This page is a condensed summary of the provisional patent application filed with the Patent and Trademark office.
 

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The general purpose of the present invention (referred to as the EASI Tennis System), which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new a system of tennis training that has many more advantages than tennis instruction mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new a system of tennis training which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art tennis instruction, either alone or in any combination thereof. To attain this, the present invention generally comprises five elements: Element 1) is the five generic stroke-production action components for the forehand, backhand, forehand volley, backhand volley, serve, overhead and drop shot which are: the take-back or preparation, the contraction, the rotation, the acceleration, and the strike. Element 2) is the four dynamical actions of positioning, stabilizing, accelerating, and rectifying. Element 3) is the order of developing strokes by developing the last action component first, the next to last second, and so forth, so that the first action developed is the strike, second develop is the acceleration, third, is the rotation, fourth, is the contraction, fifth, is the take-back. Element 4) is the set of specific action components to be described below. Element 5) is the graduated method of developing the specific action components. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of method and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide a system of tennis training that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art methods. An object of the present invention is to provide a system of tennis training for dramatically reducing the time to learn tennis over existing methods and increasing performance in match play as compared to existing systems. Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that reduces learning time to a fraction of the MTR method due to the linear exploration approach used as contrasted to the template approach of the MTR system. For example, where as a template of k components which can be executed N ways has k raised to the Nth power possible candidate strokes to be tested, the EASI method has only kN candidates strokes to test. Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that develops the elements of a stroke in reverse order so that the relevance of each action component is established by the succeeding action component.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that ensures that each action component has a meaningful, easily understood purpose and can be explained by any practitioner and can be explained by the student as well after a short period of instruction.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that ensures that the action components do not necessarily have an end-use function, but rather are a set of approximations to actions or movements that can be adapted, modified, or improvised upon as circumstances require, or to fit any individual style. Further, they are to be viewed as a starting point for stroke development around which additional, novel modifications can evolve based on individual initiative.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that ensures that the action components, due to there relevance and method of development, may be retained in declaritive memory and therefore can be recalled under pressure, unlike actions retained only in reflexive memory. This allows the student maximum independence from the instructor and therefore the student has the potential for self-realization of their ability through exploration and imagination, without supervision.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses issues such as the limitations of human visual processing. The EASI system addresses the limitations of human visual processing by breaking down the unobservable portion of each stroke into a set of reproducible relevant action components.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the issues posed by human associative memory and learning. The associative nature of human memory and learning is addressed by decomposing a stroke into relevant, results producing components. Each component has a purpose and is not a simple abstract concept. The strike component has the purpose of bringing the racquet into efficient contact with the ball. The acceleration component has the purpose of producing racquet head speed just before the strike. The rotation component has the purpose of rotating the body into a stable position from which the acceleration component will be most efficient, the contraction component has the purpose of positioning the elbow so that the acceleration components can produce maximum speed. The take-back component has the purpose of positioning the body and arm to begin the stroke.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the problem of declaritive recall of reflexive memory. This is addresses by the fact that the individual components and their order provide a declaritive procedure to assist in carrying out actions when reflexive actions are degraded by tension and stress.  Another object is to provide is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the inaccuracy of human memory by providing a system of associative recall for each component, which, along with a declaritive procedure, provides a path that shortens the recall time of correct technique.  Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the complexity of the neurodynamics of intentional actions through the use components that may be adapted and modified to any circumstance and used in any measure. Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the problem of disassembly and encroachment. The EASI system addresses the process of disassembly by providing a method or rapid reassembly by using only the essential action components needed for a stroke. Another object is to provide a system of tennis training that addresses the problem of mystical and social interpretation of random events The EASI system addresses the mystical interpretation of random events by conducting a factual analysis of errors.  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: FIG.1 illustrates five components for a Forehand Stroke.  FIG. 2 illustrates that there can be six components, but that these six arise from the basic components of the EASI System. FIG. 3 illustrates the five components of the two handed backhand.  FIG.4 illustrates that the re are six components for the slice.  FIG. 5 shows the five components to the forehand volley. FIG. 6 shows the five components of the backhand slice.  FIG.7 shows the five components of the serve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a system of tennis training, which comprises: the five generic stroke-production action components for the forehand, backhand, forehand volley, backhand volley, serve, overhead and drop shot; the four dynamical actions of positioning, stabilizing, accelerating, and rectifying a stroke; the order of developing strokes by developing the last action component first, the next to last second, and so forth; and the set of specific action components described below, and the method of developing each specific action component.  Description of the generic stroke-production action components. The five generic stroke-production action components are the take-back, the contraction, the rotation, the acceleration, and the strike. In the EASI system the stroke consists of the a fore mentioned five action components which may be executed in the following order:  The preparation (taking the racquet back in preparation for a stroke) The contraction (acceleration preparation) and positioning of the elbow toward the body and so that it is in front of the plane of the body. The three points consisting of the left and right shoulders and the sternum define the plane of the body. This has the preparing for the acceleration component that occurs after the stabilization component. The rotation (or stabilization component) of the hips and shoulders to assist in the development of racquet speed and to stabilize the position of the arm so that the acceleration component can be executed. The acceleration of the racquet by use of upper arm rotation. Striking the ball by extending the arm at the elbow and shoulder during the acceleration component to cause the racquet path to approximate a straight-line of about 4-8inches as the racquet contacts the ball. This may also be called the rectification component.  Description of the order of development of the generic stroke-production action components. The order of development is to develop the strike component first, the acceleration component second, the rotation component third, the contraction component fourth, the takeback component last. The order of training may be modified to suit the students needs. Students having previous MTR instruction may be missing a specific action component. The EASI system provides a method of developing this component individually by simply providing instruction and assistance for this single component. The order of development is essential to addressing several of the neurodynamical features of human learning. Description of the four dynamical actions that each component may contain Each generic stroke-production action component may contain any combination of the following four dynamical actions: 1) Positioning whereby the player positions themselves or a part of their body or the racquet to carry out a stroke or action component. 2) Stabilization whereby the player stabilizes their motion or the motion of part of their body or the racquet in order execute a component or stroke. 3) Acceleration whereby the player produces racquet head speed to produce ball velocity.  4) Rectification whereby the player executes a motion that causes the racquet to move in a straight line in order to increase the probability of an efficient strike of the ball. Description of the specific action components of the EASI system The specific action components of the EASI system are The elbow stabilization action component. This action component is developed for the forehand by holding the racquet and extending the elbow in the front of the body, as seen in FIG.1a. It is developed for the backhand likewise as seen in FIG 2a. It is developed for the serve and overhead as seen in FIG 3a, for the volley as seen in FIG 4a. The ball strike component is the action of bringing the racquet into contact with the ball. There are eight specific action components that may be used to strike the ball (explained below): 1) The hammer strike  2) The punch strike 3) The jab strike 4) The reverse pronation strike 5) The wrist rotation strike 6) The contraction strike 7) The extension strike 8) The pronation strike The specific rectification action components are not listed as they are well known and utilized in every teaching method. Description of the graduated specific action component development method. All components are developed in stages by first explaining and illustrating the component, then having the trainee first tap a ball suspended from a string using the component. Following this training, the trainee is then brought to a backboard and assisted in developing the ability to tap the ball lightly so that it bounces back from the backboard in a slow manageable fashion. The next step is to stand with the student on the same side of the net, so that the net is not a factor, and slowly toss the ball allowing the student to exercise and explore the specific component and other action components developed so far. Once the student is comfortable with the ball tossing exercise, the instructor then rallies with the student slowly, still on the same side of the net. Following this, the instructor crosses to the opposite side of the net and repeats the exercises of tossing balls and then rallying with the student.  A key point is that isolating the component of interest (to the maximum extent possible) from the other components aids in the development of the specific component, but all components as well. Further, component development nominally proceeds by first hitting the ball very softly, and then advancing the speed of the racquet as the control of the component improves Specific component development Upper arm rotation component. This component is developed by first holding the student's upper arm in place and moving the forearm back and forth to gain a sense of the rotation component.  Forearm rotation component. The forearm rotation component is developed by first having the student hold the racquet out front and rotating the racquet clockwise and counter clockwise as is done in baton twirling.  Shoulder contraction component. Having the student pull back their shoulders as is done when standing at attention develops this component. The shoulder is pulled back and forth to get a sense of this component.  Pronation component for use in serving. The pronation component is developed by having the student stand, facing the net at the service line, with their arms straight out in a horizontal position and then bending the serving arm (with the racquet in hand) at the elbow upward at 90 degrees. The racquet head is then pointed to the backward parallel to the court surface with the but toward the net. The forearm is then pronated (with the upper arm and elbow positions being held fixed) bringing the racquet around parallel to the shoulders and then forward with the head of the racquet pointing toward the net. The component motion is repeated while standing in the same position until the student gets a sense of the motion. Serve striking component. Having the student hold the racquet and tap the backboard in a motion that would be used to hammer a nail into the backboard develops this component. The elbow is held up at a height that is the same as the shoulder joint. The exercise is carried out using the backboard, a ball suspended from a string, or a ball held at the correct height by the instructor and then advanced to the rally. Advanced forehand striking component. The student holds the racquet with a western grip and strikes the net from the side in the same motion that would be used to hammer a nail into the net. The exercise is carried out using the net, backboard, a ball suspended from a string, or a ball held at the correct height by the instructor and then advanced to the rally. Backhand striking component. The student holds the racquet with a standard backhand drive grip and strikes the net from the side in the same motion that would be used to hammer a nail into the net. The entire face of the racquet must strike the net flush with the net. It is especially important that the top of the racquet not strike the net first. Two handed backhand striking component. The student holds the racquet in any of the standard two-handed grips and strikes the net from the side in the same motion that would be used to hammer a nail into the net holding the racquet with two hands. As with the preceding action component, the net must be struck by the entire face of the racquet flush with the net. It is especially important that the top of the racquet not strike the net first. Backhand slice striking component. The student holds the racquet in any preferred slice grip and rotates the forearm in a clockwise motion to strike the net. Using the elbow component as a base and the upper arm rotation component with any preferred grip develops volley-striking components.  Upper arm reverse rotation component. The upper arm reverse rotation component is developed exactly the same as in the upper arm rotation component except that the objective is to rotate the upper arm backward to prepare for a striking motion.  Forearm contraction component. Contracting the forearm in a motion that would be used to curl a weight to develop the biceps develops this component. Forearm reverse pronation component. This component is developed at the same time of the pronation component except the objective is to reverse pronate in order to strike the ball. Jabbing component. This component is developed by holding the hitting arm at one's side and bent in a right angle at the elbow with the fist straightforward and then jabbing forward as is done when hitting. Forearm extension component. Performing the jabbing component in slow motion develops this component.  The interconnection between the elements of the EASI system is that the second element of the system uses the first as the elements of what is being trained or developed The preferred embodiment of the system is that 1) the trainee is explained the EASI system and how it relates to learning. 2) The instructor first evaluates the trainee by observing their natural tendencies on the court; 3) the instructor then begins development of the first action component, the ball strike, based on the trainees natural tendencies; 4) In group situations, trainees with similar natural tendencies are developed as a unit; 5) in cases where the trainee has previously been exposed to template based methods, the instructor determines which action component is absent that is limiting the trainees stroke production and develops this action component. 6) Then verbal or other illustrations or methods are used to convey the idea of the specific action component. 7) The instructor must avoid the use of metaphors or rules or constant verbal correction of the trainee. 8) The instructor must utilize factual explanations of the purpose of each stage of instruction so that the trainee constantly strives to become self-teaching. 9) The student is encouraged to explore and experiment independently. Throughout the program of instruction, the student is taught the generic stroke-producing action components, the order of learning and why, the dynamical actions, the specific action components, and is taught each specific component using the graduated method. As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Attachment 1: THE DRAWINGS The drawings of the invention are available upon request to any prospective investor.