Abstract: An apparatus for the practice of any sport involving a ball that is propelled in the air includes a planar section of netting that is surrounded by an elastic cord. The netting is attached to the elastic cord by a plurality of rings that are attached to the netting and which also encircle the elastic cord. A ceiling plate is attached to the ceiling and it includes a locking mechanism that secures a draw cord in any desired position. The draw cord is used to raise or lower a base tray portion of the apparatus from an upper position proximate the ceiling plate to a lower position of rest upon a floor or ground surface. When the base tray portion is raised it gathers the netting as it is raised until it makes contact with a pair of end caps that are attached to the ceiling plate at opposite ends thereof. In the raised position, the apparatus forms a neat closed assembly that contains the netting.