Abstract: A new and improved tethered-ball, hitting practice apparatus is disclosed that includes a base member, a vertical support member connected to and supported by the base member, a tether-assembly-retaining member connected to and supported by the vertical support member, and a tether assembly connected to and supported by the tether-assembly-retaining member. The tether assembly includes a tether cord and a spindle for adjusting the tether cord length. The spindle stores and pays out the tether cord and permits a portion of the tether cord to hang freely from the apparatus. A connector is provided to connect the freely hanging tether cord portion to a ball. The tether-assembly-retaining member includes guide elements for guiding a portion of the tether cord from the spindle to the freely hanging tether cord portion. In addition, the tether-assembly-retaining member includes a hollow body portion having an open end and an orifice in a side portion of the hollow body portion.