Tennis Grip Training Device and Methods of Use

FIELD

The disclosure relates to a tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device to be used on the grip of a tennis racquet, other racquet type or paddle. It more particularly relates to a tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device that is positioned over the grip of the handle portion of a tennis racquet, other racquet type or paddle to allow the player to more effectively position his or her hand(s) on the grip for hitting the various strokes associated with the game. It still more particularly relates to a tennis grip training device that is slid or secured over the grip of the handle portion of a tennis racquet to allow the player to strike the ball with the preferred grip associated with serves, forehands, backhands, overheads and volleys associated with the game.

BACKGROUND

A tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle comprise a head, a throat and a grip/handle wherein the head is connected to the throat and the throat is connected to the grip/handle. The head is generally oval in shape and includes a bed or series of interwoven bi-directional strings (racquet) or a hard surface(paddle) for striking the ball. The combination of the throat and grip/handle is referred to as the shaft. The grip/handle portion of the racquet or paddle is where the player positions their dominant hand and sometimes also their non-dominant hand for holding and swinging the racquet for the various strokes associated with the game. The portion of the racquet or paddle at the end of the grip/handle is referred to as the butt of the racquet or paddle. The handle of a tennis racquet and other racquet and paddle types are generally of an octagonal shape with eight sides each of which is referred to as a bevel.

The outermost layer of material applied to the handle portion of the tennis racquet, other racquet type or paddle is generally permanently affixed to the racquet or paddle handle and is commonly referred to as the “grip” of the racquet or paddle. However, racquet and paddle sport players and professionals also use the term “grip” in reference to where a player places one or both of his or her hands onto the racquet or paddle handle to hold onto the racquet or paddle to hit the various strokes associated with the game.

A proper “grip” position of a player's hand or hands on the racquet or paddle grip/handle depends on a number of factors, including, for example, the type of stroke being executed (e.g., forehand, backhand, serve, overhead, volley, etc.), the speed of the ball, the position of the ball relative to the player at impact, the level of the player, the positioning of the ball and the racquet at the time of impact, and other factors generally known to teaching professionals. A “proper” grip position is a position that is generally accepted in the art as being appropriate or advantageous for the particular stroke being executed.

With regard to the sport of tennis, the continental grip is generally recognized as the proper grip for serves, volleys (both forehand and backhand), slice forehands/backhands, forehand/backhand drops shots and overheads. The eastern forehand grip is generally recognized as the proper grip for a beginner level player who is learning to hit a forehand ground stroke. For more advanced players, a semi-western or western forehand grip may be utilized to generate more top spin on the forehand ground stroke. With regard to backhand ground strokes, players may utilize either one hand or two hands on the grip/handle of the racquet when striking the ball. For the two-handed backhand stroke, which is generally utilized and taught to beginner level players, the dominant hand is positioned proximate the bottom of the grip/handle with a continental grip and non-dominant hand is positioned above the dominant hand on the grip/handle with an eastern to semi-western forehand grip. For the one-handed backhand stroke, the dominant hand is positioned proximate the bottom of the grip/handle with an eastern or semi-western backhand grip.

Due to the variety of proper grips depending on the type of stroke being executed by the player, it is difficult for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and even professional level players to set the proper grip when playing and practicing the game of tennis, other racquet sports (squash, racquetball), and paddle sports (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis). The player must constantly adjust their hand (s) position on the grip/handle of the racquet depending upon the type of stroke they are about to hit. This leads to many beginner, intermediate, advanced and even professional level players utilizing improper grips for the strokes they are hitting, and therefore developing poor and improper stroke techniques, which negatively impacts the performance of their game and their rate of improvement. Also with conventional tennis racquet grips/handles, it is easy for the players hand position to slightly shift or move on the grip while swinging through or striking the ball, which further complicates the learning and mastery of the game. Hence, it is important for players to learn and consistently implement the proper positioning of their hand or hands on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle for certain strokes in order develop and practice proper stroke techniques to gain muscle memory for the different grips more rapidly by utilizing proper hand placement for each of the strokes.

A number of different tennis training grips having ridges and/or depressions for positioning a player's thumb and fingers on the grip/handle of the racquet have been developed in the past in order to assist the player in utilizing the proper grip. The focus of these prior art devices is the placement of the player's thumb and fingers on the grip of the racquet handle. However, each of the these prior art training grip devices is deficient in terms of providing proper support and positioning of the palm of the hand, and in particular the thumb heal portion of the palm, the pinky finger heal portion of the palm, palm fascia and the palm area between the thumb and the index finger, which are important for proper stroke technique and development.

Hence, there is a need for an improved tennis grip and other racquet and paddle sport training device and method of using such a device for more easily, comfortably, consistently, and precisely positioning the player's hand or hands, and in a particular the various palm areas (thumb heal portion, pinky heal portion, palm fascia and area between the thumb and the index finger) on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle for utilizing any of the proper grips for the range of strokes needed to play tennis and other racquet and paddle sports.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides for an improved tennis grip training device for teaching and training a tennis player the various grips preferred for the array of tennis strokes needed to play the game. This disclosure also provides for an improved racquet and paddle sport grip training device for teaching and training a player the various grips preferred for the array of strokes needed to play other racquet and paddle games, including, but not limited to, squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

This disclosure relates generally in part to a racquet and paddle sport training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player one-handed strokes requiring different grips of the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle. The racquet and paddle sport training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about one-third down to about two-thirds down from the top end of the device to the bottom end for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located from about one quarter down to about half-way down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure also relates more particularly in part to a tennis training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a tennis racquet for positioning the tennis player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player one-handed tennis strokes requiring different grips of the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle of the tennis racquet. The tennis training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a tennis racquet handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about one-third down to about two-thirds down from the top end of the device to the bottom end for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located from about one quarter down to about half-way down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure also relates more particularly in part to a tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand and optionally the player's non-dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player one-handed and/or two-handed strokes requiring different grips of the player's dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle. The training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a first contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending downward proximate the top end to about one-third down from the top end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of an optional top non-dominate hand on the device, iii) a second contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from about two-thirds down from the top end to the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the bottom dominate hand on the device, iv) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located about half-way down from the top end for positioning and supporting the pinky finger heel area of the optional top non-dominate hand and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the bottom dominate hand on the device, v) a first recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the optional top non-dominate hand on the device, and vi) a second recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the bottom dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure also relates more particularly in part to a continental grip training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the strokes associated with the continental grip. The continental grip training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from the B8 bevel at about midway down from the top end to the B1 bevel at the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the dominate hand, iii) a top horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end and extending across the B8, B1 and B2 bevels for positioning and supporting the palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure further relates more particularly in part to a two-handed backhand grip training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand and non-dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the two-handed backhand stroke. The two-handed backhand grip training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a first contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending downwardly along the B1 bevel starting from proximate the top end to about one-third down from the top end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the top non-dominate hand on the device, iii) a second contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from about two-thirds down from the top end at the B8 bevel to the bottom end at the B1 bevel for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the bottom dominate hand on the device, iv) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located about half-way down from the top end and extending across the B8, B1 and B2 bevels for positioning and supporting the pinky finger heel area of the top non-dominate hand and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the bottom dominate hand on the device, v) a first recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the top non-dominate hand on the device, and vi) a second recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the bottom dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure still further relates more particularly in part to a soft semi-western forehand grip training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the forehand stroke associated with the soft semi-western forehand grip. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from the B8 bevel at about midway from the top end to the B2 bevel at the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the dominate hand, iii) a top horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end and extending across the B8, B1 and B2 bevels for positioning and supporting the palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the dominate hand on the device.

This disclosure still also further relates more particularly in part to a one-handed backhand grip training device to be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the one-handed backhand stroke. The one-handed backhand grip training device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from the B7 bevel at about midway down from the top end to the B8 bevel at the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the dominate hand, iii) a top horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end and extending across the B7, B8 and B1 bevels for positioning and supporting the palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the dominate hand on the device.

It has been surprisingly found that, in accordance with this disclosure, that a tennis, other racquet sport and paddle sport grip training device with one or more thumb heel plates for resting/supporting the thumb heel area of the dominant hand and the optional non-dominant hand (for two-handed backhand grip), at least one recessed palm area for the dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand (for two-handed backhand grip), and a top divider hand ridge/plate/pad for resting/supporting the pinky finger heel area of the optional non-dominate hand (for two-handed backhand grip) and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand provides advantages in terms of properly positioning the hand (s) on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle for mastering the various strokes associated with the particular racquet or paddle game.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein the drawings which follow for a tennis racquet including the inventive grip device may be easily adapted for other racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis) types by replacing the tennis racquet depicted in the drawings with the another racquet type (squash, racquetball) or a paddle (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis):

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the inner surface of the hand indicating the three regions or areas of the palm.

FIGS. 2a. and 2b. depict a butt end view of a conventional tennis racquet illustrating the conventional octagonal shape of the handle for reference purposes with the bevel numbering designation for a right hand dominant player illustrated in FIG. 2a, and the bevel numbering designation for a left hand dominant player illustrated in FIG. 2b.

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the outside surfaces of the two halves or pieces of a continental grip tennis training device for a right hand dominant player.

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of the inside surfaces of the two halves or pieces of a continental grip tennis training device for a right hand dominant player.

FIG. 5 depicts a top butt end view of the two interconnected halves of a continental grip tennis training device for a right hand dominant player that is not on the grip/handle of a racquet.

FIG. 6 depicts the two halves of a continental grip tennis training device for a right hand dominant player showing the outside surfaces of the device with the two halves adjacent to the grip/handle of a conventional tennis racquet.

FIG. 7 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B1 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the racquet and being gripped by the right hand of a right-handed tennis player

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B1 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed tennis player.

FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B7 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed tennis player.

FIG. 11 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B6 and B7 bevels of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the conventional racquet being gripped by the right hand of a right-handed tennis player

FIG. 13 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B5 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed tennis player.

FIG. 14 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B3 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device mounted on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed tennis player.

FIG. 16 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the continental grip tennis training device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B2 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet and being gripped by the right and left hands of a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 18 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B1 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 19 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B2 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view looking down at between the B2 bevel and the B3 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 22 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B3 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 23 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B5 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 25 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B7 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 27 depicts an enlarged view of the grip/handle section of the conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B8 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 29 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B1 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including a soft semi-western forehand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet and being gripped by the right hand of a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 30 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B1 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the soft semi-western forehand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 31 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B3 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the soft semi-western forehand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 32 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B5 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the soft semi-western forehand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 33 depicts a top perspective view looking down at the B7 bevel of the grip/handle of a conventional racquet including the soft semi-western forehand grip tennis training device molded on the grip/handle of the racquet for training a right-handed dominant tennis player.

FIG. 34 depicts a rotatable tennis grip training device including an inner or base sleeve attachable to the grip of the racquet handle, an outer rotatable sleeve including the surface design features of the device (not shown) for properly positioning the player's hand(s) on the racquet grip, locking portions for securing the device to the racquet handle and optional one or more inner ball bearing rings for facilitating the ease of rotation of the outer rotatable sleeve about the inner or base sleeve of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present disclosure will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present exemplary embodiments can be used individually or in any suitable combination thereof. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used for the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein. All numerical values within the detailed description and the claims herein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Definitions

The human hand includes a thumb and four fingers (index, middle, ring, and pinky or little). Each finger has 3 knuckles with the base or lower knuckle located at the bottom of the finger and closest to the palm, the top knuckle located closest to the nail or top of the finger, and the middle knuckle located about midway between the top knuckle and the base knuckle. The thumb includes a base or lower knuckle at the bottom and adjacent to the palm, and a middle knuckle located about half way up the length of the thumb.

The palm of a hand is the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers. The palm comprises three primary areas (thumb heel, palma fascia and pinky finger heel) which together make-up or comprise the palm area of the hand for the purposes of this disclosure.

As used herein, the “thumb heel” is defined as the padded portion or area of the palm of a hand that is below the bottom of the thumb and runs down to the wrist. The thumb heel may alternatively be referred to as the thumb prominence or back heel area of the palm.

As used herein, the “pinky finger heel” is defined as the padded portion or area of the palm of a hand that is below the bottom of the pinky finger and runs down to the wrist. The pinky finger heel may alternatively be referred to as the back flat edge of the palm.

As used herein, the “palma fascia” is defined as the portion or area of the palm between the thumb heel and the pinky finger heel and is bordered by the four fingers at the top and by the wrist at the bottom.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the inner surface of the hand 100 and indicates the three areas of the palm defined above as follows: 1) the thumb heel 102, 2) the palma fascia 104, and 3) the pinky finger heel 106.

As used herein, a “soft semi-western forehand grip” is defined as forehand grip that is between an eastern forehand grip and a semi-western forehand grip. With a soft semi-western forehand grip, the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned between the B3 bevel and B4 bevel of the grip/handle.

As used herein, a “soft western forehand grip” is defined as forehand grip that is between a semi-western forehand grip and a western forehand grip. With a soft western forehand grip, the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned between the B4 bevel and B5 bevel of the grip/handle.

Tennis and Other Racquet and Paddle Sport Grip Training Device Overview

The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein is particularly suitable for the sport of tennis, but may also be used as a training and practice device for other racquet and paddle sports, including, but not limited to, squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis. The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein is slid over, molded onto or secured/attached to the existing grip of the handle of a conventional tennis racquet, other racquet type (squash, racquetball) or a paddle (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis) and provides a method for the racquet or paddle sport player to easily and accurately position their hand or hands on the grip/handle for a variety of different proper grips depending on the stroke that the player desires or needs to hit.

In particular, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein provide one or more thumb heel plates for resting/supporting the thumb heel area of the dominant hand and the optional non-dominant hand (for the two-handed backhand grip), at least one recessed palm area for the dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand (for the two-handed backhand grip), and a top hand divider ridge/plate/pad for resting/supporting the pinky finger heel area of the optional non-dominate hand (for the two-handed backhand grip) and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand. This combination of features of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein provides advantages in terms of properly positioning and supporting the player's hand (s) on the grip/handle of the racquet/paddle for mastering the various strokes associated with the game. When the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device is slid over the existing grip of the handle, the device may be in the form of a one piece sleeve.

In one form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device provided herein may be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a tennis racquet, type racquetball) other racquet (squash, or a paddle (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis) for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the various one-handed strokes associated with the particular racquet or paddle sport. In this form the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device includes: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a tennis racquet, other racquet type or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about one-third down to about two-thirds down from the top end of the device to the bottom end for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located from about one quarter down to about half-way down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

In another form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device provided herein may be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a tennis racquet, other racquet type (squash, racquetball) or a paddle (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis) for positioning the player's dominant hand and optionally the player's non-dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the various strokes for the particular racquet or paddle sport. In this form the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device includes: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a tennis racquet, other racquet type or a paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a first contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending downward proximate the top end to about one-third down from the top end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of an optional top non-dominate hand on the device, iii) a second contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from about two-thirds down from the top end to the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the bottom dominate hand on the device, iv) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located about half-way down from the top end for positioning and supporting the pinky finger heel area of the optional top non-dominate hand and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the bottom dominate hand on the device, v) a first recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the optional top non-dominate hand on the device, and vi) a second recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the bottom dominate hand on the device.

FIGS. 2a. and 2b. are butt ends view of a conventional tennis racquet 10 depicting the head 11 of the racquet 10 pointing away from the viewer of the drawings and the grip/handle 12 extending towards the viewer of the drawings. The grip/handle 12 of the racquet is of an octagonal shape. Each of the eight flat surfaces comprising the octagonal shape of the grip/handle 12 is referred to as a “bevel.” The eight bevels comprising the octagonal shaped grip/handle 12 are numbered from 1 to 8 (also referred to as B1 to B8 below) around the circumference of the grip/handle 12 starting from the top 1 of the grip/handle 12. For a right hand dominant player, the bevels 1 to 8 (also referred to as B1 to B8) are designated to run clockwise from the top of the handle 12 as shown in FIG. 2a. For a left hand dominant player, the bevels 1 to 8 (also referred to as B1 to B8) are designated to run counter clockwise from the top 1 of the handle 12 as shown in FIG. 2b. Squash racquets, racquetball racquets, pickleball paddles, platform tennis paddles and paddle tennis paddles also have a grip/handle of the racquet or paddle that is of an octagonal shape with bevels 1 to 8 as that of a conventional tennis racquet. Hence, FIGS. 2a. and 2b. apply to other racquet and paddle types in terms of the shape and configuration of the grip/handle and bevel designations.

The designation of the specific bevels of the handle of a conventional racquet or paddle have been used traditionally to provide a guide for players in terms of how to set their hand and finger position on the racquet grip/handle for the various strokes associated with the game. Generally the position of the player's dominant hand index finger base or lower knuckle relative to a specific bevel on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle was used as a guide for properly positioning the hand for a particular grip recommended for a certain stroke. However, this traditional approach ignores the proper positioning of the areas of the palm of the hand on the grip/handle. The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein provide an improved means for more precisely positioning the player's dominant hand and non-dominant hand (for two-hand backhand) on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle in terms of the palm areas of the hand (thumb heel, pinky heel, palma fascia) on the grip/handle, which traditional approaches do not recognize.

A continental grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned with the B2 bevel of the grip/handle. The continental grip is one of the most widely used and versatile grips in tennis because it is generally the preferred grip for serves, overheads, forehand volleys, backhand volleys, forehand slice ground strokes and forehand drop shots. In addition, for the serve, a proper continental grip allows for a player to hit a variety of serve types (flat, kick, slice) depending upon their toss position, swing trajectory, and racquet head speed. The continental grip is also one of the most widely used and versatile grips used in other racquet and paddle sports, including, squash, racquetball, pickleball, paddle tennis, and platform tennis

An eastern forehand grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned with the B3 bevel of the grip/handle. The eastern grip is also used in other racquet and paddle sports, including, squash, racquetball, pickleball, paddle tennis, and platform tennis. A “soft” semi-western forehand grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned between the B3 bevel and B4 bevel of the grip/handle. The semi-western forehand grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned with the B4 bevel of the grip/handle. A “soft” western forehand grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned between the B4 bevel and B5 bevel of the grip/handle. The full-western or western forehand grip is traditionally recognized as where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger of the player's dominate hand is generally aligned with the B5 bevel of the grip/handle. The aforementioned forehand grips, and variants in between these grips may be utilized to hit forehand ground strokes in traditional tennis. In traditional tennis, a forehand grip may be anywhere between a continental grip and a full-western forehand grip.

For the two-handed backhand ground stroke, the lower dominant hand on the grip/handle is generally a continental grip where the base or lower knuckle of the index finger is generally aligned with the B2 bevel of the grip/handle and the upper non-dominant hand on the grip/handle is generally an eastern forehand grip, a semi-western forehand grip or a soft semi-western forehand grip where the base knuckle of the index finger is aligned somewhere between the B3 and the B4 bevel of the grip/handle (see FIG. 2b. for left hand bevel location for non-dominant left hand). For the one-handed backhand ground stroke, the dominant hand may be an eastern backhand grip with the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligned with the B1 bevel of the grip/handle. Alternatively for the one-handed backhand stroke, the dominant hand may be a semi-western backhand grip with the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligned with the B8 bevel of the grip/handle. The aforementioned backhand grips are utilized to hit backhand ground strokes.

The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training devices disclosed herein allow for the player to easily establish each of these different grips for the various strokes (forehand and backhand ground strokes, forehand and backhand volleys, serve and overhead, etc.) without the complexity of having to set or establish and maintain the position of the dominant hand and non-dominant hand (for two-handed backhand) on the grip/handle relative to certain bevels on the grip/handle of a conventional racquet or paddle. The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training devices disclosed herein allow for the player to easily establish the proper positioning of the palm areas of the hand on the grip for the various strokes. This provides an improved device and method for teaching and training players on the use of certain grips for particular strokes associated with various racquet and paddle sports. The devices and methods disclosed herein also allow for the player to achieve the needed repetition in properly practicing the stroke using the correct grip such that it will become engrained into the strokes of the player even when the training device is removed from the racquet or paddle grip/handle.

The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may be made from a polymeric or cellulosic type of material. Non-limiting exemplary polymeric materials are polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers. Particularly preferred polymers are silicone based polymers, polypropylene and polyethylene. With regard to cellulosic type materials, recycled paper and cardboard may be used to form the tennis grip training devices disclosed herein.

The polymeric or cellulosic type of material used to form the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training devices disclosed herein may be formed into the appropriated design and shape utilizing a variety of processing techniques, including, but not limited to, 3-D printing, injection molding, profile extrusion and thermoforming.

The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may be fabricated into a single piece that is slid over the butt end of the conventional tennis racquet to secure it to the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle. In an advantageous form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein are formed into two distinct pieces (to form a kit of components) using one of the aforementioned processing techniques. The two distinct pieces are then placed around the outer surface of the conventional tennis racquet, other racquet or paddle grip/handle and interlocked/connected to form the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device on the racquet. In another form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein are formed into three or more distinct pieces (to form a kit of components) using one of the aforementioned processing techniques that are placed around the outer surface of the conventional tennis racquet, other racquet or paddle grip/handle and interlocked/connected to form the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device on the racquet or paddle. In another form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may be directly molded onto the grip/handle of a conventional racquet or paddle for a particular racquet or paddle sport. In yet another form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may be formed via molding or other manufacturing means as the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle, and thus be a permanent component or part of the racquet or paddle. Hence, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed may be removably installed, permanently installed, or permanently formed onto the grip/handle of a tennis racquet, racquetball racquet, squash racquet, pickleball paddle, platform tennis paddle or paddle tennis paddle.

The tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may also be rotatable on the grip of the handle of the racquet or paddle. This feature allows for a single tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device to be used for teaching and practicing all of the various strokes by simply rotating the device on the grip of the racquet or paddle to the proper position for a given grip/stroke and then locking the device in that position. FIG. 34 is a depiction of a rotatable tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 105. In one form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training devices disclosed herein may be made rotatable by including a fixed inner or base sleeve 107 which attaches or is fixed to the grip of the racquet or paddle handle (not shown) and an outer rotatable sleeve 109 which is positioned outside and proximate the outer surface of the fixed inner or base sleeve 107 and is adapted to rotate about the fixed inner or base sleeve 107. The inner or base sleeve 107 may further include locking portions 111 for securing the rotatable tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 105 to a racquet or paddle handle. The locking portions 111 may be compression lock rings, twist locks or other suitable mechanism, disposed at opposing ends of the inner or base sleeve 107 of the rotatable tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 105.

The inner or base sleeve 107 may be sized and configured to be mounted on the racquet or paddle handle. The inner or base sleeve 107 is preferably mounted such that it is non-rotatable about the racquet or paddle handle (not shown) and preferably secured in position by locking portions 111. The outer rotatable sleeve 109 is sized and configured to fit over base sleeve 107 and occupy a space between the locking portions 111, wherein the inner diameter of outer rotatable sleeve 109 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of inner or base sleeve 107, thereby allowing the outer rotatable sleeve 109 to rotate about inner or base sleeve 107. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer rotatable sleeve 109 is disposed between two locking portions 111, wherein the locking portions 111 have an outer diameter such that they prevent the outer rotatable sleeve 109 from moving past locking portions 111 in either the up or down direction, while still allowing the outer rotatable sleeve 109 to rotate about inner or base sleeve 107 to allow the surface features (not shown) of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device to be rotated about the circumference of the racquet or paddle handle to accommodate the teaching and training of the various grips and strokes for the particular racquet or paddle sport and described herein.

In an alternative embodiment, one or both of locking portions 111 may be removable, thus allowing outer rotatable sleeve 109 to be slid into place over inner or base sleeve 107. Once the outer rotatable sleeve 109 is in position the removed one or both of the locking portions 111 may be installed to the end portions of inner of base sleeve 107 to secure the outer rotatable sleeve 109 in position on the racquet or paddle handle to prevent it from moving up and down the racquet or paddle handle while still allowing the outer rotatable sleeve 109 to rotate about inner base sleeve 107. In one form, the inner or base sleeve 107 is longer than that of the outer rotatable sleeve 109 to allow locking portions 111 to attach to the ends thereof. In another form, the inner or base sleeve 107 may include threads on its end portions to allow for the locking portions 111, which may include corresponding threads, to attach thereto.

The inner or base sleeve 107 may be attached to the racquet or paddle handle using locking portions 111, or for example using another suitable mechanism, including, but not limited to, pressure/elastic fit and adjustable clamp(s). The inner or base sleeve 107 and/or outer rotatable sleeve 109 may be made of any suitable material and preferable may be made of a rigid hard cased or semi-rigid polymeric material, such as plastic, hard rubber, or other suitable material. The outer rotatable sleeve 109 including the surface features of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein for properly positioning the player's dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand on the racquet or paddle for teaching and training the full variety of grips for the full variety of strokes, may also optionally have a grip pad (not shown) on its outer surface made of a soft or semi-soft material, such as foam, neoprene, rubber, or the like. In one exemplary form, the rotatable outer sleeve 109 may include a rigid inner portion and a layer of soft or semi-soft material (e.g., foam, neoprene, rubber, or the like) on an outer portion for ease of gripping by a player's hand.

The rotatable tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 105 may further optionally include a mechanism to further facilitate the ease of rotation of the rotatable outer sleeve 109 about the inner or base sleeve 107. In one exemplary form, a small space between the outer rotatable sleeve 109 and the inner or base sleeve 107 allows the rotatable outer sleeve 109 to rotate about inner or base sleeve 107. In another form depicted in FIG. 34 as optional, the rotatable tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 105 may further include one or more inner ball bearing rings 130 integrated with the inner or base sleeve 107 and/or rotatable outer sleeve 109 and positioned between the rotatable outer sleeve 109 and inner or base sleeve 107 allowing for the rotatable outer sleeve 109 to rotate about the inner or base sleeve 107. More particularly, between the outer surface of the inner or base sleeve 107 and the inner surface of the outer rotatable sleeve 109 may be one or more (for example, 2, or 3, or 4, or 5) inner ball bearing rings 130 integrated with the base or inner sleeve 107, which allow the outer rotatable sleeve 109 to rotate more easily about the inner or base sleeve 107. The inner or base sleeve 107 will be of an octagonal shape on its inside surface to conform to the shape of the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle.

The outer rotatable sleeve 109 on its outer surface will have one or more of the following design features (not shown in FIG. 34, but subsequently described herein): 1) one or more thumb heel plates for resting/supporting the thumb heel area of the dominant hand and the optional non-dominant hand (for the two-handed backhand grip), 2) at least one recessed palm area for the dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand (for the two-handed backhand grip), 3) a top hand divider ridge/plate/pad for resting/supporting the pinky finger heel area of the optional non-dominate hand (for the two-handed backhand grip) and the area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand, and 4) optional thumb groove (s), index finger groove(s), middle finger groove(s), ring finger groove (s) and pinkly or little finger groove (s).

Referring to FIG. 3, depicted are the two halves or pieces 21, 22 of an exemplary tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 20 for a right hand dominant player showing the outside surfaces of the device 20 that would be in contact with the player's dominant hand. The top end 23 of the device 20 is positioned towards the top of the grip/handle (end proximate the throat of the racquet or paddle) and the bottom end 24 of the device 20 is positioned towards the bottom of the grip/handle (end proximate the butt of the racquet or handle). The training device 20 may optionally include a slotted groove or recessed area 25 at the top end 23 and a slotted groove or recessed area 26 at the bottom end 24. These slotted grooves or recessed areas 25, 26 that travel around the circumference of the device 20 may be used to further secure the two halves 21, 22 together on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle using, for example, an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip (Velcro™) or a rubber band positioned in the one or both of the slotted grooves to act as a fastener system.

Referring to FIG. 4, depicted are the two halves 21, 22 of an exemplary tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 20 for a right hand dominant player showing the inside surfaces of the device 20 that would be in contact with the octagonal shaped grip/handle of a conventional racquet or paddle. The top end 23 of the training device 20 is positioned towards the top of the grip/handle (end proximate the throat of the racquet or paddle) and the bottom end 24 of the training device 20 is positioned towards the bottom of the grip/handle (end proximate the butt of the racquet or paddle). The walls 27 of the device 20 may optionally include one or more placement pins 28 on one half 21 of the device 20 and one or more placement holes 29 on the other half 22 of the device 20 that allow for the two halves 21, 22 to interlock to one another when placed around the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle by the placement pins 28 matting and interlocking into the placement holes 29 of the walls 27 of the device 20. The placement pins 28 and placement holes 29 are generally formed into the two halves 21, 22 of the device 20 during the processing technique (described above) used to form the parts.

Referring to FIG. 5, depicted is a butt end view of the two halves 21, 22 of an exemplary tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 20 for a right hand dominant player that are interconnected, but not on the grip/handle of a racquet or paddle. The octagonal shape of the inside surface of the device 20 is apparent from FIG. 5, which allows the device 20 to conform snuggly to the outside surface of the grip of the racquet or paddle handle. The inside opening dimensions of the device 20 may be varied to accommodate any particular standard racquet or paddle grip size, such as, for example with a conventional tennis racquet, 4 0/8″, 4⅛″, 4-¼″, 4⅜″, 4½″, 4⅝″ and 4¾″ grip sizes. The wall thickness 27 of the two halves 21, 22 of the device 20 should be generally minimized to lessen the build-up of the overall grip/handle of the racquet or paddle when the device 20 is on the racquet or paddle. The wall thickness 27 of the device 20 may generally range from 1/32″ to 10/32″. Areas of the outside surface of the device 20 with protrusions will require a thicker wall 27, whereas areas of the outside surface of the device 20 with recesses will require a thinner wall 27. Generally the wall thickness 27 of the device is smaller at the top end 23 of the device 20 than bottom end 24 of the device 20. The exemplary tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip tennis training device 20 of FIG. 5 may also be rotated either clockwise (see arrows) or counterclockwise around the grip of the racquet or paddle handle to allow for the teaching or training the full range of one-handed grips, including the eastern one-handed backhand grip, the semi-western one-handed backhand grip, the eastern forehand grip, the semi-western forehand grip, the western forehand grip, the soft western forehand grip and the soft semi-western forehand grip. Hence, by rotating the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip tennis training device 20 of FIG. 5 to various positions around the racquet or paddle handle, it can be easily adapted to teach and train the full range of strokes and grips for a particular racquet or paddle sport. For the game of tennis, this includes not only strokes associated with the continental grip (serve, volley, overhead, continental forehand, slice forehand and slide backhand), but also other one-handed strokes associated with these other grips including, but not limited to, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft western forehand and the soft semi-western forehand.

Referring to FIG. 6, depicted are the two halves 21, 22 of an exemplary tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device 20 for a right hand dominant player showing the outside surfaces of the device 20 that would be in contact with the player's dominant hand, wherein the two halves 21, 22 are adjacent to the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10. Also shown is the throat 13 of the racquet 10 which interconnects the head 11 to the grip/handle 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the length of the two halves 21, 22 of the device 20 is preferably less than the overall length of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 by from ¼″ to 2½″, or from ½″ to 2″, or from ¾″ to 1¾″, or from 1″ to 1½″. The overall length of the device 20 is generally less than overall length of the grip/handle 12 because the butt end 14 of the grip/handle 12 of a conventional racquet 10 or paddle is generally greater in outside diameter than the remainder of the grip/handle 12. Hence, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device training device 20 does not generally extend over the butt end 14 of the racquet 10 or paddle with the larger diameter. The overall length of the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 may range from 6 to 9″. Hence, the overall length of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training devices disclosed herein may range from 4″ to 8¾″, or from 4½″ to 8½″, or from 5″ to 8″, or from 5½″ to 7½″, for from 6″ to 7″ in overall length. In another form, the length of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device may be about equal to the overall length of the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle. So in this form, the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device may range from 4 to 10″, which is the range of the overall length of the grip/handle of a conventional tennis racquet, racquetball racquet, squash racquet, pickleball paddle, platform tennis paddle or paddle tennis paddle.

Continental Grip Training Device Embodiment

In one form of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein, provided is a continental grip training device for teaching and mastering the continental grip used for serves, forehand and backhand volleys, overheads, lobs, forehead slice ground strokes and forehand drop shop ground stroke used in conventional tennis as well as the continental grip other strokes used in racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis) sports. FIGS. 7 to 16 are particular to the device being used on a conventional tennis racquet, but may also apply for an alternative type of racquet or paddle sport racquet or paddle, such as a racquetball racquet, a squash racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle or a paddle tennis paddle. FIGS. 7 to 16 described below for the continental grip tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device are for a right-handed player. For a left handed player, the continental grip training device would be a mirror image of the Figures described below. FIG. 7 depicts a top view looking down at the B1 bevel 1 of the grip/handle 12 of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional racquet 10 being gripped by the right hand 15 of a right-handed tennis player.

Referring to FIG. 8, depicted is a top view of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player. This top view is also looking down at the B1 bevel 1 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the top side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The continental grip training device 20 includes two halves 21, 22 which are interconnected at center of the B1 bevel 1 on the top side 30 and the center of B5 bevel (not shown) on the bottom side of the grip/handle 12. The palm of the right hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 31 of the device 20 below top ridge 32 of the device. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the left side of top thumb groove 33 of the device and the thumb heel presses against the thumb heel plate or protrusion 34. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the right side of top index finger groove 35. A middle finger groove or depression 36, a ring finger groove or depression 37 and pinky or little finger groove or depression 38 in the surface of the device 20 are also provided to assist with the proper placement of these fingers for the proper continental grip. Each of these finger grooves 35, 36, 37, 38 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 20.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged top view of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis for training a right-handed tennis player. The thumb heel plate or protrusion 34 is a significant component of the design 20 because it provides for not only the proper positioning of the right hand for a continental grip, but also provides a resting and pressing surface for the thumb heel region of the right hand palm, which is beneficial for proper continental grip stroke development. Referring to FIG. 9, the thumb heel plate or protrusion 34 positions and locks in the player's right hand for the proper continental grip. The thumb heel plate 34 may start in the vicinity of the middle of the grip/handle 12 at about the center of the B7 bevel 41 and progresses down the grip/handle 12 as a protrusion with an edge or apex 46 to the bottom of the grip handle at the left side of the B1 bevel 42. The thumb heel plate 34 has a width of about 1″ near the top of the plate 43. The thumb heel plate 34 has a width of about 1⅜″ at its widest point 44, which is about a third of the way down from the top of the plate 43 and has width of about ⅝″ near the bottom of the plate 45 or the device 20. The overall length of the thumb heel plate 34 down the axial length of the grip/handle 12 may range from 2″ to 4″, or from 2″ to 3½″, or from 2¼″ to 3″, or from 2½″ to 2¾″. The overall height of the thumb heel plate 34 from the surface of the device is about ¾″ at its highest point or apex 46, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. Also as seen in FIG. 9, the thumb heel plate 34 has the shape of a “human ear” in terms of flaring out at the top and being wider toward the top and tapering down to being narrower at the bottom

The dimensions and contour of the heel plate 34 provide for the proper placement of the player's index finger lower knuckle for the continental grip and also provides an optimum resting and pressing surface for the thumb heel region of the palm. This allows for the player to have the optimal right hand position and stroke technique to master the variety of strokes requiring the continental grip. In particular, for forehand and backhand volleys, the continental grip training device allows the player to train to use less wrist with the stroke, be more able to effectively keep the racquet head up when striking the ball and allow for crisper and more solid volleys. For serves, the continental grip training device allows the player to train to hit the full array of tennis serves (flat, slice, kick) using the optimal technique as it relates to continental grip position on the grip/handle of the tennis racquet.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the top ridge, plate or pad 32 of the device 20 may also be a significant component of the design because it provides for not only the proper positioning of the right hand for a proper continental grip, but also provides a resting and pressing surface during the volley, serve and overhead strokes for the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger. The top ridge, plate or pad 32 also keeps the player's right hand from slipping up the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 such that the hand is maintained near the bottom end of the grip/handle 12. The top ridge, plate or pad 32 of the device 20 may start in the vicinity of the B7 bevel towards the top end of the device and tapers or runs across the B8 and B1 bevels of the grip/handle 12 and ends in the vicinity of the B2 or B3 bevels towards the top end of the device 20. The top ridge, plate or pad 32 runs generally horizontally or at a slight angle from horizontal (45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or 10 degrees or less) across the B7/B8/B1/B2/B3 bevels of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 or paddle. The top ridge, plate or pad 32 may have an overall height from the surface of the device of about ¾″ at its highest point or apex, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. The length of the top ridge, plate or pad 32 across the bevels of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 or paddle may range from 1″ to 3″, or 1½″ to 2½″, or 1¾″ to 2¼″.

Referring to FIG. 10, depicted is a top view of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player. This top view is looking down at the B7 bevel 7 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the far left side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. With respect to FIG. 10, the palm of the right hand rests to the right of the top edge or apex 46 of the thumb heel plate 34. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along thumb groove 33 of the device 20. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove 35. The middle finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the middle finger groove or depression 36. The ring finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the ring finger groove or depression 37. The pinky or little finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the pinky or little finger groove or depression 38 on the surface of the device 20. These finger grooves or depressions 35, 36, 37 and 38 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the proper continental grip. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 12, depicted is a top view looking down at the B6 bevel 6 and the B7 bevel 7 of the grip/handle 12 of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 being gripped by the right hand 15 of a right-handed tennis player. The thumb heel area 16 of the palm of the right hand 15 of the right-handed tennis player is seen in FIG. 12 as pressing against the right side of the thumb heel plate or protrusion 34 of the device 20. The thumb 17 and the four fingers of the right hand are also shown gripping the device 20 in their respective grooves or depressions. The thumb heel plate or protrusion 34 of the device 20 is a design feature that provides an advantage over prior art tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip devices because it creates a resting and pressing location for the thumb heel area 16 of the palm such as to keep the player's hand locked into a proper continental grip and also providing a support surface needed for the thumb heel area 16 during training/practicing for optimum development of muscle memory for volley, serve, and overhead strokes, as well as slice forehand/backhand groundstrokes and forehand/backhand drop shots. With each of these tennis strokes, a proper continental grip is the preferred grip to use.

Referring to FIG. 13, depicted is a top view of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player. This top view is looking down at the B5 bevel 5 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the bottom side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along thumb groove 33 of the device 20. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove or depression 35. The middle finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the middle finger groove or depression 36. The ring finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the ring finger groove or depression 37. The pinky or little finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the pinky or little finger groove or depression 38 in the surface of the device 20. Again these finger grooves or depressions 35, 36, 37 and 38 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the proper continental grip. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 15, depicted is a top view of the continental grip training device 20 mounted on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player. This top view is looking down at the B3 bevel 3 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the far right side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. With respect to FIG. 15, the palm of the right hand rests to the right of the thumb heel plate 34 and rests in the recessed palm area 31 to the left of the four finger grooves 35, 36, 37, 38 and below the top ridge 32 of the device 20. The bottom of the thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along initial section of thumb groove 33 of the device 20. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove or depression 35. The middle finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the middle finger groove or depression 36. The ring finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the ring finger groove or depression 37. The pinky or little finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the pinky or little finger groove or depression 38 on the surface of the device 20. Again each of these finger grooves or depressions 35, 36, 37 and 38 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the proper continental grip. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 15.

The continental grip training device 20 of FIGS. 8-16 may also be rotated (see arrows of these Figures) around the grip of the tennis racquet handle 12 to allow for the teaching or training of other one-handed grips used in tennis and other racquet and paddle sports, including the eastern one-handed backhand grip, the semi-western one-handed backhand grip, the eastern forehand grip, the semi-western forehand grip, the western forehand grip, the soft western forehand grip and the soft semi-western forehand grip. Hence, by rotating the continental grip training device 20 of FIGS. 8-16 to various positions relative to or around the tennis racquet handle 12 or other racquet or paddle type handle (not shown), it can be easily adapted to teach and train not only strokes associated with the continental grip (serve, volley, overhead, continental forehand, slice forehand and slide backhand), but also other one-handed strokes associated with these other grips including, but not limited to, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft western forehand, and the soft semi-western forehand. The possible rotation of the device 20 of FIGS. 8-16 relative to the racquet handle 12 is depicted by the arrows in the clock-wise direction, but may also optionally occur in the counterclockwise direction to achieve the full gamut of one-handed grips and strokes for not only tennis, but also other racquet sports (squash, racquetball), and paddle sports (pickleball, paddle tennis, platform tennis).

Two-Handed Backhand Grip Training Device Embodiment

In another form of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein, provided is a two-handed backhand grip training device for teaching and mastering the two-handed backhand grip used for backhand ground strokes used in conventional tennis, as well as the possibility of two-handed strokes used in other racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis) sports. FIGS. 17 to 28 are particular to the device being used on a conventional tennis racquet, but may also apply for an alternative type of racquet or paddle sport racquet or paddle, such as a racquetball racquet, a squash racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle or a paddle tennis paddle. FIGS. 17 to 28 described below for the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device are for a right-handed player. For a left handed player, the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device would be a mirror image of FIGS. 17 to 28 described below.

FIG. 17 depicts a top view looking down at the B2 bevel 2 of the grip/handle 12 of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 being gripped by the right hand 15 of a right hand dominant tennis player. The right hand 15 (dominant hand) of the player is positioned at the bottom end or butt end (not shown) of the device 50 and the left hand 18 (non-dominant hand) of the player is positioned at the top end or throat 13 end of the device 50. While gripping the device 50, the right hand 15 and the left hand 18 of the player are in close proximity, but are not overlapping with one another because of the hand divider plate or pad 52, which separates the top of the right hand 15 from the bottom of the left hand 18.

Referring to FIG. 18, depicted is a top view of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right hand dominant tennis player on the two-handed backhand ground stroke. This top view is looking down at the B1 bevel 1 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the top side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The two-handed backhand grip tennis training device 50 includes a lower portion or right hand portion 51 for positioning the right hand (dominant hand) that is adjacent to the butt end 14 of the grip/handle 12 and an upper portion or left hand portion 53 for positioning the left hand (non-dominant hand) that is adjacent to the throat end 13 of the grip/handle 12. A hand divider plate or pad or protrusion 52 separates the upper portion or left hand portion 53 of the device 50 from the lower portion or right hand portion 51 of the device 50.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 18. The hand divider plate or pad or protrusion 52 includes a top or upper plate or pad 54 for resting/supporting the pinky finger heel of the left hand and a bottom or lower plate or pad 55 for resting/supporting the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger. The two-handed backhand grip training device 50 within the lower portion or right hand portion 51 of the device 50 includes a right hand thumb groove 56 such that the right thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the left side of the right hand thumb groove 56 of the device 50. The palm of the right hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 57 of the device 50 below the hand divider plate or pad 52. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the left side of the right hand thumb groove 56 of the device 50, and the right thumb heel (not shown) of the player presses against the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58. The right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58 has an apex at 59. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove or depression 65. A middle finger groove or depression 66, a ring finger groove or depression 67 and pinky or little finger groove or depression 68 in the surface of the device 50 are also provided to assist with the proper placement of these fingers for the right hand, which leads to a continental grip for the lower right hand of the two-handed backhand grip. Each of these right finger grooves 65, 66, 67, 68 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 50. These right hand finger grooves or depressions 65, 66, 67 and 68 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the continental grip for the lower right hand on the grip/handle 12.

Referring again to FIG. 19, the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 within the upper portion or left hand portion 53 of the device 50 includes a left hand thumb groove 74 such that the left thumb of the top left hand of the player is positioned along the left hand thumb groove 74 of the device 50. The palm of the left hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 71 of the device 50 above the hand divider plate or pad 52. The thumb of the left hand of the player is positioned along the right side of the left hand thumb groove 74 of the device 50 and the left thumb heel (not shown) of the player presses against the left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72. The left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72 has an apex at 73. The left index finger of the left hand of the player is positioned in the index finger groove or depression 75. A middle finger groove or depression 76, a ring finger groove or depression 77 and pinky or little finger groove or depression 78 in the surface of the device 50 are also provided to assist with the proper placement of these fingers for the left hand, which leads to a semi-western forehand or alternatively an eastern forehand grip for the upper left hand of the two-handed backhand grip. Each of these left finger grooves or depressions 75, 76, 77, 78 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 50. These left hand finger grooves or depressions 75, 76, 77 and 78 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the semi-western forehand grip or alternatively the eastern forehand grip for the upper left hand on the grip.

FIG. 20 is an alternative top view looking down at the B2 bevel 2 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet for the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19. FIG. 20 further illustrates the positions of the hand divider plate or pad 52, the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58, and the left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72.

The novel features of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20 include the hand divider plate or pad or protrusion 52, which separates the top of the right hand from the bottom of the left hand on the grip/handle 12 of the device 50, the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58, which properly positions the bottom right hand on the grip/handle and provides a surface upon which the right hand thumb heel can rest and be used for applying a force against during the stroke, and the left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72, which properly positions the top left hand on the grip/handle 12 and provides a surface upon which the left hand thumb heel can rest and be used for applying a force against during the stroke.

FIG. 21 is an alternative top view looking down at between the B2 bevel 2 and the B3 bevel 3 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet for the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 further illustrates the positions of the hand divider plate or pad 52, the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58, the right hand thumb groove 56 and finger grooves 65, 66, 67, 68 and the left hand thumb groove 74 and finger grooves 75, 76, 77, 78.

Referring to FIG. 22, depicted is a top view of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player with a two-handed backhand stroke. This top view is looking down at the B3 bevel 3 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the far right side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The top left-hand thumb groove 74, index finger groove 75, middle finger groove 76, ring finger groove 77, and pinky finger groove 78 are depicted in FIG. 22 relative to the racquet head 11 and throat 13 of the racquet 10. The bottom right-hand index finger groove 65, middle finger groove 66, ring finger groove 67, and pinky finger groove 68 are also depicted in FIG. 22 relative to the racquet head 11 and throat 13 of the racquet 10. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 24, depicted is a top view of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player with a two-handed backhand stroke. This top view is looking down at the B5 bevel 5 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the bottom side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The top left-hand thumb groove 74, index finger groove 75, middle finger groove 76, ring finger groove 77, and pinky finger groove 78 are depicted in FIG. 24 relative to the racquet head 11 and throat 13 of the racquet 10. The bottom right-hand index finger groove 65, middle finger groove 66, ring finger groove 67, and pinky finger groove 68 are also depicted in FIG. 24 relative to the racquet head 11 and throat 13 of the racquet 10. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 24.

Referring to FIG. 26, depicted is a top view of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player with a two-handed backhand stroke. This top view is looking down at the B7 bevel 7 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the far left side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The hand divider plate or pad 52 separates the upper portion or left hand portion 53 of the device 50 from the lower portion or right hand portion 51 of the device 50. With respect to FIG. 26, the palm of the right hand rests to the right of the top edge or apex 59 of the thumb heel plate 58. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along thumb groove or depression 56 of the device 50. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove 65. The middle finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the middle finger groove or depression 66. The ring finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the ring finger groove or depression 67. The pinky or little finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the pinky or little finger groove or depression 68 on the surface of the device 20. These finger grooves or depressions 65, 66, 67 and 68 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers of the right hand for the proper continental grip for the bottom right hand on the device 50. Also with respect to FIG. 26, the palm of the left hand rests in the recessed palm area 71 of the upper portion 53 of the device 50 above the hand divider plate or pad 52. The thumb heel of the top left hand of the player presses against the left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72. The left index finger of the left hand of the player is positioned in the index finger groove or depression 75. A middle finger groove or depression 76, a ring finger groove or depression 77 and pinky or little finger groove or depression 78 in the surface of the device 50 are also provided to assist with the proper placement of these fingers for the left hand, which reinforces a semi-western forehand grip or alternatively an eastern forehand grip for the upper left hand of the two-handed backhand grip. Each of these left finger grooves or depressions 75, 76, 77, 78 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 50. These left hand finger grooves or depressions 75, 76, 77 and 78 are optional and are provided to assist with the proper placement of the fingers for the semi-western forehand grip or alternatively the eastern forehand grip for the upper left hand on the grip. FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the grip/handle 12 section of FIG. 26.

Referring to FIG. 28, depicted is a top view of the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 19 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player with a two-handed backhand stroke. This top view is looking down at the B8 bevel 8 of the grip/handle 12, and hence just to the left of the top of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIG. 28 includes a lower portion or right hand portion 51 for positioning the right hand (dominant hand) that is adjacent to the butt end 14 of the grip/handle 12 and an upper portion or left hand portion 53 for positioning the left hand (non-dominant hand) that is adjacent to the throat end 13 of the grip/handle 12. The hand divider plate or pad 52 separates the upper portion or left hand portion 53 of the device 50 from the lower portion or right hand portion 51 of the device 50. The hand divider plate or pad 52 includes a top or upper plate or pad 54 for resting/supporting the pinky finger heel of the left hand and a bottom or lower plate or pad 55 for resting/supporting the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger.

The two-handed backhand grip tennis training device 50 within the lower portion or right hand portion 51 of the device 50 includes a right hand thumb groove 56 such that the right thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the right hand thumb groove 56 of the device 50. The palm of the right hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 57 of the device 50 below the hand divider plate or pad 52. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the right hand thumb groove 56 of the device 50. The right hand thumb heel (not shown) of the player rests or presses against the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 58. The right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion has an apex at 59.

Referring again to FIG. 28, within the upper portion or left hand portion 53 of the device 50, the palm of the left hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 71 of the device 50 above the hand divider plate or pad 52. The left hand thumb heel (not shown) of the player rests or presses against the left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 72. The left hand thumb heel plate or protrusion has an apex at 73. The combination of the left hand thumb heel plate 72, the hand divider plate or pad 52 and the right hand thumb heel plate 58 of the device 50 set the position of the player's hands for a proper two-handed backhand grip the two-handed backhand stroke. The left and right hand thumb and finger grooves or depressions may also be optionally added to the surface of the device to further set the thumb and finger positions on the device, but are not as important as the combination of the left hand thumb heel plate 72, the hand divider plate or pad 52 and the right hand thumb heel plate 58 for the proper functioning of the device 50 for teaching, practicing and refining the two-handed backhand grip and stroke.

In particular, the position, dimensions and contour of the right hand heel plate 58 provide for the proper placement of the player's right hand index finger lower knuckle for the right hand continental grip and also provides an optimum resting and pressing surface for the right hand thumb heel region of the palm. This allows for the player to have the optimal right hand position for mastering the two-handed back hand stroke by facilitating and accentuating the use of the bottom right hand in guiding and driving the racquet head outward and upward to provide increased top spin and power to the two-handed backhand stroke. In addition, the position, dimensions and contour of the left hand heel plate 72 provide for the proper placement of the player's left hand index finger lower knuckle for the left hand semi-western forehand grip or alternatively the eastern forehand grip and also provides an optimum resting and pressing surface for the left hand thumb heel region of the palm, which facilitates and accentuates the use of the top left hand in driving the racquet head outward and upward to provide increased top spin and power to the two-handed backhand stroke. The hand divider plate or pad 52 of the device 50 provides for slight contact or slight separation between the bottom right hand and the top left hand on the grip/handle for the proper positioning of the two hands relative to each other. These three features (left hand thumb heel plate 72, hand divider plate or pad 52, right hand thumb heel plate 58) of the two-handed backhand grip tennis training device 50 allow the player to gain the muscle memory needed to use the correct grip for the two-handed backhand stroke even when the device 50 is removed from the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10, and ultimately leads to a two-handed backhand stroke with improved placement, power and top spin.

Similar to the continental grip training device, the right hand thumb heel plate 58 starts in the vicinity of the middle of the grip/handle 12 at the about the center of the B7 bevel and progresses down the grip/handle 12 as a protrusion with an edge or apex 59 to the bottom of the grip handle at the left side of the B1 bevel. The right hand thumb heel plate 58 may have a width of about 1″ near the top of the plate, a width of about 1⅜″ at its widest point, which is about a third of the way down from the top of the plate and a width of about ⅝″ near the bottom of the plate 58 or the device 50. The overall length of the right hand thumb heel plate 58 down the axial length of the grip/handle 12 may range from 2″ to 4″, or from 2″ to 3½″, or from 2¼″ to 3″, or from 2½″ to 2¾″. The overall height of the right hand thumb heel plate 58 from the surface of the device is about ¾″ at its highest point or apex 59, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. The right hand thumb heel plate 58 may have the shape of a “human ear” in terms of flaring out at the top and being wider toward the top and tapering down to being narrower at the bottom.

The hand divider plate or pad 52 runs generally horizontally or at a slight angle (45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or 10 degrees or less) across the grip/handle 12 of the racquet and is located about half-way up the length of the grip/handle from the butt end 14 of the racquet 10. The hand divider plate or pad 52 may have an overall height from the surface of the device of about ¾″ at its highest point or apex, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. The length of the hand divider plate across the grip/handle 12 of the racquet may range from 1″ to 3″, or 1½″ to 2½″, or 1¾″ to 2-¼″.

The left hand thumb heel plate 72 starts in the vicinity of the top of the grip/handle 12 at the about the right side of the B1 bevel and progresses down the grip/handle 12 as a protrusion with an edge or apex 73 to about the middle of the axial length of the grip/handle along the B1 bevel. The left hand thumb heel plate 72 may have a width of about ½″ near the top of the plate, a width of about 1⅛″ at its widest point, which is about a third of the way down from the top of the plate and a width of about ½″ near the bottom of the plate 72. The overall length of the left hand thumb heel plate 72 down the axial length of the grip/handle 12 may range from 2″ to 4″, or from 2″ to 3½″, or from 2¼″ to 3″, or from 2½″ to 2-¾″. The overall height of the left hand thumb heel plate 72 from the surface of the device is about ¾″ at its highest point or apex 73, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″.

The two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIGS. 17-28 may also be rotated (see arrows of these Figures) around the grip of the racquet handle 12 or paddle handle to allow for the teaching or training of not only the two-handed backhand grip, but also other two-handed grips, as well as the full gamut of one-handed grips, including the continental grip, the eastern one-handed backhand grip, the semi-western one-handed backhand grip, the eastern forehand grip, the semi-western forehand grip, the western forehand grip, the soft western forehand grip and the soft semi-western forehand grip. Hence, by rotating the two-handed backhand grip training device 50 of FIGS. 17-28 to various positions relative to or around the racquet handle 12 or paddle handle (not shown), it can be easily adapted to teach and train not the two-handed backhand stroke, but one-handed tennis strokes associated with these other grips including, but not limited to, the serve, the volley, the continental forehand, the slice forehand, the slice backhand, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft western forehand grip and the soft semi-western forehand. The possible rotation of the device 50 of FIGS. 17-28 relative to the racquet handle 12 is depicted by the arrows in the clock-wise direction, but may also optionally occur in the counterclockwise direction to achieve the full gamut of two-handed and one-handed grips and strokes used for tennis, racquetball, squash, pickleball, paddle tennis and platform tennis.

Soft Semi-Western Forehand Grip Training Device Embodiment

In another form of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein, provided is a soft semi-western forehand grip training device for teaching and mastering one of the more widely used forehand grips used for forehand strokes used in conventional tennis as well as the forehand grips (anywhere from eastern to semi-western to full western forehand strokes used in other racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis) sports. FIGS. 29 to 33 are particular to the device being used on a conventional tennis racquet, but may also apply for an alternative type of racquet or paddle sport racquet or paddle, such as a racquetball racquet, a squash racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle or a paddle tennis paddle. FIGS. 7 to 16 described below for the continental grip tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device are for a right-handed player. FIGS. 29 to 33 described below for the soft semi-western forehand grip training device are for a right-handed player. For a left handed player, the soft semi-western forehand grip training device would be a mirror image of FIGS. 29 to 33 described below.

FIG. 29 depicts a top view looking down at the B1 bevel 1 of the grip/handle 12 of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 molded proximate the butt end 14 of the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 being gripped by the right hand 15 of a right hand dominant tennis player. The right hand 15 (dominant hand) of the player is positioned at the bottom end of the device 80. While gripping the device 80, the palm (not shown) of the right hand 15 of the player is positioned in the recessed palm area (not shown) of the device 80 below the top ridge, plate or pad 82 for resting/supporting the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger and to the right of the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 84. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the right hand thumb groove 83 of the device 80, and the right thumb heel of the player presses against the right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 84.

Referring to FIG. 30, depicted is a top view of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right hand dominant tennis player on the forehand ground stroke. This top view is looking down at the B1 bevel 1 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the top side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 is molded proximate the butt end 14 of the grip/handle 12. The palm of the right hand of the player is placed in the recessed palm area 81 of the device 80 below the top ridge, plate or pad 82 of the device 80. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the thumb groove 83 of the device 80 and the thumb heel presses against the right side of the thumb heel plate or protrusion 84. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove 85. A middle finger groove or depression 86, a ring finger groove or depression 87 and a pinky or little finger groove or depression 88 in the surface of the device 80 are also provided to assist with the proper placement of these fingers for the proper soft semi-western grip. Each of these finger grooves 85, 86, 87, 88 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 80.

Again referring to FIG. 30, the thumb heel plate or protrusion 84 is a significant component of the design 80 because it provides for not only the proper positioning of the right hand for a soft semi-western forehand grip, but also provides a resting and pressing surface for the thumb heel region of the right hand palm, which is beneficial for proper forehand grip stroke development. The thumb heel plate or protrusion 84 positions and locks in the player's right hand for the proper forehand grip. The thumb heel plate 84 starts in the vicinity of the middle of the top third of the device 80 at about the B8 bevel 91 and progresses down the grip/handle 12 as a protrusion with an upper edge or apex 96 and then progresses down to the bottom of the grip handle 12 to the B2 bevel 92. The thumb heel plate 84 from its starting point 91 tapers upwardly and across the B8 and B1 bevels of the grip/handle 12 to its peak 96 and then from its peak 96 tapers back down and across the B1 and B2 bevels of the grip/handle 12 to its bottom point 92. The thumb heel plate 84 has a width of about 1″ near the top 91 of the plate 84. The thumb heel plate 84 has a width of about 1⅜″ at its widest point or peak 96, which is about a third of the way down from the top of the plate 84 and has width of about ⅝″ near the bottom 92 of the plate 84. The overall length of the thumb heel plate 84 down the axial length of the grip/handle 12 may range from 2″ to 4″, or from 2″ to 3½″, or from 2¼″ to 3″, or from 2½″ to 2¾″. The overall height of the thumb heel plate 84 from the surface of the device is about ¾″ at its highest point or apex 96, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. The thumb heel plate 84 may have the shape of a “human ear” in terms of flaring out at the top and being wider toward the top and tapering down to being narrower at the bottom of the device 80.

Again referring to FIG. 30, the top ridge, plate or pad 82 of the device 80 is also a significant component of the design 80 because it provides for not only the proper positioning of the right hand for a soft semi-western forehand grip, but also provides a resting and pressing surface during the forehand stroke for the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger. The top ridge, plate or pad 82 also keeps the player's right hand from slipping up the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 such that the hand is maintained near the bottom end of the grip/handle 12. The top ridge, plate or pad 82 of the device 80 also starts in the vicinity of the B8 bevel towards the top end of the device at 98 and tapers or runs across the B8 and B1 bevels of the grip/handle 12 and ends in the vicinity of the B2 or B3 bevels towards the top end of the device at 99. The top ridge, plate or pad 82 runs generally horizontally or at a slight angle (45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or 10 degrees or less) across the B8/B1/B2/B3 bevels of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10. The top ridge, plate or pad 82 may have an overall height from the surface of the device of about ¾″ at its highest point or apex, but the height may range from ¼″ to 1″, or from ⅜″ to ⅞″, or from ½″ to ¾″. The length of the top ridge, plate or pad 82 across the B8/B1/B2/B3 bevels of the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 may range from 1″ to 3″, or 1½″ to 2½″, or 1¾″ to 2¼″.

Referring to FIG. 31, depicted is a top view of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right hand dominant tennis player on the forehand ground stroke. This top view is looking down at the B3 bevel 3 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the right side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. With respect to FIG. 31, the palm of the right hand rests to the right of the thumb heel plate 84 and rests in the recessed palm area 81 to the left of the four finger grooves 85, 86, 87, 88 and below the top ridge 82 of the device 80. The recessed palm area 81 of the device 80 is depicted as well as the top ridge, plate or pad 82 for resting/supporting/pressing the area of the palm of the right hand between the thumb and the index finger. The right hand thumb heel plate or protrusion 84 is also depicted for resting/supporting/pressing the right hand thumb heel. These three design features (recessed palm area 81, top ridge, plate or pad 82, and thumb heel plate or protrusion 84) and their proper placement on the device 80 provide for the proper placement of the right hand of the player on the grip/handle 12 of the racquet 10 for development of the soft semi-western forehand stroke. Thumb groove 83, index finger groove 85, middle finger groove 86, ring finger groove 87 and pinkly or little finger groove 88 are optional features that further assist in locking the players right hand in the proper position for the soft semi-western forehand grip.

Referring to FIG. 32, depicted is a top view of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right hand dominant tennis player on the forehand ground stroke. This top view is looking down at the B5 bevel 5 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the bottom side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. With respect to FIG. 32, the palm of the right hand rests to the left of the four finger grooves 85, 86, 87, 88 and below the top ridge 82 of the device 80 in the recessed palm area 81. Again the finger grooves or depressions 85, 86, 87 and 88 are optional and are provided to assist with proper placement of the fingers for the soft semi-western forehand grip.

Referring to FIG. 33, depicted is a top view of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 molded on the grip/handle 12 of a conventional tennis racquet 10 for training a right-handed tennis player. This top view is looking down at the B7 bevel 7 of the grip/handle 12, and hence the far left side of the grip/handle 12 with respect to the bevel designation indicated in FIG. 2a. With respect to FIG. 33, the palm of the right hand rests in the recessed palm area (not shown) behind the thumb heel plate 84 and below the top ridge 82 of the device 80. The thumb of the right hand of the player is positioned along the thumb groove or depression 83. The index finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the index finger groove or depression 85. The middle finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the middle finger groove or depression 86. The ring finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the ring finger groove or depression 87. The pinky or little finger of the right hand of the player is positioned along the pinky or little finger groove or depression 88 in the surface of the device 80. Each of these finger grooves 85, 86, 87, 88 are separated by a ridge on the surface of the device 80.

The soft semi-western grip training device 80 of FIGS. 29-33 may also be rotated (see arrows of these Figures) around the grip of the racquet handle 12 or paddle handle (not shown) to allow for the teaching or training of other one-handed grips used for not only tennis, but other racquet and paddle sports, including the eastern one-handed backhand grip, the semi-western one-handed backhand grip, the eastern forehand grip, the semi-western forehand grip, the western forehand grip, the soft western forehand grip and the continental grip. Hence, by rotating the soft semi-western grip training device 80 of FIGS. 19-33 to various positions relative to or around the racquet handle 12 or paddle handle, it can be easily adapted to teach and train not only the soft semi-western forehand stroke, but also other one-handed strokes associated with these other grips including, but not limited to, the serve, the volley, the overhead, the continental forehand, the slice forehand, the slide backhand, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the soft western forehand and the western forehand. The possible rotation of the device 80 of FIGS. 29-33 relative to the racquet handle 12 is depicted by the arrows in the clock-wise direction, but may also optionally occur in the counterclockwise direction to achieve the full gamut of one-handed racquet and paddle sport grips and strokes.

Alternative Forehand Grip Training Device Embodiments

The soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80 disclosed above and depicted in FIGS. 29 to 33 may be modified for teaching and training other forehand grips, such as the eastern, semi-western, and western forehand grips, as well as anything in between, by rotating the device of FIGS. 29 to 33 (see arrows) relative to the racquet grip/handle 12 or paddle grip/handle. These alternative forehand grips are provided by altering the placement of the three design features of the soft semi-western forehand grip training device 80. That is the position or placement of the three design features (recessed palm area, top ridge, plate or pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion) on the outside surface of the forehand grip training device is altered to obtain a device suitable for the alternative forehand grips (eastern, semi-western, soft-western and western forehand grips). The recessed palm area, the top ridge/plate/pad, and the thumb heel plate or protrusion of the eastern, semi-western, soft western and western forehand grip tennis training devices have the same functions and benefits are described above for the soft semi-western forehand grip training device. Optionally a thumb groove, index finger groove, middle finger groove, ring finger groove and pinkly or little finger groove may be added for these alternative forehand grip devices to further assist in locking the players right hand in the proper position for each of the grips.

For the eastern forehand grip, the eastern forehand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the soft semi-western forehand training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns with the B3 bevel of the grip/handle.

For the semi-western forehand grip, the semi-western forehand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the soft semi-western forehand training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns with the bevel of the grip/handle.

For the soft western forehand grip, the soft western forehand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the soft semi-western forehand training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns between the B4 and the B5 bevel of the grip/handle.

For the western forehand grip, the western forehand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the soft semi-western forehand training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns with the B5 bevel of the grip/handle. The aforementioned eastern, semi-western, soft western and western forehand grips are generally utilized to hit forehand ground strokes in tennis, but may be alternatively utilized in other racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis) sports.

One-handed Backhand Grip Training Device Embodiments

The continental grip training device 20 disclosed above and depicted in FIGS. 8 to 16 may be used for teaching and training the continental one-handed backhand grip used for tennis, other racquet sports (squash, racquetball) and paddle sports (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis).

Alternatively, the continental grip training device 20 disclosed above and depicted in FIGS. 8 to 16 may be modified for teaching and training other one-handed backhand grips, such as the eastern or semi-western backhand grips, by rotating the device of FIGS. 8 to 16 (see arrows) relative to the racquet grip/handle 12 or paddle grip/handle. These alternative one-handed backhand grips are provided by altering the placement of the three design features of the continental grip training device 20. That is the position or placement of the three design features (recessed palm area, top ridge, plate or pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion) on the outside surface of the continental grip training device is altered to obtain a device suitable for the eastern or semi-western backhand grips. The recessed palm area, the top ridge/plate/pad, and the thumb heel plate or protrusion of the eastern or semi-western backhand grip tennis training devices have the same functions and benefits are described above for the continental grip training device. Optionally a thumb groove, index finger groove, middle finger groove, ring finger groove and pinkly or little finger groove may be added for these alternative backhand grip devices to further assist in locking the players right hand in the proper position for each of the grips.

In another form of the tennis and other racquet and paddle sport grip training device disclosed herein, provided is a one-handed backhand grip training device for teaching and mastering an eastern one-handed backhand grip. For the eastern one-handed backhand grip, the eastern backhand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the continental grip training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns with the B1 bevel of the grip/handle.

In yet another form of the tennis grip training device disclosed herein, provided is a one-handed backhand grip tennis training device for teaching and mastering a semi-western one-handed backhand grip. For the semi-western one-handed backhand grip, the semi-western backhand grip training device includes the three design features disclosed for the continental grip training device (recessed palm area, top ridge/plate/pad, and thumb heel plate or protrusion), but the positions are altered on the surface of the device such that the base or lower knuckle of the index finger generally aligns with the B8 bevel of the grip/handle. Optionally a thumb groove, index finger groove, middle finger groove, ring finger groove and pinkly or little finger groove may be added for these one-handed backhand grip devices to further assist in locking the players right hand in the proper position for each of the grips. The aforementioned eastern and semi-western backhand grips are utilized to hit one-handed backhand ground strokes in tennis, but may be alternatively utilized in other racquet (squash, racquetball) and paddle (pickleball, platform tennis, paddle tennis) sports.

The recessed palm area, the top ridge/plate/pad, and the thumb heel plate or protrusion of the eastern and semi-western one-handed backhand grip training devices have the same functions and benefits are described above for the continental grip tennis training device, two-handed backhand tennis training device and the soft semi-western tennis training device.

The one-handed backhand grip training device provided herein may be removably or permanently installed onto the grip/handle of a racquet or handle for positioning the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the one-handed backhand stroke. In one form, the one-handed backhand grip training device includes: i)an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least one top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending diagonally downward starting from the B7 bevel at about midway down from the top end to the B8 bevel at the bottom end for positioning and supporting the thumb heel area of the dominate hand, iii) a top horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end and extending across the B7, B8 and B1 bevels for positioning and supporting the palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the dominate hand, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the dominate hand on the device.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

A1. A tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device for removably or permanently installing onto a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player one-handed strokes requiring different grips of the player's dominant hand on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about one-third down to about two-thirds down from the top end of the device to the bottom end for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located from about one quarter down to about half-way down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

A2. The training device of paragraph A1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

A3. The training device of paragraph A1 or A2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

A4. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A3), wherein the annular elongated member is positioned over the grip of the racquet handle for teaching or training for teaching or training one-handed tennis strokes selected from the group consisting of the serve, the volley, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the continental forehand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft semi-western forehand, the soft western forehand and the overhead.

A5. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A4), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

A6. The training device of paragraph A5, wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

A7. The training device of paragraph A6, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

A8. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A7), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

A9. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A8), wherein the annular elongated member is rotatable around an outside surface of the racquet or paddle grip/handle and includes a fixed inner or base sleeve positionable against the grip of the racquet or paddle handle, an outer rotatable sleeve positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the fixed inner or base sleeve, and one or more locking portions for securing the device to the racquet or paddle handle, wherein an inner diameter of the rotatable outer sleeve is larger than an outer diameter of the fixed inner or base sleeve to allow for the outer rotatable sleeve to rotate about fixed inner or base sleeve.

A10. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A9), wherein the rotatable annular elongated member further includes one or more inner ball bearing rings integral to the fixed inner or base sleeve and adjacent to the outer rotatable sleeve to further facilitate the rotation of the outer rotatable sleeve relative to the fixed inner or base sleeve.

A11. The training device of paragraph A9, wherein the outer rotatable sleeve is positioned relative to the fixed inner or base sleeve of the device on the grip of the racquet handle for teaching or training a one-handed tennis stroke selected from the group consisting of the serve, the volley, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the continental forehand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft western forehand, the soft semi-western forehand and the overhead.

A12. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A11), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

A13. The training device of paragraph A1 (or A2-A12), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

A14. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph A1 (or A2 to A13).

B1. A tennis and other racquet and paddle sport training device for removably or permanently installing onto a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's bottom dominant hand and optionally the player's top non-dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player in one-handed and/or two-handed strokes requiring different grips of the player's dominant hand and optional non-dominant hand on the grip/handle of the racquet or paddle, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a first contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and downward proximate the top end of the device to about one-third down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of an optional player's top non-dominate hand on the device, iii) a second contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about two-thirds down from the top end of the device to the bottom end for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device, iv) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located about half-way down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting a pinky finger heel area of the optional player's top non-dominate hand and an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device, v) a first recessed palm area for positioning and supporting a palma fascia area of the optional player's top non-dominate hand on the device, and vi) a second recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device.

B2. The training device of paragraph B1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

B3. The training device of paragraph B1 or B2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

B4. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B3) further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's non-dominate hand on the device.

B5. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B4) further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's non-dominate hand on the device.

B6. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B5), wherein the annular elongated member is positioned over the grip of the racquet handle for teaching or training one-handed and two-handed tennis strokes selected from the group consisting of the serve, the volley, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the continental forehand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft semi-western forehand, the soft western forehand, the two-handed backhand and the overhead.

B7. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B6), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

B8. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B7), wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

B9. The training device of paragraph B8, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

B10. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B9), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material or a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

B11. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B10), wherein the annular elongated member is rotatable around an outside surface of the racquet or paddle grip/handle and includes a fixed inner or base sleeve positionable against the grip of the racquet or paddle handle, an outer rotatable sleeve positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the fixed inner or base sleeve, and one or more locking portions for securing the device to the racquet or paddle handle, wherein an inner diameter of the rotatable outer sleeve is larger than an outer diameter of the fixed inner or base sleeve to allow for the outer rotatable sleeve to rotate about fixed inner or base sleeve.

B12. The training device of paragraph B11, wherein the rotatable annular elongated member further includes one or more inner ball bearing rings integral to the fixed inner or base sleeve and adjacent to the outer rotatable sleeve to further facilitate the rotation of the outer rotatable sleeve relative to the fixed inner or base sleeve.

B13. The training device of paragraph B11, wherein the outer rotatable sleeve is positioned relative to the fixed inner or base sleeve of the device on the grip of the racquet handle for teaching or training one-handed and two-handed tennis strokes selected from the group consisting of the serve, the volley, the eastern one-handed backhand, the semi-western one-handed backhand, the continental forehand, the eastern forehand, the semi-western forehand, the western forehand, the soft semi-western forehand, the soft western forehand, the two-handed backhand and the overhead.

B14. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B13), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

B15. The training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B14), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

B16. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph B1 (or B2-B15).

C1. A continental grip training device for removably or permanently installing onto a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player the strokes associated with a continental grip, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward from the device starting from a B8 bevel of the handle at about midway down from the top end of the device to a B1 bevel of the handle at the bottom end of the device for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end of the device and extending outward and across B8, B1 and B2 bevels of the handle for positioning and supporting a palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting a palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

C2. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

C3. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 or C2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

C4. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 (or C2-C3), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

C5. The continental grip training device of paragraph C4, wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

C6. The continental grip training device of paragraph C5, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

C7. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 (or C2-C6), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material or a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

C8. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 (or C2-C7), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

C9. The continental grip training device of paragraph C1 (or C2-C8), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

C10. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph C1 (or C2-C9).

D1. A two-handed backhand grip training device for removably or permanently installing onto a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's bottom dominant hand and top non-dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player a two-handed backhand stroke, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a first contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and downwardly along a B1 bevel of the handle starting from proximate the top end of the device to about one-third down from the top end of the device for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's top non-dominate hand on the device, iii) a second contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward starting from about two-thirds down from the top end of the device at a B8 bevel of the handle to the bottom end of the device at the B1 bevel of the handle for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device, iv) a diagonal or horizontal hand divider plate or pad protrusion located about half-way down from the top end of the device and extending outward and across B8, B1 and B2 bevels of the handle for positioning and supporting a pinky finger heel area of the player's top non-dominate hand and an area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device, v) a first recessed palm area for positioning and supporting a palma fascia area of the player's top non-dominate hand on the device, and vi) a second recessed palm area for positioning and supporting the palma fascia area of the player's bottom dominate hand on the device.

D2. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

D3. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 or D2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

D4. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D3) further including a thumb groove or depression, an finger index groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's non-dominate hand on the device.

D5. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D4) further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's non-dominate hand on the device.

D6. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D5), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

D7. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D6, wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

D8. The two-handed backhand training device of paragraph D7, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

D9. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D8), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material or a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

D10. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D10), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

D11. The two-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D10), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

D12. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph D1 (or D2-D11).

E1. A soft semi-western forehand grip training device for removably or installing onto permanently a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player a forehand stroke associated with the soft semi-western forehand grip, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward from the device starting from a B8 bevel of the handle at about midway from the top end of the device to a B2 bevel of the handle at the bottom end of the device for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end of the device and extending outward and across B8, B1 and B2 bevels of the handle for positioning and supporting a palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting a palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

E2. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

E3. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 or E2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

E4. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 (or E2-E3), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

E5. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E4, wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

E6. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E5, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

E7. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 (or E2-E6), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material or a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

E8. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 (or E2-E7), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

E9. The soft semi-western forehand grip training device of paragraph E1 (or E2-E8), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

E10. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph E1 (or E2-E9) .

F1. A one-handed backhand grip training device for removably or permanently installing onto a grip/handle of a racquet or paddle for positioning a player's dominant hand on the grip/handle to teach or train the player a one-handed backhand stroke, wherein the device comprises: i) an annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle including a top end and a bottom end and at least a top end opening, ii) a contoured thumb heel plate or pad protrusion extending outward and diagonally downward from the device starting from a B7 bevel of the handle at about midway down from the top end of the device to a B8 bevel of the handle at the bottom end of the device for positioning and supporting a thumb heel area of the player's dominate hand on the device, iii) a horizontal or diagonal plate or pad protrusion located about a third down from the top end of the device and extending outward and across B7, B8 and B1 bevels of the handle for positioning and supporting a palm area between the thumb and the index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device, and iv) a recessed palm area for positioning and supporting a palma fascia area of the player's dominate hand on the device.

F2. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 further including a thumb groove or depression, an index finger groove or depression or a combination thereof for positioning and supporting the thumb and/or index finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

F3. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 or F2 further including a middle finger groove or depression, a ring finger groove or depression, a pinky finger groove or depression or combinations thereof for positioning and supporting the middle finger, ringer finger and/or pinky finger of the player's dominate hand on the device.

F4. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 (or F2-F3), wherein the annular elongated member for positioning over a grip of a racquet or paddle handle comprises a one piece sleeve for sliding over a butt end of the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle or two interlocking halves for positioning over and around the grip or handle of the racquet or paddle.

F5. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F4, wherein the two interlocking halves include a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the top end of the device, a slotted groove or recessed area proximate the bottom end of the device or a combination thereof.

F6. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F5, wherein the two interlocking halves with at least one slotted groove or recessed area are secured together with an adhesive tape, an interlocking hook and fastener strip or a rubber band positioned in the at least one slotted groove or recessed area.

F7. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 (or F2-F6), wherein the annular elongated member comprises a cellulosic material or a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, ethylene-propylene-butene terpolymer, neoprene, and silicone based polymers.

F8. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 (or F2-F7), wherein the racquet or paddle is selected from the group consisting of a tennis racquet, a squash racquet, a racquetball racquet, a pickleball paddle, a platform tennis paddle and a paddle tennis paddle.

F9. The one-handed backhand grip training device of paragraph F1 (or F2-F8), wherein the other racquet and paddle sport are selected from the group consisting of squash, racquetball, pickleball, platform tennis and paddle tennis.

F10. A racquet or paddle including the training device of paragraph F1 (or F2-F9).

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the aspects of the disclosed embodiment and that the aspects of the disclosed embodiment can be used individually or in any suitable combination thereof. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the aspects of the disclosed embodiment are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used, such a combination remaining within the scope of the aspects of the disclosure.

All patents, test procedures, and other documents cited herein, priority are including documents, fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this disclosure and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments and methods described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of the following claims.

Tennis Grip Training Device and Methods of Use

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