Provided is a technique with which a batter who is practicing batting with a tee can acknowledge how the batter should change his/her hitting posture. An information processing device includes a processor that executes: (a) continuously measuring, according to either or both of output signals from a motion sensor and a force plate, a posture of a batter who is practicing batting with a tee; (b) determining, according to an output signal from a force sensor internally stored in the tee, a timing at which the batter hits a ball placed at the tee; (c) determining, as a hitting posture of the batter, a posture of the batter at the determined timing; and (d) outputting a message instructing the batter to change the batter's hitting posture, according to information indicating an exemplary hitting posture and information indicating the determined batter's hitting posture.

A batting tee supporting a ball has a base, a telescoping post having a first tube, a second tube, a rod, and a flexible ball holder secured to the telescoping post. Wearable bushing assemblies enable friction between components of the tee to remain at least substantially constant over a range of tolerances, even as bushings wear. Each bushing assembly includes a bushing holder, a C-shaped spring positioned around at least a portion of the bushing holder, and a C-shaped bushing constructed of wearable material and positioned at least partially around an outer periphery of the C-shaped spring. Each bushing assembly is positioned into a respective tube such that the C-shaped bushing contacts an inner surface of its respective tube. The C-shaped spring provides an outward radial force for applying friction between the C-shaped bushing and the inner surface of the tube when one component is axially moved relative to another.

Described herein are devices and systems relating to sports training equipment, for example, for baseball. These devices and systems can comprise a mat with markers identifying a plurality of positions on the mat. In some embodiments, the system can comprise removably attachable footpads to identify ideal foot positions for an athletic performance. In some embodiments, the footpads comprise one or more pressure sensors. The system can comprise one or more position sensors on a ball, and one or more position sensors removably attachable to a hand-held sports instrument. In some embodiments, the system can comprise a memory, communicatively coupled to a processor and a camera, with executable instructions to implement a set-up component, a user recognition component, a practice component, and instructional component, and a play component.

A batting tee has a post including a ball holder on a top end of a post, and a tube cap on a bottom end of the post. A receptacle is positioned in a recess in a base frame having a through hole. The tee is set up for use by passing the post through the through hole from the bottom of the base and securing the tube cap to the base. The batting tee may be set up for use, and disassembled for transport or storage, quickly and easily.

A sports training-device (100) comprising: a base (102); a retainer (104) for retaining a ball (106); and a flexible tether (108), a first end of the flexible tether attached to said base, and a second end of the flexible tether attached to said retainer; said flexible tether configured to, in use, provide damped movement of a ball retained in said retainer, following application of a force to said ball.

The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for “fielders” and enable the creation of the first “batting range”. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.

A batting tee system that can be used to both tee a ball for batting and retrieve balls on the ground. As balls are retrieved, the balls are automatically positioned for use in batting. The batting tee system uses a tube body having an interior and an open first end of a first diameter. An expandable constraint is disposed at the first end. The expandable constraint defines a secondary opening that can be selectively altered between a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter. A mechanical activator is used to alter the secondary opening of the expandable constraint between the second diameter and the third diameter. This controls the passage of balls out of the tube body.

Batting practice systems and methods that allow a baseball batter to match the timing of the batter's swing to the pitch speed of a pitcher.

A punching bag and suspension system is a boxing training device that is orientated horizontally, which permits the punching bag to move vertically, horizontally, diagonally, as well as a 360 degree range of motion. The punching bag has a plastic or metal cylindrical tube running through its core. The tube contains an opening on both sides extending to an outer circumference of the punching bag. These openings allow the tube, and therefore the punching bag, to slide along suspension member.

An athletic timing device includes a housing carrying a touch-less sensor. The device is self-contained and can be easily placed at generally any point on a surface used for athletic activities, e.g., a football field, basketball court, or a track. The collective design of the sensor and the housing facilitates activation of the sensor without interfering with normal athletic activities, i.e., activities can be performed and timed under normal conditions without physical contact between the timing device and objects involved in the athletic activity. Example activities that can activate the sensor include snapping a football, kicking a soccer ball, or sprinting away from (or back to) the device.