Abstract: A free standing net system incorporates a full sized floor for easy ball collection and a built in training target secured to a rear wall of a netted enclosure which is functional for multi-sport use. The netting of the enclosure is 1000 denier polyester, treated for long wear and UV resistance. The floor is constructed of high density nylon with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. The sleeves located at the peripheral edges of the netting are engaged by two shock-corded poles to provide a cantilevered frame portion projecting above and towards the sports enthusiast. The cantilevered frame portion is specifically designed to trap wedge shots during golf practice. Angled side wings of the netted enclosure allow free swinging motion with any golf club to provide a wide angle of capture during golf practice swings.

Abstract: A ball pitching machine which uniquely embodies a single, specially configured ball engaging wheel which is rotatably mounted within a wheel housing that, along with a ball receiving barrel, is easily rotatable through an angle of 270 degrees. With this novel construction, the device can be used to accurately pitch a variety of fast balls, curve balls and sliders. The ball engaging wheel of the pitching head is of a novel vaned construction so that as the wheel is rotated within its housing a negative pressure will be generated within the housing and within the ball receiving barrel which is associated therewith so that the ball will be sucked into the barrel and into positive driving engagement with the periphery of the rotating wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained batting practice apparatus including a cage or enclosure preferably formed by resilient flexible material supported within an exterior frame so that a batted ball only engages a flexible surface. A ball throwing unit is arranged to throw a ball from one end of the cage to a batter positioned at the opposite end. A batted ball engages the flexible cage walls and drops to the bottom, which is sloped so that the ball rolls to an opening and drops therethrough to a conveyor system which recycles the ball to the throwing unit through a ball control unit which delivers the balls in timed sequence for repeated throws to the batter.

Abstract: A baseball suitable for continuous use in a pitching machine comprises a molded, resilient polyurethane foam sphere having a type A-2 shore durometer hardness of less than about eighty to eighty-five. The sphere has a smooth polyurethane surface skin, with the surface of the sphere being provided with a regular pattern comprising a multiplicity of cup-like or hemispherical depressions substantially covering the surface. The baseball has the advantage of durability as well as the advantage of being formed economically in one operation from a homogeneous composition. The cup-like depressions enable the ball to travel greater distances than would be expected for the resilient material, and enhance the accuracy with which the ball can be pitched, bringing the ball substantially within the range of initial performance of a conventional or regulation baseball.