Abstract: An automatic basketball return device designed to allow a basketball to be returned to the player in one or two bounces. The device is portable and may be easily put in place and removed without the need for ladders or tools. The return device is designed to be supported by the rim support bracket, between the backboard and the rim, so that virtually no additional weight is carried by the rim itself. Thus, the natural springiness of the rim is retained and its normal playing characteristics are not altered. A substantially vertical kickplate at the upper end of the device serves to forwardly deflect a basketball passing through the rim in an arched trajectory. The rebound characteristics of the ball off the kickplate depend on the arched trajectory of the ball entering the rim, thereby providing feedback to the player about the type of shot he has made.