A training or exercise apparatus may have a base and an adjacent movable armature or frame that carries a riding member, or shuttle, or carrier. The carrier has an engagement interface with an element of sporting or exercise equipment. The sporting or exercise equipment is engaged by the user, typically by being grasped. The apparatus defines a physical or virtual schedule describing an arc for a swing in the particular activity. The apparatus may include a manual or electronic means of imposing resistance to the motion. This resistance may be adjustable, and may be programmable as a function of one or both of position and speed. The apparatus may include an array of sensors such as may be used to determine the pre-existing stroke, and such as may be monitored during training to assess progress. The apparatus may be operated passively, or it may be operated interactively in a manner in which real-time feedback causes the apparatus to adjust resistance to the motion.

A training apparatus to maintain straight arm formation for volleyball player includes an arm sleeve, a pair of elongated support sleeves, a pair of rods, a wrist fastener strap, and a bicep fastener strap. The pair of elongated support sleeves is connected along the arm sleeve so that the pair of rods can be removably inserted into the arm sleeve. When the arm sleeve is worn by the volleyball players, the pair of rods extends from the wrist area to the bicep area over the elbow of the players. Resultantly, the pair of rods prevents the player from bending their arms during game play. The wrist fastener strap and bicep fastener strap that wraps around the arm sleeve and the pair of rods provide additional securing support to maintain the placement of the arm sleeve around the player's arm, during the game play.

An apparatus comprising a pair of gloves, wherein an index finger portion of a left glove is connected to an index finger portion of a right glove, and wherein a thumb portion of the left glove is connected to a thumb portion of the right glove.

A method can include determining physical characteristics of a trainee, adjusting a target zone based on the physical characteristics, adjusting one or more parameters of a delivery device based on the physical characteristics, projecting an object toward the target zone along a trajectory, and scoring a performance score of the trainee to track the object along a portion of the trajectory. A method can include projecting an object toward a target zone along a trajectory, a trainee attempting to impact the object at an appropriate location with a desired impact location of a sport tool, capturing imagery that contains the object at the appropriate location and the desired impact location of the sport tool, determining horizontal and vertical distances between the desired impact location and the object arriving at the appropriate location, and scoring a performance based on the horizontal and vertical distances.

A method can include projecting one or more objects along one or more pre-determined trajectories toward a target zone, with each having a diameter less than a diameter of a regulation table tennis ball, the trainee attempting to prevent the one or more objects from entering the target zone and scoring the ability of the trainee. A method can include displaying a first video to a trainee that explains setup for a delivery device, setting up the delivery device based on the first video, projecting an object along a pre-determined trajectory toward a target zone proximate the trainee, wherein the object has a diameter that is less than a diameter of a regulation table tennis ball, and scoring an ability of the trainee to interact with the object at the target zone.

A ball hitting practice device includes a shaft having a target at a distal end, a grip at a proximal end, an accelerometer, a microprocessor, and a way of providing feedback to a person hitting the target. A ball hitting practice system includes a ball hitting practice device and a computing device wirelessly communicating with the ball hitting practice device. A method for practicing ball hitting involves striking the target of a ball hitting practice, transferring timed acceleration data to the computing device, correlating ball hitting parameters with a training condition and displaying the correlated ball hitting parameter in a display.

An apparatus for a ball stowable support is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, an elastic cover secured to the frame, and at least one leg supporting the frame. Each leg of the at least one leg has an opening. The opening is configured to retain a ball.

The present specification discloses a play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use and kits comprising such play and practice apparatus and/or system. In particular aspects, the play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use are utilized for practice and/or games utilizing a ball. In one aspect, the play and practice apparatus has a first playing surface and a second playing surface substantially opposing the first playing surface, and the ball can be a volleyball. In another aspect, the play and practice apparatus is useful as a training aid as well as for playing a game utilizing the play and practice apparatus.

A portable sports rack and delivery system including an elongate rack enclosure, and a method of use thereof are provided. The elongate rack enclosure defines a storage space for accommodating balls stacked one above the other. A delivery opening, disposed at a first end of the elongate rack enclosure, receives, accommodates, and delivers an uppermost ball from the storage space. A base member, attached to a second end of the elongate rack enclosure, supports the stacked balls within the storage space. A release component including a compression spring, disposed on an upper surface of the base member, elastically compresses and expands to elevate and release the uppermost ball from the storage space for delivery through the delivery opening. A training component, operably and adjustably coupled to a rear section of the elongate rack enclosure, extends above the first end of the elongate rack enclosure to assist in training a sportsperson.