Abstract: Apparatus and method for training a football player the proper technique of catching the football comprises a football tethered with an elastic cord which is releasably attached to a stationary object at its opposite end. A second person grasps the football and stands a distance from the stationary object such that the elastic cord is pulled taut and stretched beyond its normal, relaxed length. The training player stands between the second person and the stationary object adjacent the cord and assumes a position ready to receive a pass. The second person simply releases the football which then travels to the training person along the path of the cord who attempts to catch the ball.

Abstract: A device for training and conditioning players in the hitting of a baseball. A conventional baseball is fixedly attached to the end of an elongated member which is slideably received in a hollow tube. The tube is supported in a substantially horizontal position on the end of a support rod which is vertically adjustable to place the baseball at a desired height, and rotationally adjustable to place the axis of the slide member at a desired angle with respect to the hitter. A coil spring within the closed end of the horizontal tube returns the slide member to its original position after being struck, and thus caused to move forcefully into the tube. The support rod, preferably two telescoping rods, is fixedly attached at its lower end to a flat support plate which rests on a horizontal surface during use of the device.

Abstract: The combination of a regulation football and kicking tee wherein the tee is formed as a single, contiguous wall of closed, circular cross section extending from a lower, ground engaging portion to an upper edge upon which the ball is supported. The ball supporting edge is preferably in a substantially horizontal plane when the tee is in use, extending about the upper perimeter of the wall for between 220.degree. and 300.degree. with the remaining area, i.e., 60.degree. to 140.degree., representing a discontinuity in the wall extending downwardly from the ball supporting edge. Thus, the lower end of the ball may pass through the discontinuity without substantial interference by the tee when kicked therefrom. The wall member is entirely formed of a material which is very resilient to avoid the possibility of injury to the kicker's foot.

Abstract: Apparatus for use by athletes for developing both manipulative skills and muscular strength and endurance with respect to one or more particular sports involving forceful projection of a game object, such as a ball or puck, either directly by the player, e.g., by kicking, or through another game implement, e.g., a hockey or field hockey stick. The apparatus includes a stationary base structure including a hollow, tubular, sleeve. A first, hollow, slide member is mounted for reciprocal, linear movement through the fixed sleeve of the base structure, and a second slide member is mounted with one end inside and the other outside the first slide member for reciprocal, coaxial, linear movement with respect to and together with the first slide member. The game object is affixed by appropriate means to the outer end of the second slide member, and stop means are provided to limit movement in both directions of both slide members. A propelling force is imparted to the game object by the trainee, e.g.