing path of the club head and therefore the accuracy and effectiveness of the swing. Furthermore, the degree of adjustment of the apparatus is limited by the constraints of the mechanical parts from which it is formed.

In addition, this type of prior art apparatus cannot be used to demonstrate an ideal swing or stroke to produce a shot whereby the flight of the ball can be observed.

The present invention represents an improvement over the known apparatus described above.

The present invention provides an apparatus for demonstrating a golf swing, racquet stroke or the like, comprising moving means for moving a golf club, racquet or equivalent, or the handle thereof, through a predetermined path in three-dimensional space.

In an embodiment of the invention, in a first mode of operation, the apparatus can perform a golf swing, racquet stroke or the like, at normal speed so that the club face, racquet head or equivalent can hit a ball and thereby demonstrate a shot.

In a second mode of operation, the apparatus can perform a golf swing, racquet stroke or the like, at reduced speed so that a player can grip the handle of the club, racquet or the like throughout the swing or stroke. The apparatus initiates and controls the movement including orientation of the player's hands rather than acting as a mere guide for movement performed by the player. Thus, the player can feel the correct hand, and wrist movement during the swing and with a constant grip is prevented from making adjustments which would alter the effectiveness and accuracy of the swing.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a movement control means which may be held in the second mode of operation, directly or indirectly, by the player's hands, for moving the player's hands, and hence the club, racquet or bat, through a predetermined three-dimensional swing path in space.

In a preferred embodiment, the movement control means has a holding means which receives and retains a golf club, racquet or bat, the handle of which the player grips in the correct manner during use, and which is moved through the swing path within the holding means. The player can thereby see the movement of the club, racquet or bat during the swing.

Very preferably the holding means is adapted to allow controlled movement of the club, racquet or bat therein by the movement control means. Such movement permits the ideal wrist movement throughout the swing or stroke. It will be appreciated that the movement control means could equally be formed with an integral club, racquet or bat handle for gripping by the player instead of, or in addition to, the holding means.

In embodiments of the invention the apparatus has driving means, such as one or more motors, which drive the movement control means through the predetermined swing movement so mat the player's hands follow the correct swing path.

Preferably, the movement control means includes robotic or similar parts which are controlled by electronic control means to precisely move the movement control means in the predetermined swing movement.

Preferably, the electromc control means are programmable so that the correct or ideal swing path can be programmed for the individual player.

Further preferred and optional features of the present invention will be appreciated from the following description and accompanying claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus forming a first embodiment of the present invention, in a first, address position;

Figure 2A is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a second position, at the top of the backswing;

Figure 2B is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 1 , in the position shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the player, showing his hand position in the first and second positions, and in a third position, at the top of the follow-through swing;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the movement control block, forming the movement control means of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 4A to C show the club holder, located within the movement control block of Figure 3, shown in side elevation, end elevation, and plan view respectively;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the movement control means and player's hand throughout the swing path;

Figure 6 is a simplified version of a movement control block, forming the movement control means of first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a side view, partially cut away, of an apparatus forming a second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a first, address position;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of one of two gimbal assemblies which form part of the club holder of the apparatus of Figure 7, and

Figure 9 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 7, also in the address position, showing the main directions of movement of the apparatus.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The apparatus 1 includes a base plate 3 which is used to secure the apparatus to the ground. Extending vertically upwards from the base plate is a main frame 5 which forms a support for the apparatus. The main frame 5 may be adjusted in height to suit the individual player using the apparatus. Mounted on top of the main frame 5 is a movement assembly 7 which extends vertically upwards from the main frame 5 and forms the moving part of the apparatus. The assembly 7 is pivotally mounted with respect to the main frame 5 so that the assembly 7 as a whole can be inclined to the vertical. This enables adjustment of the angle of inclination of the swing plane to the vertical to suit the individual player as will be appreciated from below. In addition, the assembly 7 is detachable from the main frame 5, by way of a quick release mechanism, which enables it to be removed and stored overnight.

The assembly 7 includes a housing 9 containing a first electric motor 11 which rotates a main shaft 12 about its axis A-B which extends forwardly from the housing 9. The axis A-B forms the main pivotal axis of the swing path and should preferably be aligned with the shoulders of the player, in use. Gearing 14 is provided in the housing 9 for the first motor 11 to drive the main shaft 12 at different speeds. Connected to the main shaft 12 and extending downwardly and perpendicularly thereto, is a first hydraulic arm 15. The length of the arm 15, between the fixed position at which it is mounted on main shaft 12 and its distal end, can be adjusted by extending or retracting the distal end of the arm 15 during movement of the shaft 12 throughout the swing to alter the radius of the swing path. Mounted on the arm 15, at its distal end, and extending perpendicularly thereto is a second hydraulic arm 17 which is also adjustable in length and extends forwardly, parallel to the main shaft 12. The arm 17 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by means of a second electric motor 19 mounted on arm 15.

The assembly 7 further includes a movement control block 21, to be described in greater detail below, which is provided on the arm 17, remote from the housing 9 of the assembly 7.

The movement control block 21 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In particular the block 21 comprises a housing 22 in which is received a club holder 23, a third electric motor 25 and a fourth electric motor 29. The club holder 23 receives and securely retains the upper end of the shaft of a golf club 2 as shown in Figure 1. The third electric motor 25 is provided for rotating the club holder 23 about its own longitudinal axis, and thus about the longitudinal axis of the golf club. The holder 23 is mounted along a lower toothed or racked path within the housing 22 and has complimentary toothed drive wheels 27 on its underside so that the holder 23, together with motors 25, 29, can be moved along the length of the housing 22. This movement is achieved by virtue of the fourth motor 29. Two large central balls on either side of the holder 23 are provided to locate the holder 23 in a slotted track. A ball-race is fitted on both sides of the block, to ensure smooth movement of the movement control block.

The track 26 extends in an arc having a radius of curvature centring at the ideal position of the hands of the user on the handle of the club 2. Thus, as shown in Figure 3, movement of the holder 23 along the track 26 causes the club to rotate about an axis peφendicular to the swing plane and passing through the player's hands, through an angle as shown in Figure 3.

In an alternative arrangement, a simpler movement control block is shown in Figure 6. In this arrangement, the club holder 23 is mounted on a geared sprocket to follow a racked track at the upper part of the housing 22 adjacent the arm 17. This arrangement has reduced flexibility of movement of the club, but this can partly be corrected by adjusting the angle of inclination of the assembly 7 to the main frame to give a flatter angle of inclination of the swing plane to the vertical. In addition, movements of arm 15 can also be utilised to achieve a similar result to the other embodiments.

It will be appreciated that the movement assembly 7 of the first embodiment of the present invention can produce exactly the same movements of a golf club as a player and thereby exactly reproduce a predeteπnined swing path. Particularly, the rotation of the assembly 7 about the shaft 12 to achieve the arcuate shape of the swing path, the radius of which is adjustable by changing the length of the arm 15, as described above, to achieve an elliptical rather than circular swing path. Adjustment of the length of hydraulic arm 17 can be used to move the club out of the constant plane, to produce a curved swing plane, if desired.

The three types of wrist motion produced by a player can be reproduced by the assembly 7. In particular, the rotation of the arm 17 about its own axis reproduces the so-called "wrist cock" of the player. In the movement control block 21 of Figure 3 or Figure 6 the club holder 23 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis in order to rotate the club about its longitudinal axis to reproduce the second wrist motion which the player uses to open and close the face of the club. The movement of the club holder 23 along the arcuate track in the arc pivoting about the hands, in both the embodiments of Figures 3 and 6 produces the third wrist movement which the player typically uses at the top of the back swing.

The movement of the different parts of the movement assembly 7, to precisely reproduce a predetermined swing is controlled by an electronic control unit 8 housed within the housing 9. Further details of the control unit 8 are provided below in relation to the second and preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a second, and preferred, embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention. Features corresponding to those of the first embodiment are accorded the same reference numerals but prefixed with the number 100.

The apparatus 101 includes an integral main frame 105 and housing 109 of a movement assembly 107. The main frame 105 is mounted vertically, in use, and the housing 109 is positioned at the top of the main frame at an optimal angle to the vertical as shown in Figures 7 and 9. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the height of the main frame and the angle of the housing is not adjustable. The housing 109 contains a first electric motor 111, and gearing 114 to rotate a main shaft 112 about its axis A-B which extends forwardly from the housing 109. The shaft 112 can be extended and retracted from the housing 109 by movement thereof in a direction along its longitudinal axis. This movement is achieved by a motor (not shown) in conjunction with a linear slide and ratchet. Connected to the main shaft 112 and extending downwardly and perpendicularly thereto, is a first arm 115. The arm 115 can be moved along its longitudinal axis relative to the shaft 112 in order to adjust the radius of the swing path throughout the swing. A mounting 112a, fixed to the remote end of the main shaft 112, mounts the arm 115 to the shaft 112. This mounting 112a engages a linear slide bearing 137 on one side of the arm 115 and a worm screw 136 on the other side. A fifth motor 138 moves the screw 136 relative to the mounting 112a to change the position of the arm 115 relative to the shaft 112, thus adjusting the radius of the swing path.

Mounted on the arm 115 and extending perpendicularly thereto is a second arm 117 which extends forwardly, parallel to the main shaft 112. The arm 117 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by means of a toothed belt 116 extending around the arm 115 and powered by a second electric motor 119 mounted at the upper end of arm 115 to counterbalance the assembly 107.

A movement control mechanism 121 , illustrated in Figure 7, which corresponds to the movement control block of the first embodiment, comprises a parallelogram mechanism 124 of conventional type and first and second club holders 123 and 123' respectively. The club holders 123 and 123' receive and securely retain a golf club 102 at respective positions along the shaft thereof as shown in Figure 7.

The first club holder 123 comprises a gimbal assembly comprising a pair of gimbals

123a, located one on each side of the shaft of the golf club 102, one of which is shown in Figure 8. The parallelogram mechanism and gimbal assembly are controlled by pairs of operating cables 133, 135 extending to a conventional winching mechanism 141 provided within the housing 109 of the movement assembly 107.

The second club holder 123' comprises a bearing which grips the shaft of the club 102 whilst permitting movement therein.

The movement of the various parts of the assembly 107 is controlled by an electronic control unit 108 housed within the housing 109. As mentioned above, the control unit of the first embodiment of the present invention similarly controls the movement assembly 7 of that embodiment.

The control unit 108 controls the six possible movements of the assembly 107 which are illustrated in Figure 9. Firstly, the rotation about the shaft 112 as shown by arrows A to achieve the arcuate shape of the swing path in a constant plane. Secondly, adjustment of the radius of the swing path by movement of the arm 115, relative to the shaft 112 as shown by arrows B, to achieve the elliptical swing path. Thirdly, the rotation of arm 117 about its longitudinal axis as shown by arrows C to achieve the correct "wrist cock" . Fourthly, the rotation of the club about its own axis to open and close the club face as shown by arrows D. Fifthly, the movement of the shaft 112 along its own longitudinal axis A-B as shown by the arrows, to move the swing path out of the constant swing plane. Finally, the rotation of the club about an axis in the plane of the swing, and extending through the hands (or alternatively the wrists) of the player, by movement of the parallelogram mechanism as shown by arrows E and F.

In addition, the control unit 108 controls the timing, rhythm, acceleration, deceleration and speed of the swing. The electronic control unit can operate the assembly 107 in slow motion or at the normal speed as described in detail below and can be disconnected to allow the player to try to imitate the correct swing. In this instance, sensors are provided to detect whether the player is achieving the correct swing path. In the embodiments, the electromc control unit 108 is programmable and has memory to store the correct swing path for individual players, so that they can be recalled on subsequent use. The control unit is preferably programmed to reproduce the golf swings of selected professional golfers. The selected swing paths may be determined by video analysis of professional player's swings or alternatively by professional players swinging the apparatus and using sensors to precisely detect the position of the club throughout the swing.

In both embodiments, the apparatus is optionally fitted with sensors in at least one of the motors, and preferably the first motor 114, to detect pressure applied to the club holders 123 and 123' through the club 102 from the user. The sensors are connected to the control unit 108 which operates the movement assembly only when the sensors detect a force applied to the club by the user. This increases the safety of the apparatus and ensures that the player has a constant grip on the club throughout the swing, and therefore fully experiences the ideal swing.

The operation of the apparatus, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 7, will now be described. It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the first embodiment can be operated to produce the same movements as described below in relation to the preferred embodiment.

The player initially stands in the "address position" as shown in Figure 7, and holds the handle of the club 102 retained within the club holders 123 and 123' . In the case of the first embodiment, the height and angle of the assembly 7 relative to the main frame 5 is adjusted if necessary so that the player adopts the correct stance for the type of swing to be performed. It should be noted, however, that the address position is generally the same for all player, although club length may vary for players of different heights, but may be different for different types of club.

The first electric motor 111 then rotates the arm 115 and consequently the arm 117 about the shaft 112 to a position at the top of the backs wing. The radius of the swing path is adjusted during this motion by relative movement of the arm 115 and the screw 136 driven by the electric motor 138 so that the swing path is slightly elliptical. The backswing arc is centred about a vertical axis over the right leg of the player. During the motion, the arm 117 is rotated about its own axis by electric motor 119 so that the movement control mechanism 121 rotates. Since the player maintains a constant grip on the club handle, this movement causes the player to "cock" his or her wrists in the correct fashion.

In addition, during the backswing, the club, in the club holders 123 and 123' , is rotated about its own axis to open the club face. The club holders may also move the club in an arc pivoting about the player's hands by movement of the parallelogram mechanism operated by the operating winch 141 and cables 133, during this movement to correctly position the club.

The aforementioned sensors, which respond to the player, prevent the backswing from extending the player too far and causing injury.

From the top of the backswing position (shown in Figure 2 in relation to the first embodiment), the first electric motor 111 then rotates the shaft 112 in the opposite direction so that the movement control mechanism 121 returns back, along the downswing path, which is a flatter path than backswing and is achieved by a combination of wrist movements, to the address position where the ball may be hit (depending upon the mode of operation) and then along a follow-through arc. The follow- through arc is centred about a vertical axis over the left leg of the player. The length of the arm 115 is adjusted throughout this movement to achieve the slightly elliptical shape of the swing path. As with the backswing, the arm 117 is rotated during the downswing and follow through movement to achieve the correct hand, wrist and arm movement of the player. In addition, there is rotation of the club within the club holder 123 so that the club face moves from an open position at the top of the backswing, to a closed position at the top of the follow-through. Again, the club holder 123 may be pivoted about the hands of the player, by operation of the parallelogram mechanism, to achieve the correct wrist motion throughout the swing, although this movement is generally not as pronounced as during the backswing. As with the backswing, the sensors ensure that the follow-through swing is maintained within the capabilities of the player.

Throughout the swing the electronic control means adjusts the movement assembly according to the pre-programmed swing.

In a first demonstrating mode of operation, the swing is performed at normal (or full) speed and the swing typically takes about 1.5 seconds from start to finish. In the demonstrating mode shots can be demonstrated by placing a golf ball adjacent to the club head in the address position.

In the second learning mode of operation, the above is performed in "slow motion", preferably with the range of a half to a tenth of the normal speed, for example at a quarter of the normal speed, so that a player can safely maintain a constant grip of the golf club throughout the swing movement. In this way, the player experiences the correct hand and wrist movement to achieve the optimum swing.

In a third mode of operation the electronic control unit is disconnected to allow the player to try to imitate the correct swing. In this instance, sensors are provided to detect whether the player is achieving the correct swing in comparison with an ideal swing.

It will be appreciated from the above description that the apparatus operates with or without a player to hold the golf club, and at full speed the machine can swing the club to hit a golf ball in any intended manner to demonstrate shots. Different types of clubs can be retained within the club holder and the swing plane can be adjusted accordingly. Thus, different types of shot can be demonstrated on the machine. When operated at slow speed, the player holding the club can feel the exact movements necessary to reproduce the same shots. By repetition, the player can reproduce these shots independently.

In the described embodiments, the player is free to move his body in any direction and is not restrained or directed in any way, except that the hand grip is the same throughout the movement of the club. A golf instructor can assist to teach the correct body movements of the player to co-ordinate this with the swing. However, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that a more complex machine could incorporate a hip, shoulder or other body support for co-ordinating the movement of the body with the swing.

It will be appreciated that the described apparatus can be used by both left handed and right handed players. The control unit could be programmed to rotate the shaft in the opposite direction and/or the apparatus could be turned through 180°.

The apparatus according to the described embodiments of the invention is highly flexible and can produce a full variety of movement of the club to achieve the optimum golf swing. There are no restraints on the flexibility of movement of the golf club.

It is envisaged that the apparatus will be of particular benefit for coaching skilled professional players, particularly when they lose their form. The apparatus could be programmed to reproduce the player's swing from when their form was better so that the player can learn to reproduce the better swing. The programmability of the apparatus enables the apparatus to be programmed according to the individual player's height, arm length etc and age. Thus, for older and less agile players, the golf swing of a top senior player could be used instead of the swing of a younger professional golfer who is more agile.

Various modifications can be made to the described embodiments. It is intended to include all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for demonstrating a golf swing, racquet stroke or the like, comprising moving means (7; 107) for moving a golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent, or the handle thereof, through a predetermined path in three-dimensional space.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising driving means for driving the moving means (7; 107) to move a golf club (2; 102), through a predetermined path to demonstrate the golf swing, racquet stroke or the like.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the moving means (7; 107) includes: movement control means (21; 121), which may be gripped directly or indirectly by a player's hands, for moving the golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent, at the predetermined orientation during movement along the predetermined path to produce a predetermined swing or stroke.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, further comprising holding means for receiving and retaining a golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent, the moving means

(7; 107) for moving the holding means (123; 123, 123') through a predetermined path to produce the predetermined swing or stroke.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the moving means (7; 107) is gripped indirectly by the player's hands through the handle of the club or racquet retained in the holding means (123; 123, 123'), so that the player's wrists are correctly orientated throughout the swing, stroke or equivalent.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which in a first mode of operation a driving means (11, 19, 25, 29; 111, 119, 138) drives the moving means (7; 107) to move a golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent through a predetermined swing path at normal speed.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which in a second mode of operation a driving means (11, 19, 25, 29; 111, 119, 138) drives the moving means

(7; 107) to move a golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent through a predetermined swing path at reduced speed.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the moving means (7; 107) comprises: means (23, 25; 123a, 135, 141) for rotating a golf club (2, 102), racquet or equivalent about its own longitudinal axis.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the moving means (7; 107) comprises: means (23, 29, 26, 27; 124, 133, 141) for rotating a golf club (2, 102), racquet or equivalent about an axis, generally in the plane of the swing or stroke, and passing through the player's hands or wrists.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the moving means (7;

107) further comprises: means (11 , 12, 15; 111,112, 115) for rotating the golf club (2; 102), racquet or equivalent about a main axis extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the swing or stroke; means (15; 112, 112a, 115, 136, 137, 138) for adjusting the distance between the golf extreme end of club, racquet or equivalent and said main axis to change the radius of the predetermined path of the swing or stroke; means (17, 19; 116, 117, 119) for rotating the golf club, racquet or equivalent in the plane of the swing or stroke about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the swing or stroke, said axis passing through the player's hands or wrists to achieve wrist cock, and means (17; 112) for moving the club, racquet or equivalent perpendicularly to the plane of the swing or stroke.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: control means (8; 108) for controlling the driving means (11, 19, 25, 29; 111, 119, 138) and the moving means (7; 107) to perform a predetermined swing or stroke.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which the control means (8; 108) is programmable.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which the control means (8; 108) controls the direction and timing of the movement.