A preferred embodiment, a ball launcher/catcher for a stick and ball game, including: an elongate base member having proximal and distal ends and an upper surface; a handle portion disposed at the proximal end of the base member; a first part of a hook-and-loop fabric system disposed on at least the upper surface of the distal end of the base member; and a padded intermediate portion disposed on the upper surface of the base member intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the base member. The game is played by adhering to the distal end of the base member a ball covered with a second part of the hook-and-loop fabric system; then, a first player grasping the handle portion in one hand and rotating the first ball launcher/catcher rearwardly; and then, the first player rapidly rotating the first ball launcher/catcher forwardly and whacking the intermediate portion against the heel of the first player's other hand, such as to transfer momentum to the ball, thereby separating the ball from the distal end of the first ball launcher/catcher and launching the ball in the air.

A golf practice aid suitable for use with, and adapted to be struck by a golf club having a strike face. The practice aid including a simulated golf ball with a flexible deformable core surrounded by an energy absorbing outer cover with an adhesive retention means attached thereto. The adhesive retention means in use, releasably adhering to a complementary adhesive retention means attached to the strike face when struck by the club. The arrangement of the core and cover and the properties associated with each are such that the simulated golf ball when struck by the club produces a sound similar to an actual golf ball and absorbs energy imparted to the ball upon impact so as to ensure adherence of the ball to the strike face of the club.

A sports training assembly (10) and a method for using the assembly (10) to increase hand-eye coordination and muscle memory. Particularly, the sports training assembly (10) includes a bat portion (70) having a channel (76) formed therein, wherein the channel (76) cooperates with a guide wire (60) having a ball portion (26) movably coupled thereon, and wherein a user (90) may repeatedly swing the bat portion (70) along a proper swing line (100), thereby allowing the user (90) to increase hand-eye coordination and gain muscle memory for reproducing the proper swing line (100) in a game situation.

An attachment for bats designed principally for use in batting practice, comprising a thin wall tube of rubber-like material of length approximating the length of the contact zone of the bat. In one embodiment, the tube is closed at one end with the closed end covering the end of the bat. An edge rim of greater thickness is present in one embodiment to protect the end from tearing and in other embodiments, raised patterns are present on the external surface of the tube.

A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club. When the golf club is swung in an improper manner the target pivots downward and is retained by the mount.