Abstract: A sports training apparatus includes a base for mounting onto a support. A rod is attached to the base in a manner in which at least part of the rod can extend beyond the base so that when the base is mounted on the support, the rod extends above the support. An elastic cord is attached to the rod at one end. A ball is attached to another end of the cord. The rod is positioned so that when a tension is set up in the cord as a result of movement of the ball away from the support in one direction, the rod and the cord can cooperate to facilitate the return of the ball over the support in an opposite direction when the cord contracts.

Abstract: A ball training apparatus includes an elastic cord. A fastener is capable of being at least partially received between a bladder and a sheath of an inflatable ball, the fastener being configured to permit an end of the elastic cord to be attached to the fastener. The elastic cord is configured so that, when the ball is struck, the ball is capable of sufficient travel for a user to observe the flight of the ball and of returning to a position in which retrieval of the ball is facilitated.