Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a backboard to which a goal is configured to be attached, a support structure, a connecting structure configured to connect the backboard to the support structure, a lockable height adjustment mechanism operably disposed with respect to the backboard, and a means for absorbing shock. When the height adjustment mechanism is locked, the means for absorbing shock enables temporary displacement of the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the backboard if the imposed load or force exceeds a threshold load or force, respectively.

Abstract: A device for training users to utilize proper mechanics when throwing a football includes an open-ended glove having a slot communicating with a compartment that is sized to receive an arched insert plate. When the glove is worn by a user, the arched insert plate permits flexion of the user's wrist while preventing extension of the user's wrist, unless sufficient force is applied. When throwing a football, the arched insert plate prevents the user's wrist from improperly extending backwards during the follow-through motion of throwing a football. A padded spacer is included on the surface of the palmar portion of the glove for encouraging the user to properly grip the football using primarily his or her fingertips.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for securing a movable soccer goal to a playing surface. When in use, the apparatus functions to prevent the soccer goal from being moved, thereby, making it considerably safer and more sturdy than an unsecured soccer goal.

Abstract: A weight apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be attached to a sports device, such as a baseball bat or other device which may be swung by a user. In one configuration, the apparatus has a body portion that at least partially surrounds a portion of the swingable device. As an example, the body portion may act as a sleeve surrounding an end of the device opposite the end of the device which is gripped by the user. The apparatus also has a weighted portion, which is coupled to the body portion. The weighted portion is disposed at least partially adjacent an end of the swingable device. In certain configurations the apparatus has a center of balance between a midpoint and one end of the apparatus. In certain cases, the weighted portion distributes weight closer to a distal end of the swingable device, in order to assist a user in warming up or otherwise training with the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods for releasably securing a structural member of a movable goal, such as a soccer goal, to a surface, such as the ground. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising: (1) an enclosure structured to be placed at least substantially below the surface, the enclosure defining a cavity; (2) a goal engaging member movable relative to the surface and structured to engage the structural member of the movable goal; and (3) a tightening mechanism mounted within the enclosure and operatively connected to the goal engaging member, the tightening mechanism being structured to urge the goal engaging member toward the tightening mechanism so that the goal engaging member releasably secures a portion of the structural member of the movable goal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for training proper finger spacing on a basketball ball at the time of releasing the ball. The basketball training devices provided herein maintain two adjacent fingers in comfortably spaced relation to enable the player to support and release the ball from those two fingers, thereby increasing the player's control of the ball and improving the accuracy of the basketball shot. A method for maintaining two adjacent fingers of a basketball player's hand in spaced and angled relation when shooting a basketball is provided. A method for making the training device is also provided.

Abstract: A beer pong system that includes a catch component and a stabilization component. The catch component is configured to be disposed within a hollow cavity of a cup and comprises a compliant surface to aid in preventing a ping pong ball thrown into the hollow cavity from bouncing out. Versions of the catch component include a filler material-filled pouch, a filler material-filled retainer, a catch membrane, and uncontained catch material. The stabilization component stabilizes the cup in an upright position and includes, among other versions, a weight configured to be disposed within the hollow cavity of the cup. The beer pong system enables players to play beer pong with stable cups and ball retention without requiring uncontained liquid in the cup.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed, which includes a ball and a biasing member, where a distal portion of the ball is connected to a proximate end of the biasing member. A support member is connected to a distal end of the biasing member, where the support member is adapted for being connected to a stationary support structure. From this configuration, the ball is capable of deflecting from an initial, rest configuration when the ball is perturbed by clubbing, punching and/or chopping, and rapidly returning to the rest configuration after the perturbation.

Abstract: Rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably rotatable so that the goal post may rotated to a first position with the uprights being disposed toward a playing field such as for use when playing football, and to second position where the uprights being disposed away from the playing field such as for use when playing soccer. In addition, the rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably pivotable from a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, and vice versa.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to the helmet and the user. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user's wrist.

Abstract: Goal shot training systems and devices comprise a training covering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The devices are configured to obscure a net of a goal, and the covering is composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes through the covering. The covering material creates negative viewing space by obscuring visual access behind the training covering and forms at least one user-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewing space including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shots originating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the covering relative to the net of the goal.

Abstract: A sports training system having at least two target stations, each target station having a target support structure configured to support a target in a stationary position above a playing field, at least one light attached to the target in a vicinity of a periphery of the target, a target control module functionally connected to the target light, an activation control module located remotely from the target stations and in wireless communication with the target control module. The activation control module and the target control modules are configured and programmed so that activating a button on the activation control module results in activating a randomly selected target light on a randomly selected target station.

Abstract: A bat swing training machine for improving a user's bat swing technique and developing muscular strength includes a frame carried by an adjustable post for height adjustment and two mounting brackets for installation in various locations. The machine also includes a torsion spring, a swing arm with swivel linkage and a bat handle. The machine provides torsional resistance with precise positional control throughout the swing motion and does so equally for right and left handed swings. Backswing is relatively un-resisted thereby allowing the athlete or trainee to stay in position and continuously repeat the swing motion.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat and a method for manufacturing the bat are provided. The bat includes a batting portion formed of wood into a cylindrical shape, and a bat main body made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. A part of the bat main body is inserted in the batting portion from an open end of the batting portion, and the rest of the bat main body is exposed from the batting portion. The bat further includes a suppressing member arranged on an outer circumference of the bat main body. The suppressing member prevents change of orientation of fibers in the fiber-reinforced plastic. The suppressing member is positioned so as to contact a step formed between the outer circumference of the bat main body and an outer circumference of the batting portion at the open end of the batting portion.

Abstract: A lacrosse head is disclosed, comprising: a frame having a base, a pair of sidewalls extending from the base, and a scoop connecting the pair of sidewalls opposite the base, the scoop defining an aperture for receiving a portion of a net, wherein the aperture has an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower edge having a first notch, a second notch, and a center portion intermediate to the first notch and the second notch. Also disclosed is a lacrosse stick comprising: an elongated shaft having a butt end and a head end, and a port formed through the head end; and a head attachable to the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid hand accessory designed to harness power from relatively strong, tough areas of the hand and disperse stress away from weak, sensitive areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of bracing and leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises, enhancing finger gripping and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.

Abstract: A wearable training harness for dissuading the committing of reach in fouls and including a looped belt adapted to be worn about a waist of a wearer, from which an upwardly extending suspender includes a first portion extending from a rear midpoint of the belt. A pair of second portions branches from the first portion and is adapted to extend over shoulder locations of the wearer, the second portions connecting at opposite lower ends to forward locations of the belt. A pair of elongate linkages are pivotally secured to a rigid planar member supported at a location associated with the first suspender portion. A pair of circular bands are adapted to be worn about the arms of the wearer, the bands pivotally secured to remote extending ends of the linkages.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for collecting and returning basketballs includes a ball collector, with a top opening and a bottom opening, and a ball returner. The ball returner is connected to a base for receiving balls from the bottom opening of the ball collector and returning the balls to a user. A rotatable support mechanism connects the ball collector to the base so that the ball collector is rotatable with respect to the base and the ball returner.

Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.