Abstract: Methods and training devices for training a user to improve the swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment are disclosed. A training device is provided, which includes a tensionable member secured to a piece of sporting equipment or similar elongate member, and to a fixed object remote therefrom. A user holding the member can move a selected distance from the fixed object, thereby extending the tensionable member such that a tension is provided, then orient the sporting equipment or elongate member in a position that enables executing a swing in the direction of the tension. The user can then attempt to execute the swing, imparting a velocity to the piece of sporting equipment or other elongate member. Whether the velocity imparted by the user exceeds or fails to exceed that provided by the tension, immediate feedback can be obtained through the effect of the tensionable member on the swing.