Abstract: A combination of a ball storage rack and a ball feeder track provide an apparatus for basketball storage and consistent position retrieval of sport balls, such as basketballs and volleyballs, by a player. The apparatus comprises a frame configured with an upper portion along the length of the frame capable of holding a plurality of sport balls with a lower rack configured to hold a plurality of sport balls and an extendable feeder track capable of receiving a sport ball and facilitating movement of the sport ball down the track for retrieval of the sport ball by a player. Feeder track may be extended for use in active sports drills or sport games, or folded or retracted for convenient storage of the apparatus when not in use. Apparatus may be configured to hold and display signage such as advertisements.

Abstract: A ball hitting training device is disclosed for allowing a user to practice swinging a bat at a ball. The ball hitting training device includes a base assembly for resting on a support surface. A ball support assembly supports a ball to be struck by a bat swung by the user to allow the user to practice swinging the bat. The ball support assembly is coupled to the stanchion member of the stanchion assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for training the hand/eye coordination of an individual. The assembly comprises an unobstructed region where an individual maneuvers a training member through the unobstructed region.

Abstract: An exercise, practice, and training device has a transition piece adjustably connected to a distal end of a handle. An action receiving element is bendably connected to a distal portion of the transition piece and extends distally therefrom. The action receiving element is also connected to the transition piece by a biasing element that biases the action receiving element into alignment with the transition piece and enables bending during exercise, practice, and training by the user.

Abstract: A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training sports skills for games including ice hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball using one or more opponents or simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: An improved height adjustment mechanism for a batting tee uses an adjustment screw that attaches a compressible washer assembly to the bottom of an inner telescoping member to spread a compressible washer, thereby increasing the diameter of the compressible washer assembly and consequently adjusting internal friction between the washer assembly and the inner surface of an outer telescoping member to a desired amount necessary to hold the inner telescoping member stationary within the external telescoping member while the tee is being used while still allowing manual height adjustment of the batting tee as may be desired by the batter.

Abstract: A baseball training device includes a target net from which balls will be fed to a unit that will throw the balls back to a player. The unit can be set to throw the balls in the air or on the ground so a variety of situations can be practiced.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tethered baseball in position for batting practice and automatically retrieving the ball after it has been hit with a bat, which includes an adjustable height stand, a fishing reel and a variable speed motor connected thereto. Tethered by a small gauge fishing line which is attached to the reel, the ball, prior to being hit, rests atop the adjustable strand. When the ball is hit, the line is released nearly effortlessly from the reel; and the ball is allowed to travel virtually unobstructed during its flight. When the ball has traveled its full distance, the batter, by pushing a switch with a foot pedal, starts the motor, causing the reel to rewind the line. A control on the switch allows the batter to vary the speed of the motor from fast when the ball is at a distance to slow when the ball approaches the batter.

Abstract: A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be engaged by a player during a basketball practice or training session. After a pad is engaged and driven away from the box-out area, the other pad is driven toward the box-out area. The player experiences a predetermined amount of resistance in order to simulate “boxing out” during a rebound drill. The apparatus and method may be provided separately or integrally with a basketball backboard and hoop. There is a disclosure of a friction-based swivel assembly that utilizes at least one brake pad for use in a basketball practice system.

Abstract: A device for training a pitcher or thrower, the device having a form that simulates the ball for which the pitcher is to be trained, examples being a softball or baseball. The device is constructed to allow one part of it to visibly rotate while one or more additional parts of the device visibly do not. It has a surface similar to the surface of the ball for which the pitcher would train, and a means to emit a distinctive and easily audible sound when it is properly thrown.

Abstract: A football teaching aid includes a football having a number of differently colored target areas marked on the surface of the football, each indicating an area on the surface of the football to be struck to send the football along an associated flight path. Thus, in practice, a football coach can direct a player to strike the football in one of the colored target areas, which is easily identified by the player, to achieve a desired shot.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus comprising an upright support mast associated with a base having a plurality of legs which are able to be mounted to a surface. A rotatable sleeve slides over the mast. The sleeve can rotate about the mast and a pin slides within the slots. An arm with a ball-shaped object at the distal end extends from the sleeve. An elastic member is associated at one end with the sleeve by means of a tab extending from the sleeve; and, at the other end is associated with a base leg. When the batter strikes the ball-shaped object, the sleeve rotates upward about the mast and returns as urged by the elastic member.

Abstract: A free standing, portable device for teaching pitching technique for softball or baseball. The device consists of a folding h-shaped base that rests on the ground and supports a removable vertical member. A horizontal track member is removably secured to the vertical member and can be adjusted in height on the vertical member to match the height of the pitcher. A ball attaches to the horizontal track member and can travel along the horizontal track member as the pitcher executes a pitch while grasping the ball. The ball is mounted to the horizontal track in such a way that the ball is free to spin in either direction relative to the horizontal track. In an alternate embodiment, an optional curved track can replace the horizontal track member in order to facilitate teaching additional pitching techniques.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus having a substantially resilient elongated arm support coupled to straps adapted to surround an athlete's shoulders to hold the arm support securely against the athlete's chest and under the athlete's arms to facilitate the proper training position for a variety of sports activities. Methods of using the training apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A practice batting training apparatus is disclosed, which can accurately and consistently deliver balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The apparatus includes a base with a removable a post, and at least one feeder hingedly attached to the post for delivering various size balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The feeder can be adjusted to achieve different heights and speeds helping batters develop timing and hitting skills.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice device has a base member, a post projecting upwardly from the base member and a pivot joint between the lower end of the post and the base member for allowing pivoting of the post in any direction about the base member to any selected tilt angle. A locking device is provided for securing the post at a selected angle and direction relative to the base member, and a cup is pivotally secured to the upper end of the post for supporting a ball. The cup can be pivoted relative to the post so as to face upwardly regardless of the tilt angle of the post relative to the base member.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product and a method for registration and analysis of data from a practised stage, and for generation of action programs in dependence of said data. Preferably, the system and the method are adapted for the analysis of the player properties of a sports practiser (1500) and for the generation of an action program in the form of a training model for the player, whereby the player will, while practising (1501) the sport, register (1502) player data (101) and result data (102) in a registration unit (104). In a parameter processing unit (106), a player characteristics profile, depending of said registered data, is generated (1503), regarding various parameters, such as shot type, number of shots per shot type, etc., as well as a comparison profile by means of which a current player characteristics profile for a player is compared with a normal profile for an average player.

Abstract: An air mattress has a resilient front panel, an opposed rear panel and at least one interior panel extending therebetween dividing the mattress into ball and strike chambers. A ball air valve attached to the rear panel at the ball chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the ball chamber. A strike air valve attached to the rear panel at the strike chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the strike chamber. Signaling devices alert when a strike or ball air valve activates informing a user whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A device for teaching the basic kicks of soccer to students of the game. The device has a mat portion with a ball support thereon, to raise the ball to the elevated position it would be in when laying on grass. The mat includes an alignment arrow to direct the approach of the kicker, a circumscribed open area for the non-kicking foot to be prior to ball impact with a specifically notated ball, that rests on the support. The ball is color coded with sweet spots where impact is to take place for a specific kick. The ball also includes similarly color coded arrow lines, which serve to guide the placement of the ball onto the support to align the ball correctly relative to the kicker's shoe for the shot being taught. Teaching information is also found on the mat portion as a mental reinforcement to a lesson.

Abstract: A swing training device which utilizes an microprocessor controlled set of colored LEDs to teach the user to watch the ball through the contact of a ball hitting device such as a baseball bat or golf club with the ball. Also shown is a method of providing a confirmation visual for an observer to confirm the hitter has in fact watched the bat hit the ball. This swing training device may be mounted in a standard batting tee stanchion or may replace a standard batting tee stanchion. The swing training device may also be mounted in a practice golf tee especially those of the type used at driving ranges.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a training device for batting practice. More specifically, the instant invention provides a catch net in combination with an air powered ball return assembly. The ball return assembly delivers a lightweight polymeric ball to a batter in the form of a soft-toss. A hit ball is caught by the net and recycled to the batter. The ball may be hit and recycled back to the batter for a player specified length of time.

Abstract: A golf and other swing training and exercising apparatus including a base platform, a vertical support frame, a rotating swing arm connected between a grip and a resistance source which enables a user to execute a simulated golf or other swing by rotating the arm against the resistance. The structural configuration of the apparatus insures that minimum resistance to the correct swing execution is provided when the swing is executed with the proper body muscle groups and in the proper swing plane.

Abstract: A pitching practice apparatus for indicating if a desired ball speed has been attained or exceeded in a defined strike zone comprising a pivoted ball target assembly for absorbing energy from the ball, a spring for storing the absorbed energy, a ball speed indicator with a signal device and a chassis with cover panels. In operation, a pitched ball impacting the defined strike zone will transfer kinetic energy to the ball target assembly which will convert the energy to rotational kinetic energy. The rotational kinetic energy is then stored as elastic energy of the spring. The ball speed indicator with signal device will sense the deformation of the spring and will indicate if the desired the ball speed has been attained or exceeded by the raising of a flag. The desired ball speed can be set by the user. The apparatus can be made to essentially stop the ball after impact or to allow the ball to rebound.

Abstract: A pass rush trainer has a rigid base that is height adjustable. Two coil torsion springs are mounted on the base and extend upwardly therefrom. At their upper extents, the springs are coupled to a frame including two outwardly extending arms which support the arms of a dummy or pad that is mounted on it. The distance between the arms is easily adjustable so that a pass rusher can practice against differing degrees of “wing span” of an offensive lineman. The pad itself includes a torso that is draped over the base and springs of the inventive device, has a portion simulating the shoulders and head of a pass blocker, and includes two padded arms mounted over the arms of the frame.

Abstract: A soccer kicking practice apparatus is provided with an elongated soccer ball mounting arm comprised of a center shaft in the form of a roller chain positioned inside of a coil spring and a coil spring compression decompression device. An outside end of the elongated soccer ball mounting arm is provided with a soccer ball mounting device. An inside end of the soccer ball mounting arm is provided with a connector that serves to hold the mounting arm at a desired elevation. The center shaft and coil spring create a biasing system that returns the soccer ball to its original position after it has been kicked.

Abstract: Adjustable weight training belt for use with a baseball bat comprising a first layer of flexible material and a hook and loop fastening system. The hook portion of the fastening system connected to one face and the loop portion of the fastening system on the other face, the fastening system being adjustable to adjust the area encircled by the belt. A second layer of flexible material connected to the first layer forming a plurality of pockets between the a face of the first layer and a face of the second layer. A face of the second layer has a high coefficient of friction to resist movement of the belt when placed about the barrel of a baseball bat. A plurality of malleable weights engaged in the pockets, the weights formed to the curved surface of the barrel creating a substantially similar surface profile contributing to the resistance of movement.

Abstract: The invention is of a Shotgun hiker, a mechanical football hiker that propels the football five yards in a consistent direction and manner in order to allow football teams to practice the shotgun offense without the use of a trained team member to hike the football.

Abstract: A training device can be used, for example, to practice punching and kicking techniques and to practice baseball batting and golf swing mechanics.

Abstract: A trajectory detection and feedback system is described. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched tile object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the object along a desired trajectory. A non-intrusive machine vision system may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. After the system has evaluated a plurality of shots by the player, the system may provide 1) a diagnosis of their shot consistency, 2) a prediction for improvement based upon improving their shot consistency and 3) a prescription of actions for improving their consistency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hand shield (10) adapted for use with a hockey stick. The hand shield includes a flexible shield portion (11) having a convex outer surface (12) and an opening configured to accommodate a portion of a hockey stick. The hand shield further comprises an interior grip portion extending away from the shield portion and configured so as to slidably embrace a hockey stick. In one aspect, the interior grip portion includes four generally parallel flexible tabs (15, 16, 17, 19) which align with the four sides of a rectangular hockey stick.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.

Abstract: A sports training device comprises a substantially vertical standard with a suitable ball at the top for practicing sports such as baseball or tennis or a bent over standard with a ball close to the ground for practicing sports such as golf. The ball is attached to an arm that is, in turn, attached to a pivot and a spring both on the standard. Striking the ball in the normal manner for the particular sport causes the ball to move away from the bat, racket or club until clear. The ball then returns under the influence of the spring and oscillates about the starting location of the ball. Depending on spring tension and damping effects of the arm, spring and standard, the ball will become stationary very quickly or continue to oscillate widely. For some sports, heavy damping is preferred. For other sports, light damping may be preferred.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a base member including a flexible handle for assisting a user to transport the device between remote locations. A plurality of mounting brackets are removably securable to the base member and a plurality of bearings are operably attached to the mounting brackets respectively. The bearings have substantially spherical shapes and are equidistantly spaced adjacent opposed corners of the base member. The device includes a spherical body removably positionable on the bearings and centered therebetween. The spherical body is provided with a cavity and a threaded opening passing thereto. The device includes a body for selectively altering a weight of the spherical body. The weight altering body includes a solid pin removably insertable into the cavity. A fastening member is threadably insertable into the opening for contacting the pin such that the fastening member assists to maintain the pin at a fixed position during operating conditions.

Abstract: A baseball training system and method for training a player is shown. The baseball system and method includes a collector for collecting thrown balls and directing them to a throwback unit which has multiple adjusters for adjusting various characteristics of a ball being thrown back. The throwback unit can be adjusted to accommodate different ball sizes to change a trajectory of a ball being thrown back by the throwback unit.

Abstract: A baseball practice equipment that sets up as a practice batting tee in one mode and converts to a practice pitching strike apparatus in a second mode. The practice batting tee has a base member, an extension, a vertical member with an upper end ball support and multiple mounting cavities for mounting the vertical member onto the base member and extension. The vertical member varies in height to adjust to the batter's height. The multiple mounting cavities are arranged between the base member and extension. As a second mode, the practice pitching strike zone has a base member, an extension, a first and second vertical members and mounting cavities for mounting the two vertical members. The first and second vertical members are adjusted in height such that a lower strike zone, middle strike zone and an upper strike zone is created between the vertical members.

Abstract: A soccer kicking practice apparatus is provided with an elongated soccer ball mounting arm comprised of a center shaft positioned inside of a coil spring. An outside end of the elongated soccer ball mounting arm is provided with a soccer ball mounting device. An inside end of the soccer ball mounting arm is provided with a connector that serves to hold the mounting arm at a desired elevation. The center shaft and coil spring create a biasing system that returns the soccer ball to its original position after it has been kicked.

Abstract: A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be engaged by a player during a basketball practice or training session. After a pad is engaged and driven away from the box-out area, the other pad is driven toward the box-out area. The player experiences a predetermined amount of resistance in order to simulate “boxing out” during a rebound drill. The apparatus and method may be provided separately or integrally with a basketball backboard and hoop. The apparatus and method may also include or be used with a rebounder so that the player can simulate “boxing out” before, during or after capturing a rebound.

Abstract: A hand-held offensive lineman training pad formed of a resilient inner pad and a close fitting outer cover has a generally T-shaped tapered configuration with flat front and back sides and a generally rectangular cross section. The generally T-shaped pad has a relatively wide upper portion and an elongate lower portion having opposed lateral sides that taper downward and angularly inward and terminate at a flat bottom end to simulate the framework of the upper torso of a defensive lineman with the wider upper portion simulating the shoulder pads of the defensive lineman. A pair of shallow generally rectangular recessed pockets on each of the elongate lateral sides of the pad receive the fingertips of the offensive lineman and approximate the proper hand placement for an offensive lineman to engage a defensive lineman. The pad is effective in training an offensive lineman in proper hand placement and executing various blocking maneuvers.

Abstract: A training bat has a knob, handle section and barrel section. A weight is located within the interior of the barrel section on a rotatable shaft, and is moveable linearly. Linear movement of the weight is caused by rotation of the shaft. Preferably, the shaft is coupled to the knob, so that rotation of the knob causes rotation of the shaft and linear movement of the weight along at least a portion of the barrel section.

Abstract: A throwing and catching training apparatus for sports is disclosed. The throwing and catching training apparatus provides an upright, rigid target panel having a plurality of elastomeric bumpers connected to the target panel wherein the bumpers are adaptable to deflect a thrown projectile in a random direction. A pair of support structures are connected to the target panel for supporting the target panel in an upright position. The target panel may have a cut-out portion extending through the target panel for further defining a target. An elastic mesh netting may be connected to the target panel and extend across the cut-out portion of the target panel in order that a thrown projectile may spring back from the target panel after engaging the elastic mesh netting. The shape of the bumpers allows the thrown projectile to deflect back to the user in a random direction.

Abstract: A volleyball training apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a standard assembly, a support assembly mounted on the standard assembly, a ball assembly, and a ball suspension assembly mounted on the support assembly and supporting the ball assembly. The ball assembly may be secured to the ball suspension assembly in a manner such that the ball assembly remains secured to the ball suspension assembly upon spiking of the ball assembly by a user. In some embodiments of the invention, the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member having opposite ends attached to the ball assembly. In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises a support member having a passage therethrough, and the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member with a portion of the elongate elastic member extending through the support member.

Abstract: A basketball shooting aid having visually distinctive designs, configurations and colors for the purpose of sending immediate visual feedback to the athlete, informing the athlete whether the proper technique was employed in the athlete's grip of the basketball, the athlete's release of the shot and the arc and rotation of the basketball during flight. An equatorial track is disposed between a first and second lines defining a first hemispherical half and a second hemispherical half, and the equatorial track further including alternating color members displayed thereon. The basketball shooting aid including a first patch displayed within the first hemispherical half abutting the first line, and a second patch displayed within the second hemispherical half abutting the second line, wherein the first patch and the second patch are on the same axis. For proper gripping of the basketball shooting aid, a first and second outlined hand are displayed.

Abstract: A training aid for teaching batters how to swing properly. The aid resembles a baseball bat which has a front portion which has been flattened, and an angled device has been attached to the handle. The angled portion has a flat portion which is not quite parallel with the flat portion on the front of the bat.

Abstract: A soccer training device that comprises a net which covers the large central portion of a soccer goal but leaves limited openings in the upper corners of the goal as well as along each opposite side of the goal which are relatively harder for a goal tender to block. The objective is to train and teach soccer players to kick or otherwise lawfully propel the soccer ball through those relatively harder portions of the goal for a goal tender to block, thereby increasing the likelihood of being able to score.

Abstract: A soccer ball kicking training device assists a player so that his or her plant foot are correctly positioned with respect to the target line. A foot positioning pad includes a foot outline indicia and is attached to an adjustable cross member. The other end of the cross member is attached to an offset member which supports a ball positioning pad. An arrow points in the direction of the plant foot towards the target line. The player positions his or her plant foot adjacent to the indicia and adjusts the length of the cross-member so that the member is approximately shoulder width. The foregoing positions the soccer ball slightly behind the plant foot and “squares” the players shoulders so that when the player kicks the ball the ball goes in the line of the arrow and directly towards the target.

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: A training device for acquiring the correct hand motion associated with the different types of sport and for strengthening the wrist and forearm. The device is simple and portable. It utilizes a combination of a magnet and a plunger, the magnet having a sufficient force to keep the plunger attached but not strong enough to prevent the plunger from dislodging from the magnet when a user snaps the device. The device is designed so that the snapping sound caused by the plunger hitting a wall synchronizes with the impact on the muscles felt by the user during a hand motion.

Abstract: A soccer practice cage including an enclosure defining an enclosure interior and multiple ball openings provided in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other in the bottom portion of the enclosure and communicating with the enclosure interior. In typical application, at least two players in the enclosure interior stand in front of respective ball openings, and each of the players attempts to kick a ball through the ball opening or openings of the other player or players.

Abstract: A method for controlling a batter's foot includes a flexible panel that has a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The front edge has an arcuate notch therein. The panel has a pair of apertures extending therethrough. Each of a pair of reinforcement rings is attached to a peripheral edge of one of the openings. Each one of pair of elongated rods has a first end and a second end. The first ends are pointed. Each of a pair of handles is attached to one of the second ends. The rods are each extended through one of the rings. A rear foot of a batter is positioned beneath the panel such that the ankle of the rear foot is positioned in the notch. The first ends of the rods are extended into a ground surface to restrict lifting of the rear foot.