Patent Publication Number: US-2010125011-A1

Title: Rotational swing stability training

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods for training athletes in athletic stances and swings. More particularly, the present invention relates to rotational swing stability training. 
     2. Related Art 
     Athletic activities have various physical aspects, such as motion, movement, and stances that athletes perform. For example, in baseball, a batter stands within a batter&#39;s box and waits for a pitcher to throw a ball. The batter swings at the ball and begins to run the bases when a good hit is made. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter described herein provides rotational swing stability training for athletes, such as baseball players, golfers, and other types of athletes, that use rotational swings to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer during a rotational athletic swing. An apparatus for training in rotational swing stability includes a harness with a mechanical resistance attachment guide that moveably couples a first end of a mechanical resistance element to the harness. A second end of the mechanical resistance element is coupled to an anchor point. The mechanical resistance attachment guide provides an approximately constant radius attachment point for the first end of the mechanical resistance element relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. The apparatus allows the athlete to rotate relative to the anchor point with approximately constant resistance to lateral and vertical movement provided by the mechanical resistance element when lateral and vertical rotational stability is maintained. Resistive feedback is provided to the athlete when a lateral or a vertical movement occurs during the rotational athletic swing by changes in resistance of the mechanical resistance element. As such, the apparatus trains the athlete through resistive feedback to maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer during the rotational athletic swing. 
     The mechanical resistance attachment guide may be flexible or rigid and automatically adjusts vertically for a height of the athlete and a distance from the anchor point. Selectable resistance for the mechanical resistance element may be based upon weight or body mass of the athlete. The mechanical resistance element may include an elastic portion and a non-elastic portion. The non-elastic portion may further be adjustable to allow the athlete to adjust a length of the mechanical resistance element for a height of the athlete or for a distance from the anchor point. Additionally, the athlete may adjust the mechanical resistance element to increase or decrease lateral and vertical resistance created by the combined elastic and non-elastic mechanical resistance element for weight or body mass of the athlete. 
     An apparatus includes a harness attachable circumferentially around a waist area of an athlete; and a mechanical resistance attachment guide coupled to the harness and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness is worn by the athlete, where: the mechanical resistance attachment guide provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing; and at least a portion of the mechanical resistance attachment guide remains within a vertical anchor plane throughout the rotational athletic swing, where the vertical anchor plane is defined by the axis of rotation of the athlete and an anchor point located perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the athlete. 
     An apparatus includes a harness attachable circumferentially around a waist area of an athlete; a rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide coupled to the harness and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness is worn by the athlete, where: the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete when the harness is attached to the waist area of the athlete; the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to the axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing; and at least a portion of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide remains within a vertical anchor plane throughout the rotational athletic swing, where the vertical anchor plane is defined by the axis of rotation of the athlete and an anchor point located perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the athlete; and at least one pivotal element that couples the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide to the harness and where the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide automatically adjusts by pivoting at the at least one pivotal element; and a mechanical resistance element coupled to the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide at a first end and to the anchor point at a second end, where the first end of the mechanical resistance element moves along the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide throughout the rotational athletic swing, and where the mechanical resistance element further comprises: an elastic portion providing variable resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete; a non-elastic portion comprising an adjustable element; a rotatable coupling mechanism forming a portion of the first end of the mechanical resistance element; a first removable coupling mechanism removably coupled to the rotatable coupling mechanism and the non-elastic portion to allow the mechanical resistance element to be removably coupled to the rotatable coupling mechanism; and a second removable coupling mechanism forming a portion of the second end to allow the elastic portion of the mechanical resistance element to be removably coupled to the anchor point via the removable coupling mechanism. 
     A method includes enabling an athlete to be tethered via a harness and a mechanical resistance apparatus to an anchor point positioned approximately perpendicularly to and below a hip of the athlete; allowing the athlete to rotate through a rotational athletic swing with an approximately constant radius moveable attachment location to the harness for a first end of the mechanical resistance apparatus relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete; and providing resistive feedback to lateral and vertical movement of the athlete during the rotational athletic swing relative to the anchor point via the mechanical resistance apparatus to train the athlete to maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present invention and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a batter with a bat in a neutral position ready to swing the bat and using an example of an implementation of a swing stability training system for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the batter of  FIG. 1  in the neutral position using the swing stability training system for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the batter of  FIG. 2  in a rotated position after having swung the bat and using the swing stability training system for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system of  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system of  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , without the batter, shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system of  FIG. 5  in a rotated orientation of approximately ninety (90) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 5 , such as after a rotational athletic swing has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 7 , without the batter, shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 8  in a rotated orientation of approximately ninety (90) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 8 , such as after a rotational athletic swing has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system that allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with lateral or vertical resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 10 , without the batter, shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 11  in a rotated orientation of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 11 , such as after a rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system that allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with lateral or vertical resistance relative to an anchor point and that allows an athlete to change between left and right stances without adjustment of the rigid swing stability training system according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 13  without the batter shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system of  FIG. 14  in a rotated orientation of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 14 , such as after a rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an example of an implementation of a combined mechanical resistance element that includes both an elastic portion for variable resistance and a non-elastic adjustable portion to allow adjustment for both a height of the athlete and a distance from an anchor point according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The examples set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and illustrate the best mode of practicing the invention. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the invention and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims. 
     The subject matter described herein provides rotational swing stability training for athletes, such as baseball players, golfers, and other types of athletes, that use rotational swings to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer during a rotational athletic swing. An apparatus for training in rotational swing stability includes a harness with a mechanical resistance attachment guide that moveably couples a first end of a mechanical resistance element to the harness. A second end of the mechanical resistance element is coupled to an anchor point. The mechanical resistance attachment guide provides an approximately constant radius attachment point for the first end of the mechanical resistance element relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. The apparatus allows the athlete to rotate relative to the anchor point with approximately constant resistance to lateral and vertical movement provided by the mechanical resistance element when lateral and vertical rotational stability is maintained. Resistive feedback is provided to the athlete when a lateral or a vertical movement occurs during the rotational athletic swing by sensing changes in resistance of the mechanical resistance element. As such, the apparatus trains the athlete through resistive feedback to maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer during the rotational athletic swing. 
     The mechanical resistance attachment guide may be flexible or rigid and automatically adjusts vertically for a height of the athlete and a distance from the anchor point. Selectable resistance for the mechanical resistance element may be based upon weight or body mass of the athlete. The mechanical resistance element may include an elastic portion and a non-elastic portion. The non-elastic portion may further be adjustable to allow the athlete to adjust a length of the mechanical resistance element for a height of the athlete or for a distance from the anchor point. Additionally, the athlete may adjust the mechanical resistance element to increase or decrease lateral and vertical resistance created by the combined elastic and non-elastic mechanical resistance element for weight or body mass of the athlete. 
       FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a batter  10  with a bat  12  in a neutral position ready to swing the bat  12  and using an example of an implementation of a swing stability training system  100  for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. It should be understood that the example batter  10  will be used herein to describe certain examples of the present subject matter without intent to limit the application of the present subject matter to batting within the sport of baseball. For example, the present subject matter may also be usable by pitchers or other athletes within the sport of baseball without departure. Additionally, the present subject matter may be usable by any athlete during athletic activities that involve a rotational swing, such as golf or other athletic activities, for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As such, many possibilities exist for use of the present subject matter and all are considered within the scope of the following description. 
     Within  FIG. 1 , a vertical axis of rotation  20  and a horizontal axis  22  are shown. The vertical axis of rotation  20  represents a center of rotation of an athlete, such as the batter  10 , during a rotational athletic swing. As such, there is no requirement that the vertical axis of rotation  20  remain plumb or perpendicular relative to the horizontal axis  22 . The horizontal axis  22  intersects with the vertical axis of rotation  20  and is oriented to travel through an anchor point  24 . The anchor point  24  may be a tent stake, screw hook, or other element attachable to the ground or to a backstop or other device for attaching mechanical resistance elements to, as described in more detail below. A vertical anchor plane  26  is defined by the vertical axis of rotation  20  and the anchor point  24 . It should be noted that, because the vertical axis of rotation  20  is not limited to a plumb or perpendicular orientation, there is additionally no requirement that the vertical anchor plane  26  be plumb. It is understood that the horizontal axis  22  may lie within the vertical anchor plane  26 . Accordingly, within all figures described herein, the vertical axis of rotation  20  and the vertical anchor plane  26  are shown in a plumb orientation for ease of illustration purposes. A perpendicular horizontal axis  28  is shown oriented and going into the perspective of the view of  FIG. 1 , such as traveling from a centerline of the batter  10  across a home plate (not shown) relative to the batter  10 . However, even though the perpendicular horizontal axis  28  and the vertical anchor plane  26  are depicted in an approximately perpendicular arrangement for ease of illustration purposes, it is understood that there is no requirement for the perpendicular horizontal axis  28  be perpendicular to the vertical anchor plane  26 . The perpendicular horizontal axis  28  is shown in more detail beginning with  FIG. 2  below. 
     As described above, the batter  10  is shown using the swing stability training system  100  for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. The swing stability training system  100  includes a harness  102  attachable at least circumferentially around a waist area of an athlete, such as the example batter  10 . The harness  102  may include any type of fastening system (not shown within  FIG. 1 ) suitable for attaching the harness  102  around the waist area of an athlete. For example, the harness  102  may include a harness that approximates a belt with a buckle or other fastening system, and may also include leg, torso, shoulder, or arm straps that allow the harness  102  to be further fastened to and worn by an athlete, such as the example batter  10 . Furthermore, there is no requirement that the harness  102  approximate a belt. Any harness that may be fastened to an athlete and attachable circumferentially around a waist area of an athlete via leg, torso, shoulder, or arm straps, even without a closure mechanism around the waist area is considered within the scope of the present subject matter. As such, the examples described herein illustrate a harness that may be fastened around the waist area of an athlete for ease of illustration purposes. The harness  102  may be constructed of any reasonably durable material, such as leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another. 
     The harness  102  includes a flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  coupled to the harness  102  via any suitable mechanism. As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the batter  10 . With reference to the vertical anchor plane  26 , the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  provides a guide around at least a portion of the waist area of the batter  10  that allows the batter  10  to rotate relative to the anchor point  24  with at least a portion of the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  remaining within or proximate to the vertical anchor plane  26  throughout a rotational athletic swing. Additionally, the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  automatically adjusts vertically based upon its flexible nature to accommodate differences in height of an athlete or distance to an anchoring system, such as the anchor point  24 . 
     The flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  may be constructed of any reasonably durable material, such as leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another to allow a flexible attachment mechanism to the harness  102 . For example, the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  may include a cloth or wire rope, a cloth or wire rope covered with plastic or other tubing, or a nylon webbed strap. Many other possibilities exist for achieving a flexible construction for the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     It should be noted that while the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is shown in association with the example swing stability training system  100  as coupled to the harness  102  at two locations, the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  may be coupled to the harness  102  at two points different from those shown in  FIG. 1  or may be attached at a single point without departure from the scope of the present subject matter. Accordingly, any arrangement for location and fastening of the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  to the harness  102  may be used as long as at least a portion of the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  remains within or proximate to the vertical anchor plane  26  during a rotational athletic swing. 
     It should also be understood that, while the vertical axis of rotation  20  is illustrated within  FIG. 1  in a location relative to the anchor point  24  and on a centerline of mass of the batter  10 , the vertical axis of rotation  20  may move laterally within the vertical anchor plane  26  relative to the anchor point  24  as the batter  10  moves during a rotational athletic swing. As will be described in more detail below, the present subject matter provides resistance to this lateral movement as feedback to the batter  10  to provide lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer from the batter  10  or any other athlete using the subject matter described herein during a rotational athletic swing. 
     A mechanical resistance element  106  is shown coupled to the harness  102  via a rotatable coupling element  108  and a removable coupling element  110  to the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104 . The mechanical resistance element  106  is also shown coupled via a removable coupling element  112  to the anchor point  24 . The mechanical resistance element  106  may be constructed of any material that may provide resistance to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete. For example, the mechanical resistance element  106  may be constructed from rubberized compounds, elastic compounds, rope, wire, cable, or any other material capable of being fastened to the respective locations described herein. Further, for implementations where lateral or vertical movement of an athlete are acceptable, the mechanical resistance element  106  may be constructed of a material with longitudinal elastic properties. The longitudinal elastic properties may be selected based upon an extent of allowable lateral and vertical movement and for weight or mass of the athlete. For implementations where lateral or vertical movement of an athlete are not desirable, the mechanical resistance element  106  may be constructed of a material without longitudinal elastic properties. In either situation, the mechanical resistance element provides either varying or fixed resistance, respectively, to lateral and vertical movement of the athlete. 
     The rotatable coupling element  108  is represented within this example as a pulley wheel system. The rotatable coupling element  108  may be constructed as a metal pulley wheel system, an alloy pulley wheel system, a plastic pulley wheel system, or a composite pulley wheel system. Other possibilities exist for construction of the rotatable coupling element  108  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. It should also be noted that the rotatable coupling element  108  may be configured in any suitable fashion to allow the mechanical resistance element  106  to move along the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  during a rotational athletic swing and provide resistance to lateral and vertical movement of the athlete relative to the anchor point  24  to provide feedback to the athlete. 
     The removable coupling element  110  and the removable coupling element  112  are illustrated within the example swing stability training system  100  as carabiners. However, it is understood that any suitable fastening mechanism may be used to allow an athlete, such as the batter  10 , to readily connect the harness  102  to and disconnect the harness  102  from him or herself and from the anchor point  24  during rotational athletic swing training sessions. The removable coupling element  110  and the removable coupling element  112  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, cloth rope, wire rope, or any other material. Accordingly, any such fastening mechanism or material is considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     It should be noted that while the present example swing stability training system  100  shows the mechanical resistance element  106  coupled to the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  and the anchor point  24  via additional elements, there is no requirement for any of these additional elements to be provided within any given implementation of a swing stability training system, such as the swing stability training system  100 . Accordingly, the mechanical resistance element  106  may be coupled to the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  at one end and to the anchor point  24  at the other end in any fashion that allows the mechanical resistance element  106  to move along the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  during a rotational athletic swing and provide resistance to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete relative to the anchor point  24  to train the athlete to maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     For purposes of the present description, it is understood that the mechanical resistance element  106  and other mechanical resistance elements described apply a resistive force to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . A longitudinal force vector  30  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  to represent the direction of the resistive force applied to lateral and vertical movement of the batter  10 . The longitudinal force vector  30  may be broken down into a horizontal force component  32  and a vertical force component  34 . As such, the mechanical resistance element  106  provides resistive feedback to an athlete, such as the batter  10 , for lateral and vertical movement through the horizontal force component  32  and the vertical force component  34 , respectively. 
     For example, if the batter  10  moves away from or toward the anchor point  24  laterally during a rotational athletic swing, the batter  10  will sense a corresponding increase or decrease in lateral resistance applied by the horizontal force component  32  of the longitudinal force vector  30 . Similarly, if the batter  10  extends or lowers vertically during a rotational athletic swing, the batter  10  will sense a corresponding increase or decrease in resistance applied by the vertical force component  34  of the longitudinal force vector  30 . Accordingly, an athlete may be trained to respond to changes in resistive feedback to minimize or strengthen any lateral or vertical movement that may be desired for a given sport to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer during a rotational athletic swing. 
     It is understood that the longitudinal force vector  30  is represented with an arbitrary vector length within  FIG. 1  for ease of illustration purposes and that a magnitude of the longitudinal force vector  30  will vary based upon selection of resistive material properties for the mechanical resistance element  106  and other mechanical resistance elements described. The magnitudes of the horizontal force component  32  and the vertical force component  34  will also vary depending upon the magnitude of the longitudinal force vector  30 . 
     The longitudinal force vector  30 , the horizontal force component  32 , and the vertical force component  34  are not illustrated in subsequent figures for ease of illustration purposes. However, it is understood that the forces discussed above provide resistive feedback to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete when attached to an anchor point at a level other than horizontal to a hip of an athlete. It should also be noted that, while the present subject matter is described to apply both lateral and vertical resistance to movement of an athlete, the present subject matter may also be used to provide lateral resistance alone by placing an anchor point at a level horizontal to a hip of an athlete. 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the batter  10  of  FIG. 1  in the neutral position using the swing stability training system  100  for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the harness  102  is shown as a dashed-line representation around the waist area of the batter  10 . The vertical axis of rotation  20  is shown coming out of a plane of the sheet of  FIG. 2  and the anchor point  24  is shown along the horizontal axis  22  to the right of the batter  10 . The perpendicular horizontal axis  28  is shown vertically-oriented within the perspective of  FIG. 2 . 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is shown to be pulled toward the anchor point  24  by the mechanical resistance element  106 . Accordingly, the mechanical resistance element  106  provides resistance to lateral and vertical movement of the batter  10  relative to the anchor point  24  to provide resistive feedback throughout a rotational athletic swing. The mechanical resistance element  106  may be selected to have a resistance appropriate for a weight of an athlete, such as the batter  10 , to provide an amount of resistance suitable for training the athlete in lateral and vertical rotational swing stability without throwing the athlete off of balance throughout a rotational athletic swing. As will be described in association with  FIG. 16  below, an adjustable mechanical resistance element may also be provided to allow the athlete to adjust the resistive feedback during a training session. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the batter  10  of  FIG. 2  in a rotated position after having swung the bat  12  and using the swing stability training system  100  for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As can be seen from  FIG. 3 , the harness  102  is again shown as a dashed-line representation around the waist area of the batter  10 . The flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is also shown again to be pulled toward the anchor point  24  by the mechanical resistance element  106 . As described above, the mechanical resistance element  106  provides resistance to lateral and vertical movement of the batter  10  relative to the anchor point  24  to provide resistive feedback throughout a rotational athletic swing. However, within  FIG. 3 , the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  has flexed into a shape to allow the mechanical resistance element  106  to maintain an approximately constant resistance throughout the rotational athletic swing when lateral and vertical movement of the batter  10  is minimized. Accordingly, the example swing stability training system  100  provides an approximately constant resistance throughout the rotational athletic swing to assist the batter  10  in maintaining a center of rotation throughout the rotational athletic swing. As described above, the vertical axis of rotation  20  may move relative to the anchor point  24  during a rotational athletic swing, but the swing stability training system  100  reinforces maintaining a center of rotation along the vertical axis of rotation  20  to improve rotational energy accumulation and transfer from the batter  10  or any other athlete during a rotational athletic swing. Additionally, rotational energy accumulation and transfer from the batter  10  may be improved when the batter  10  maintains vertical positioning throughout the rotational athletic swing. Accordingly, the swing stability training system  100  reinforces maintaining a vertical center of mass within the vertical axis of rotation  20 . 
     As such, lateral and vertical feedback is provided to the batter  10  via the approximately constant resistance when the batter  10  maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. Additionally, feedback is also provided to the batter  10  via changing resistance when the batter  10  does not maintain lateral or vertical rotational stability and imparts lateral or vertical movement to a rotational athletic swing. It should be noted that, while the present subject matter describes minimizing lateral or vertical movement of the athlete during a rotational athletic swing, it is understood that certain sports require lateral or vertical movement of the athlete during a rotational athletic swing. In such endeavors, an increasing or decreasing resistance to that lateral or vertical movement may be provided as feedback to the athlete to assist that athlete in gauging how much lateral or vertical movement is being performed. As such, the present subject matter may be used to provide varying feedback based upon such lateral or vertical movement of an athlete during a rotational athletic swing without departure from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     It should be noted that while the present example discusses use of an approximately constant resistance via the mechanical resistance element  106 , material selection may also allow for variations, such as increasing or decreasing resistance based upon lateral or vertical movement of an athlete relative to the anchor point  24 . As such, other variations in resistance are possible and considered to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Additionally, a mechanical resistance element may be selected to provide a resistance based upon weight or body mass of the athlete. 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system  100  of  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 . As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , the harness  102  is formed such that it may be fastened via a buckle  114  around a waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . The flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is shown coupled to the harness  102  via two fastening elements  116  and  118 . The fastening elements  116  and  118  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of coupling the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  to the harness  102 . For example, the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  may include fabricated ends that form the fastening elements  116  and  118  and the fastening elements  116  and  118  may be stitched into or onto the harness  102 . The fastening elements  116  and  118  may also be tied, riveted, grommeted, or fastened through holes in the harness  102 . Many other possibilities exist for fastening the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  to the harness  102  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system  100  of  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , without the batter  10 , shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 5 , the harness  102  and the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  for  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4  are shown. However, the mechanical resistance element  106  of the swing stability training system  100  has been replaced by a mechanical resistance element  502  coupled at a first end to the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  and at a second end to the anchor point  24 . The rotatable coupling element  108 , the removable coupling element  110 , and the removable coupling element  112  of the swing stability training system  100  are not illustrated to emphasize that these elements are not required within the example swing stability training system  100 . 
     A tension radius arrow  504  is illustrated to show that the mechanical resistance element  502  applies resistance to lateral and vertical movement of batter  10  away from the anchor point  24 . The tension radius arrow  504  may be oriented as the longitudinal force vector  30  of  FIG. 1 . As described in more detail below, the shape of the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is adjusted by the resistance created by the mechanical resistance element  502  throughout a rotational athletic swing. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the swing stability training system  100  of  FIG. 5  in a rotated orientation of approximately ninety (90) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 5 , such as after a rotational athletic swing has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 6 , the harness  102  is rotated to reflect completion of the rotational athletic swing. Additionally, the shape of the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  is again adjusted by the resistance created by the mechanical resistance element  502  relative to the anchor point  24 . The tension radius arrow  504  is again shown directed toward the anchor point  24  and of approximately equal magnitude as that shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Based upon the description above, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the example swing stability training system  100  provides approximately constant resistance throughout the rotational athletic swing by allowing the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  to flex and reshape based upon the resistance applied by the mechanical resistance element  502  relative to the anchor point  24 . Additionally, the flexible mechanical resistance attachment guide  104  automatically adjusts radially based upon the rotational athletic swing to maintain an approximately constant radius arc of travel of the first end of the mechanical resistance element  502  relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  102  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. The approximately constant radius arc of travel of the first end of the mechanical resistance element  502  allows the mechanical resistance element  502  to maintain approximately constant resistance throughout a rotational athletic swing when rotational stability is maintained relative to the vertical axis  20  and the anchor point  24 . Accordingly, without lateral or vertical movement, the lateral and vertical resistance applied by the mechanical resistance element  502  relative to the anchor point  24 , and thereby the feedback to the athlete, may remain approximately constant throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve and maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability of the athlete. Additionally, feedback may be provided to the athlete for any variations in lateral or vertical position throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system  700 . A mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106  or the mechanical resistance element  502 , is not shown within  FIG. 7  for ease of illustration purposes. However, it is understood that the example rigid swing stability training system  700  works in association with a mechanical resistance element to provide feedback for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As can be seen from  FIG. 7 , a harness  702  is formed such that it may be fastened via a buckle  704  around a waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As with other examples described above, the harness  702  may include also include leg, torso, shoulder, or arm straps that allow the harness  702  to be further fastened to and worn by an athlete, such as the example batter  10 . The harness  702  may be constructed of any reasonably durable material, such as leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another. 
     A rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  is shown coupled to the harness  702  and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness  702  is worn by the athlete. The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. As will be described in more detail below, at least a portion of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  remains within a vertical anchor plane  26  throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  (See  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  below) of the athlete when the harness  702  is attached to the waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As will be described in more detail below, the approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to provide an approximately constant attachment distance for a first end of a mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106  or the mechanical resistance element  502 , relative to the anchor point  24  when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  may be constructed from any suitable material that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to maintain an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  throughout a rotational athletic swing. For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  may be constructed of metal, plastic, composite rubber, alloy, or any other compound that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to maintain an approximately constant shape under tension relative to the anchor point  24  during a rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  is shown coupled to the harness  702  via two fastening elements  708  and  710 . The fastening elements  708  and  710  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of coupling the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to the harness  702 . For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  may include fabricated ends that form the fastening elements  708  and  710  and the fastening elements  708  and  710  may be stitched into or onto the harness  702 . The fastening elements  708  and  710  may also be tied, riveted, grommeted, or fastened through holes in the harness  702 . The fastening elements  708  and  710  may also include a pivotal element, such as a hinge assembly, that couples the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to the harness  702  and that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to automatically adjust vertically based upon a height of the athlete when the harness  702  is worn by the athlete or a distance to the anchor point  24 . Many other possibilities exist for fastening the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  to the harness  702  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  700  of  FIG. 7  without the batter  10  shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 8 , the harness  702  and the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  of  FIG. 7  are shown. A mechanical resistance element  802  is shown coupled at a first end to the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  and at a second end to the anchor point  24 . As with  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the rotatable coupling element  108  and removable coupling elements  110  and  112  are not illustrated to emphasize that these elements are not required within the example rigid swing stability training system  700 . 
     As described above, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  702  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  802  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing to cause the mechanical resistance element  802  to provide an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     A tension radius arrow  804  is illustrated to show that the mechanical resistance element  802  applies resistance to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete, such as the batter  10 , away from the anchor point  24 . The tension radius arrow  804  may be oriented as the longitudinal force vector  30  of  FIG. 1 . As described above and in more detail below, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  is such that it creates an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete via the mechanical resistance element  802  throughout a rotational athletic swing when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  700  of  FIG. 8  in a rotated orientation of approximately ninety (90) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 8 , such as after a rotational athletic swing has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 9 , the harness  702  is rotated to reflect completion of the rotational athletic swing. Additionally, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  has remained relatively constant relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20 . The tension radius arrow  804  is again shown directed toward the anchor point  24  and of approximately equal magnitude as that shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Based upon the description above, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the example rigid swing stability training system  700  provides approximately constant resistance to lateral and vertical movement throughout the rotational athletic swing by maintaining an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  702  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  706  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  802  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing. Accordingly, without lateral and vertical movement, the lateral and vertical resistance applied by the mechanical resistance element  802  relative to the anchor point  24 , and thereby the feedback to the athlete, may remain approximately constant throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve and maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability of the athlete. Additionally, feedback may be provided to the athlete for any variations in lateral or vertical position throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
       FIG. 10  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system  1000  that allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with lateral and vertical resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . A mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106 , the mechanical resistance element  502 , or the mechanical resistance element  802 , is not shown within  FIG. 10  for ease of illustration purposes. However, it is understood that the example rigid swing stability training system  1000  works in association with a mechanical resistance element to provide feedback for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As can be seen from  FIG. 10 , a harness  1002  is formed such that it may be fastened via a buckle  1004  around a waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As with other examples described above, the harness  1002  may include also include leg, torso, shoulder, or arm straps that allow the harness  1002  to be further fastened to and worn by an athlete, such as the example batter  10 . The harness  1002  may be constructed of any reasonably durable material, such as leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another. 
     A rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is shown coupled to the harness  1002  and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness  1002  is worn by the athlete. The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. As will be described in more detail below, at least a portion of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  remains within a vertical anchor plane  26  throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  (See  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  below) of the athlete when the harness  1002  is attached to the waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As will be described in more detail below, the approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to provide an approximately constant attachment distance for a first end of a mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106 , the mechanical resistance element  502 , or the mechanical resistance element  802 , relative to the anchor point  24  when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. In addition, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is formed such that it allows for additional rotation of the athlete during a rotational athletic swing without interfering with tensioning, resistance, and feedback provided by an associated mechanical resistance element. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  may be constructed from any suitable material that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to maintain an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  throughout a rotational athletic swing. For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  may be constructed of metal, plastic, composite rubber, alloy, or any other compound that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to maintain an approximately constant shape under tension relative to the anchor point  24  during a rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is shown coupled to the harness  1002  via two fastening elements  1008  and  1010 . The fastening elements  1008  and  1010  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of coupling the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to the harness  1002 . For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  may include fabricated ends that form the fastening elements  1008  and  1010  and the fastening elements  1008  and  1010  may be stitched into or onto the harness  1002 . The fastening elements  1008  and  1010  may also be tied, riveted, grommeted, or fastened through holes in the harness  1002 . The fastening elements  1008  and  1010  may also include a pivotal element, such as a hinge assembly, that couples the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to the harness  1002  and that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to automatically adjust vertically based upon a height of the athlete when the harness  1002  is worn by the athlete or a distance to the anchor point  24 . Many other possibilities exist for fastening the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  to the harness  1002  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  1000  of  FIG. 10 , without the batter  10 , shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 11 , the harness  1002  and the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  of  FIG. 10  are shown. A mechanical resistance element  1102  is shown coupled at a first end to the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  and at a second end to the anchor point  24 . As with other examples shown above, a rotatable coupling element  108  and removable coupling elements  110  and  112  are not illustrated to emphasize that these elements are not required within the example rigid swing stability training system  1000 . 
     As described above, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  1002  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, without lateral and vertical movement of the athlete, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  1102  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing to cause the mechanical resistance element  1102  to provide an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete throughout the rotational athletic swing. Additionally, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with tensioning, resistance, and feedback provided by the mechanical resistance element  1102 . 
     A tension radius arrow  1104  is illustrated to show that the mechanical resistance element  1102  applies resistance to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete, such as the batter  10 , away from the anchor point  24 . The tension radius arrow  1104  may be oriented as the longitudinal force vector  30  of  FIG. 1 . As described above and in more detail below, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  is such that it creates an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete via the mechanical resistance element  1102  throughout a rotational athletic swing when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. 
       FIG. 12  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  1000  of  FIG. 11  in a rotated orientation of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 11 , such as after a rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 12 , the harness  1002  is rotated to an angle of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees to reflect completion of the rotational athletic swing greater than ninety (90) degrees. Additionally, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  has remained relatively constant relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20 . The tension radius arrow  1104  is again shown directed toward the anchor point  24  and of approximately equal magnitude as that shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Based upon the description above, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the example rigid swing stability training system  1000  provides approximately constant resistance to lateral and vertical movement throughout the rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees by maintaining an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  1002  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1006  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  1102  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees. Accordingly, without lateral and vertical movement, the lateral and vertical resistance applied by the mechanical resistance element  1102  relative to the anchor point  24 , and thereby the feedback to the athlete, may remain approximately constant throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve and maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability of the athlete. Additionally, feedback may be provided to the athlete for any variations in lateral or vertical position throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
       FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of an example of an implementation of a portion of a rigid swing stability training system  1300  that allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with lateral and vertical resistance relative to the anchor point  24  and that allows an athlete to change between left and right stances without adjustment of the rigid swing stability training system  1300 . A mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106 , the mechanical resistance element  502 , the mechanical resistance element  802 , or the mechanical resistance element  1102 , is not shown within  FIG. 13  for ease of illustration purposes. However, it is understood that the example rigid swing stability training system  1300  works in association with a mechanical resistance element to provide feedback for lateral and vertical rotational swing stability training. As can be seen from  FIG. 13 , a harness  1302  is formed such that it may be fastened via a buckle  1304  around a waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As with other examples described above, the harness  1302  may include also include leg, torso, shoulder, or arm straps that allow the harness  1302  to be further fastened to and worn by an athlete, such as the example batter  10 . The harness  1302  may be constructed of any reasonably durable material, such as leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another. 
     A rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is shown coupled to the harness  1302  and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness  1302  is worn by the athlete. The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. As will be described in more detail below, at least a portion of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  remains within a vertical anchor plane  26  throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  (See  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15  below) of the athlete when the harness  1302  is attached to the waist area of an athlete, such as the batter  10 . As will be described in more detail below, the approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to provide an approximately constant attachment distance for a first end of a mechanical resistance element, such as the mechanical resistance element  106 , the mechanical resistance element  502 , the mechanical resistance element  802 , or the mechanical resistance element  1102  relative to the anchor point  24  when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. In addition, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is formed such that it allows for additional rotation of the athlete during a rotational athletic swing without interfering with tensioning, resistance, and feedback provided by an associated mechanical resistance element. The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is also formed to allow the athlete to switch between both right-handed and left-handed stances to train in both left and right rotational swings without reversing the harness  1302 . 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  may be constructed from any suitable material that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to maintain an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  throughout a rotational athletic swing. For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  may be constructed of metal, plastic, composite rubber, alloy, or any other compound that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to maintain an approximately constant shape under tension relative to the anchor point  24  during a rotational athletic swing. 
     The rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is shown coupled to the harness  1302  via two fastening elements  1308  and  1310 . The fastening elements  1308  and  1310  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of coupling the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to the harness  1302 . For example, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  may include fabricated ends that form the fastening elements  1308  and  1310  and the fastening elements  1308  and  1310  may be stitched into or onto the harness  1302 . The fastening elements  1308  and  1310  may also be tied, riveted, grommeted, or fastened through holes in the harness  1302 . The fastening elements  1308  and  1310  may also include a pivotal element, such as a hinge assembly, that couples the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to the harness  1302  and that allows the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to automatically adjust vertically based upon a height of the athlete when the harness  1302  is worn by the athlete or a distance to the anchor point  24 . Many other possibilities exist for fastening the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  to the harness  1302  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  1300  of  FIG. 13  without the batter  10  shown to illustrate certain aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 14 , the harness  1302  and the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  of  FIG. 10  are shown. A mechanical resistance element  1402  is shown coupled at a first end to the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  and at a second end to the anchor point  24 . As with other examples shown above, the rotatable coupling element  108  and removable coupling elements  110  and  112  are not illustrated to emphasize that these elements are not required within the example rigid swing stability training system  1300 . 
     As described above, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is formed in an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  1302  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  1402  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing to cause the mechanical resistance element  1402  to provide an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete throughout the rotational athletic swing. Additionally, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  allows for rotation of an athletic swing beyond ninety (90) degrees without interfering with tensioning, resistance, and feedback provided by the mechanical resistance element  1402 . Additionally, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is formed to allow the athlete to switch between both right-handed and left-handed stances to train in both left and right rotational swings without reversing the harness  1302 . 
     A tension radius arrow  1404  is illustrated to show that the mechanical resistance element  1402  applies resistance to lateral and vertical movement of an athlete, such as the batter  10 , away from the anchor point  24 . The tension radius arrow  1404  may be oriented as the longitudinal force vector  30  of  FIG. 1 . As described above and in more detail below, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  is such that it creates an approximately constant resistance to the lateral and vertical movement of the athlete via the mechanical resistance element  1402  throughout a rotational athletic swing when the athlete maintains lateral and vertical rotational stability. 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of an example of an implementation of the rigid swing stability training system  1300  of  FIG. 14  in a rotated orientation of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees relative to that shown in  FIG. 14 , such as after a rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees has been completed, to illustrate additional aspects of resistance relative to the anchor point  24 . As can be seen from  FIG. 15 , the harness  1302  is rotated to an angle of approximately one hundred and ten (110) degrees to reflect completion of the rotational athletic swing greater than ninety (90) degrees. Additionally, the shape of the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  has remained relatively constant relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20 . The tension radius arrow  1404  is again shown directed toward the anchor point  24  and of approximately equal magnitude as that shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Based upon the description above, without lateral or vertical movement of the athlete, the example rigid swing stability training system  1300  provides approximately constant resistance to lateral and vertical movement throughout the rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees by maintaining an approximately constant radius arc relative to the vertical axis of rotation  20  of the athlete when the harness  1302  is attached to the waist area of the athlete. As such, the rigid mechanical resistance attachment guide  1306  provides an approximately constant attachment distance for the first end of the mechanical resistance element  1402  relative to the anchor point  24  throughout the rotational athletic swing of greater than ninety (90) degrees. Accordingly, without lateral and vertical movement, the lateral and vertical resistance applied by the mechanical resistance element  1402  relative to the anchor point  24 , and thereby the feedback to the athlete, may remain approximately constant throughout the rotational athletic swing to improve and maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability of the athlete. Additionally, feedback may be provided to the athlete for any variations in lateral or vertical position throughout the rotational athletic swing. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an example of an implementation of a combined mechanical resistance element  1600  that includes both an elastic portion for variable resistance and a non-elastic adjustable portion to allow adjustment for both a height of the athlete and a distance from an anchoring location, such as the anchor point  24  (not shown). As can be seen from  FIG. 16 , the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  includes a removable coupling element  1602  and a removable coupling element  1604  (shown as carabiners for ease of illustration purposes). The removable coupling elements  1602  and  1604  may be used to removably couple the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  to a harness, such as the harness  102  and the anchor point  24 , respectively. 
     A non-elastic portion  1606  is shown coupled to an elastic portion  1608  via a coupling element  1610 . It should be understood that the non-elastic portion  1606  and the elastic portion  1608  are shown as a nylon strap and an elastic strap for ease of illustration purposes only. Furthermore, it should be understood that, while the non-elastic portion  1606  is described as non-elastic relative to the elastic portion  1608 , this is for ease of illustration purposes only. The non-elastic portion  1606  may have elastic properties without departure from the scope of the present subject matter. Additionally, the coupling element  1610  is shown without removable attachment capabilities. However, these representations should not be considered limiting. Many other possibilities exist for construction of non-elastic portion  1606 , the elastic portion  1608 , and the coupling element  1610  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     A buckle  1612  is shown integrated with the non-elastic portion  1606  with an exposed end  1614  that allows an athlete, such as the batter  10 , to adjust a length of the combined mechanical resistance element  1600 . The length may be adjusted by the athlete for a variety of reasons. For example, the athlete may wish to adjust the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  for the height of the athlete or for a distance from the anchor point  24 . Additionally, the athlete may wish to increase or decrease lateral and vertical resistance and the resulting feedback created by the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  for weight or body mass of the athlete, or for other reasons. Accordingly, the adjustable nature of the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  allows flexibility in both distance from an anchoring location (not shown) and height of the athlete, and for weight or body mass of the athlete, without requiring components to be changed. 
     It should be noted that the elements of the combined mechanical resistance element  1600  may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the non-elastic portion  1606  may be constructed from leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another, such as a cable or a woven nylon material. Additionally, the elastic portion  1608  may be constructed from a spring or a rubberized compound. As well, the coupling element  1610  may be constructed from leather, nylon, plastic, metal, or any other material, either alone or in combination with one another. Many other possibilities exist for construction of the non-elastic portion  1606 , the elastic portion  1608 , and the coupling element  1610  and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Additionally, it should be noted that any of the harness  102 , the harness  702 , or the harness  1002  may be reversed so that the respective mechanical resistance attachment guide is on the opposite hip from that shown within the respective figures so that either left-handed or right-handed athletes may use the respective swing stability training system. It should also be noted that the harness  1302  does not need to be reversed to allow an athlete to switch from a left-handed stance to a right-handed stance to train in a rotational athletic swing. 
     Accordingly, a method has been described including enabling an athlete to be tethered via a harness and a mechanical resistance apparatus to an anchor point positioned approximately perpendicularly to and below a hip of the athlete; allowing the athlete to rotate through a rotational athletic swing with an approximately constant radius moveable attachment location to the harness for a first end of the mechanical resistance apparatus relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete; and providing an resistive feedback to lateral and vertical movement of the athlete during the rotational athletic swing relative to the anchor point via the mechanical resistance apparatus to train the athlete to maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing. Many variations on this method have been described above and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As described above in association with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 16 , the example systems, apparatus, and processes provide resistive feedback for lateral and vertical movement of an athlete involved in a rotational athletic swing to train the athlete to improve and maintain lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout the rotational athletic swing. Many other variations and additional activities associated with improving and maintaining lateral and vertical rotational stability throughout a rotational athletic swing are possible and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon consideration of the above teachings, that certain of the above examples are based upon use of a harness, a mechanical resistance attachment guide, a mechanical resistance element, a rotatable coupling element, and removable coupling elements, such as the harness  102 , the mechanical resistance attachment guide  104 , the mechanical resistance element  106 , the rotatable coupling element  108 , and the removable coupling elements  110  and  112 . However, the invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments, since other embodiments could be implemented using hardware component equivalents to the described examples. Accordingly, any such hardware component equivalents are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. Similarly, many other material selection and construction possibilities exist and all are considered within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.