A sports training apparatus for training athletes to deliver a ball or other object at an appropriate arc. The sports training apparatus includes an adjustable horizontal target that is positioned between the athlete and the target. It gives guidance to the athlete at the time of release. The athlete's height, game being played, desired arc, technique employed and position on the court determine the appropriate configuration, placement, and use of the sports training apparatus described herein. Athletes use the sports training apparatus repeatedly to train, learn, and be able to repeat the desired arc for a particular shot in their sport.

A foldable, portable sports goal structure includes a hollow frame that contains an elastic cord or cable that uses compressive forces from the cord tension to hold the frame together. The sports goal includes ground support bars, sidebars and a crossbar. Rear support bars may also be used. The elastic cord or cable that is under tensions is used to hold the frame together when the goal is set up. The elastic cord or cable also holds the frame together when the goal is folded up so the goal can be quickly set up or folded up. The net can remain attached to the frame, which allows the goal to be used or stored as a single unit.

A bowling aiming apparatus, configured to be used with a bowling lane, includes a frame and a target suspended from the frame. The frame includes two legs which lie parallel to one another within opposite troughs of the bowling lane and extend along a longitudinal direction of the troughs. The frame further includes two uprights, each coupled to a respective leg, such that the uprights are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the legs. The frame further includes a crossbar assembly coupled to the uprights and arranged perpendicularly to the uprights and perpendicularly to the legs. The crossbar assembly spans a width of the bowling lane. The target is suspended from the crossbar assembly, and is positioned on the crossbar assembly such that at least a portion of the target is arranged in a line of sight of a bowler using the bowling lane.

A portable exercise device includes a first body and a second body. The exercise device also includes a support structure pivotably connecting the first and second bodies. The support structure is configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to resist movement of the first and second bodies toward one another when the support structure is in the engaged position. When the support structure is in the engaged position, the first body is positioned substantially parallel to the second body such that in a first open, in-use configuration of the device, the first body has a first neutral position relative to a pivot axis and in a second open, in-use configuration of the device, the second body has a second neutral position relative to the pivot axis.

A flexible net system is provided that includes a net having a net first end and a net second end, a net top portion, and a net bottom portion. The system further including a pair of support bases including a first support base and a second support base, each support base including a base bottom portion, a support portion extending upwards from the base bottom portion, the support portion engaging and pivotably securing a control arm thereto, and a base strap having a base strap first end secured to the support portion and a base strap second end secured to the net bottom portion. The system further including a first net support pole and a second net support pole, wherein the first net support pole and the second net support pole are resiliently bendable and coupled between the net and respective support bases, and a plurality primary support ropes.

A method for exercising muscles in an ankle, foot, and/or leg of a user includes positioning a foot of a user onto a first body of an exercise device. The first body is spaced away from a second body of the device and pivotably connected to the second body of the device at a pivot axis. The pivot axis is adjacent to a central portion of the first body. The method includes rotating the first body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a first resistive force. Rotating the first body includes subjecting the foot to a first motion. The method includes positioning the foot onto the second body. The method includes rotating the second body about the pivot axis, with the foot, against a second resistive force. Rotating the second body includes subjecting the foot to a second motion, the second motion being different than the first motion.

A foldable athletics mat for use in yoga, Pilates, and the like which is provided with split joints which facilitate folding and allow for a greater selection of candidate materials for one or more surfaces of the mat, sweat channels to transport perspiration away from a practitioner, and magnetic fasteners for securing the mat when mat is folded into a folded position.

A method of exercising includes positioning a foot of a user onto a pedal of an exercise device. The pedal is pivotably connected to a pair of supports forming a triangular base and has a neutral position relative to a pivot axis of the device. The method includes applying a first force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a first direction, toward a first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the first support with a resistance mechanism of the device. The method includes applying a second force to the pedal to rotate the pedal about the pivot axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, toward a second support and away from the first support. The method includes resisting movement of the pedal toward the second support with the resistance mechanism of the device.

A portable curling-broom includes a handle having a first-end, a second-end, and an inner-volume. The handle includes a curling-broom head, and a first-section and a second-section being removably coupled. The portable curling-broom is useful for providing a curling-broom that may easily be transported when folded. A kit may be included.

A foldable athletics mat for use in yoga, Pilates, and the like which is provided with split joints which facilitate folding and allow for a greater selection of candidate materials for one or more surfaces of the mat, sweat channels to transport perspiration away from a practitioner, and magnetic fasteners for securing the mat when mat is folded into a folded position.