Disclosed is a method of practicing batting including providing an open-ended cylinder formed of an elastomeric material and swinging the cylinder from a support above the cylinder by using at least three support members symmetrically spaced and attached atop the cylinder at one end and attached to the support on the other end. The method further includes repetitively swinging a bat against a strike area on the cylinder.

A device is disclosed for performing gymnastic exercises or the like, comprising a geometrically regular body including a plurality of polygonally-shaped flat sides and a plurality of spaced handle means. The handle means are defined by at least two elongated spaced openings in the surface of the body which flank the intersection between two of the flat sides. These openings cooperate with at least the remaining portion of the surface intervening therebetween to define elongated graspable hand-holds at the facial intersections.

A batting practice device is disclosed which has an open ended cylinder of reinforced rubber-like material of at least two plys and weighing at least ten pounds per foot. The cylinders being suspended by a sling of not less than three cables, terminating in a loop at an upper end portion for tying to an overhead support. The loop at the top is formed by bending the cables into an eye shape, and clamping the same. The cylinder is supported by means of apertures near its upper end, the lower end of the sling being secured therein and clamped in place.

Hand and forearm protective device for the interception of thrusts in martial arts, including a polyurethane-integral foam mitt for an all-around covering of at least the hand and forearm area of a person, the mitt having a substantially parallelepipedal basic body having a central recess extended longitudinally therethrough for receiving the hand and forearm, the mitt having, in vicinity of an end third of the recess, a crosspiece projecting from one side of the recess into the cross section thereof and a gripping trough formed therein laterally adjoining the recess for holding the mitt with the hand.

A dummy apparatus for practicing football techniques includes a generally upright, ground engaging, hollow inflatable body and an arm having an upper end attached to the body and an opposite end. The arm has an upper arm portion extending generally vertically from the upper end to an elbow and a forearm portion extending generally horizontally from the elbow to the free end whereby a human football carrier is simulated for practicing football techniques. A valve is attached to the body for inflating and deflating the dummy. A fastener includes a first fastener portion attached to the forearm portion of the arm and a second fastener portion for attaching to a football, the first and second fastener portions being formed of loop and hook materials respectively and being releasably connected together.