Abstract: A sports training device comprises a substantially vertical standard with a suitable ball at the top for practicing sports such as baseball or tennis or a bent over standard with a ball close to the ground for practicing sports such as golf. The ball is attached to an arm that is, in turn, attached to a pivot and a spring both on the standard. Striking the ball in the normal manner for the particular sport causes the ball to move away from the bat, racket or club until clear. The ball then returns under the influence of the spring and oscillates about the starting location of the ball. Depending on spring tension and damping effects of the arm, spring and standard, the ball will become stationary very quickly or continue to oscillate widely. For some sports, heavy damping is preferred. For other sports, light damping may be preferred.

Abstract: An unidirectional Flexible Spinner used in teaching and training the action of hitting in games such as tennis or baseball is provided. The Unidirectional Flexible Spinner consists of a spherical object which spins upon hitting, and a flexible section with a nonspherical cross sectional structure which flexes back and forth in approximately the same plane.

Abstract: An improved grip for articles such as tools and sport equipment adapted to accommodate the natural physiological characteristics of the human hand. The grip consists of front, intermediate, and rear portions having upper, lower, and side surfaces wherein the upper surface of the rear portion is located below the upper surface of the front portion a distance that is substantially equal to the shortest distance between the distal transverse palmar crease and the proximal transverse palmar crease of the human hand. The upper surface of the intermediate portion connects the upper surfaces of the front and rear portions. The index finger and the thumb grasp the front and intermediate portions of the grip, while the middle, ring and little fingers grasp the rear portion of the grip.