A training apparatus for use in tackle training, comprises an elongate contact pad having a front surface; and at least two laterally extending elongate members disposed in general longitudinal alignment with the elongate contact pad, wherein the laterally extending elongate members are disposed to the rear of the elongate contact pad, which provides an effective training apparatus for improvements in collisions, tackles and especially the ‘grapple’ tackle in rugby, thereby improving point of contact, height of approach and arm grip strength.

A sports training device may take the place of cones to create the illusion of defenders and/or obstacles. The sports training device may be collapsible so that it is easy to transport and store when it is not in use. The sports training device may be formed as a cylindrical structure having a top portion formed of a taut material with a steel wire frame and a bottom portion attached to a weighted base. The sports training device also may include straps that may secure the sports training device when it is in a collapsed state. The sports training device may further include one or more handles to facilitate transport of the sports training device.

Basketball goals may incorporate folding rim assemblies which can be packaged and transported pre-mounted to certain backboard assemblies. Alternately, folding rim assemblies can be sold separately or packaged with a backboard for on-site mounting. Some basketball rim assembles may incorporate a break-away mechanism using a leaf spring. The leaf spring biases the rim bracket and resiliently resists downward pivotal movement of the rim bracket and rim. When the rim is rotated downward under an applied force, the leaf spring is flexed, biasing the rim to return to a static playing position when the force is removed.

In a multi-functional storage container and fitness training system, a storage container of the system includes additional functionality and utility as one or more of a combination of a fitness exercise station, a portable cooler or personal storage container, and a platform to secure smart electronic devices thereon such as smartphones, tablet-like devices, and the like, providing a charging station function to charge these smart devices. The example system may alternatively be understood as a fitness exercise station having multi-functional utility beyond exercise, or a storage container having multi-functional utility beyond the storage of articles.

A ball sports, ball striking, practice and teaching aid which provides a unique two ball, ball striking practice design, that includes a fixed yet displaceable and self resetting ball and a second free to fly ball that is catapulted or tossed by using the energy that is provided by the force of impact between the fixed ball and a ball striking implement, for example a tennis racket or baseball bat, the fixed ball is situated at the uppermost end of a rigid, geniculated, longitudinally governed, displaceable, and self resetting wand, which crowns a rigid, unyielding, upright post that is affixed to a portable base of sufficient mass and weight to hold the upright post firmly in a perpendicular to the base, upright position.

The invention includes apparatus and methods for a novel modular self-returning batting tee. In one preferred embodiment, a modular self-returning batting tee may have one or more extension arms that are compatible with a variety of different batting attachments and/or aids, and may further be secured to a receiver tube positioned within a flexible boot. This receiver tube may be coupled with a weighted base through a novel recoil joint. In this embodiment, when the tee is struck, such as may occur during batting practice, the extension arm may bend forward engaging the flexible boot and/or novel recoil joint and causing the extension arm to self-return to a pre-determined position.

Apparatus is provided for training people in technique and tactics for use in wrestling and other combat sports. The apparatus presented comprises a rigid and elastic frame, padding, low-friction feet or runners, and a platform for another user or weights, to add mass and resistance for the user training with the apparatus. A user may use the apparatus to practice penetration techniques, agility, and strength while training in free motion. The apparatus leads the user to use her or his body weight, the weight of the apparatus, and optionally added weight, in training while on matted surfaces, providing a better training experience and practice than prior art training devices. The present invention solves problems with the currently available means and apparatuses of practicing penetration techniques and tactics.

A net securing system and method of securing the net including a blow molded part with a plurality of holes, channels, and vertically tapered clips. Each of the plurality of vertically tapered clips is spaced apart from a central vertical axis of the holes at a distance greater than the hole width. In many embodiments, the net securing system has at least one protrusion on the inner surface of the vertically tapered clip. The net securing system secures a sports net when part of a net is inserted through the hole, around the vertically tapered clip and pinched within the channels. The net securing system may also include a backboard, a base connected to the backboard by a support rod, an attachment support connected to the support rod, a rim, and a net. Also disclosed is a method of forming the net securing system.

A volleyball training apparatus has a laterally extending arm supported on a riser. A resilient member such as a spring is operably connected within the arm. The resilient member is connected to a flexible connector, such as a cable, that is connected to a volleyball. A series of spacers retains the volleyball away from the rigid arm. The height of the arm may be adjustable to locate the volleyball at a desired height. After a user strikes the volleyball, the volleyball is displaced from its original static position, but quickly is snapped back into the static position by the resilient member pulling the volleyball toward the arm against the spacers.

A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.