Patent Publication Number: US-11660519-B2

Title: Golf swing playing aid device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/585,071 filed Sep. 27, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/738,169 filed Sep. 28, 2018, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to golf, and more particularly to golf playing aids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A golf swing can be viewed as comprising a backswing from a starting position to a top position and a downswing from the top position to a follow-through position. A ball-impacting position is crossed during the backswing at approximately its nadir. Consistently achieving a proper golf swing requires committing the mechanics of the backswing and the downswing to muscle memory so that they can be reliably repeated. For golfers at most every level of play, consistency and repeatability in achieving the desired optimal swing remains an ongoing challenge. Moreover, golfer&#39;s often do not engage in proper stretching of muscles to increase flexibility for increasing the speed of the swing. 
     The game of golf requires the use of a variety of different types of golf clubs, and hence the common presumption is that it requires different swings, including driving, pitching, chipping, and putting. Proper execution of the swing for each club requires the specific recollection and dynamic application of a separate sequence of steps, but they all do not need to be different. Most training aids that have been developed for the sport require the use of additional equipment that cannot be used during a regulation round of golf. More particularly, typical training aids do not provide a repeatable and consistent way of practicing both the long and short game (e.g., pitching and chipping) with a single device. 
     The hands, which are the golfer&#39;s connection to the golf club, are often overlooked as the primary source for the execution of any proper and repeatable golf swing. The positioning of the hands on the golf club, therefore, is important in the building of a proper and repeatable golf swing. Having improper hand position on the grip can inhibit speed and acceleration of the shaft during the swing, as well as reduce accuracy and consistency of the shot. 
     The short game of golf (i.e., less than 100 yards, particularly 50 yards or less) is arguably the most difficult part of the game, requires the greatest precision, and for the average golfer may constitute over 50% of the number of shots taken in a round of golf. However, golfers often do not adapt their game, and particularly their style of swing, for accommodating shorter shots (i.e., “chip shots,” “pitch shots,” or shots taken with an iron or wedge, for example) compared to longer shots (i.e., shots taken with a driving iron or driver, for example). In particular, even during chip shots or pitch shots (e.g., less than 30 yards) golfers may have a tendency to cock their wrists during their backswing, in a fashion similar to a standard long shot, which may cause problems with the consistency and accuracy. Moreover, golfer&#39;s often have problems assessing the proper distance of such short shots. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a comprehensive golf swing playing aid device which effectively addresses a full range of elements for achieving a proper, repeatable golf swing and committing the mechanics of such a swing to muscle memory. More particularly, the golf swing playing aid can be used as part of one&#39;s golf club set while practicing or playing a regulation round of golf. 
     The golf swing playing aid device enables the average golfer to use the device as a playing aid during a regulation round of golf by removably attaching it to any of their own conventional golf clubs at the point-of-play. In particular, the golf playing aid device may promote a more perfect and repeatable swing for both the full and short-game by committing the mechanics of such a swing to muscle memory that is essentially the same for all golf shots. In addition, the device may promote the stretching of one&#39;s muscles to increase flexibility with the intent of increasing the speed at which one could swing the club. Furthermore, the device may be configured to be gripped by the golfer so that the average golfer positions their hands in such a fashion to accomplish a more accurate and repeatable golf swing. For example, the device may be configured with such features as to promote a throwing motion of the lower hand on the golf club during the downswing, which helps increase distance by increasing speed and acceleration, as well as accuracy. 
     The golf swing playing aid device may also include features for determining and indicating whether the golfer&#39;s wrist has cocked or hinged during the backswing, so as to alert the golfer of any wrist cock, in an effort to promote a non-wrist-cocking swing to muscle memory. Such a feature may be particularly advantageous during the short game for improving accuracy and consistency when taking chip shots, pitch shots, or the like. 
     In addition, the golf swing playing aid device may include features for determining, estimating, and indicating the distance of a shot. For example, the swing playing aid may have a device that measures the acceleration of the backswing and then calculates an estimated distance or range of distances of the shot by assuming, for example, that the downswing or through-swing is at the same acceleration as the backswing. Such a feature may be particularly advantageous for improving the golfer&#39;s short game by establishing a swing tempo for certain distance shots that may be committed to muscle memory. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a golf swing playing aid device for use on a golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft, includes a grip member removably securable to the shaft for grasping by a lower hand of the user, the grip member freely slidable longitudinally with respect to the shaft and configured such that, when gripped by the lower hand of the user during a backswing the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the hands of the user, when grasping the handle and slidable grip member, can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing to promote a proper and repeatable golf swing. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf swing playing aid device adapted for use on a conventional golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft, the golf swing playing aid device including: a grip member having an outer portion and an inner portion; the outer portion having a portion with a ball-shaped form that is adapted to be gripped like a ball in a lower hand, and more particularly the fingers of a user; and the inner portion being configured to slide along the shaft of the golf club; wherein the grip member is configured to be selectively removable from the shaft; and wherein the grip member is configured such that when gripped by the lower hand of the user during a backswing, the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the lower hand and an upper hand of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand, can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing; and wherein the ball-shaped form of the outer portion enables the user to conceptualize throwing the grip member as a ball toward a golf ball on the ground during the downswing to thereby promote ingraining a higher quality and more repeatable golf swing into muscle memory. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf swing playing aid device for use on a golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft, the golf swing playing aid device including: a grip member having an outer portion and an inner portion; the outer portion being adapted for being grasped in a lower hand, and more particularly the fingers of a user; and the inner portion being configured to slide along the shaft of the golf club; wherein the grip member is configured to be selectively removable from the shaft; wherein the grip member is configured such that when gripped by a lower hand of the user during a backswing, the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the lower hand and an upper hand of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand, can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing; and wherein at least one of the inner portion and the outer portion is made of a rigid material that resists deformation when acted upon by a force exerted by the user during the golf swing to thereby facilitate a sliding motion of the grip member along the shaft. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf swing playing aid device for use on a golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft, the golf swing playing aid device including: a grip member having an outer portion and an inner portion; the outer portion being adapted for being grasped in a lower hand, and more particularly the fingers of a user; and the inner portion being configured to slide along the shaft of the golf club; wherein the grip member is configured to be selectively removable from the shaft; wherein the grip member is configured such that when gripped by a lower hand of the user during a backswing, the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the lower hand and an upper hand of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand, can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing; and wherein the device includes a locking mechanism that is configured to grippingly engage the handle of the golf club in such a way to self-support the grip member on the golf club. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf playing aid includes an electronic device for determining and indicating whether the golfer&#39;s wrist has cocked during the backswing, so as to alert the golfer via audible, visual, and/or tactile means of such wrist cock in an effort to prevent the golfer from cocking their wrist and thereby committing the mechanics of such a non-wrist-cocking swing to muscle memory. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a gyroscope configured for measuring rotation of the device about one or more axes and for communicating signals to a processor for determining whether the measured rotation has reached or exceeded a threshold level. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf playing aid includes an electronic device for determining, estimating, and indicating the distance of a shot, so as to alert the golfer via audible, visual, and/or tactile means that the distance of the shot may be achieved. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an accelerometer configured for measuring acceleration of the device along one or more axes and for communicating signals to a processor for determining whether the measured acceleration has reached or exceeded a threshold level. 
     The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts in the various views. 
         FIG.  1    shows a golf club including an exemplary golf swing playing aid device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    shows an exemplary decal for use in combination with the playing aid device. 
         FIGS.  3 - 5    show a method of using the playing aid device while the user swings the golf club. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective top, front enlarged view of an exemplary golf swing playing aid device according to another embodiment, which is shown without the golf club. 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  9    is a left side view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  10    is a back view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  11    is a right side view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  12    is a bottom view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  13    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the playing aid device. 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 F  show various exemplary embodiments of insertable inner portions for use with the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  15    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 A  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 D  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 B  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  18    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 E  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  19    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 AC  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  20    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  14 F  with an exemplary grip portion of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  21    is an exploded top, front, right perspective view of another embodiment of an insertable inner portion with another exemplary grip portion of an exemplary playing aid device according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  21    fully assembled. 
         FIG.  23    is a front end view of the insertable inner portion in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  24    is another embodiment of an insertable inner portion for use with the playing aid device in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  25    shows another exemplary embodiment of a playing aid device on a golf club grip. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective partially transparent view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  27    is an exploded view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  28    is a cross-sectional view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25    taken about the line B-B in  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective rear end view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective front end view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  31    is a left side view of the playing aid device in  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  32    is a top, rear, right perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a playing aid device. 
         FIG.  33    is a bottom, rear, right perspective view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  34    is a top view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  35    is a bottom view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  36    is a right side view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  37    is a left side view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  38    is a front view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  39    is an exploded top, right, front perspective view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  40    is an exploded bottom, right, front perspective view of the playing aid device. 
         FIG.  41    is a rear view of the playing aid device shown on a golf club grip which is shown in cross-section. 
         FIG.  42    is a bottom view of the playing aid device shown on the golf club grip taken from the view of line  4 - 4  in  FIG.  41   . 
         FIG.  43    is a cross-sectional view of the playing aid device shown on the golf club grip taken about the line  5 - 5  in  FIG.  41   , in which the playing aid device is shown in an exemplary unlocked state. 
         FIG.  44    is a cross-sectional view of the playing aid device shown on the golf club grip taken about the line  5 - 5  in  FIG.  41   , in which the playing aid device is shown in an exemplary locked state. 
         FIG.  45    shows a block diagram illustrating modules or functional elements of an electronic device of an exemplary golf swing playing aid device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  46    shows a flow diagram illustrating operation of the electronic device in a wrist-cock mode using a gyroscope. 
         FIG.  47    shows a flow diagram illustration operation of the electronic device in a shot distance mode using an accelerometer. 
         FIG.  48    shows a block diagram illustrating modules or functional elements of a computer including sensors and a processor for an electronic device for an exemplary golf swing playing aid device according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles of the present disclosure have particular application to golf swing playing aids and thus will be described below chiefly in this context. It is also understood that principles and aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to other playing or training aids where it is desirable to provide a proper swing and committing the mechanics of such a swing to muscle memory. In addition, in the discussion above and to follow, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom,” “end,” “inner,” “left,” “right,” “above,” “below,” etc. typically refer to the golf swing playing aid when it is properly attached to a golf club in the upright position, as shown in the drawings. This is done realizing that the playing aid device may be oriented in various positions during use. Furthermore, in the discussion above and to follow, reference may be made to using the device by right-handed or left-handed users, which is done realizing that the playing aid device may be configured for use by both right-handed and left-handed users. 
     Turning now to the drawings, and initially to  FIG.  1   , an exemplary golf swing playing aid device  50  in the form of a slidable grip member (also referred to with reference number  50 ) is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the slidable grip member  50  is slidably positioned on a golf club  10 . The golf club  10  can comprise an elongated shaft  20 , a handle  30  at one end of the shaft  20 , a head  40  at the shaft&#39;s other end, and a slidable grip member  50 . The slidable grip member  50  is slidably positioned on the shaft  20  so that it can slide from the handle  30  towards the head  40 . The golf club  10  (minus the slidable grip member  50 ) is preferably a conventional golf club, whereby suitable candidates could be the irons, hybrids, and woods found in a standard set of golf clubs. In other words, the slidable grip member  50  can be added to any regulation USGA approved golf iron or wood; or any other suitable conventional club for playing golf. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the golf club  10  can additionally or alternatively include decals  60 . The decals  60  are located on the head  40  (e.g., irons, hybrids, woods) and help maintain proper club head angle relative to the golf ball in the backswing, downswing, and/or through the impact position. The decals  60  are designed to create a visual image of the proper golf swing path which the player commits to memory. 
     The slidable grip member  50  can have any suitable shape with an outer surface adapted for easy grasping by a golfer&#39;s hand, and an inner surface adapted for sliding along the shaft  20 . The outer surface, for example, can have a smooth or otherwise non-irritating to touch; or may include dimples. The inner surface can have features for minimizing friction, or other features for creating slight sliding friction with the shaft  20 , such as to reduce the speed of the backswing. The grip member  50  may be at least partially formed with rigid materials, such as plastic—e.g., PVC, ABS, PP, HDPE, or the like, which are capable of withstanding a force exerted by the user (such as during a swinging motion) without permanent deformation. Such rigid materials may be used with an inner portion of the device to facilitate sliding along the shaft  20 . Alternatively or additionally, the grip member  50  may at least partially be formed with resilient and/or soft materials, such an elastomeric material, for example, rubber or the like (e.g., EPDM, silicone rubber, nitrile, etc.). Such soft and/or resilient materials may facilitate gripping of the grip member  50 . 
     The slidable grip member  50  can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, and may have a seam or other feature allowing it to be selectively removed from the shaft  20 . In this manner, the same golf club  10  can be used both with the slidable grip member  50  and without it. In other words, a golfer can incorporate the slidable grip member  50  into an already-owned club, rather than having a separated club dedicated to accommodating the slidable grip member  50 . In exemplary embodiments, the grip member  50  includes features for engaging and fixably locking the grip member  50  onto the shaft, and more particularly the grip, so as to use the grip member  50  during play without movement relative to the shaft. For example, the grip member may be frictionally held on the grip, and may include locking mechanisms or other locking elements, as described in further detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , when using the golf club  10 , the golfer holds the handle  30  with his left hand and grasps the slidable grip member  50  with his right hand. More particularly, for example, the slidable grip member  50  can be held by the thumb and index finger of the golfer&#39;s right hand. 
     At the starting position, the slidable grip member  50  is situated nearest the handle  30  ( FIG.  3   ). During the backswing, the golfer pushes the slidable grip member  50  away from the handle  30  by separating his hands ( FIG.  4 A ). When the backswing reaches the top position (i.e., fully coiled), the golfer&#39;s left arm will be substantially straight and his right hand will extend almost to the head  40  ( FIG.  4 B ). During the downswing, the golfer pulls the slidable grip member  50  back so that, just prior to the impact position, it is again adjacent the handle  30 . The golfer&#39;s hands, and thus the handle  30  and the slidable grip member  50 , remain in close proximity on route to the follow-through position ( FIG.  5   ). 
     The golf swing playing aid device  50  used on a standard playable golf club  10  allows an aspiring golfer to commit to muscle memory several important aspects and positions of a proper golf swing complemented by the ability to separate the hands during the backswing producing a wide repeatable swing arc, and also promotes the proper sequencing of the swing by forcing the golfer to lead with the hands to start the downswing. 
     For example, the golfer is conditioned to maintain a substantially straight left arm while at the same time achieving a full shoulder turn and right hand cocking position. Once these two opposing motions have become instinctive with the slidable grip member  50 , the golfer can keep his hands together in a conventional golf swing while achieving both proper left arm position and full shoulder turn consistent with the proper golf swing. 
     In the downswing, the golfer, by throwing the device  50  in their lower hand, learns to feel the dynamics of a full club extension and arc that helps facilitate maximum club head velocity and squaring of the club face at the point of impact. It also affords the golfer the opportunity to reduce tension in and loosen his muscles during a practice swing just prior to executing a regulation golf shot. 
     For example, during a golf game, the golfer could select the club he is going to use for a particular shot. The slidable grip member  50  can quickly connect to the selected club&#39;s shaft for a practice swing. Immediately thereafter, the slidable grip member  50  can be removed from the selected club and the golfer can execute the regulation golf shot with the selected club. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the outer portion of the gripping member  50  of the playing device has at least a portion thereof that is in a ball-shaped form, such as having a bulbous shape or at least a portion of a spherical shape. At least a majority (e.g., greater than 50%) of the outer surface of the device that is to be grasped by the user may have the ball-shaped form, and preferably almost the entirety of the outer surface of the gripping member may have such a ball-shaped form (e.g., 50%-100%; 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, etc.). In some embodiments, the portion having the ball-shaped form is configured in the near shape and near size of a regulation golf ball (e.g., sphere of about 43 mm). The ball-shaped form of the gripping member  50  is adapted to be positioned preferably and/or primarily in the fingers of the user&#39;s hand when grasping the gripping member  50 , like holding a ball ready to be thrown. The device  50  also may have the weight of a regulation golf ball (e.g., about 46 grams). This shape, size and/or weight of the device  50  serve as embodied cognition to remind the golfer they will be throwing this ball in a direct line at the back inside quadrant of the actual ball they have in play. Essentially, such embodied cognition sends a message to the user&#39;s conscious mind that they need to complete the task of throwing the playing device  50  at the golf ball in play therefore overriding any subconscious or unconscious thoughts to the contrary. 
     The golf swing playing aid device  50  used on a standard playable golf club  10  also allows the golfer to practice the proper sequence of initiating the backswing where the hands, arms, shoulders, torso and hips all move simultaneously as one loads weight on the rear foot. The downswing is initiated as device  50  promotes the release of hands on a straight and accelerated path aimed at the inside and back quadrant of the golf ball (preferably one that is in play during a game), followed by the shoulder and hip turn through the impact zone and extension as part of the follow through. 
     A compelling and disruptive feature of this playing aid device is that it can be used on all irons, hybrids, and woods in an already purchased regulation set of golf clubs. Significantly, this allows the slidable grip member  50  to be used without violating the fourteen-club rule of regulation play. A club from the golfer&#39;s conventional set can be used in a normal practice swing as well as in the execution of a golf shot in a regulation golf round. This allows for immediate replication of the muscle memory produced by any correct practice swing influenced by the device. 
     The slidable grip member  50  promotes proper positioning of the golf club to the golf ball at address, enhances the proper takeaway and subsequent swing plane of the club, the tempo of the swing, the subsequent rotation or “coiling” of the body with full shouldered turn, the uncoiling of the body, the weight shift, the downswing, the hands in a lag position before impact, the ball impact, the hand release, the arm extension, the follow through, the finish and numerous other factors associated with a consistent and repeatable golf swing. 
     Ultimately, a repeatable golf swing is attributable to proper use of the hands in controlling the golf club in a swing arc and throwing motion that initiates the backswing, downswing, squaring of the club at impact and full extension of the arms during the follow-through. The consistently successful golfer learns to understand, recognize and control the dynamic interface between the golfer, the club, the ball, external forces (e.g., lie, wind, weather and other playing conditions) and the target. This can only be achieved by the diligent study and understanding of the game, the swing, the proper frame of mind and effective practice. 
     The slidable grip member  50  can be used in combination with a regulation set of golf clubs. For example, the slidable grip member  50  can be kept in the golfer&#39;s pocket and/or golf bag during a round of golf. Alternatively, the slidable grip member  50  could remain on the handle  30  even during the regulation golf swing if features are provided to prevent its sliding. For example, it could be removably joined to the lowest part of the golf grip  30 . 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a playing aid device such as the slidable grip member  50  and/or the decals  60  to assist golfers in the development of proper technique and muscle memory to achieve a consistently repeatable and effective golf swing that can be used by the golfer as part of regulation play using one&#39;s own golf clubs. Most other aids require purchase of separate clubs that cannot be used as part of one&#39;s own normal club golf set and/or used as part of one&#39;s normal practice swing just prior to execution of a golf shot. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  6 - 20   , one or more other exemplary embodiments of a golf swing playing aid device including an exemplary grip member  600  are shown. The foregoing description of the gripping member  50  is equally applicable to the gripping member  600 , except as noted below. Moreover, it will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the disclosure that aspects of the gripping members  50 ,  600  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment(s), the grip member  600  generally includes an outer portion  602  and an inner portion  604 . In the illustrated embodiment(s), the inner portion  604  is a discrete insertable part (e.g., sleeve) that is slidably or fixably insertable into the outer portion  602 ; although the inner portion and outer portion could be integral and unitary. 
     The outer portion  602  has a ball-shaped form, and more particularly a bulbous shape, that is configured to fit in the hand, and more particularly the palm and fingers, of the user. The inner portion  604  is configured to slide along the golf club shaft. As described above in connection with the gripping member  50 , the grip member  600  is generally configured such that when gripped by the lower hand of the user during a backswing the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the hands of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing to thereby promote ingraining a proper, higher quality and more repeatable golf swing into muscle memory. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer portion  602  of the gripping member  600  of the playing device is configured in the near shape and near size of a regulation golf ball. The gripping member  600  may have a weight, or may have added to it a component with such weight, that makes the overall mass of the device  600  similar to that of a regulation golf ball. This shape, size and/or weight serve as embodied cognition to remind the golfer they will be throwing this ball in a direct line at the back inside quadrant of the actual ball they have in play. 
     The outer portion  602  (particularly the outer surface) may be constructed of a soft rubberized material that is easy to grip and hold in the golfers trailing hand with a thumb indentation  606  at the top of the ball shaped device in direct proximity to the top of the golfer&#39;s golf grip and shaft. The thumb indentation  606  enable proper finger positioning and/or proper alignment of the device with a squared club head face. The device allows for placement of the trailing hands middle and index finger on the side of the ball. The outer surface also may be dimpled with indentations promoting a better griping surface (as shown in the embodiment in  FIG.  32   , for example). The size and softness of the ball shaped portion (e.g., outer shell) of the outer portion  602  is a tactile reminder to the golfer designed to reduce the pressure of the thumb, middle and index finger of the trailing hand which relaxes the muscles in the hand and arm promoting less muscle tension and therefore a faster golf swing. 
       FIGS.  14 A-F  and  FIGS.  15 - 20    show various embodiments of the inner portion  604 B- 604 G, which may be configured as an insertable sleeve within the outer portion  602 . These various interior inserts  604 B- 604 G are designed to accommodate the various golf grip sizes from standard to mid-size and oversize. Generally, the various inner portions (e.g., inserts)  604 ,  604 B- 604 G (hereinafter collectively referred to as inner portion with reference numeral  604 ) may be made of rigid and/or resilient materials, such as plastic that is capable of withstanding a force exerted by the user (such as during a swinging motion) without deformation during the swing, and preferably without permanent deformation. Such materials may be used to maintain the shape of the inner portion  604  thereby facilitating sliding along the golf club shaft  20 . 
     As shown, the inner portion(s)  604  may include a plurality of spline/vanes  608  (or ridges), which may be made of a flexible nylon that fit inside the outer portion  602  (e.g., soft, ball shaped shell), and which allow for resilient expansion to fit various grip sizes. The surface of the inner portion  604  may be designed with specific patterns that allow for ease in sliding the device up and down the shaft as part of the golfer&#39;s warmup, stretching routine and associated regulation golf swing. As shown, the inner surface of the inner portion  604  presents an array of grooved surfaces and ridges extending longitudinally along the interior length of the device. When the device is sliding along the non-grip portion of the shaft, the grooves and/or ridges  608  may reduce contact area with the shaft  20  and may reduce friction between the device and the shaft  20 . By reducing friction, the speed with which the golfer can swing the club may be increased. 
     When the device  600  is moved up to the grip, the ridged/grooved surfaces (e.g., vanes  608 ) of the inner portion  604  may have a configuration of patterns to provide the friction points that secure the device to the golf grip. Securing the device to the grip is to insure it will not turn on the grip during full golf shots which could result in off line golf shots. The inner surface of the inner portion  604  may include one or more gripping elements (such as vanes  608 ) that are configured to grippingly engage the grip handle. The gripping elements may include friction elements. The gripping elements may include resilient elements, such as resilient portions of the inner portion, for example a flexible plastic. The vanes  608  may each have a chamfered surface  610  for improving the ease of the device coming up over the grip/handle. The inner portion  604  may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots  620  configured to enhance flexibility of the inner portion. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the inner portion  604  is also designed so that the opening proximal to the golf club hosel is smaller in diameter than the opening proximal to the golf grip. This allows the device to move freely up the gradually widening golf grip towards the grip handle at the position proximal to the placement of the trailing hands thumb, middle and index fingers. 
     Generally, the various vanes  608  of each inner portion  604  shown in  FIGS.  14 A-F  are designed to test which thickness and shape impacts the ease by which the device moves up and down the golf shaft and grip. In addition, which vane configuration provides the greatest adherence to the grip surface preventing the device from spinning or turning during actual full golf swings so as not to alter the flight of the shot toward the intended target. Generally, thinner vanes move more easily on the shaft and grip but do not provide the best adherence to the grip to prevent turning or spinning during full shots. Where the vane surfaces are directly below the locations in which the golfer applies thumb and middle and index finger pressure on the outer surface of the device is believed to be the most functional place to promote adherence of the device to the grip eliminating the spinning or turning action. In addition, as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 20   , an outer surface  612  of the inner portion  604  may include anti-rotation elements, such as protrusions  616 , that are configured to cooperate (e.g., slide into) corresponding anti-rotation elements, such as recesses  618 , on an inner surface  614  of the outer portion  602 . The gripping member  600  also includes an axial slot  630  configured to permit attachment and removal from the shaft. 
       FIGS.  21 - 24    show another exemplary embodiment of a gripping member  600 B having an outer portion  602 B and inner portion  604 H or  6041 . The foregoing description of the gripping member  50 ,  600  is equally applicable to the gripping member  600 B. Moreover, it will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the disclosure that aspects of the gripping members  50 ,  600 ,  600 B may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. Generally, the gripping member  600 B has a ball-shaped form that is more spherical than the bulbous shape of the gripping member  600 . 
       FIGS.  25 - 31    show another exemplary embodiment of a gripping member  700 . The foregoing description of the gripping member  50 ,  600 ,  600 B is equally applicable to the gripping member  700 , except as noted below. Moreover, it will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the disclosure that aspects of the gripping members  50 ,  600 ,  600 B,  700  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface  702  of the gripping member  700  has a rounded ball shaped form at its rearward portion (closer to the club head where the fingers are placed), but the forward portion of the body is more elongated than that of the gripping member  600 , for example. The outer surface  702  of the gripping member  700  also includes a thumb indentation for placing the thumb and orienting the device, similarly to the gripping member  600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the device is formed in shell segments which are fastened together with fasteners. 
     As shown, the gripping member  700  includes a cam device  722  designed to promote a smooth sliding of the device up and down the golf shaft and grip, while also allowing the device  700  to be securely locked onto the grip. The cams  722  are spring biased with springs  709 , which improve the usability with various size grips. For example, the springs  709  may allow the cams  722  to accommodate the expanding contours of any size grip/handle as the device moves up the grip towards its handle. In exemplary embodiments, the surfaces of the cams  722  will have textured surfaces to facilitate smooth transitions up and onto the golf grip to the typical trailing hand position. The surfaces also may be designed to adhere to various golf grip materials to secure the device for golfers&#39; full shots. The cams  722  can be depressed against the grip to better ensure the device does not turn loose when the golfer executes a full golf shot causing the golf ball to fly off line to the intended target. 
     As shown, the golfer can lock the cams  722  in place using their fingers to depress one or more tabs  724  so that it puts additional pressure via the patterned surface of the cam onto the grip surface. In exemplary embodiments, the cam  722  is somewhat tear dropped shaped so that in the locked position more of its surface adheres to the grip. The golfer then releases the depressed cams  722  to allow the device to move freely up or down the grip and or associated golf shaft. 
       FIGS.  32 - 44    show another exemplary embodiment of a golf swing playing aid device having a gripping member  800 . The foregoing description of the gripping member  50 ,  600 ,  600 B,  700  is equally applicable to the gripping member  800 , except as noted below. Moreover, it will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the disclosure that aspects of the gripping members  50 ,  600 ,  600 B,  700 ,  800  may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the grip member  800  generally includes an outer portion  802  and an inner portion  804 . The outer portion  802  has a ball-shaped form, and more particularly a bulbous shape, that is adapted to fit in the hand, and more particularly the palm and fingers, of the user. The inner portion  804  is configured to slide along the golf club shaft. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner portion  804  is configured as a discrete part that is insertable into and fixable to the outer portion  802 . The gripping member  800  (e.g., the inner portion  804 , outer portion  802  and/or other components) also may include an axial slot  830  configured to facilitate attachment and removal from the golf club shaft. 
     As described above in connection with the gripping member(s)  50 , etc., the grip member  800  is generally configured such that when gripped by the lower hand of the user during a backswing the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the hands of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing to promote a more perfect and repeatable golf swing, and to promote ingraining such a swing into muscle memory. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer portion  802  of the gripping member  800  of the playing device is configured in the near shape and near size of a regulation golf ball. The gripping member  800  may have a weight, or may have added to it a component with such weight, that makes the overall mass of the device  800  similar to that of a regulation golf ball. This shape, size and/or weight serve as embodied cognition to remind the golfer they will be throwing this ball in a direct line at the back inside quadrant of the actual ball they have in play. 
     The outer portion  802  (particularly the outer surface  831 ) may be constructed of a soft rubberized material that is easy to grip and hold in the golfers trailing hand with a thumb indentation  806  at the top of the ball shaped device in direct proximity to the top of the golfer&#39;s golf grip and shaft. The thumb indentation  806  enables proper finger positioning and/or proper alignment of the device  800  with a squared club head face. The device allows for placement of the trailing hands middle and index finger on the side of the ball. As shown, the outer surface  831  also may be dimpled with indentations  832  promoting a better griping surface. The size and softness of the ball shaped outer surface  831  (e.g., outer shell) of the outer portion  802  is a tactile reminder to the golfer designed to reduce the pressure of the thumb, middle and index finger of the trailing hand which relaxes the muscles in the hand and arm promoting a looser and faster golf swing. One or more regions  834  of the outer surface of the outer portion  802  may be smooth and/or elevated or recessed for placing decals, such as promotional logos, or QR codes for instruction for using the device  800 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner portion  804  (e.g., insert) is insertable inside of the outer portion  802 , and is configured to attach to the outer portion  802  to restrict or prevent relative movement between the inner and outer portions  804 ,  802 . As shown, the inner portion  804  includes a plurality of radially outwardly protruding teeth  836  that are configured to interlink with corresponding radially inwardly protruding teeth  837  on the inside of the outer portion  802 . The ends  838  of the teeth  837  of the outer portion  802  may engage stop surfaces  839  between the teeth  836  of the inner portion  804  to restrict rotation between the inner and outer portions  804 ,  802 . 
     The inner surface  805  of the inner portion  804  may have a design that allows for ease in sliding the device up and down the shaft as part of the golfer&#39;s warmup, stretching routine and associated regulation golf swing. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface  805  of the inner portion  804  is a smooth surface. It is understood, however, that the inner surface  805  may have an array of surface features, such as grooved surfaces and ridges extending longitudinally along the interior length of the device, similarly to that of gripping member  600 . The inner portion  804  may be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, that has sufficient rigidity to resist deformation during the swing, thereby facilitating sliding movement along the shaft  20 . 
     The exemplary golf swing playing aid device having the grip member  800  also includes a unique locking mechanism  840  that enables the gripping member  800  to selectively fasten or release from the grip/handle  30  of the shaft  20 . As shown, the locking mechanism  840  includes a plurality of resilient (e.g., flexible) locking elements  842  that are formed from part of the inner portion  804 . The resilient locking elements are configured to cooperate with an intermediate portion  844  of the device  800 , such as a discrete locking sleeve  844 , that is engageable with the resilient locking elements  842  to selectively move them between a locked position engaging the grip  30  (e.g.  FIG.  44   ) and a released position from the grip  30  (e.g.,  FIG.  43   ). 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, for example, the locking sleeve  844  includes inner threads  846  that threadably engage with outer threads  847  of the inner portion  804 . The resilient locking elements  842  are configured as fingers  842 , which include a radially outward tapered surface  848  that tapers inwardly as it extends toward its rearward end. The locking sleeve  844  includes a corresponding radially inward tapered surface  849  that tapers inwardly as it extends toward its forward end. The fingers  842  may be made of a suitable flexible material, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon or the like), that enable the fingers  842  to resiliently move off their normal axes to cause them to repeatably lock against or release from the grip  30 . The intermediate portion  844  may be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, that is configured to resist deformation during the swing. 
     As shown in  FIG.  43   , when the locking sleeve  844  is threaded toward the release state (e.g., toward the rearward end away from the outer portion  802 ), the tapered surface  849  of the sleeve  844  relative to the tapered surface  848  is at a radially enlarged portion of the sleeve  844 , such that the sleeve tapered surface  849  does not force the fingers  842  inwardly to secure the device  800  to the grip  30 . In such a release state, the fingers  842  may still engage the grip  30 , however, the force that they apply generally is not sufficient to cause them to hold against the grip  30 ; thus allowing the device  800  to be slid down the shaft  20  or removed completely from the club  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  44   , when the locking sleeve  844  is threaded toward the lock state (e.g., advanced forward toward the outer portion  802 ), the tapered surface  849  of the sleeve  844  relative to the tapered surface  848  is at a radially narrow portion of the sleeve  844 , such that the sleeve tapered surface  849  forces the fingers  842  inwardly to secure the device  800  to the grip  30 . In such a lock state, the fingers  842  cinch down and bite into the grip  30 , thereby securing the device  800  onto the grip  30 , preferably with sufficient force to allow the user to maintain a grip on the device  800  while making a normal golf swing, and without the device  800  rotating or moving during the swing. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the radially inward surface  850  of the fingers  842 , such as at the distal rearward end portions, may include frictional features, such as a frictional material (e.g., grit) or protuberances to facilitate gripping of the fingers  842  onto the handle/grip  30 . The locking sleeve  844  also may include a friction material at its radially outer surface  852  to facilitate the user to grip the sleeve  844  and thread it onto the inner portion  804 . As shown, the intermediate portion  844  (e.g., sleeve  844 ) may protrude from the rearward end of the outer portion  802 . A portion of the radially outer surface  852  of the sleeve  844  that protrudes from the outer portion  802  may have an inwardly tapered surface (shown at  852 ), which may provide an ergonomic design for the placement of the user&#39;s fingers. 
     It is understood that other suitable designs for the locking mechanism  840  could be employed. For example, the fingers  842  could be biased radially outwardly toward a release state, and upon engagement/advancement with the locking sleeve  844  the fingers  842  could be forced inwardly for locking engagement with the grip. Other spring biased features for selectively locking and releasing the device  800  also could be employed. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the gripping member  800  also includes a weighted component  860 . The weighted component  860  may be added to makes the overall mass of the device  800  similar to that of a regulation golf ball; or have sufficient mass to serve as embodied cognition to remind the golfer they will be throwing this ball in a direct line at the back inside quadrant of the actual ball they have in play. In the illustrated embodiment, the weighted component  860  is formed as a split collar, and may be disposed in a recess  854  in the radially outer surface  852  of the locking sleeve  844 . The component  860  also may serve as a bushing that reduces friction with the outer portion  802  as the locking sleeve  844  is threaded back and forth on the inner portion  804 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  45   , elements of an electronic device  300  are shown. The electronic device  300  may be provided for determining and indicating whether the golfer&#39;s wrist has cocked during the backswing (e.g., wrist-cock function). Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device  300  may be provided for determining, estimating, and indicating the distance of a shot (e.g., shot distance function). The electrical device  300  may be provided on the handle  30  or other portion of the golf club  10 . The electrical device  300  may be provided with the grip member  50 ,  600   700 ,  800 , etc., such as being integrated into one of the components thereof. Optionally, the electrical device  300  may be removable from the grip member. 
     The electrical device  300  includes one or more sensors  301 , such as a gyroscope  302  and/or accelerometer  303 , in communication with a processor device  304 , which may provide one or more signals to a suitable indicator  306  for visual, audible, and/or tactile indication. The functional elements operate to provide the benefits described above. Each block of the electrical device  300  is discussed separately below. However, they may operate together as indicated. 
     Power Supply 
     The power supply  308  may be by a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery. Included with the battery may be a charging device that will control the charging of the battery ensuring it does not get damaged during the charging process. A small plug on the outside of the case may be provided to allow for a connection, such as a micro USB or USB-C connection for charging purposes. There may also be the possibility of having a voltage regulator that will keep the voltage supply constant from the battery to the microprocessor, sensors, and other components. The non-rechargeable battery would have a sliding compartment to insert a battery into the electronics compartment. 
     LED 
     One or more LEDs  310  may be used to indicate to the user different battery status, such as low voltage, charging, fully charged, on/off, etc. 
     User Input Interface 
     The user input interface  312  enables the user to input information into the processor. One example of data input is whether the user wants the electric device turned on or activated. Another input could be which setting the user is selecting, for example, wrist-cock mode (gyroscope function), shot distance mode (accelerometer function), or both. Another input may include settings for beginner, intermediate, or advanced, which could have different threshold settings associated with each. In shot distance mode, the user could input could allow the user to select desired estimated shot distance ranges (e.g., 1-5 yards, 5-10 yards, 10-20 yards, 20-30 yards, or 30 or more yards). In addition, the user could select the type of club being used (e.g., pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge), or the club face angle (e.g., 47-53 degrees, 50-54 degrees, 54-58 degrees, and 58-62 degrees), so as to enable the device to more accurately estimate shot distance. 
     Microprocessor 
     The processor  304  can be a variety of various processors including dual microprocessor and other multi-processor architectures. The processor  304  may store one or more threshold settings for each of the sensors  301  and interpret the data coming from them. For example, both the gyroscope  302  and accelerometer  303  may communicate an output signal to the processor  304 . The signals may be passed though amplifiers or filters before reaching the microprocessor if required. Depending on the setting the user selects, the microprocessor may monitor and evaluate the change in signals from the respective sensors  301 . In accordance therewith, the microprocessor  304  may communicate a signal to an indicator  306  to alert the user whether there has been a change in a signal from the one or more of the sensors, which indicates a state of the sensor  301  and whether a threshold level has been reached or exceeded. The processor  304  stores the program and any algorithms that can control the electronic device  300 . 
     It is generally understood that embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in combination with digital electronic circuitry, controllers, processors, computer software, firmware, and/or hardware. For example, embodiments may be implemented that use one or more modules of computer program with instructions encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The operations may include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, the physical quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a logic and the like. 
     It will be appreciated that the processes may be implemented using various programming approaches like machine language, procedural, object oriented or artificial intelligence techniques. In one example, methodologies are implemented as processor executable instructions or operations provided on a computer-readable medium. Thus, in one example, a computer-readable medium may store processor executable instructions operable to perform a method. The computer-readable medium may be a hard-drive, a machine-readable storage device, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing. The controller may include all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. 
     A controller may include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question. The computer program (also referred to as software or code), may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The computer program may be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. The processor may include all apparatus, devices, and machines suitable for the execution of a computer program, which may include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random-access memory or both. The computer may include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. 
     Indicator 
     The indicator  306  is a device that is capable of emitting an audible, visual or tactile (e.g., vibration) signal to the user, for example, when the unit has crossed a certain threshold and the processor sends a signal to it. 
     Gyroscope 
     The gyroscope  302  is a sensor  301  configured to detect rotations along at least one axis in a well-known manner. For example, there may be a yaw, roll and pitch axis measured by the gyroscope  302 . The gyroscope  302  may be a single axis gyroscope whose principle measuring axis is parallel to the shaft  20  of the club. The primary purpose of the gyroscope  302  is to measure whether or not the electronic device  300  and/or grip member  150  has made any kind of rotation around the principal axis of the golf club shaft  20 . When the gyroscope  302  is initially powered on or enabled it shall be at an at rest state. Once rotation is detected around one of the axes, this at rest status shall change to reflect the angular velocity of the rotation. This change (delta) from the at-rest state can be used to determine how much rotation occurred, and this signal is sent to the microprocessor for analysis. If the processor  304  determines that the device has rotated beyond a certain threshold of tolerance for movement, either set by the user—i.e., beginner, intermediate, or advanced; or set by the manufacturer in a predetermined range, the processor  304  will signal an indicator  306  (e.g., visual, audible, and/or vibrational) to alert the user that the threshold has been passed. In this manner, the device  300  will indicate when the user has cocked their wrists past a certain limit during the backswing. Such an alert provides feedback to the user that enables them to build muscle memory during training or playing to make a shot that does or does not trigger the alert (depending on the setting). Such a function is particularly beneficial for chip shots or pitch shots having a relatively short distance (e.g., less than about 50 yards). 
       FIG.  46    illustrates a flow diagram of a wrist-cock mode (gyroscope function). More generally, the basic steps for the wrist-cock function are as follows. (1) The user turns on the device  300  when it is already on the shaft of the club and the user is addressing the ball. (2) The gyroscope  302  begins to measure the rotation of the device  300  about the principal axis corresponding to the shaft of the club. (3) The user then begins their backswing. If during the backswing the user moves/cocks their wrist rotating the device  300  more than a certain threshold amount (either selected by the user or a predetermined amount), the gyroscope will detect this and via the processor will signal the indicator that will alert the use of their wrist movement. The amount of movement may be very small, most probably just enough to compensate for any noise that would occur from the gyroscope. 
     Accelerometer 
     The accelerometer  303  is a sensor  301  that may be utilized either when at rest or in motion. The use of an accelerometer  303  may be used in conjunction with the gyroscope  302  for added accuracy or for additional features. The accelerometer  303  measures acceleration of the unit  300  and/or  150  along three axes: x, y, and z forming a three dimension space. When the accelerometer  303  is powered and at a steady state it will output different values for each of the three axis depending on how it is oriented compared to gravity. This can be used to evaluate position and movement from this original position. If the accelerometer  303  is not in a steady state (i.e., in motion) it will measure the acceleration that is acting on it. In this manner, the accelerometer can be used to calculate speed and distance traveled. 
     The signals from the accelerometer  303  will be sent to the processor  304  for analysis. Based on the values corresponding to speed and/or distance received from the accelerometer, the processor  304  can make calculations assuming the same speed and distance will occur during the downswing to strike the ball, and based on these assumptions (among other considerations, such as club and ball weight, club face angle, coefficients of restitution, and the like) the processor can calculate an estimated shot distance. If the calculation for shot distance reaches the selected threshold shot distance range, then the processor  304  will communicate a signal to the indicator  306  (e.g., visual, audible, and/or vibrational) to alert the user that the threshold has been reached (i.e., that the user has brought the club/device back fast enough and/or far enough to be able to hit the ball the selected range). The threshold positions may be set by the user (e.g., 1-5 yards, 5-10 yards, 10-20 yards, etc.). In addition, the user may select the type of club being used (e.g., pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, or lob wedge), or the club face angle (e.g., 47-53 degrees, 50-54 degrees, 54-58 degrees, or 58-62 degrees). In this manner, the device  300  can indicate whether the threshold range of e.g., speed/distance during the backswing has been reached for providing the desired assumed speed during the downswing to acquire the desired estimated distance of the shot depending on the club selected. Such a function is particularly beneficial for chip shots or pitch shots having a relatively short distance (e.g., less than about 50 yards). 
       FIG.  47    illustrates a flow diagram for the shot distance mode (accelerometer function). More generally, the basic steps for the shot distance function are as follows. (1) The user would activate the device  300  and select a range they would want to hit (e.g., 1-10 yards, 10-20 yards, etc.). (2) The user may select the type of club being used (e.g., pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, or lob wedge), or the club face angle (e.g., 47-53 degrees, 50-54 degrees, 54-58 degrees, or 58-62 degrees). (3) Optionally, the device  300  would still check for wrist rotation during this time using the gyroscope function. (4) The accelerometer  303  begins to measure the acceleration of the device  300  about the axes x, y and z in three-dimensional space. (5) Optionally, the gyroscope may be used in conjunction with the accelerometer to provide more accurate measuring results while still measuring for wrist-cock. (6) The user would begin their backswing a certain distance until an indication is provided (e.g., audible, visual and/or vibration). Preferably, the indication will be a different indication than the indication for indicating wrist-cock. This backswing distance will be calculated depending on the acceleration during the backswing and other data collected from the accelerometer  303 , along with inputs from the user and other built-in assumptions. Once the indicator  306  alerts the user, the user shall downswing their club at about the same speed. The user may use the device  300  to hit the ball after being alerted, or the user may use the device  300  repetitively to build a tempo for the shot to be taken, so as to build muscle memory into taking the actual shot. 
     Turning to  FIG.  48   , the electronic device  300  may optionally include or be a part of a computer  500  that includes a processor  502 , a memory  504 , and I/O Ports  510  operably connected by a bus  508 . In one embodiment, the computer  500  of  FIG.  20    may correspond with a computer for operating the user interface assembly  312  described above. The computer  500  may communicate with another computer or device, such as a smartphone, or the like. 
     In one example, the computer  500  may include a communication module  530  configured to receive or send signals from or to a location remote from a location of the device  300 , for example, sending data to and from a smartphone. In one example, the computer  500  may include an accelerometer module  530  (which may correspond with accelerometer  303 ) for communicating with the processor  502  (which may correspond with processor  304 ) which may provide a signal to an indicator (which may correspond with indicator  306 ), as described above. Optionally or additionally, the computer  500  may include a gyroscope module  540  (which may correspond with gyroscope  302 ) for communicating with the processor  502  and providing an indication to the indicator (not shown), as described above. The processor  502  can be a variety of various processors including dual microprocessor and other multi-processor architectures. The memory  504  can include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can include, but is not limited to, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and the like. Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM, synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). 
     A disk  506  may be operably connected to the computer  500  via, for example, an I/O Interfaces (e.g., card, device)  518  and an I/O Ports  510 . The disk  506  can include, but is not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive, a flash memory card, or a memory stick. Furthermore, the disk  506  can include or communicate with optical drives like a CD-ROM, a CD recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CD rewriteable drive (CD-RW drive), or a digital video ROM drive (DVD ROM). The memory  504  can store processes  514  or data  516 , for example. The disk  506  or memory  504  can store an operating system that controls and allocates resources of the computer  500 . 
     The bus  508  can be a single internal bus interconnect architecture or other bus or mesh architectures. While a single bus is illustrated, it is to be appreciated that computer  500  may communicate with various devices, logics, and peripherals using other busses that are not illustrated (e.g., PCIE, SATA, Infiniband, 1394, USB, Ethernet). The bus  508  can be of a variety of types including, but not limited to, a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, a crossbar switch, or a local bus. The local bus can be of varieties including, but not limited to, an industrial standard architecture (ISA) bus, a microchannel architecture (MCA) bus, an extended ISA (EISA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, a universal serial (USB) bus, and a small computer systems interface (SCSI) bus. 
     The computer  500  may interact with input/output devices via I/O Interfaces  518  and I/O Ports  510 . Input/output devices can include, but are not limited to, a display, a speaker, an indicator, another computer (e.g., smartphone, etc.), a keyboard or switch, disk  506 , network devices  520 , and the like. The I/O Ports  510  can include but are not limited to, serial ports, parallel ports, and USB ports. The computer  500  can operate in a network environment and thus may be connected to network devices  520  via the I/O Interfaces  518 , or the I/O Ports  510 . Through the network devices  520 , the computer  500  may interact with a network. Through the network, the computer  500  may be logically connected to remote computers or devices, such as smartphones and the like. The networks with which the computer  500  may interact include, but are not limited to, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and other networks. The network devices  520  can connect to LAN technologies including, but not limited to, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), copper distributed data interface (CDDI), Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), token ring (IEEE 802.5), wireless computer communication (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) and the like. Similarly, the network devices  520  can connect to WAN technologies including, but not limited to, point to point links, circuit switching networks like integrated services digital networks (ISDN), packet switching networks, and digital subscriber lines (DSL). While individual network types are described, it is to be appreciated that communications via, over, or through a network may include combinations and mixtures of communications. 
     A golf playing aid device has been described and shown in the various exemplary embodiments above. It is understood that the principles and aspects described above may be applicable to other playing or training aids where it is desirable to provide a proper swing and committing the mechanics of such a swing to muscle memory, such as for baseball, cricket, lacrosse, hockey, and the like. The playing aid device may include one or more of the following features, alone or in any combination: 
     The playing aid device may enable the average golfer to use this playing tool during a regulation round of golf by affixing it to any of their own golf clubs at the point-of-play. 
     The device may promote a more perfect and repeatable full and short game golf swing. 
     The device may promote the stretching of one&#39;s muscles to increase flexibility with the intent of increasing the speed at which one could swing the club. 
     The device may enable the average golfer positions their hands in such a fashion to accomplish a more accurate and repeatable golf swing. 
     The device may be used with a throwing motion, which helps increase distance by increasing speed and acceleration, as well as accuracy. 
     Nub(s) on the outside of the device, which may be positioned between the index finger and middle finger of the lower (i.e. dominant) club-gripping hand, which simulates the hand positioning for throwing a baseball so the golfer can use a throwing motion to direct the hands at the golf ball to be hit on the downswing. 
     A ball-shaped form, such as a bulbous or generally spherical or hemispherical form, of at least a portion of the device that is adapted to be grasped by the user serves as a more intuitive way for the golfer to conceptualize and practice “throwing” the ball-shaped form at the ball on the ground during the golf swing, or at the hole with an underhand motion during chip shots. 
     This shape, size and/or weight of the playing aid device serve as embodied cognition to remind the golfer they will be throwing this ball shaped form in a direct line at the back inside quadrant of the actual ball they have in play. 
     The interior of the device may have one or more unique features. For example, evenly spaced grooves which reduce the surface area of the device that is in contact with the club and thus reduce the friction between the two objects. This increases the speed with which the golfer can swing the club. 
     The opening of the device on the club head facing end may be tapered so that the device may be tightly affixed to the grip while the device is not in use. Alternatively or additionally, locking mechanisms may be used to lock the device onto the grip. 
     There may be an opening or slit running the entire length of the device from opening to opening, which allows it to be attached to and removed from any of the golfer&#39;s own clubs. 
     The device may be designed for use by sliding up and down the shaft. The device may also have locking mechanisms for being tightly affixed to the grip for use when playing with the club to prevent the device moving relative to the club. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.