Sports training device

Abstract

A sports training device comprising a handle of a sporting implement with a flexible, elastic band attached at one end at or proximate to one end of the handle. The opposite end of the band comprises a clip, loop, hook, or other fastening device, or combination thereof. The size, weight, and general configuration of the handle varies depending on the sport, and is generally intended to simulate the user holding the corresponding sporting equipment (e.g., baseball bat, softball bat, golf club, tennis racquet, hockey stick, lacrosse stick, cricket bat, and the like). During use, the band is attached to a relatively stable and fixed object, and the user performs the swing against the resistance created by the elastic band.

1 . A sports training device, comprising:
 a handle with a first and second end, wherein said handle is configured to simulate a piece of sporting equipment; and   an elastic band with a first and second end, the first end of the elastic band attached at or proximate to the second end of the handle, said elastic band further comprising a loop at or proximate to the second end of the elastic band.   
     
     
         2 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clip or hook removably attached to the loop in the elastic band. 
     
     
         3 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic band is removably attached to the handle. 
     
     
         4 . The sports training device of  claim 3 , wherein the elastic band can be replaced by one or more elastic bands of different lengths or elasticity, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a baseball or softball bat handle. 
     
     
         6 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a golf club handle. 
     
     
         7 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a tennis or other racquet. 
     
     
         8 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a hockey stick handle. 
     
     
         9 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a lacrosse stick handle. 
     
     
         10 . The sports training device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to simulate a cricket bat handle. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using a sports training device, said sports training device comprising a handle with a first and second end, wherein said handle is configured to simulate a piece of sporting equipment, and an elastic band with a first and second end, the first end of the elastic band attached at or proximate to the second end of the handle, said elastic band further comprising a clip or loop at or proximate to the second end of the elastic band, the method comprising the steps of:
 removably attaching the second end of the elastic band to a stationary or fixed object;   gripping the handle at or proximate to the first end in the manner in which the piece of sporting equipment would normally be gripped;   standing at a position facing away from the stationary or fixed object with the handle in the ready position appropriate for the sport, such that there is some tension in the elastic band;   swinging the handle forward against the resistance created by the elastic band; and   returning the handle to the ready position.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the swinging and returning steps are repeated. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of attaching comprises placing the loop over a door handle, post, or similar object. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of attaching comprises fastening the clip to a fence or similar object. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic band is removably attached to the handle, and can be replaced by one or more elastic bands of different lengths or elasticity, or a combination thereof.