Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having a grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training. The grip has a length and circumference, a butt end and a distal end. The device further includes a flexible umbilical having first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical, the length of the device being measured from its butt end of the pip to the weight being approximately the length of a tennis racquet. The device is particularly suitable for carrying out a method of training a user to properly serve a tennis ball.

Abstract: A sports training device having grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training and a flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip and an adjustable weight attached to the second end of the umbilical. The device, when properly used, improves a user's throwing or serving technique and develops the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.