Abstract: The athletic face shield consists of a head frame that contours to a player's head along with an elastic headband. The interchangeable hand shield is affixed to the front of the head frame and can be replaced with other objects. The athletic face shield fits in front of the player's face to produce the “hand in your face” affect utilized by defense players. It allows a solitary player to practice his or her defense game and experience the defense hand in their face when shooting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.

Abstract: A basketball shot trainer for controlling the movement of the user's shooting arm in a predetermined direction and predetermined elbow placement. The shooter's arm is connected to an arm bar such that the shooting arm and elbow pivot in a predetermined manner relative to the user's torso. The shooting arm is held in the desired position on the user by means of a back plate which supports the arm bar for pivotal movement to control movement of the user's shooting arm. The arm bar has a guide portion which is secured to the user's shooting arm by an arm band which controls movement of the shooting arm in a predetermined vertical plane.

Abstract: A training device for facilitating an orientation of a performer's hands prior to a performing of a task and includes a pair of bracelets adapted to be worn on the left and right wrists of the performer. Each bracelet includes an annular band and a plurality of tubular rollers rotatable about an axis of the respective annular band to facilitate a movement of the bracelets over the performer's hands while moving onto and off from the performer's wrists. The two bracelets also include a tethering device coupling the bracelets to one another. The invention also relates to the method of performing a task which requires the hands of the performer to be oriented close together so that they can be used in concert followed shortly thereafter by moving one hand independently of the other.

Abstract: A sports skills training arrangement, for promoting muscle memory of a user, includes an arm loop strap adapted for fittingly encircling an upper arm of the user, a tension strap having a first end and a second end attached to the arm loop strap, a body connector affixed to the first end of the tension strap for detachably attaching to a waist portion of the user, a waist adjuster defining a control portion of the tension strap between the second end thereof and the waist adjuster and a waist loop portion of the tension strap for fittingly fastening around the waist portion of the user, and a length adjustment buckle for adjusting a length of the control portion of the tension strap. Therefore, a distance between the arm and the waist portion of the user is limited to promote coordinated arm and body movements.

Abstract: The invention includes a concave cup specifically designed to hold various size basketballs. The cup has a stem which inserts and is held securely in a precision bearing, which in turn is held firmly in the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splined finger gripping portion of the device is held securely on the finger of a person, by an o-ring. The o-ring rolls up and down on the splined portion and is prevented from rolling off by the molded protrusions at the bottom of the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splines are tapered to allow for expansion and contraction to fit various finger sizes.

Abstract: A basketball shooting training device is provided for training a player to use the proper upper torso alignment and relative leg position when shooting a basketball by maintaining the shooter's back and head, from buttocks to the top of the head in vertical alignment, at a 90° angle with respect to the floor. Also, the invention forces the use of the legs in the set shot for developing novice players' skills. The support rod removably attaches around the forehead via an elastic, adjustable forehead strap attached to an upper end of the rod. The rod continues down the neck and spine, and concludes at the buttocks region. A feet immobilizing apparatus is attached at a lower end of the support rod so as to maintain a player's feet in proper position during consecutive basketball shots.

Abstract: A basketball shooting training device consisting of flexible sheet having a basketball facing side, a palm contact side, an upper end, a lower end, a right side, and a left side; sheet tensioning side extensions extending leftwardly and rightwardly from the left and right sides of the flexible sheet, the side extensions being adapted, through attachment of hook and loop fasteners, for encircling the hand and for securing the palm contact side of the flexible sheet in contact with the palm of a basketball player's hand; and consisting of a finger biasing strap extending upwardly from the flexible sheet, the finger biasing strap being adapted for, engaging the index finger of such hand, and for forwardly thrusting such finger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.

Abstract: The invention includes a concave cup specifically designed to hold various size basketballs. The cup has a stem which inserts and is held securely in a precision bearing, which in turn is held firmly in the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splined finger gripping portion of the device is held securely on the finger of a person, by an o-ring. The o-ring rolls up and down on the splined portion and is prevented from rolling off by the molded protrusions at the bottom of the splined finger gripping portion of the invention. The splines are tapered to allow for expansion and contraction to fit various finger sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training basketball players to shoot a basketball with one hand instead of using two hands in shooting. The apparatus is comprised of a belt placed around a player's torso, a band placed around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand and a line assembly connecting the belt and the band in such a way that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented during the act of shooting. The method is comprised of placing a belt around a player's torso, placing a band around the wrist of the player's weak or guide hand, adjusting the effective length of a line assembly connecting the belt and the band with the player's body in the shooting position so that forward movement of the weak or guide hand is prevented to during the act of shooting.

Abstract: A glove assembly that is designed to diminish the usefulness of a person's dominant hand to a point below that of the non-dominant hand, but not so low as to render the dominant hand unusable. The glove assembly includes a glove with a palmward surface. A convex protrusion extends from the palmward surface of the glove and covers at least a majority of the palmward surface. The convex protrusion prevents the palm of the overall glove assembly from being configured into a concave configuration, regardless of the orientation of the hand within the glove. Since the palm of the glove assembly cannot become concave, the glove assembly decreases the ability of a person to grasp and manipulate the curved surface of a ball.

Abstract: A basketball training device includes a variety of straps and loops for controlling and training a user's shooting form. One embodiment of the invention generally includes a strap encircling the user's body, a pair of loops encircling the user's fingers and a second strap connecting the loops to the first strap. Another embodiment includes a first strap encircling the user's body, a second strap encircling the user's wrist, and a third strap encircling a portion of the user'arm. A restraint runs through a guide on the second strap and is connected to the first and third straps. In another embodiment, a substantially rigid plate is secured to the arm of the nondominant hand of the user to limit its travel and reduce the possibility of thumbing. The embodiments may be used in combination.

Abstract: A shooting aid for basketball players designed to keep the elbow of the shooting arm in towards the center line of the body during shooting. The shooting aid comprises a sleeve adapted to fit around the shooting arm of the basketball player; a clip adapted to be secured to clothing worn by the basketball player; and an elastic cord with two ends having one end attached to the sleeve and the other end attached to the clip, wherein the cord is of sufficient length to restrain the position of the player's shooting arm when the player shoots a basketball. In another embodiment, a belt adapted to be worn by the player can be used instead of the clip.

Abstract: A training glove which degrades the athlete's sense of touch in certain areas of his hand ("no touch areas"), to thereby encourage and train the athlete to control the ball with his finger tips. The glove includes padding on the palm, the thumb and fingers, except for the thumb tip and finger tips. The padding insulates the athlete's sense of touch in the no touch areas. Because the glove is light weight and preserves the full flexibility of the hand, the glove may be worn in competition. Thus, the glove is useful both as a training device and a performance enhancement device in competition.

Abstract: A protective athletic gripping glove is disclosed for enhancing the ability of an individual to facilitate a better grip when holding, shooting, dribbling, passing, catching, or rebounding a basketball. Finger extension portions (32) and thumb extension portion (34) have protective foam padding, palm side (42) has a plurality of friction enhancing elements (80), and wrist portion (44) has a hook and loop fastening element (74). The glove teaches the user the fundamentals of basketball by placing the fingers, thumb, hand, and arm in the proper basketball handling positions. The glove also protects the finger, thumb, and hand from injury. Additionally, the glove exercises and strengthens the muscles of the fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, and forearm.

Abstract: A method for conducting the game of football is disclosed. In this method, each player is given a designation consisting of a combination of a single letter and certain selected numbers worn on his uniform that directly identifies the player and his assigned position.

Abstract: A basketball shot making training device having a forearm engaging frame, a pair of swing arms mounting a cradle-harness receiving a basketball. An adjustable spring mechanism resists movement of the swing arms as the user pushes the basketball outwardly with the wrist and finger motion. A strap harness network is adjustable to differently sized basketballs. The basketball is reversely rotated against a spring force as the user makes a simulated shot by wrist and hand motion.

Abstract: A training device and method of use thereof to initiate and develop proper shooting technique for basketball players. The device comprises a pair of arm braces that when worn overlay the inside portion of the forearm and upper arm of the shooting arm of the player, a pair of sleeves attached to the arm braces that are adapted to snugly fit around the player's forearm and upper arm, and an interconnecting pivot which allows the arm braces to pivot relative to one another over a predetermined range of motion whereby the forearm is prevented by mechanical resistance from pivoting beyond the point at which it forms a right angle with the upper arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for training a basketball player to properly shoot a basketball. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a series of sleeves that are attached to the player's shooting arm and guide arm. A connecting member maintains the player's arms in close proximity and a tension member biases the player's wrist in a cocked position using a disk that is placed over the shooting hand. A player may repeatedly perform a shooting motion while using the device so that the player's muscles memorize and grow accustomed to the proper shooting technique.

Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.

Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.