A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis and configured for testing under an accelerated break-in test. The bat includes a barrel portion that includes an inner surface and is formed of a fiber composite material having wall thickness of at least 0.100 inch. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first ply includes a first plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a first resin, and the second ply includes a second plurality of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and a second resin. The inner surface of the barrel portion defines at least one annular groove. The at least one annular groove creates an ABI fuse region of the barrel portion. The ABI fuse region forms a crack initiation location when the bat is subjected to the accelerated break-in test.

An apparatus for strength training of an athlete in preparation for playing a sport that requires swinging of a bat or other implement comprises an attachment mechanism that is removably attachable to the proximal grip end of the implement, and a weight attachable to the attachment mechanism. A principle axis of inertia of the weight is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the implement, such that added weight does not significantly impact the athlete's use of the bat during practice drills and games. Concentration of the weight near the athlete's hand(s) also reduces risk of injury. In embodiments, additional weights can be added to the apparatus as needed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible inner member that is pressed against the shaft of the implement by threading thereon of an outer member. A longitudinal spring can be included to create tension between elements of the apparatus.

The present invention discloses a swing training device for enabling a user to learn a proper swing. The swing training device comprising a barrel, a handle having a first handle portion and a second handle portion and an extender device coupling the first handle portion and the second handle portion. The swing training device is configured to enable a user to achieve proper swing mechanics through feedback or diagnosis and correction of an individual user's swing. The swing training device further configured enable the user to establish muscle memory in the correct batting position so that the user would be able to assume the proper position and execute the swing consistently with proper swing mechanics.

A bat swing training aid includes a body having a generally cylindrical profile that includes a first portion and a second portion, the body being selectively attachable to a barrel of a bat and having a selectively adjustable weight value. A clamping member is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the clamping member having an unclamped position and having a clamping position where the body is in contact with the barrel of the bat. An inner surface defines an inner diameter that is selectively adjustable in response to the clamping member being in the clamping position. One or more weight retainers are disposed around a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the first portion. Each of the one or more weight retainers is arranged to receive a weight element having a defined weight value.

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture to track movement of sports implements are disclosed herein. An example sensing unit disclosed herein is to be coupled to a sports implement. The sensing unit includes an inertial measurement unit to obtain movement data of said sports implement during a swing of said sports implement and a swing analyzer to determine whether the swing is a horizontal shot or a vertical shot based on the movement data.

An underwater training apparatus is disclosed. The underwater training apparatus may include a barrel. The barrel may contain a plurality of holes disposed across the barrel. Each of the holes of the barrel may pass through a wall of the barrel. The underwater training apparatus may also include a base funnel. The base funnel may contain a plurality of holes disposed across the base funnel. Each of the holes of the base funnel may pass through a wall of the base funnel. The underwater training apparatus may also include a handle. The handle may mechanically couple the barrel and the base funnel.

A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle. A wedge and joint attached directly to the handle or indirectly to the handle using an interface portion engage the interior surface of the barrel. Most preferably, the wedge and joint are molded about the interface portion and a handle preform is then inserted into the intention of the interface portion and the handle is then molded. Wedge hardness is selectable and a stiffness member may also be employed. Stiffness member hardness may be selectable or may be adjustable by varied adjustment of a cap in relation to the barrel. Alternatively, the cap may not be adjustable in relation to the barrel so that a selected stiffness member hardness is fixed.

A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle. A wedge and joint attached directly to the handle or indirectly to the handle using an interface portion engage the interior surface of the barrel. Most preferably, the wedge and joint are molded about the interface portion and a handle preform is then inserted into the intention of the interface portion and the handle is then molded. Wedge hardness is selectable and a stiffness member may also be employed. Stiffness member hardness may be selectable or may be adjustable by varied adjustment of a cap in relation to the barrel. Alternatively, the cap may not be adjustable in relation to the barrel so that a selected stiffness member hardness is fixed.

A snowball launching and batting apparatus comprising a barrel member, a handle member, and a knob feature, the handle member further comprising a primary cradle structure configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The apparatus further comprises a secondary cradle structure capable of coupling the primary cradle structure and configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The knob feature may further comprise a depression configured to form snowballs. The apparatus is further configured to have an extended and retracted state. A user inserts snow into the barrel and cradle structure to form a snowball and inserts it into the apparatus while in an extended state. Launching the snowballs from the apparatus may comprise swinging the apparatus or applying a force to the handle member to quickly move it from an extended state to a retracted state.

A snowball launching and batting apparatus comprising a barrel member, a handle member, and a knob feature, the handle member further comprising a primary cradle structure configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The apparatus further comprises a secondary cradle structure capable of coupling the primary cradle structure and configured to accept, form, and store snow or snowballs. The knob feature may further comprise a depression configured to form snowballs. The apparatus is further configured to have an extended and retracted state. A user inserts snow into the barrel and cradle structure to form a snowball and inserts it into the apparatus while in an extended state. Launching the snowballs from the apparatus may comprise swinging the apparatus or applying a force to the handle member to quickly move it from an extended state to a retracted state.