An apparatus for holding in place a ball. The apparatus includes a vacuum generating device connected to one end of a flexible tubing, a hollow rod of adjustable length containing part of the flexible tubing, and a vacuum cup connected to an opposite end of the flexible tubing, such that vacuum applied to the vacuum cup holds in place a ball when a surface of the ball is contacted to the vacuum cup. A method of holding a ball in place includes generating a vacuum using a vacuum generating equipment, inserting a flexible tubing through a hollow rod, connecting one end of the flexible tubing to the vacuum generating equipment, connecting an opposite end of the flexible tubing to a vacuum cup, and placing a surface of a ball in contact with the vacuum cup, thereby holding the ball in place.

A training apparatus for ball-playing sports comprising a tether having a first end affixed to a connector module and a second end affixed to a ball securing device. The ball securing device is configured to secure a ball therein. A belt may be configured to have the connector module engaged therewith where the belt is to be worn around a waist of a user. The connector module operable to traverse a length of the belt in response to a throwing force applied to the ball.

A training apparatus arranged to be portable, collapsible, and able to be configured into different arrangements for different nets and/or different sports-related activities. The training apparatus comprises a support portion, base poles pivotally coupled to the support portion, base brackets coupled to the base poles opposite the support portion, extensions coupled to the base brackets, first and second flexible rods removably coupled to the support portion, and a net configured to be received by the flexible rods. The net is configured to bend the first and second flexible rods from a linear state to an arcuate state, such that a net tension holds the net upright.

A sports apparatus, comprising: at least two support columns, and at least two base structures coupled to the at least two support columns. At least one horizontal support bar is coupled to the at least two support columns. The at least one horizontal support bar is moveable and/or adjustable, and comprises at least two openings. At least one connector, disposed entirely below the lower surface of the at least one horizontal support bar, comprises at least two connecting point coupling the at least one connector to the at least one horizontal support bar at a lower surface of the at least one horizontal support bar by engaging with the at least two openings in the at least one horizontal support bar.

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.

An automatic volleyball feeder system for setting a volleyball in the air to a player includes a volleyball launcher and a basket assembly. The volleyball launcher comprises an actuator assembly in cooperating engagement with the basket assembly to activate the actuator when a volleyball is received by the basket assembly. The launcher sends the volleyball along a consistent trajectory. The launcher is configurable to modify the height and angle of the trajectory.

A training apparatus for ball-playing sports comprising a tether having a first end affixed to a connector module and a second end affixed to a ball securing device. The ball securing device is configured to secure a ball therein. A belt may be configured to have the connector module engaged therewith where the belt is to be worn around a waist of a user. The connector module operable to traverse a length of the belt in response to a throwing force applied to the ball.

The system is an athletic training station for individual and team sports. The station may be a ball-handling and passing station that includes a television with a virtual coach and training walls. The television may project a virtual trainer and the walls may allow a user to mimic passing and handling techniques by utilizing the walls of the station. The station may be stationary or portable. The station may include a front and a back portion that allow more than one user to utilize the station at a time.

A sport training apparatus can have a stand with a base and a post attached to the base. A target member can be removably and pivotally coupled to a bearing assembly at a proximal end of the post, so that the angular orientation of the target member relative to the post is selectively adjustable. The target member can optionally include a hoop with a circular opening sized to receive a ball therethrough. The target member can optionally include an arc with a semicircular opening configured to receive a ball therethrough. The target member can optionally include a plurality of elongate flaps, the plurality of flaps can indicate a jumping height of a user when struck and rotated by the user hand. The target member can include a plurality of pads can deflect a ball that strikes the one or more pads. A sport training kit can include the stand and multiple target members, such as those described above.

A volleyball training device comprises left and right hand grips rotatable about a central hub between a fully open and fully closed position. Upon user grasping, a proper forearm position is established for volleyball play. After extended use the forearm position is maintained when the hand grips are rotated to the closed position placing the hands in a proper position for volleyball play. A locking assembly within the hub maintains the hand grips at user selectable positions.