Connecting straps, for use for example in sports activities, include (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape.