Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports apparatus (100). The sports apparatus (100) comprises: a ball holder (102); and a motor (110) arranged to rotate said ball holder (102); wherein an axis of rotation of a drive of the motor (110) is offset from the axis of rotation of the ball holder (102). The sports apparatus (100) is used for practicing football kicking skills.

Abstract: The invention discloses a kicking tee for American football or rugby that maximizes the possible forward lean of the football which extends the segment of impact through the ball while also exposing the entire ball from base to tip to the view of the kicker, allowing the kicker to more easily aim at the ball's sweet spot. The results achieved by use of the present invention are greater distance and height, velocity and hangtime, as well as greater control of the trajectory of the ball over that of the prior art. The invention also improves on the prior art by allowing a greater overall range of ball placement, resulting in the kicker having greater control over where the ball will travel on the field of play.

Abstract: An athletic timing device includes a housing carrying a touch-less sensor. The device is self-contained and can be easily placed at generally any point on a surface used for athletic activities, e.g., a football field, basketball court, or a track. The collective design of the sensor and the housing facilitates activation of the sensor without interfering with normal athletic activities, i.e., activities can be performed and timed under normal conditions without physical contact between the timing device and objects involved in the athletic activity. Example activities that can activate the sensor include snapping a football, kicking a soccer ball, or sprinting away from (or back to) the device.

Abstract: The present invention includes a ball receiving recess carried by a pivotable support structure. This support structure may be pivoted to the left or right to allow the ball receiving recess to be angulated with respect to vertical. The sides of the support structure include openings and elongated slots are formed within the football tee base aligned with the side openings in the support structure. An arm includes an elongated rod receivable within either opening in the football tee base, but rotatable with respect thereto. The arm includes an arcuate portion and an end distal from the rod including a wedge-like end having a narrow edge engaging within a seam of a football. The slots interengage with the rod of the arm to provide a limit stop mechanism, limiting the degree of lateral pivoting of the support structure.

Abstract: A tee for holding an American style football during place kicking has a base with a receptacle. A block is removably inserted into the base, with the block having a front cup and a rear cup. A plurality of radial tabs in the front cup can independently bend and deflect to securely hold footballs having a range of different sizes and shapes. The tabs may be provided on fingers, with each finger having an upright arm joined to a ring base, and with a tab attached to and extending radially inwardly from each upright arm.

Abstract: A stuffed toy resembling an animal figure holds a kicking tee. The toy is optionally equipped with an electronic feedback system that senses activity on the tee and responds with feedback for the user.

Abstract: A tee for holding an American style football during place kicking has a base with a receptacle. A block is removably inserted into the base, with the block having a front cup and a rear cup. A plurality of radial tabs in the front cup can independently bend and deflect to securely hold footballs having a range of different sizes and shapes. The tabs may be provided on fingers, with each finger having an upright arm joined to a ring base, and with a tab attached to and extending radially inwardly from each upright arm.

Abstract: A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.

Abstract: A kickoff tee and a placement tee are disclosed. The kickoff tee has a kicking surface surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped support wall defining an open-ended kicking channel. The support wall can further include a pair of opposing protrusions that taper from the top of the support wall downwards toward the kicking surface. The placement tee exhibits a kicking surface atop a kicking platform. The kicking surface includes a kicking target than can be surrounded by a plurality of concentric support ridges. Additionally, the placement tee has a lateral surface extending from the kicking surface downward towards the ground. The lateral surface can exhibit one or more visual indicators to facilitate lining up of a place kick.

Abstract: A football tee combines three ball receiving recesses into a single tee. The ball receiving recesses include a first ball receiving recess for conventional kicks, a second ball receiving recess for squib kicks, and a third ball receiving recess for onside kicks. In a first embodiment, the first ball receiving recess consists of a plurality of elongated arcuate lines with each line conforming to the shape of the surface of the football near the tip. In a second embodiment, the lines are replaced by a similar number of arcuate narrow bands, each of which conforms to the shape of the football above the tip. In a third embodiment, a series of semi-spherical projections are provided, each of which engages the football in a point contact. The bottom of the first recess is open to reduce surface area of ball contact.

Abstract: A football tee combines three ball receiving recesses into a single tee. The ball receiving recesses include a first ball receiving recess for conventional kicks, a second ball receiving recess for squib kicks, and a third ball receiving recess for onside kicks. In a first embodiment, the first ball receiving recess consists of a plurality of elongated arcuate lines with each line conforming to the shape of the surface of the football near the tip. In a second embodiment, the lines are replaced by a similar number of arcuate narrow bands, each of which conforms to the shape of the football above the tip. In a third embodiment, a series of semi-spherical projections are provided, each of which engages the football in a point contact. The bottom of the first recess is open to reduce surface area of ball contact.

Abstract: A kickoff tee and a placement tee are disclosed. The kickoff tee has a kicking surface surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped support wall defining an open-ended kicking channel. The support wall can further include a pair of opposing protrusions that taper from the top of the support wall downwards toward the kicking surface. The placement tee exhibits a kicking surface atop a kicking platform. The kicking surface includes a kicking target than can be surrounded by a plurality of concentric support ridges. Additionally, the placement tee has a lateral surface extending from the kicking surface downward towards the ground. The lateral surface can exhibit one or more visual indicators to facilitate lining up of a place kick.

Abstract: A football tee combines three ball receiving recesses into a single tee. The ball receiving recesses include a first ball receiving recess for conventional kicks, a second ball receiving recess for squib kicks, and a third ball receiving recess for onside kicks. In a first embodiment, the first ball receiving recess consists of a plurality of elongated arcuate lines with each line conforming to the shape of the surface of the football near the tip. In a second embodiment, the lines are replaced by a similar number of arcuate narrow bands, each of which conforms to the shape of the football above the tip. In a third embodiment, a series of semi-spherical projections are provided, each of which engages the football in a point contact. The bottom of the first recess is open to reduce surface area of ball contact.

Abstract: A kickoff tee and a placement tee are disclosed. The kickoff tee has a kicking surface surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped support wall defining an open-ended kicking channel. The support wall can further include a pair of opposing protrusions that taper from the top of the support wall downwards toward the kicking surface. The placement tee exhibits a kicking surface atop a kicking platform. The kicking surface includes a kicking target than can be surrounded by a plurality of concentric support ridges. Additionally, the placement tee has a lateral surface extending from the kicking surface downward towards the ground. The lateral surface can exhibit one or more visual indicators to facilitate lining up of a place kick.

Abstract: A training device adapted to support a ball above a support surface for punting. The training device includes a base assembly adapted to be disposed on the support surface, and a ball support assembly coupled to the base assembly and adapted to contact the bottom of the ball from at least one side of the ball such that the ball is supported above the support surface for punting when the ball support assembly is in a support position.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for aiding a user in learning and practicing techniques for performing a volley kick of a soccer ball. A volley kick training apparatus, as disclosed herein, is configured to position and hold a soccer ball to simulate to a user the scenario of kicking a soccer ball while in mid air to perform and achieve the volley kick.

Abstract: A collapseable, and self-assembling football holder for kicking a football that replaces the need for another person to hold the football for placekicking while simulating a placeholder for the place kicker.

Abstract: A football tee combines three ball receiving recesses into a single tee. The ball receiving recesses include a first ball receiving recess for conventional kicks, a second ball receiving recess for squib kicks, and a third ball receiving recess for onside kicks. In a first embodiment, the first ball receiving recess consists of a plurality of elongated arcuate lines with each line conforming to the shape of the surface of the football near the tip. In a second embodiment, the lines are replaced by a similar number of arcuate narrow bands, each of which conforms to the shape of the football above the tip. In a third embodiment, a series of semi-spherical projections are provided, each of which engages the football in a point contact. The bottom of the first recess is open to reduce surface area of ball contact.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for aiding a user in learning and practicing techniques for performing a volley kick of a soccer ball. A volley kick training apparatus, as disclosed herein, is configured to position and hold a soccer ball to simulate to a user the scenario of kicking a soccer ball while in mid air to perform and achieve the volley kick.

Abstract: A tee includes a ball receiving recess shaped like the outer surface of the tip of a football so that the bottom portion of that tip may be supported within the recess. The recess is discontinuous consisting of two laterally opposed recess portions with a rearwardly facing opening and forward ribs. The opening permits the kicker to see the entirety of the football down to the tip. Textured surfaces are provided that extend forward to a downwardly depending shoulder. The textured surfaces are devised so that a football can be supported horizontally on the textured surfaces for squib kicks. The facing terminations of the recess portions are sized and configured to allow a football to be leaned against the tee engaging those terminations to allow the ball to be supported with its tip on a ground surface for onside kicks.

Abstract: A tee includes a ball receiving recess shaped like the outer surface of the tip of a football so that the bottom portion of that tip may be supported within the recess. The recess is discontinuous consisting of two laterally opposed recess portions with a rearwardly facing opening and forward ribs. The opening permits the kicker to see the entirety of the football down to the tip. Textured surfaces are provided that extend forward to a downwardly depending shoulder. The textured surfaces are devised so that a football can be supported horizontally on the textured surfaces for squib kicks. The facing terminations of the recess portions are sized and configured to allow a football to be leaned against the tee engaging those terminations to allow the ball to be supported with its tip on a ground surface for onside kicks.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for aiding a user in learning and practicing techniques for performing a volley kick of a soccer ball. A volley kick training apparatus, as disclosed herein, is configured to position and hold a soccer ball to simulate to a user the scenario of kicking a soccer ball while in mid air to perform and achieve the volley kick.

Abstract: A ball kicking-training apparatus has a base which vertically supports a post having a rotatable axle whose top end is provided with a ball and socket device. The ball component of the ball and socket device is attached to an arm whose opposite end is attached to the ball to be kicked by the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A soccer training device for enhancing ball-handling and physical coordination of a soccer player, includes a base member, a rotary member, an elongated arm having a free distal end and a proximal end pivotally attached to a top portion of the base member via the rotary bearing, wherein the elongated arm is adapted for pivotal movement in at least one axis of direction about the point of attachment, an articulated member extending from the distal end of the elongated arm, wherein the articulated member is adapted for movement from a rest position in any axis of direction independent of the elongated arm, a biasing mechanism operatively associated with the articulated member for biasing the articulated member into alignment with the elongated arm, and a ball retaining member operatively associated with the free end of the articulated member for retaining a soccer ball thereon.

Abstract: A soccer kicking practice apparatus is provided with a domed bolt shaft receiver for mounting a soccer ball having a protruding threaded bolt to a soccer ball holder. In the alternative the soccer kicking practice may employ a soccer ball having a nut to receive a threaded bolt mounted to a knob.

Abstract: A device for controllably altering trajectory of a kicked football includes a member removably insertable in a recess of a tee. The device is used in any one of three ways. First, it may be placed within the forward recess of the tee to combine with the ball receiving recess to completely enclose the tip of the football about its periphery. Second, a protrusion of the device may be placed in front of and slightly to the right of the centerline of the football. After the football is kicked, the tip of the football strikes this protrusion, causing the football to be deflected and to hook to the left. Third, the projection is in front of and slightly to the left of the centerline of the football. After the football is kicked, the tip strikes the projection, causing the ball to travel slightly to the right.

Abstract: A football place kicking training device includes an adjustable wrap, wherein the wrap is adapted to retain a football. An elastic cord is also included and has a first and a second end, the first end is adapted to be attached to the wrap, and the second end is adapted to be anchored to a support.

Abstract: A flexible football tee for supporting a football at a selected elevation above the ground. The football tee provides a steady base resistant to movement, and provides uniformity in the football placement. The football tee provides virtually no resistance to movement of the foot of a kicker as the football is struck, thereby reducing variables in the transfer of momentum from the foot to the football. The football tee is reusable and provides a surface for presentation of printed matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an American football includes a CPVC horizontal arm, removably attached to a vertical post composite, that is removably attached to a securing means. The horizontal arm has an elbow tip removably attached at one end that holds the tip of the football. On the other end of the horizontal arm is a swivel elbow, removably attached to the vertical post composite. The the vertical post is comprised of two parallel materials, half inch PVC on the outside, stronger and smaller diameter half inch CPVC on the inside. There is a bolt dowel near the bottom of the vertical post composite that holds the parallel materials together. The structural composite of the vertical post is shorter than the length of a football. The structural composite of the vertical post insures the horizontal arm will not slip past the exact position the of vertical post is built for.

Abstract: A soccer kicking training device used for placement on a surface and for allowing a soccer ball to be kicked thereof. The soccer ball kicking training device includes a base with stationary base connector and horizontal and vertical members, two ball holder means, a height adjustment means, and a ball. The base is supported by a surface in a horizontal plane with weighted material used to help stabilize the device. The stationary base connector is attached to the base and provides height adjustment. A vertical member and horizontal member slides freely inside the stationary base connector, which provides further height adjustments to the soccer kicking training device. A top and side ball holder by which a ball can be mounted and/or attached, by which a player standing on a surface can kick a stationary ball. The soccer kicking training device has quick setup and is easily transportable to and from the soccer field.

Abstract: A football tee includes one or two cut-outs in the peripheral surface, each of which is shaped to resemble the outer surface of a football adjacent its tip. Each cut-out is designed to support the football on a ground surface next to the tee to allow a kicker to perform onside kicks. The cut-outs may be formed in a tee having another diverse ball supporting structure or may be the only ball supporting structure of the tee. The tee is preferably molded of rubber or soft plastic.

Abstract: A mold is made of a thin-walled material and allows the user to mold a temporary football kicking tee out of a loose material such as, for example, wet sand or mud. In use, the material is placed into the mold, packed tightly in the mold, and then the mold is inverted and placed on a ground surface, whereupon the mold is removed leaving behind a temporary football kicking tee. The inventive mold may be used at a sandy beach or in any other desired location. The user can kick a football from the temporary tee formed by the mold without fear that he or she will be injured if the tee is accidentally struck, since the loose material of the temporary tee will give way upon application of a small force.

Abstract: A support device (10) for a football, particularly a rugby football (B), comprises a flexible bag (12) having a flat base (18) with sides (12a) formed from tapered sections of a woven nylon material (for example) defining a generally ogival shape. The bag (12) is filled with a malleable material, such as loose granular material, which does not occupy the whole of the maximum volume of the bag, such that a ball (B) may be placed on the bag which can be deformed and shaped to form a pocket (16) which serves to hold the ball in a chosen attitude for place kicking.

Abstract: A game apparatus having a plurality of game pieces to be pulled, kicked or struck for removal from a base. The base includes a sound emitting circuit to indicate removal of the game piece from the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides for projecting supported objects, such as baseballs, footballs or golf balls. The apparatus includes a movable striker having a first surface (a target surface) for receiving a force, and a second surface (a projecting surface) for projecting the object, with the object being supported by a supporting surface. The supporting surface may be a portion of the second (projecting) surface or another surface on the striker, or alternatively may be a portion of a support member separate from the striker. The target surface receives a force from the user, the force being subsequently transmitted through the striker to the supported object via the projecting surface. The striker may be movably coupled to a base, with the striker being limited to fore-and-aft movement relative to the base, so that the object will be projected forwardly in a predetermined direction even if the target surface is not struck in a squarely forward direction.