Abstract: The Spherical Cage Pitch Training Device with Spinning Ball is a pitch training device or apparatus in the form of a spinning ball that can simulate any ball requiring gripping by the hand. In use, it is attached to a three-dimensional resistance means. The purpose of the pitch training device is to provide strengthening, rehabilitation, and/or correct body motion mechanics training to improve pitching quality, speed, strength, and body mechanics. This enables training, exercising, and rehabilitation of proper body motion mechanics for improving the act of pitching and increasing the performance (speed and/or accuracy) of the act by enabling weighted ball training wherein the weight of the ball is connected to and maintained in the center of the ball and the center of mass of the weight is maintained in the center (physical, geometric, and/or dimensional) of the ball.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice device includes a shaft having a target at a distal end, a grip at a proximal end, an accelerometer, a microprocessor, and a way of providing feedback to a person hitting the target. A ball hitting practice system includes a ball hitting practice device and a computing device wirelessly communicating with the ball hitting practice device. A method for practicing ball hitting involves striking the target of a ball hitting practice, transferring timed acceleration data to the computing device, correlating ball hitting parameters with a training condition and displaying the correlated ball hitting parameter in a display.

Abstract: A baseball training device comprises a contact segment in the shape of a flexible loop coupled to a first side of an object and a securing mechanism coupled to a second side of the object for securing the baseball training device to a wrist of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting and improving baseball hitting is described. The apparatus includes a spherical object having an interior anchor and a cord extending therefrom. An adjustable mass body is disposed within the spherical object along the cord. The interior anchor allows the spherical object to rotate about the cord.

Abstract: An entertainment and training device (toy) for animals, specifically for domestic pets such as dogs, has a tube or tubes, through which a flexible material, such as a rope, is passed from a near end of the tube or tubes and out a far end of the tube or tubes. Attached at a far end of the rope is an object, which can be shaped as a flat disk, an oblong disk, a ball, a tail, a wing, or other shape, and which is thrown to entertain, train, and exercise the animal. A braking device at a near end of the rope prevents the rope from passing into and out of the far end of the tube or tubes and allows easy retrieval of the thrown object.

Abstract: An athlete training device has one end adapted to be in contact with the athlete's body. The other end of the device is adapted to be secured to an athletic device, such as a ball or a golf club head. The level of difficulty readily may be adjusted from a relatively easy configuration to progressively more difficult configurations.

Abstract: A batting tee system includes a base, a first carriage moveably coupled to the base, and a second carriage moveably coupled to the first carriage. The second carriage may hold an external system having a neck and a ball holder. The batting tee system further includes a first actuator attached to the base, and a second actuator attached to the first carriage. The first actuator may move the first carriage and the second carriage along a first horizontal axis relative to the base. The second actuator may move the second carriage along a second horizontal axis relative to the base and the first carriage. The batting tee system further includes a control system that may cause the first carriage and the second carriage to move to random positions along the first horizontal axis and the second horizontal axis.

Abstract: A punching ball is spherical and specifically designed for striking against a wall for power and precision training. The punching ball can have varied weight, size, rebound characteristics and density parameters while maintaining a multilayer configuration in which there are two layers of foam around a dense core. The outer-most foam layer is covered by an outer shell material. By using different densities in the foam layers and for the core, the punching ball can deform around the fist of a person punching the punching ball. As such, the punching ball can be directed to a desired location during a punch. This provides a method of training in power and precision, as the punching ball can be repeatably punched towards a wall, the person training having to follow-through on every rebound.

Abstract: An exercise device and an inflatable alternative are provided. The exercise device is composed of a planar base attached to block(s). The block(s) may serve as cushioning or weighted items to enable a variety of exercises. The planar base is securable against a structure such as a door frame. The planar base is also convertible to a bench with shaft(s) that connect block(s) to form legs for the bench. The inflatable alternative includes a top end that is securable to the structure. A bottom end of the inflatable alternative is securable to a user through an ankle cuff. The ankle cuff provides the user a measure of control over a mobility of the inflatable alternative during an exercise.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting and improving baseball hitting is described. The apparatus includes a spherical object having an interior anchor and a cord extending therefrom. An adjustable mass body is disposed within the spherical object along the cord. The interior anchor allows the spherical object to rotate about the cord.

Abstract: An apparatus including a bar having a length substantially greater than a width, and a longitudinal axis along its length; a member which is connected to the bar and aligned with the bar along the same longitudinal axis; and connected to the bar so that the member rotates with respect to the bar, about the longitudinal axis. The member may be connected to the bar by a bolt, fixed to the bar by a tension pin which is perpendicular to a length of the bolt and to the length of the bar. The apparatus may include a ball having a bore hole, which enters on a side of the ball, and terminates inside a core of the ball, so that the bore hole does not go all the way through the ball; wherein the member is fixed to the ball, by pressure insertion of the member into the bore hole.

Abstract: A boxing, kickboxing or martial arts bag such as a slip ball or double end bag including a swivel bearing adjustable strap.

Abstract: A batting ball is slidably mounted on a line having a low friction surface to provide proper swing technique and muscle memory. The line has an impact absorbing member having an impact end configured to contact a ball and a receiving chamber configured to receive a resilient member adapted to connect with a portion of a washer. A bushing having a helical portion with a central opening is inserted and affixed into a ball opening. The ball opening has a recess configured to retain an end portion of the bushing. The central opening of the bushing will receive the line. The plurality of balls are mounted onto the line with a washer located at each end between the attaching elements and the balls. A swivel snap hook is connected to an end of the cable by a thimble and clamp set located opposite the hook and eye turn buckle.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus is arranged with a handle to be grasped by one person so a second person can practice hitting a ball, wherein the person grasping the apparatus positions the ball in a desired location and, when the second person strikes the ball with a bat, the kinetic energy associated with hitting the ball is dissipated, and the ball travels a reduced distance after being struck without having to pursue the ball a significant distance to retrieve it.

Abstract: A miniature basketball, enclosed in a harness, is connected by a cord string to a belt that encircles a baby's waist. A miniature backboard set has nets that are closed at the bottom. The baby shoots the ball into the nets and retrieves it with the cord string. The baby dribbles the ball, and when it gets away from him/her, retrieves it by the same process.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed, which includes a ball and an anchored connecting structure that is anchored to the ball. A distal portion of the anchored connecting structure is a connector, extending from a distal portion of the ball, that is capable of connecting with a motion resisting device. A proximate portion of the anchored connecting structure extends into an inner volume of the ball, whereby resistance is provided to twisting and pulling motions between the anchored connecting structure and the ball resulting from torsion and thrust loading during training.

Abstract: A paddleball toy having a paddle, a bounceable play ball, and an elastic tethering means. The paddle has an impact surface and an elongate handle with a handle longitudinal axis. The paddle has a front side and a back side. The handle connects to the impact surface at a lower end of the impact surface. The impact surface has a direction-switch slot extending from a slot bottom at an interior point of the impact surface to an exterior edge of the impact surface. The elastic tethering means tethers the play ball at a first end of the tethering means to a tether spot on the impact surface adjacent the slot bottom of the direction-switch slot so as to permit the tethering means to pass through the direction-switch slot as the play ball passes the impact surface from front side to back side, or back side to front side.

Abstract: A tethered ball trainer includes a body harness having a primary belt, primary support arm, and secondary support structure. Both the primary belt and secondary support structure are attached to a user and the primary support arm. A tether is attached to the primary support arm opposite the primary belt and consists of a swivel hook, damper, cord, and ball support. The swivel hook prevents the cord from twisting, while the damper absorbs shock and reduces the impact on the user as a result of the ball being kicked. The ball is attached to the tether at a mounting point on the ball or by the ball support. An accelerometer in the ball measures the acceleration of the ball and sends electronic signals through a transmitter to a visual display having a communicably coupled receiver. A display processor unit records and displays information in regards to the ball being kicked.

Abstract: A sporting ball training system and method. The sports training system and methods include a rod member, with one end attached to a handle for gripping. The other end is attached to one end of a guide member; the other end of the guide being attached to a ball that creates a tension during a simulated throw.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus is arranged with a handle to be grasped by one person so a second person can practice hitting a ball, wherein the person grasping the apparatus positions the ball in a desired location and, when the second person strikes the ball with a bat, the kinetic energy associated with hitting the ball is dissipated, and the ball travels a reduced distance after being struck without having to pursue the ball a significant distance to retrieve it.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.

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: An exercise device includes a left glove member adapted to be worn on the left hand of a user and a right glove member adapted to be worn on the right hand of the user, the left and right glove members each having an impact area and an elastomeric cord extending from a center of the impact area to a ball, such that the ball is connected to the left and right glove members by the elastomeric cords of equal length. A rigid plate member is fitted within each of the left and right glove members for providing a solid surface at the impact area. The user, wearing the left and right glove members, alternates movement of the hands in a repeated left and right punch throwing action which causes the ball to alternately strike the impact areas of the glove members and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord leading from the opposite hand stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for subsequent striking with the opposite hand.

Abstract: Tools, devices, apparatus, systems and methods to enhance ball handling skills and reduce and eliminate fumbling of balls, from football players, basketball players and the like. The training tool can be used to improve ball security for football players of every level to reduce or even eliminate fumbling. The tool can simulate the forces imparted on a football that can cause a fumble during the game. Used during various drills in practice, the invention will improve the player's ability to maintain possession of the football during actual game play. The invention assembly can include a ball (such as a football, basketball or rugby ball), a rope, and a reciprocating handle weight subassembly.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a pair of leg components to be worn on a user's legs, each having a shin guard kneepad and foot cover member. An assortment of recessed attachment portals are included on shin guards, kneepads, and foot covers for releasably securing opposite ends of an elastomeric cord, which has a training ball secured along its length, producing two legs of the elastomeric cord, each being selectively secured to a respective leg component. In operation, the user begins alternating movement of his or her legs, thereby causing the ball to alternatively strike the selected areas and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for striking with the opposite leg. The user continues kicking the ball from one leg to the other as many times as he or she can consecutively hit the ball.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a pair of leg components to be worn on a user's legs, each having a shin guard kneepad and foot cover member. An assortment of recessed attachment portals are included on shin guards, kneepads, and foot covers for releasably securing opposite ends of an elastomeric cord, which has a training ball secured along its length, producing two legs of the elastomeric cord, each being selectively secured to a respective leg component. In operation, the user begins alternating movement of his or her legs, thereby causing the ball to alternatively strike the selected areas and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for striking with the opposite leg. The user continues kicking the ball from one leg to the other as many times as he or she can consecutively hit the ball.

Abstract: The present invention is a volleyball training system that allows a user to practice hitting a ball without the inconvenience of retrieving the ball. The ball is connected to the user's body so that once hit, the ball will not travel far distances requiring retrieval by the user. The system includes a volleyball tethered to a band that is secured to the user's body. The first end of the tethering cord is secured to the volleyball with a plug. The cord runs through the ball, secured to the second side of the ball with a plug, while the second end of the cord is secured to the band, which is secured to the user's body on either wrist. A portion of the cord runs through the diameter of the ball such that the cord is attached to opposite ends of the ball.

Abstract: A training apparatus to assist users in building hand and arm strength while executing proper throwing motions, the apparatus comprises a generally non-linear gripping member and a generally non-linear weighted member tethered to the gripping member, the apparatus further comprising a loop for securing the training apparatus to the user's arm during use to preclude inadvertent release of the apparatus during use, wherein the length of the tether is mathematically derived from ratios of the user's body so that the tether causes the weighted member to be downwardly pulled a set amount of time after the user's hand has been downwardly directed when the user is using the apparatus in a throwing cycle.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

Abstract: A method of a player using a ball throwing device comprising a flexible but substantially non-stretchable flexible line attached at one end to the baseball or softball. The method comprises attaching the substantially non-stretchable flexible line to a non-throwing arm of a player, and using the throwing arm to throw the ball such that it travels along a path which arcs around a non-throwing side of the player to a location in front of the player where the ball may be caught.

Abstract: A training device provides interactive feedback to encourage proper snapping action in an arcing motion for sports training. The feedback can include an audible response that is variable, corresponding to pressure or force applied to the training device due to centripetal acceleration. The training can be overhand throwing or underhand pitching, or other swinging sports motions. The size and weight of the training device, as well as the audio feedback, can reinforce proper form and build muscle memory for correct movements.

Abstract: A method of a player using a ball throwing device comprising a flexible but substantially non-stretchable flexible line attached at one end to the baseball or softball. The method comprises attaching the substantially non-stretchable flexible line to a non-throwing arm of a player, and using the throwing arm to throw the ball such that it travels along a path which arcs around a non-throwing side of the player to a location in front of the player where the ball may be caught.

Abstract: An apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises a soccer ball having a hidden attachment point and means of removably attaching a tether to the ball wherein the tether comprises a handle connecting a cord and elastic strip to a soccer ball in a manner allowing the ball to freely rotate with respect to the cord and the handle providing kicking and spinning of the ball and return of the ball to the user in a controlled manner. The device is designed to be readily attached or detached from the soccer ball for training or play.

Abstract: A ball training apparatus comprising: a ball; a ball-holding net to wrap around the ball; a tether cord that is connected to the net; a cord handle and cord length adjuster that is connected to one end of the cord; a spinning connector structure which is installed on the ball-holding net to connect the ball-holding net to the cord and allows the ball to spin relative to the cord. Thus the ball inside the net can rotate freely without intertwining with the tether. The handle of this ball training apparatus can either be attached to the user's waist belt or be held in hand and therefore the user can achieve various training outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tennis training systems. Methods of practicing and teaching tennis are also provided herein. In one aspect, the training system employs an elongated, elastic cord having a proximal end and a distal end, a vibration dampener configured to be received within a string bed of a racket and operatively connected to the proximal end of the cord, and a connection disc operatively connected to the distal end of the cord. The vibration dampener is connected to the proximal end of the cord by means of an integral loop. Optionally, the connection disc is releasably connected to the distal end of the cord by means of an integral loop.

Abstract: A tennis training device comprises a ball, a rope, and a hollow pole, the ball being coupled with a portion of a first end of the rope, a part of the rope being in a cavity of the pole, the rope being knotted at or near the second end of the rope. The training device may be coupled with a support. A method of training various tennis shots comprises the steps of obtaining the training device; adjusting a length of a first portion of the rope which is outside the pole between an first end of the pole and the first end of the rope; holding the pole to set the ball at a selected height; and allowing a player to hit the ball with a tennis racquet. Multiple trainers may participate the training with the training devices and allow a player to practice a combination of different tennis shots.

Abstract: An apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises a soccer ball having a hidden attachment point and means of removably attaching a tether to the ball wherein the tether comprises a handle connecting a cord and elastic strip to a soccer ball in a manner allowing the ball to freely rotate with respect to the cord and the handle providing kicking and spinning of the ball and return of the ball to the user in a controlled manner. The device is designed to be readily attached or detached from the soccer ball for training or play.

Abstract: A ball throwing device comprising a flexible line, a ball attached to one end of the line, and a connection device secured to the line at a position spaced from the ball. In one embodiment, the connection device is grasped by or attached to a non-throwing arm of a thrower. The flexible line limits the distance the ball will travel when it is thrown by the thrower.

Abstract: A training device provides interactive feedback to encourage proper snapping action in an arcing motion for sports training. The feedback can include an audible response that is variable, corresponding to pressure or force applied to the training device due to centripetal acceleration. The training can be overhand throwing or underhand pitching, or other swinging sports motions. The size and weight of the training device, as well as the audio feedback, can reinforce proper form and build muscle memory for correct movements.

Abstract: A ball training apparatus comprising: a ball; a ball-holding net to wrap around the ball; a tether cord that is connected to the net; a cord handle and cord length adjuster that is connected to one end of the cord; a spinning connector structure which is installed on the ball-holding net to connect the ball-holding net to the cord and allows the ball to spin relative to the cord. Thus the ball inside the net can rotate freely without intertwining with the tether. The handle of this ball training apparatus can either be attached to the user's waist belt or be held in hand and therefore the user can achieve various training outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tennis training systems. Methods of practicing and teaching tennis are also provided herein. In one aspect, the training system employs an elongated, elastic cord having a proximal end and a distal end, a vibration dampener configured to be received within a string bed of a racket and operatively connected to the proximal end of the cord, and a connection disc operatively connected to the distal end of the cord. The vibration dampener is connected to the proximal end of the cord by means of an integral loop. Optionally, the connection disc is releasably connected to the distal end of the cord by means of an integral loop.

Abstract: The retrieval device for tethered articles is a portable, compact device well suited for use by solo players practicing various aspects of sports. For example, the device may be used by a football kicker to retrieve a tethered ball after each kick, thereby saving the player considerable time in retrieval efforts and precluding the need for a second person to return the ball. The device may also be used by baseball or softball players for pitching, batting, and/or throwing practice, soccer players, etc. as desired. The device may also be used to retrieve articles other than sports balls. The device includes an electrically powered reel which allows the tether line to pay out with virtually no restriction when the electrical circuit is inactive, but which engages a retrieval reel when activated. Automatic and emergency stop switches are also provided. The device is preferably powered by one or more rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A ball retrieval device, particularly for integration in a tennis racket, includes a rotatable spool with a longitudinally displaceable carriage arranged thereon. Through rotation of the spool, a rubber-elastic thread element can be wound up on the latter or unwound therefrom, the carriage providing a well-tuned process with maximum compactness of the turns. To this end, the surface of the spool is provided with a helical groove in which the thread element is laid.

Abstract: An elastic cord connects a tethered ball which is lightweight and of rubber to a tab on a child's fielding glove so when thrown it bounces back, wherein the connection to the tab is a slip knot which is readily untied and the glove then used for catching a regulation baseball.

Abstract: A throwing exercise apparatus using a sphere with an internal polar passageway to deliver end portions a non-elastic band of which one end portion circumscribes the outer surface of the sphere and extends to the other end portion where they are joined together by a fastener. The band is then joined by an elastic member to an anchor so that in use there is established a path of elastic resistance along a tangential line formed by the wrapped part of a strap mid portion in response to an applied force comprising both translation and rotational motions of the sphere. The motions of the sphere bring about rotation of the internal polar passage in an end-over-end fashion.

Abstract: A sport training device for eye-hand coordination and reflexes having a target tethered to a handle is disclosed. Variations in the handle as well as the target create changes in the pathway of the target so as to enhance training. Various swivels between the handle and the target enable the target to be rotated in a relatively circular pathway without causing the tether to twist or tangle.

Abstract: A hand-held ball hitting training device includes a resilient semi-flexible rod bendable upon impact by a bat, a handle component attached on one opposite end of the rod, a ball simulation component attached on the other opposite end of the rod, a hand grip-defining sleeve disposed about the handle component and captured between outer and inner annular collars formed thereon, a securement element fitted over the rod and adjacent to the inner collar of the handle component and having a longitudinal split in a side thereof, and an anchor strap having a first loop portion fitted about the handle component adjacent to the inner collar and seated in an annular recess in the handle component and under the securement element and a second loop portion attached to the first loop portion and extending outwardly therefrom through the split in the securement element.

Abstract: A ball retrieval device, particularly for integration in a tennis racket, comprises a rotatable spool with a longitudinally movable carriage arranged thereon. Through rotation of the spool, a rubber-elastic thread element can be wound up on the latter resp. unwound therefrom, said carriage providing a well-tuned process with maximum compactness of the turns. To this end, the surface of said spool is provided with a helical groove in which said thread element is laid.

Abstract: A wrist toy is provided and includes an adjustable wrist band and an elastic band having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is secured to the wrist band and a ball is coupled to the second end of the elastic band. An outer surface of the ball has a glow-in-the-dark material disposed thereon. The material is activated by radiant energy to glow-in-the-dark.