Abstract: An automated ball launching system is described. The system includes a ball support configured to releasably support a ball in a launch position; a positioning subsystem configured to set a launch direction for the ball; a launcher configured to project the ball in the launch direction from the launch position; and a control subsystem connected to the positioning subsystem and the launcher. The control subsystem is configured to: determine a position of a player relative to the ball launching system; control the positioning subsystem to set the launch direction based on the position of the player; and control the launcher to project the ball in the launch direction.