Abstract: A muscle memory training apparatus for training a ball player in proper elbow elevation at the beginning of a throw includes a frame; an elbow support cup assembly mounted to and projecting forwardly from the frame; a spring-loaded reel mounted to the frame a distance above the support cup assembly and having a retracting line secured to a ball mounted to the frame; and a fastening mechanism connected to the frame for fastening the apparatus to an anchoring object at a suitable elevation. A method of using the muscle memory training apparatus includes the steps of: securing the apparatus to a selected anchoring structure such that the elbow support cup is substantially at the user shoulder level; placing the user elbow in the elbow support cup; grasping the ball; and throwing the ball forwardly from the apparatus, so that the ball is subsequently retracted by the spring-loaded reel.

Abstract: A device for throwing and swinging sports comprises a semi-transparent bottle into which varying amounts of a media may be added. One embodiment of that bottle is generally concave in cross-section for better gripping and includes markings on at least one side for showing different filling levels. A gripping element extends from a middle of the bottle sidewall. One such element is a baseball, real or simulated. Other embodiments include a softball, a football-sized element and/or a racket handle. In order to assist the user with timed workouts, an optional cap may include a built-in clock for signaling when to switch from one exercise to another. Methods for exercising with this device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball practice device, which comprises a frame, a net, a base bracket and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is interposed between the frame and the base bracket, and is configured for supporting the frame together with the base bracket. The net is attached to the frame and is connected to the frame by a connecting member which the net can be disassembled from.

Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reconfigurable implement positioning and guidance system. The system includes an implement (e.g., a ball), an implement support, and a swung object (e.g., a bat). The implement support is reconfigurable between two modes. In a first mode the implement can be struck and propelled from the implement support and in a second mode the implement is fastened to the implement support so that it cannot separate upon impact with the swung object. The system also includes a guide positioned in the vicinity (e.g., below) of the implement so that an object swung below the implement will contact the guide which will direct the swung object toward and into contact with the implement. The guide can be employed in the first mode or the system can be used in either mode with the guide removed.

Abstract: A batting swing aid fitting onto the barrel of the bat to assist with hand speed when swinging a bat and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body has four chamber compartments each of which is filled with an equal amount of shot. As the bat is moved to the proper hitting position the shot travels down the inside chambers to make a swoosh sound at the impact zone. During the proper swing pattern the swoosh sound will be closer and closer to the proper impact zone. The device helps build power, and repeating the swing with the additional weight increases the power of the batter and help create proper batting muscle memory.

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 baseball bat swing trainer attaches to a baseball bat and is configured to train a batter to maintain a level swing. The baseball bat swing trainer is attachable to a horizontal structure that is over the head of the batter and to a baseball bat. The baseball bat swing trainer includes a single-unit line controller, a line, and a baseball bat coupling connected to the line. The line controller is configured to vary and fix a working length of line defined as extending from the line controller to the baseball bat. The line may be varied in length, a working length, in order to accommodate different size batters. The line controller is configured to keep and release excess line. The coupling is secured onto the baseball bat at a location taken from a handle of the baseball bat that is approximately 50% of an overall length of the baseball bat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device designed to increase the accuracy of both the throwing, bouncing, propelling by stick and kicking of a baseball, football, lacrosse ball or soccer ball. The apparatus is constructed of a frame, for example of aluminum tubing. A net is attached to or hung over the aluminum tubing to provide a series of pouches aligned horizontally at various heights. These pouches provide target areas for a ball. The pouches may be designed to allow the ball to drop from a pouch it enters into a second pouch or to the bottom of the device for easy removal. The device is held by a base that may have wheels and may be steadied by one or more transverse supports running across the bottom or the back of the base.

Abstract: A baseball glove with integrated illumination means and circuitry that can control the pattern and timing of the illumination means to produce a lightshow. The lightshow may be triggered by the glove catching a ball, or by a separate switch. Optionally, the lightshow may be accompanied by audio signals.

Abstract: A baseball swing training aid includes a housing and a lid for retaining a batting tee in a first or storage configuration and in a second or use configuration. In the first configuration, the batting tee is stowable on an underside of the lid such that the tee does not interfere with the lid's attachment to the housing. In the second configuration, the batting tee base attaches to a slot formed in the lid to extend the tee upwardly for baseball swing training. Accordingly, the tee is easily changeable between the first and second configurations for fast setup, storage or transportation.

Abstract: A novel ball hitting training device configured to hold two bats together in a secure configuration. Also provided is a method of using the device to increase bat speed; strengthen the arm, core, and grip; and improve, and receive feedback on, bat swing technique. The training device allows the user to assess if his hands and grip are optimally positioned to deliver maximum power to the ball upon contact. The device provides two pockets, each having a bat handle end and a bat head end. The pockets are connected to each other between the bat handle ends and the bat head ends. Each bat handle end includes a bat handle opening, such that each pocket can receive a bat through the bat handle opening. A fastener near the bat handle end cinches the device around the bats, which may allow for the twisting of the bats such that the handles are touching and the knob of one bat is closer to the bat handle openings than the knob of the other bat.

Abstract: An apparatus for training sports skills for games conducted on a playing surface having a goal using one or more 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 into the goal. 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: A batting trainer has a stand with an upright post. A guide bar having forward and rearward ends is mounted to an upper end of the post between its forward and rearward ends. The guide bar being inclined relative to the post. A generally C-shaped ball support is mounted to a forward portion of and extends laterally outward from the guide bar. A tee is mounted to and extends upward from a lower portion of the ball support for supporting a ball. A tether is secured to an upper portion of the ball support for connection to the ball. A leg support bar extends laterally from the guide bar for contact by a forward leg of the batter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for physical training purposes and specifically to training weights for use on a lacrosse head. This weight training device for lacrosse distributes weight uniformly around the entire perimeter of a lacrosse head, is easy to attach to lacrosse heads from multiple manufacturers, is unobtrusive to be used during ball handling, and is available in multiple weight models to address the needs of beginners to professionals.

Abstract: Hockey Shooting and Return System Training Devise used by hockey players which provides a very time and space efficient method for practicing ones shot. It is efficient for it returns the shot hockey puck back to the shooter relying only on the speed of the puck and the geometry of the return chute to accomplish this. In addition, the devise records and displays the current shot speed, and stores data of shots, so additional statistical data can be later viewed. The devise can be used for on ice training, and also for off ice training.

Abstract: A training assistance device capable of significant height adjustment has at least one adjustable, and preferably, two adjustable arms to allow it to simulate a defender in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Structure facilitating transport of the device from place to place is included.

Abstract: A batting training aid and method of use to improve baseball players' batting stance and swinging motion. The stance is characterized by a high center of gravity, erect posture with one leg forward, and the other backward. The proper swinging motion is around a vertical axis. The batting training aid comprises: a waist belt; an anklet; a stirrup attached to the anklet; a strap connected at one end to the belt and at the other to the anklet. The length of the strap is adjusted to a predetermined length set to the maximum separation between the back ankle and the waist and configured to force players into the proper batting stance and proper swinging motion. The method of use comprises adjusting the length of strap; adopting batting stance; batting at ball; sensing a tug between the waist and the ankle; and correcting the batting stance to eliminate the tug.

Abstract: A sports vision training device is formed from a piece of material having a thickness sufficient to interfere with an individual's ability to look down at a sporting object. The piece of material has an adhesive coating or layer for positioning the material on an individual's cheek, preferably beneath an individual's eye, so that the piece of material interferes with the individual's ability to look down at the sporting object. The sports vision training device has a thickness sufficient to direct the individual's vision toward the field of play and up and toward at least one player on the field of play, and in some cases permitting intermittent and/or momentary glances at the sports object being controlled by the individual.

Abstract: A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a volleyball instructional apparatus and methods of using such apparatus, more particularly to a volleyball instructional apparatus that provides assistance with training a user how to establish proper hand, forearm, and/or body positioning when bumping or striking a volleyball during different volleyball motions. The instructional apparatus comprises a first hand member, a second hand member and an element for maintaining said first and second hand members.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving a basketball players's shooting skills. A basketball player's shooting skills are improved by aligning a shooting arm with a mirror containing a guiding chaser light. A players's arm follows the vertical movement of the light to the rim in a straight motion, as the basketball is released. This action correctly positions the players' arm in reference to the chaser light bulb. Once a shooting throw is taken, using the product, it will enable the player to achieve the correct arc and trajectory release. The mirror containing the guiding chaser light is placed between the shooter and the basketball rim at any distance allowing the shooter to have visual contact with both the target and the mirror itself, simultaneously, allowing self-correction to take place. The method promotes three vital ingredients to increase correct shooting skills: 1. Muscle memory; 2. Hand and eye coordination; and 3. Allows the shooter to square up correctly.

Abstract: An improved training bat having training assemblies affixed thereto on either side of the preferred hitting region of the bat, said assemblies constructed of a rigid, durable material which, when struck by a ball, emit a sound different from the sound emitted by the preferred hitting region of the bat when struck by the same ball, such that a batter using the improved training bat will immediately recognize by the sound made whether a ball contacted by the improved training bat was properly hit; and a method of constructing same.

Abstract: A device and method of use in learning, practicing and perfecting softball pitching motions comprising, a practice glove worn on the pitching hand having multiple finger portions each with an extending indicator element removably positioned thereon. The indicator elements extending as independent elongated flexible bands removably secured and attached on the ends of index finger portion tabs of the adjacent finger portion. By practicing the pitching motion, the relative position of the indicator bands will confirm and teach proper pitching arm and hand position through the multiple underhand pitching sequence of softball pitching action.

Abstract: A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind home plate, and is selectively movable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively moved up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin may be controlled from a practice pitching area.

Abstract: A multiplayer game, having rules with aspects of the games of Four Square and Volleyball, is played with an apparatus that can optionally be respectively disassembled and set up.

Abstract: A apparatus for improving pitching mechanics of a pitcher has a base, a member extending vertically upwardly from the base, a boom extending horizontally outwardly from the member, and a first indicator affixed to the boom for corresponding in relative location to a position where the pitcher's lead foot or lead shoulder should be positioned. A second indicator is connected to the boom for corresponding in relative location to the desired release point of a pitch by the pitcher. The member is adjustably positioned in height relative to the base.

Abstract: A shaft for a lacrosse stick includes two or more axially aligned portions that may be rotated independently of each other. Resistance to rotation provides exercise to strengthen the hands, arms and wrists of lacrosse players who use the stick.

Abstract: The invention consists of a blade for a hockey stick, comprising: a blade portion, with a forehand side and a backhand side and a loop extending from the one or both sides of the blade portion, with the loop dimensioned to enclose a hockey puck.

Abstract: A golf swing training device. A warning device is connected to a foot actuated switch and a sound actuated switch. A power source provides power to the warning device via the sound actuated switch and the foot actuated switch. The warning device emits a warning when it senses the sound of a golf club hitting a golf ball while simultaneously the foot actuated switch senses the pressure of the golfer's back foot heel. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. In a preferred embodiment the golf swing training device also includes a toggle switch that allows the golfer to bypass the sound actuated switch so that when the golfer lifts his heel the foot actuated switch allows power to flow to the warning device so that the golfer knows more precisely when he is lifting his heel. In another preferred embodiment a pneumatic bulb is connected to the foot actuated switch via tubing and the golfer activates the foot actuated switch by stepping on the pneumatic bulb with his heel.

Abstract: An automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device.

Abstract: A sporting goods item, such as a ball bat, includes a sensor located on or in a body of the item. The sensor detects vibrations produced by an object's impact against the item. The detected vibrations are used to determine the quality or location of the impact, or other information about the impact. An optical or audible feedback element located on or in the item visually or audibly provides information about the impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a muscle training, development, stretching and warming device for sports swings. The device comprises a handle connected with an adjustable mounting device via a tensioning element of variable resistance. The tension element of a higher resistance may be substituted for a lower resistance tension element to increase the force required to swing. Further, the handle allows for adjusting the length of the resistance arm to further manipulate the force required to be provided by the user. The mounting device may be moved vertically to adjust the angle of the resistance relative to the swing plane of the user.

Abstract: An automated torsion driven sports goal practice backstop which appends to any size of sports goal and may remain in place, if desired, at the conclusion of practice and during games. The sports goal practice backstop utilizes a torsioning system and flexible net mechanism in order to provide for easy installation and subsequent tension thereof. During practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention provides a suitable backstop to stop most balls from traveling beyond the goal. At the conclusion of practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention is mechanically foldable via automation of rotating handles and thus, the instant system need not be removed at the conclusion of practice. Rather, the sports goal backstop of the present invention may remain in position, out of sight, in its folded configuration during a game without interfering with normal play.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: A screen net includes a front member with an opening, a base member, a catch member and a wall member. The base member is placed on the ground. The catch member is adapted to catch a ball that passes through the opening of the front member. The wall member is positioned above the opening of the front member. The wall member comprises a wall fabric member and a wall pole member. The wall fabric member comprises a sleeve through which the wall pole member passes. The wall fabric member is attached to the front member. The ends of the wall pole member are supported by the base member. The screen net further comprises straps that connect the front member and the base member. The straps are under tension provided by the elastic pole segments.

Abstract: A defensive slide trainer has a plastic pipe cylinder suspended on an elastic band between two rubber washers and two Velcro nylon straps worn on the shoes of an athlete defensive slider with the plastic pipe spacer positioned between the feet by preventing the defensive sliders feet from coming together conditioning a wider stance.

Abstract: A device and method of use in learning, practicing and perfecting a baseball pitching motion comprising, a practice glove worn on the pitching hand having a pair of finger portions and a pair of extending directional indicator elements removably positioned thereon. The indicator elements extending as independent elongated flexible band ribbons attached on the ends of the index finger portion and adjacent finger portion. By practicing the pitching motion, the relative position of the indicator bands will confirm and teach proper pitching arm and hand position through the multiple pitching sequence of the pitching action.

Abstract: A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of practicing athletic skills is disclosed along with systems associated therewith. The method may include providing a ball drop system and an athlete in a first position. The ball drop system may drop a ball and may prompt the athlete to leave the first position and move their entire body at least one step length to a second position. The second position may be in contact with or proximate to the ball drop system or dropped ball.

Abstract: A finger position training sports device can include a surface for receiving at least a portion of a hand, a plurality of capacitance sensor areas formed on the surface, and a capacitance sense circuit attached to the sports device. The capacitance sense circuit can have an input coupled to each capacitance sensor area and a processor circuit that activates an indication value when predetermined sensor areas indicate contact with different portions of at least one hand.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a sport court target training aid, a method for training using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a sport court target based training aid is provided. The sport court target based training aid includes a base portion for resting on a sport court and a protrusion extending outward from the base portion and providing a raised target for a ball hit by a player from the sport court. The base portion defines a first surface area and the protrusion defines a second surface area less than the first surface area.

Abstract: A training aid for use with golf clubs has a coupler easily interchangeable from one club to another with an attached hand strap for wrapping about the golfer's hand to restrain the club against slipping from the user's grip while swinging the club, thereby to encourage a looser and more natural grip on the club.

Abstract: A batting cage device comprises vertically arranged first and second panels forming an included angle with a ball tethered between the panels to enable a hitter to hit the ball into one of the panels from which it will rebound with various spins and other characteristics to improve the skill of the batter or hitter.

Abstract: Apparatus to add weight to an athletic ball striking bat, having a taper along the bat length, comprising in combination a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, the sleeve having associated retention means to engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body for urging the body in a direction away from a force direction which a weaker set of the opposing muscles would normally apply to the implement in the movement of the implement by the person.

Abstract: A system for training a batter to automatically swing at pitched balls corresponding to strikes and to refrain from swinging at pitched balls not corresponding to strikes, the device including a visual reference member suspended between a pitcher's mound and a home plate where the batter is located, at a location in front of the plate, so that the trajectory of a pitch from a pitcher's release point proximate the pitcher's mound to a point in a strike zone proximate the home plate consistently passes through a portion of the visual reference member.

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.