Abstract: Apparatus for practicing the techinque of lofting a ball, the apparatus having a support frame containing two upright supports linked by a horizontal cross-bar. Two inclined guideways extend between ground anchors and the supports. A substantially inelastic reciprocating device is connected to and freely movable along the guideways and a ball connected to the reciprocating device.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the skills of a sports person comprises two diverging guidelines at least one of which is resilient and tensioned. A reciprocating line extends between and is connected to each guideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines. A ball is connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines in the direction of their divergence until restrained from further movement by forces imposed on the line caused by the increased spacing between the guidelines and stretching of the resilient guideline(s). The ball and reciprocating line are returned to their starting positions (or positions close thereto) along the guidelines in the direction of their convergence through reactive forces generated between the reciprocating line and the resilient guideline(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in playing and practicing ball games is disclosed, the apparatus including a ball suspended by a substantially inelastic upstanding line from an upper, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway and connected by the same or a second substantially inelastic upstanding line to a lower, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway. The lower guideway may be at ground level and the height of the ball above the ground may be adjustable.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the skills of a sports person comprises two diverging guidelines at least one of which is resilient and tensioned. A reciprocating line extends between and is connected to each guideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines. A ball is connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines in the direction of their divergence until restrained from further movement by forces imposed on the line caused by the increased spacing between the guidelines and stretching of the resilient guideline(s). The ball and reciprocating line are returned to their starting positions (or positions close thereto) along the guidelines in the direction of their convergence through reactive forces generated between the reciprocating line and the resilient guideline(s).