A bat-and-ball game practice apparatus and coaching aid

A bat and ball game and coaching apparatus where the height of the ball used as striking practice target can be adjusted comprises a ball holding means 1 and support means 3 which engages with a support surface 4 and supports the ball holding means 2. The ball holding means and the support means are pivotally connected via an articulated and/or sprung mechanism 7 so that the support means will return to or remain in the initial position. The spring mechanism is a coil spring connecting between the ball holding means and the support means, which is a cup 2. The extendible stand is a telescopic pole 3a, 3b which extends through a screw thread mechanism 8. A base plate 5 is weighted to engage with the support surface. The surface of the base plate comprises a flattened section sized to receive a users foot. The base plate further comprises a handle 6 formed through a flattened section.