Abstract: The pickle ball practice device is an item of sporting equipment. The pickle ball practice device is configured for use with pickle ball. The pickle ball practice device stores pickle ball equipment for transportation. The pickle ball practice device forms a backboard used for physical training in the sport of pickle ball. The pickle ball practice device comprises a pan structure, a lid structure, a hinge structure, a pedestal structure, and a fastening structure. The hinge structure secures the pan structure to the lid structure. The pedestal structure elevates the pan structure and the lid structure to elevate the backboard structure formed by the pickle ball practice device. The fastening structure secures the pan structure and the lid structure to a fence.

Abstract: The nature of the invention enables the same tennis backboard to be used in any of the three standard backboard positions; vertical, sloped, or curved. Furthermore, the design allows for the angle of slope, and the curvature of the board, to be made at the location where the board is mounted. The material used is a paper/resin composite product that is durable, dense, flexible, and not affected by adverse weather conditions. The invention incorporates flex technology allowing the board to flex upon impact from a tennis ball. The same framework can be used to mount the backboard to an existing chain-link fence, concrete wall, brick wall, stud wall, portable platform, or other sturdy structure.

Abstract: A sports ball rebounder net has a rebound surface positioned and angled to receive balls and to return or propel those projected balls back to the athlete. The net frame has brackets extending from the rear of each vertical post. The brackets each have an arcuate hole at a first radial distance from a center of rotation, and a series of spaced apart holes along an arc located at a second distance from the center of rotation. One arm of the back support is connected to the first bracket and a second arm connected to the second bracket, each at the respective centers of rotation. The angular position of the back support in respect of the net frame is adjusted by pulling a cord that is attached at each end to a respective plunger associated with each arm of the back support, each of which has a pin that is retracted upon pulling the cord. The respective pins of the plungers mate with one of each series of holes through the bracket attached to the net frame.

Abstract: A sports ball rebounder net has a rebound surface positioned and angled to receive balls and to return or propel those projected balls back to the athlete. The net frame has brackets extending from the rear of each vertical post. The brackets each have an arcuate hole at a first radial distance from a center of rotation, and a series of spaced apart holes along an arc located at a second distance from the center of rotation. One arm of the back support is connected to the first bracket and a second arm connected to the second bracket, each at the respective centers of rotation. The angular position of the back support in respect of the net frame is adjusted by pulling a cord that is attached at each end to a respective plunger associated with each arm of the back support, each of which has a pin that is retracted upon pulling the cord. The respective pins of the plungers mate with one of each series of holes through the bracket attached to the net frame.

Abstract: A pivoting soccer goal mounted on a turntable can rotate so that a ball directed at the goal from nearly any angle will rotate the goal so that the ball will go into the goal. The goal can be seated in a standard golf cup and so can be used on a golf course. In another embodiment, the pivoting soccer goal can be mounted on a mat and set on any suitable field without the need for any holes in the ground.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a foldable throwback device comprising a front frame, a base frame, and telescoping angle members. The front frame is adapted to secure a bounce-back surface and is foldable into at least three sections without removal of the bounce-back surface. The base frame is coupled to the front frame by hinge brackets that allow the base frame to fold substantially flat onto the front frame without significant disassembly. Each telescoping angle member extends from the base frame to the front frame, and is adjustable to allow angling the front frame relative to the base frame. Each telescoping angle member may include a rotation-limiting mechanism and a safety mechanism that prevents unintentional detachment.

Abstract: Hybrid goal shot training systems and devices comprise a hybrid training panel including a cover portion and at least one net portion connected to the cover portion. The cover portion is composed of a material creating negative space by obscuring visual access behind the cover portion. The cover portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The net portion defines multiple net openings and allows visual access of positive space behind the net portion. The training device may further comprise a band of brightly colored material running along at least one side edge and a top or bottom edge of the cover portion. The hybrid training panel may be a unitary device having a one-piece construction. The device may comprise four net portions located at four corners of the hybrid training panel.

Abstract: A golf training aid and golf training method are provided. The golf training aid includes a body portion, including a support, a first housing, and a second housing, a base portion, and an elevated target. The golf training method includes providing a golf training aid including a body portion including a first housing and a second housing, a base portion, and an elevated target, positioning a rocker arm between extendable sections of two upright posts attached to the first housing and two upright posts attached to the second housing, sliding and rotating the rocker arm positioned between the extendable sections to provide a rocker arm orientation, positioning caps over the two upright posts attached to the first housing and the two upright posts attached to the second housing, attaching the elevated target to the rocker arm, and hitting golf balls at the elevated target.

Abstract: The invention provided is directed to a soccer training device, module training system and method of use. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable or permanently affixed to a ground surface. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multiplayer environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

Abstract: The invention provided is directed to a soccer training device, module training system and method of use. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable or permanently affixed to a ground surface. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multi-player environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

Abstract: An invention directed to a soccer training device, method of use and training system. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multi-player environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Abstract: A foldable ball net frame includes a main pipe, a foldable net frame, a stop ring, support poles, and a net. The foldable net frame includes an upper nest and a lower nest. One end of a main support arm of the foldable net frame is hingedly connected to the upper nest, and another end is hingedly connected to one end of a secondary support arm. Another end of the secondary support arm is hingedly connected to the lower nest. The stop ring is disposed between the upper nest and the lower nest and locked on the main pipe. The support poles and the main support arms are coaxial. The support poles are disposed at the distal ends of the main support arms, respectively. The net has buttonholes. The net is detachably connected to the distal ends of the support poles through the buttonholes.

Abstract: The subject innovation includes a rebound device which is capable of receiving a ball or any object projected by a user in a substantially downward direction and projecting the same ball or object back to the user in a substantially upward direction in order to allow the user to catch through the use of a rebound surface or net. The rebound surface or net is positioned and angled to receive balls or objects projected downwards from any side of the user and to return or propel those projected balls or objects back to the user.

Abstract: A ball rebounding device has high tension netting that is efficiently assembled, pulled taught and held in place within a frame using a tension rod system and a manufacturing process that uses levers between the frame and tension rods within the frame. The invention can be used in producing new ball rebounder and in retrofitting existing rebounder frames. The frame provides a perimeter support and an interior space. Tension rods are run through the cells of the netting and positioned in the interior space. A lever system is connected between the tension rods and the frame to pull the tension rods toward the corresponding sides of the frame, thereby drawing the net taught within the frame. Once the netting is pulled taught, fasteners hold the tension rods in place next to the sides of the frame. The frame can be rigid or may have flexibility and act like a spring.

Abstract: A training device for ball sports includes a frame member which supports both an elastic surface for rebounding a ball, along with an inelastic surface which absorbs the kinetic energy of the ball and allows it to drop to the ground, which is designed as a combination apparatus that includes both a ball rebounding surface and a ball stopping surface, in order to provide a variety of training activities and which may be transported easily by a coach or an individual using it for practice.

Abstract: A sports training device includes a base and at least one net frame assembly. The net frame assembly includes a frame mounted detachably to the base, and a net attached to and surrounded by the frame. The net includes a non-elastic mesh area, and an elastic mesh area connecting the non-elastic mesh area to the frame.

Abstract: An invention directed to a soccer training device, method of use and training system. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multi-player environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

Abstract: A ball target assembly includes a support that includes a front wall having a front side, a back side and a perimeter edge extending between the front and back sides. The front wall has an opening therein extending into the front side and outwardly of the back side. A rear wall is hingedly coupled to the front wall along an upper edge of the front wall and an upper edge of the rear wall. A ball catch is mounted to the back side and covers the opening. The ball catch is formed of a loose material configured to catch and retain a ball thrown through the opening.

Abstract: A rebounding apparatus for returning soccer balls, baseballs and similar projectiles. The apparatus includes a rigid frame with a rebounding surface suspended within the frame. Pivotal support assemblies are used to support the apparatus in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The apparatus can be folded into a compact configuration for transport or storage.

Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Abstract: A ball sports practice device is disclosed having a forward facing ball capture enclosure and a rear facing rebound structure. The angle between the ball capture enclosure and the rebound structure may be adjusted to support the device to a plurality of use positions on a support surface. An optional support arm may be included to maintain or limit the angle between the capture enclosure and the rebound structure.

Abstract: A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.

Abstract: A back stop device suitable for coupling to a backboard assembly in a sporting activity is disclosed. The device includes a central member. The central member couples to one or more clamps which couple to the backboard assembly. The central member may be coupled to a portion of one or more pivot members. One or more arm members may be coupled to a portion of each of the pivot members. The arm members may be selectively repositionable when used in conjunction with the pivot members. One or more netting members may be coupled to a portion of at least one of the central member and one or more of the arm members or a portion of the backboard assembly. The netting members may be configured to deflect a ball in a direction determined by the position of the members with weights coupled to a bottom portion of the netting members.

Abstract: An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease.

Abstract: A ball rebound device for ball games comprising: a frame structure, a sheet being detachably attached to the front of the frame structure and adjusting means connected to the frame structure, the adjusting means being able to move part of the frame structure, whereby the tension of the sheet can increase or decrease. By stretching the sheet, it is possible to increase the rebound force of the sheet by ball impact. Similarly, the rebound force can be decreased when the sheet is slackened.

Abstract: A fence for tennis practice is disclosed that includes a plurality of rigid mesh panels (18) supported by upright posts (10), preferably with noise reduction strips (30, 32, 33) between them. The mesh panels are secured together side by side to form a substantially flat continuous surface and edges (26, 28) of adjacent panels are bent backwards to abut one another and a side surface of one of the upright posts. The edges are then secured together and to the posts by bolts (23) or the like. There is thus provided a surface having substantially uniformed rebound properties at whatever position it is struck by a tennis ball.

Abstract: A training device for ball sports includes a frame member which supports both an elastic surface for rebounding a ball, along with an inelastic surface which absorbs the kinetic energy of the ball and allows it to drop to the ground, which is designed as a combination apparatus that includes both a ball rebounding surface and a ball stopping surface, in order to provide a variety of training activities and which may be transported easily by a coach or an individual using it for practice.

Abstract: A sports training device includes a base and at least one net frame assembly. The net frame assembly includes a frame mounted detachably to the base, and a net attached to and surrounded by the frame. The net includes a non-elastic mesh area, and an elastic mesh area connecting the non-elastic mesh area to the frame.

Abstract: A weighted ball rebounder and method for increasing power on an athletic performance provide a trampoline member including a resilient sheet affixed to a peripheral frame pivotally coupled to a base and disposed on a substantially horizontal surface. Stabilizing members prevent the rebounder from moving along the surface when a weighted ball such as a 2–20 pound medicine ball, is rebounded therefrom. The trampoline member is angularly adjustable up to 180° in fixed positions. The method provides a user drawing a weighted ball in a direction away from the rebounder, then abruptly swinging the weighted ball toward the rebounder and releasing. The rebounder returns the weighted ball in flight, to the user.

Abstract: A rebounder for rebounding a ball includes a base; a frame pivotally connected to the base for adjusting an angle of the frame relative to the base, the frame including a first member having a first maximum dimension and a second member having a second maximum dimension less than the first member, the second member structurally supported by the first member; a rebounding mat; a plurality of springs coupling the rebounding mat to the first member, and wherein the second member is disposed forward of the springs and configured to protect the springs from contact by the ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an entertaining targeting game for all ages that enhances hand-eye coordination and provides target practice and a method of playing such a game. The device consists of an electronic target striking device for removable attachment to a ground-engaging mat. The target striking device has visual and audible strike indicating means and the mat has score display means. Additional embodiments are anticipated.

Abstract: A portable stepball game apparatus has a collapsible stairway with a plurality of steps. Each step has a vertical riser portion, a horizontal tread portion, and a nosing on the forward or player-facing edges of the tread portions which protrudes over the riser portions. The game's pivotable stairway configuration is readily housed for storage in a carrying case specifically adapted to be easily portable. It is designed such that one person can lift the carrying case with one hand and easily move it from location to location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a half moon type net for catching balls or flexibly stopping the flight of balls, comprising a half-moon-shaped or arch-shaped loop and a fabric retainer to better support the net structure, maintain a bigger net in shape, and reduce the chance of missing balls. More specifically, the net comprises: a main member forming a substantially half-moon-shaped closed loop; a base member forming a closed loop, wherein the straight front section of the base member is connected to the straight bottom section of the main member; a fabric retainer comprising two bottom sections formed adjacent to each of the two corners of the main member and an arch section along the top section of the main member so as to maintain the main member in shape; a fabric member covering the loop of the main member to flexibly stop the flight of projectiles; and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.

Abstract: A rebound wall (10) for a ball game includes a base unit (12) and a wall unit (14). The wall unit may be located in at least two different positions relative to the base unit to change how the ball rebounds from the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a lightweight, portable rebound net from an elastic material that can be attached to an existing regulation-sized soccer goal frame by a single person without the use of a ladder. It has the ability to be tightened quickly to create tension and prevent a ball from slipping under the net with a single mechanism. It provides a rebound net for recreational use with properties like that of a training net available to sports teams. It can be used for soccer or adapted for any other sport for which it would be useful to rebound a ball rather than retrieving it during practice or play. It can be adapted to convert to a catch net without rebound properties in situations for which that would be desirable.

Abstract: A rebounder for rebounding a ball includes a base; a frame pivotally connected to the base for adjusting an angle of the frame relative to the base, the frame including a first member having a first maximum dimension and a second member having a second maximum dimension less than the first member, the second member structurally supported by the first member; a rebounding mat; a plurality of springs coupling the rebounding mat to the first member, and wherein the second member is disposed forward of the springs and configured to protect the springs from contact by the ball.

Abstract: A rebounding apparatus for returning soccer balls, baseballs and similar projectiles. The apparatus includes a rigid frame with a rebounding surface suspended within the frame. Pivotal support assemblies are used to support the apparatus in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The apparatus can be folded into a compact configuration for transport or storage.

Abstract: A ball returning tent net includes a frame that is supported on the ground on three or four contact points, and a ball-catch enclosure that is supported by the frame. The ball-catch enclosure includes an aperture that is adapted to pass a ball through, and a rear wall that is adapted to catch the ball and a bottom net. The frame includes a front frame member that supports the aperture and a rear frame member that supports the rear wall. The bottom net is inclined downward toward the front frame member. The ball-catch enclosure further includes an anti-sagging device that prevents sagging of the bottom net.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a foldable throwback device comprising a front frame, a base frame, and telescoping angle members. The front frame is adapted to secure a bounce-back surface and is foldable into at least three sections without removal of the bounce-back surface. The base frame is coupled to the front frame by hinge brackets that allow the base frame to fold substantially flat onto the front frame without significant disassembly. Each telescoping angle member extends from the base frame to the front frame, and is adjustable to allow angling the front frame relative to the base frame. Each telescoping angle member may include a rotation-limiting mechanism and a safety mechanism that prevents unintentional detachment.

Abstract: An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to stop and/or return shots for use with a sports goal net having a goal frame with a pair of posts and a cross bar connected to one end of each of pair of posts. The pair of posts and top cross bar defining a goal opening. The apparatus includes a first side deflector, shaped to cover part of the goal opening, and connected to one of the pair of posts by a first connector means adapted to permit the first side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post. A second side deflector, shaped to cover the remaining part of the goal opening, is connected to the other of said pair of posts by second connector means adapted to permit the second side deflector to rotate about the post from a first closed position in front of the goal opening to one or more open positions to the outside of said post.

Abstract: The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored.

Abstract: A rebound wall (10) for a ball game includes a base unit (12) and a wall unit (14). The wall unit may be located in at least two different positions relative to the base unit to change how the ball rebounds from the device.

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: A high density polyethylene panel suitable for use in a backboard training device.

Abstract: Various devices for controlling errant ping pong balls during play are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a device, positioned underneath a ping pong table, the device comprising a plurality of faces extending vertically from the ground and meeting at an apex to form a pyramid. Errant ping pong balls become deflected upon striking the plurality of faces.

Abstract: A ball returner for a sports goal includes a triangular frame substantially framing an elastic material, which may be taughtly extended there across. The frame may include two or three sides coupled together. Coupled to one corner of the frame is at least one stand portion extending at an angle thereto, such that, when the frame is placed on a flat surface, the corner has a higher elevation than the other two corners. All of the stand portions may be extendable for varying the angle of the corner relative to the flat surface. The ball returner may or may not be coupled to the sports goal and is lightweight and transportable.

Abstract: A portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device having at least a first rebound panel or surface adapted to rebound a ball away from the device, and a support structure adapted to hold the panel in a first, operational condition in which the panel is held generally upright; the panel and the support structure having a second, transport or storage, configuration relative to each other such that the panel and support structure lie flatter (or generally flat) relative to each other in the direction transverse to the rebound panel such that the device occupies less space.