Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a device for aiding the teaching and training techniques for hitting a baseball consisting of, a shirt to which is installed a flexible magnet within a tunnel to form a magnetic track which runs from the right front shoulder to the left front shoulder in an elliptical fashion; a baseball batting helmet with a chin strap attached thereto containing a magnetic sensor which contacts the magnetic track continuously as it travels from the right shoulder to the left shoulder as the batter swings at the ball; an alarm which notifies the batter of his position when he swings at the ball; an electrical power supply and means for connecting the power supply to the alarm and the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A training device for those sports and games which utilize an implement to strike a projectile is disclosed. A pressure sensitive switch is placed on the implement in the area where it is desired that the projectile be struck. Contact with the projectile will activate the switch, which closes a circuit. This closing will be indicated by a sound generator. Thus the player has practically instantaneous feedback on the contact area.

Abstract: A device for training batters to properly shift weight to the back leg at the beginning of a swing and to shift weight to the front leg during a swing when striking the ball in baseball and similar games. The device includes a first strap for fastening to the leading leg just above the knee and a second strap for fastening to the leading wrist, "leading" being the side towards a pitcher. An elongated member connects the two straps and comprises an elastic portion and an adjustable length portion, which includes a separable buckle so that the elongated member can be separated without removing either strap. In use, straps are emplaced on the knee and wrist and the adjustable length portion is adjusted to be taut but not stretched with the batter in the "ready" position. At the start of a swing, the hands move back, stretching the elongated member to encourage weight movement to the back leg.

Abstract: A general purpose portable pitching, throwing, or kicking device comprised of a singular one-piece supporting base with centrally located apertures for holding two spaced apart vertical parallel uprights affixed with two horizontal parallel cross members for framing a strike zone in space. The strike zone frame is fully adjustable in height, and adjustable in width from the supporting base and may be easily disassembled for transport and storage. The strike zone frame may also be adjusted to form a non-parallel shape if desired to emphasize pitching techniques. The invention is adaptable to baseball, soccer training, archery practice, lacrosse players, or the like by an appropriate choice of strike zone frame shape, size, and position.

Abstract: A system for training an athlete in kicking and dribbling a soccer ball employs a flexible cord that defines a dribble path along the playing surface. The flexible cord is maintained at a predetermined height above the playing surface by a plurality of stanchions arranged in spaced relation, which may be in the form of hollow cones similar to those employed in traffic control. The stanchions may be hollow, and access provided to the interior thereof, for depositing a weighting material, such as sand or water, to improve the stability of the training system during a training session. In accordance with a method aspect, a predetermined dribble path is defined by the flexible cord which is maintained at the predetermined height above the playing surface, sufficient to permit the soccer ball to be dribbled thereunder by the plurality of stanchions. The athlete jumps over the flexible element to gain control over the ball.

Abstract: An interactive throwing game apparatus and method includes a longitudinal game table provided in an arcade game environment. An upright ball target is mounted across the front end of the game table at a location facing a human player standing at a player station adjacent to the rear end of the apparatus. A pitching mechanism recessed beneath the game table ejects individual balls toward the human player, who then attempts to throw each ball to a defined target. The object of the game is to cause the ball to impact the target area before a simulated runner visible along the game table reaches a finishing position adjacent to the ball target. Visual and audible messages are provided to the human player dependent upon the accuracy of each throw and the timed sequence at which a given ball impacts the target area in relation to the movement of the simulated runner.

Abstract: A golf putting aid comprising first and second golf balls connected together in an abutting relationship by a threaded connector that extends into holes formed in the first and second golf balls. The first golf ball includes a center formed by a thin wall, an elastic cover wound around the thin wall, a hard cover enclosing the center and elastic cover, wherein the hole formed in the ball extends through the hard cover and terminates adjacent the center. The second golf ball also comprises a center formed by a thin wall, an elastic cover wound around the thin wall, a hard cover enclosing the center and elastic cover, wherein the hole formed in the ball extends through the hard cover and terminates adjacent the center. The threaded connector has first and second threaded ends extending into the holes and urges the first ball to abut the second ball, such that centers of the first and second golf balls are spaced apart a distance less than the length of the face of the putter.