Abstract: A training cage for throwing practice, comprises a frame having a height, width and depth. The training cage also comprises a strike zone indicator that defines the boundaries of a strike zone and a pitch locator. The pitch locator is configured such that when the pitch locator is in cooperation with the strike zone indicator, the strike zone is defined by at least one strike area pass through that defines an area that allows a ball thrown within the strike zone to pass through the strike zone indicator and at least one strike area barricade that defines an area that obstructs the ball thrown within the strike zone from passing through the strike zone indicator. Moreover, the pitching cage comprises a target having a target surface that is suspended in a second designated position located behind the strike zone indicator.

Abstract: A training tool is an apparatus that teaches a user to reach their arms out from their torso in order to catch a football. The apparatus includes a waistband, a left wrist strap, a right wrist strap, a left elastic cord, and a right elastic cord. The waistband attaches the apparatus to the user's waist, and the left wrist strap and the right wrist strap attach the apparatus to the user's wrists. The left wrist strap is connected to the waistband by the left elastic cord, and the right wrist strap is connected to the waistband by the right elastic cord. The left elastic cord provides a resistance between the left wrist and the waist, which reminds the user to fully extend the left arm. Similarly, the right elastic cord provides a resistance between the right wrist and the waist, which reminds the user to fully extend the right arm.

Abstract: An improved baseball or softball batter training system and batting tee is provided. The tee provides a significantly increased useful life as compared to prior art tees as well as improved hitting dynamics. The batting tee forms part of a batter training system which allows multiple batting tees and adapters to be used together to teach proper batting skills to a batter while providing immediate tactile feedback to ensure proper technique.

Abstract: This method for calculating a repeatability index of gestures and shots of a player striking a tennis ball with a racket, includes: a preliminary step a) in which behavioural data of the racket are generated during tests, the behavioural data indicating first playing data, related to gestures and shots as a function of parameters including at least several types of hits, a playing step b) in which second playing data are measured; an analysis step c) in which: the second playing data are compared with the behavioural data, the type of hit is deduced for each shot made in the playing step b), and for each type of hit, the value of the repeatability index of the player's gestures and shots is determined by comparing the second playing data with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using two of three alternative ways to connect a connector on a second-side of the flexible line, either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.

Abstract: An instructional ball having an inner core, an outer core is an ellipsoid, and an outer cover. The instructional ball has an ellipsoid shape, a longitudinal axis, and a generally circular transverse cross-section along a transverse axis.

Abstract: A lacrosse training and competitive game installation includes an elongated enclosed space having side walls and a goal area adjacent one end thereof and a player area at an opposite end thereof. The goal area includes a rear wall and one or more forward projecting side baffle regions projecting forward from the rear wall of the goal area. Each of the one or more side baffle regions has one or more throwing apertures through which lacrosse balls are hurled into the enclosed space in sequence. A ball projector assembly is mounted behind each baffle adjacent each of the throwing apertures for hurling the lacrosse balls into the enclosed space simulating passed balls between players. A simulated goal is preferably rotatable in the goal area for throwing and shooting of balls at various angles to a goal. Balls are collected from the goal area and delivered to each ball projector assembly.

Abstract: A ball-hitting glove assembly for boxing training has a glove, a ball and a rope. The glove has a palm section, a hand back section and a finger section. The rope is mounted securely on the glove and has a glove end and a ball end. The glove end of the rope is mounted securely on the hand back section. The ball end is opposite to the glove end of the rope. The ball is mounted securely on the ball end of the rope. The ball-hitting glove assembly is easily carried and is convenient for boxing-training at any time when a user travels or exercises outside. This is greatly practical for those who like boxing.

Abstract: A training device to enhance hand-eye coordination includes an illumination device for determining the proper time for an individual to strike a ball and to collect practice information for later evaluation. The device allows an individual to practice hitting a ball with a racket or bat, providing an immediate indication whether the ball has been properly struck. Also, an individual is provided with a record of his/her performance reviewable by a professional. The device includes a ball affixed to a flexible support assembly, the support and the ball reciprocating or pivoting when the ball has been struck. The location of the ball is constantly monitored each time the ball is struck. The amount of force applied to the ball when struck by an individual or implement can also be determined. Information relating to the manner in which the ball has been struck is recorded and is analyzed in real time.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a throwing target. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.

Abstract: A sports swing trainer is provided and includes a continuous resilient cable which is attachable by means of spaced straps to a bat or other sports racquet with the straps respectively attached to a pair of pulleys by a rotatable attachment combination and with the opposite end of the resilient cable attachable to a post, fence and the like by means of a combination third pulley and strap arrangement. An athletic workout belt is also attachable to the third pulley by means of a second continuous resilient cable.

Abstract: A batting training system is adapted for use with standard variety of conventional baseball and softball batting tees to expand their capabilities by enabling hitters using them to receive an advanced level of training in how to properly swing a bat to effectively hit a ball. The batting training system includes a swing plane guide, a swing barrier guide and/or a swing instructional training guide which serve most effectively as training tools when used in conjunction with one another. However, they also may be used in different paired combinations or individually as training tools. The system also includes a resiliently deformable interface in the form of an insert wedge which enables the swing plane guide or the swing barrier guide to be attached to batting tee columns of different diameters.

Abstract: A lacrosse practice ball having a tether extending from the ball and attaching to a lacrosse stick to enable practicing of cradling or other short-range maneuvers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the tether extends from the ball by between 12-24 inches. The ball can have two channels passing through the middle of the ball and offset from one another by an angle, and the tether can pass through the channels. The tether forms a loop that can be knotted to secure the tether to the ball with the knot positioned within one of the channels. The practice ball can secure to any portion of the lacrosse stick using the tether.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a batting tee assembly that may be used with conventional balls or with the ball described as an embodiment of the present invention. Optionally, the batting tee assembly may be used with a netting system or target that provides feedback to a batter based on a trajectory of the ball after it has been struck by a bat and leaves the batting tee assembly. In one embodiment, the batting tee assembly includes a support base coupled to a swing arm, which in turn is coupled to an adjustable-height batting tee. A flexible cup may be coupled to the batting tee to eliminate or substantially reduce the bounce back or recoil felt by a batter when hitting off a batting tee. The batting tee system may be configured for both left and right handed batters and also placed in a portable or storable configuration.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.

Abstract: A swing training and fitness aid comprising a handle having an extended portion of rotational configuration engaged with a rotating means having flexibly affixed thereto a weight, the weight capable of being rotated along the extended portion in two directions by rotating said handle portion, thereby strengthening the wrists, forearms and shoulders of the user, along with exercising the abdominal muscles and the large muscle groups of the legs.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes a wireless device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to provide information indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Training devices of the present disclosure may be mounted to a user's hand, wrist and/or forearm, and be used to prevent or substantially restrict motion of the hand or wrist in one or more defined degrees or ranges. The devices may include planar elements that may be joined with a linkage that permits the movement or rotation of the hand and/or wrist within the one or more defined degrees or ranges. The devices may further be strapped, attached or otherwise mounted to a user's hand, wrist and/or forearm using one or more straps or like features. In a preferred embodiment, the training device may be worn by a baseball pitcher, and used to physically guide the pitcher through the proper motion for throwing a curveball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a softball/baseball pitcher's pitching practice device, and to a method for using the device. It is a simple and inexpensive pitching practice device useful for indicating the boundaries of a typical strike zone to softball and baseball pitchers. More particularly, this invention relates to a pitching practice device having a strike zone indicator that can be conveniently adjusted to simulate the strike zones of batters of various heights.

Abstract: A racquet sport training device, including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet The device includes a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and having: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor; and a user interface electrically connected to the computer. The vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface. The computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration.

Abstract: A batter training apparatus and method for training batters to attain optimal biomechanics for most effectively hitting a ball, with a proper rotation of a batter's hips and proper follow through with a batter's arms, wrists and shoulders. The training apparatus includes a belt worn over the hips that has a cable extending behind and between the hips. A tether connects the belt to a support post, preventing forward motion of the batter's body, but allowing and conditioning the hips to rotate. The support post sits at the rear of a platform that is about the size of a batter's box. An elastic cord connected to a forward arm and attached to the front of the platform, pulls a batter's wrists, arms and shoulders forward during proper follow through, conditioning the batter to swing the bat efficiently.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.

Abstract: Balls are provided to train someone to throw with proper rotation. A marking is positioned on the ball to enhance viewing of rotation. The marking is in a contrasting color than the rest of the cover and covers at least a quarter of the outer surface of the ball. The stitches are colored to avoid interfering with the visual effect of the marking, such as having stitches with similar coloration to the non-marking portion of the ball. Balls with different amounts or designs of marking may be used to train in stages. For example, a kit of balls for different stages is provided. The balls of different stages require different rates of rotation to appear visually similar to each other when thrown properly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for throwing balls, comprising a frame including a striking mechanism (2) comprising a striking arm (20) provided, at the free end thereof, with a striking means (3), the arm (20) being pivotably mobile via a shaft (21) and combined with a driving means suitable for pivoting the arm (20) such that the striking means (3) can follow a circular path passing through a location (11) intended to receive a ball (B). The striking means consists of a roller (3) mounted so as to be freely rotatable about an axis (YY?) parallel to that of pivoting of the striking arm (20).

Abstract: A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, and elongate member coupled between the anchor member and a forearm or thigh of the trainee, the elongate member being resiliently bendable along its length, inelastic relative to its longitudinal axis, and freely movable relative to the anchor member upon movement of the trainee's arm or leg.

Abstract: A training device to enhance hand-eye coordination includes an illumination device for determining the proper time for an individual to strike a ball and to collect practice information for later evaluation. The device allows an individual to practice hitting a ball with a racket or bat, providing an immediate indication whether the ball has been properly struck. Also, an individual is provided with a record of his/her performance reviewable by a professional. The device includes a ball affixed to a flexible support assembly, the support and the ball reciprocating or pivoting when the ball has been struck. The location of the ball is constantly monitored each time the ball is struck. The amount of force applied to the ball when struck by an individual or implement can also be determined. Information relating to the manner in which the ball has been struck is recorded and is analyzed in real time.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A training aid for a batter, which can include a barrel, a handle, and a connection assembly, wherein the connection assembly can be configured to allow the barrel to pivot to form an angle of one hundred eighty degrees between the barrel and the handle when a batter uses proper swing mechanics. The connection assembly can be configured to allow the barrel to pivot to form an angle different than one hundred eighty degrees between the barrel and the handle when a batter swings with improper swing mechanics, such as a “flying lead elbow”, “casting”, a “wrap swing”, a “hitch”, or “barring out”.

Abstract: A swing exercising apparatus which can be used for improving a swing movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes. The swing exercising apparatus comprises: a handle portion for grasping by the user; an elongated member having a distal end; a movable weight component for moving along the elongated member between a first position and a second position when the user swings the swing exercising apparatus, the movable weight component being closer to the distal end in the second position than in the first position; and a biasing mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a force biasing the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component is located away from the first position along the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may comprise an attachment portion to attach the at least one elastic element, the attachment portion allowing the user to detach any of the at least one elastic element to adjust the force.

Abstract: A ball holder and base plate fixing structure for batting practice apparatus is provided, including a sheath tube and a base plate. The sheath tube includes a first segment and a second segment, connected to each other. The first segment has a round tube shape for providing placing said ball holder. The second segment has a trumpet shape, said sheath tube having compressible resilience. The base plate has an installation hole. When assembled, the second segment of the sheath tube is compressed into the installation hole for tight engagement so as to fix the sheath tube to the base plate. In this manner, the ball holder is sheathed into the sheath tube and fixed to base plate. During batting practice, the resilience of sheath tube allows the ball holder to swing and twist on impact to absorb and annihilate some of the impact. After batting, the resilience of sheath tube can restore the ball holder to original position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a training device for training a person who uses the training device in a type of ball sport, said device having at least two ball receivers (11), which face the user and are intended to interact with a ball, and at least two ball dispensers (11) for conveying a ball to the user. The invention provides at least one optical and/or acoustic signal transmitter which, by emitting an optical and/or acoustic signal, indicates one of the ball receivers (11) to the user as the selected target for interacting with a ball conveyed to the user by one of the ball dispensers (11).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a baseball bat swing are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, and at least one releaseable attachment device carried by the upper arm portion and positioned to releasably attach to the user's arm. The system can further include an adjustment element operatively coupled to the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion, with the adjustment being manipulatable to control an angle between the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion. The system can be employed to train the user to achieve a consistent baseball bat swing.

Abstract: A sports practicing system includes: a lever arm including an aperture; at least one ball secured to the lever arm; a pivot about which the lever arm rotates; an upper member to which the pivot is connected, the upper member including first and second ends; a base for placement on a ground, the base supporting the upper member; and an elastic strap stretched from the first end of the upper member to the second end of the upper member, an inner portion of the strap intersecting the pivot so the strap deflects the lever arm and the ball when the lever arm rotates about the pivot due to the ball being struck.

Abstract: An Electronic Basketball Shooting Coach device is used to recondition the mind helping people maintain the proper elbow angle range when shooting a basketball. The self-contained device is worn on either arm below the elbow of a user. The ergonomically designed device is contained in the specially designed pocket of the sleeve before it can be attached below the elbow. The sleeve wraps around the upper-arm below the elbow and is held in place by hook-and-loop materials. The device has no internal movable parts. The device will articulate a phrase when the programmed non-adjustable trip point range. The device has a sleep mode to save on the common single cell's power and is reactivated by movement. The non-adjustable knob must be positioned up towards the fingers and aligned with the thumb or little finger. Two single cell sources must be added to energize the invention.

Abstract: A training program for improving hitting of a baseball enhancing a batter's tracking skills to a plurality of pitched baseballs. The training program provides a set of baseballs which includes a plurality of patterned baseballs and at least one conventional baseball. Each of the patterned baseballs includes a cover with a perceptible pattern provided thereon, such as a generally elliptical marking conforming to a seam disposed on the cover of the baseball as well as a generally circular marking disposed within the elliptical marking. An instructor or the like detects an audible response from the batter of the color of the pitched baseball as perceived by the batter when the baseball enters the batter's hitting zone.

Abstract: A softball training device includes a plate assembly pivotally connected to a support member. The plate assembly includes a flat, circular balance plate and a downwardly protruding kick stand formed on its rear end. The support member includes an enlarged base and rectangular mounting bracket transversely disposed on the base, the balance plate directly teetering on the mounting bracket. In use, the training device can be used to train a hitter to maximize lower power drive. Specifically, the hitter centers her rear foot on the balance plate and positions her other foot in front of the device. The hitter then loads her weight rearward, the kick stand keeping the balance plate horizontal. The hitter finally transfers her weight forward through accelerated hip and torso rotation so that the balance plate pivots forward and strikes the base to create an audible signal. With hips and torso initiating the forward movement, the arms are similarly pulled forward so the bat travels through the hitting zone.

Abstract: A ball sports practice device is disclosed having a forward facing ball capture enclosure and a rear facing rebound structure. The angle between the ball capture enclosure and the rebound structure may be adjusted to support the device to a plurality of use positions on a support surface. An optional support arm may be included to maintain or limit the angle between the capture enclosure and the rebound structure.

Abstract: The football snap aid simulates a snap of a football by a center to a quarterback located behind. The football snap aid includes an apparatus that supports a padded release lever from below, and which when engaged in an upward movement shall release a spring-loaded arm that supports a football on a cradle. The spring-loaded arm translates from a lowered position to a hiked position so as to simulate actual movement of the football during a snap. The football snap aid includes an upper handle and locking tab that can rotate to reset the spring-loaded arm between uses. The apparatus includes adjustable legs that can accommodate differently sized end user. The spring-loaded arm includes adjustment means to accommodate differently sized end users.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for training a basketball player proper movement of a player's feet. The method includes positioning a stand at a generally central location in front of a player's body, with a first foot slightly ahead of the second. The ball is positioned on the stand, then the player grabs the ball from the stand, steps over the stand, squares up to the basket and shoots the ball.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of training and evaluating a hitter using a weighted ball where the hitter hits the weighted ball with a bat and where the weighted ball wraps around the bat and thereby the ball absorbs some of the energy from the batter and whereafter striking the weighted ball the ball leaves the bat in a substantially horizontal plane if it is hit correctly and where the weighted ball donuts substantially vertical to the ground if hit incorrectly or lifts up if hit too low or dives downward if hit to high or donuts horizontally if hit in an inside out manner with the bat.

Abstract: A training method for measuring detrimental movements to more accurately deliver a bat to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the bat such that the distal end of the bat is below the shoulders and the bat is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the bat directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the bat to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable apparatus for batting practice which aids in the development and/or improvement of a batter's ability to strike a baseball/softball with a baseball/softball bat. The apparatus consists of ball-targets, affixed to a hub, that rotate about a horizontal axle. Suitably, the hub is defined by a strap and clamp assembly. The apparatus may be affixed to any vertical assembly, but will typically be affixed to a standard vertical assembly, commonly known as a batting tee. Once so affixed, the apparatus may be adjusted up or down along with the tee, to allow for batters of varying heights to use the apparatus. The batter strikes the target, with the selected implement, in this case a baseball/softball bat, causing the target to rotate around the horizontal axle, eventually returning a target once again to the upright and proper position, allowing for further training using said apparatus.

Abstract: A bunt training device includes a shield with opposite ends which is mounted to a baseball or softball bat using one or more straps. The device is mounted on the bat in a position which allows a batter to slide his or her top hand to the end of the device adjacent the barrel of the bat for bunting practice. The shield protects the batter's top hand from a pitched ball and thereby eliminates or reduces the fear a batter may have when bunting. The device may be formed as a separate shield to be mounted on a conventional bat, or the shield and bat can be formed as a single unit for bunting practice.

Abstract: A football training device and system is presented that simulates game-time conditions wherein players of the opposite team attempt to strip the ball carrier of the ball. The football training device has a football with at least one cord attached to each end of the football. The cord is connected to a housing which is attached to the player's body by a strap. As the player carries the football a remote control device is used to activate the housing to retract the cord which acts to strip the football from the players hands.

Abstract: A pitching movement training device includes a ball, a plurality of pegs selectively secured at predetermined locations about the surface of the ball, and at least one band secured between adjacent pegs. The ball has a seam and at least one of the pegs being positioned adjacent the seam. The ball allows one to teach athletes proper hand positioning upon a ball while throwing specific pitches. The method includes providing the plurality of pegs and the ball, securing the pegs to the ball at predetermined locations about the outer surface of the ball, positioning a user's fingers relative to the pegs; and instructing the user to throw a pitch with a specific hand motion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel and unique basketball shooting target removably connected to a basketball goal. The target is an object that includes a female member having a female member core and female outer layer and a male member having a male member core and male outer layer. The female member core includes female lock flanges and female contact surfaces for engaging the male member core. The male member core has buttons that each includes respective cam locks configured for releasable engagement with female lock flanges on a female core to prevent horizontal movement. The male member core has male contact surfaces for engaging the female contact surfaces of the female member to prevent vertical movement. In operation, the male and female members removably connect with one another to engage a netting of a basketball goal and prevent movement relative to one another in horizontal or vertical direction.