Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for racket sports match analytics using data recorded through an image processing system or a data capture system. The data is then used to determine ball parameters and position data of a player. The data is then analyzed to assign tags to shots and provide an interface via which the shot can be displayed in a video player.

Abstract: A method for improving a player's performance, such as reaction time or swing time by measuring the time it takes a player to change from a load position to a swing position where the player's bat makes contact with the ball when presented with a stimulus emitted from a timer. This method measures the time elapsed by utilizing a timer that configured to emit a stimulus, such as an audible sound, receive an external stimulus, such as the sound of the player's bat making contact with the ball, record the time elapsed, and present the time on a display.

Abstract: An adaptive weight belt retrofitting which incrementally increases a weight characteristic of a bar weight includes a fabric strap and multiple different metallic plates, each which slidably envelop a portion of the fabric strap so as to permit each of the plates to slide along the fabric strap so as to permit a reconfigurable distance on the fabric strap between each of the plates. Notably, at least one of the plates includes a patch of friction bearing material such that an interior portion of the fabric strap has a fastener adapted for coupling to the friction bearing material. In this way, the adaptive weight belt wraps a circumferential surface of one of two different weighted circumferential structures positioned oppositely along a bar of the bar weight, thereby incrementally increasing the weight characteristic of the bar weight.

Abstract: A training device for teaching and practicing ball handling skills for basketball players or persons training for sports, the training device including stanchions positionable on a floor using attachment members, such as suction cups, or a flexible resilient layer. A crossbar extends between the stanchions. Flexible elements can be used to connect the stanchions to the suction cups. The lengths of the stanchions and crossbar can be adjustable to set the height of the crossbar above the floor and the separation of the crossbars. Detents can allow for adjustably fixing the lengths.

Abstract: A training apparatus is disclosed that comprises an obstacle member defining a pass-under area for a sports player to pass a sport-projectile through when in use. The training apparatus comprises a first sensor that is configured to detect the sport-projectile passing through the pass-under area, and a controller that is configured to determine a pass-through direction of the sport-projectile that passes through the pass-under area based on data received from the first sensor. The training apparatus also comprises a lighting fixture indicating an instructed pass-through direction for the sports player to pass the sport-projectile through the pass-under area. A system for training a sports player is described that comprises a plurality of training apparatuses that are remotely configurable to define a training drill for a sports player and to collect training data from execution of the training drill. A method for training a sports player is also disclosed.

Abstract: A swing alert system disposed about a baseball setup that includes a pitcher and a batter, with one or more swing alert device that determine a speed and position of a ball along a flightpath of the ball pitched by the pitcher, the flightpath extending from the pitcher to a hitting location target proximate to the batter; determine a time when the ball will reach the hitting location target based at least in part on the determined speed and position of the ball along the flightpath; and generate a swing alert while the ball is traveling along the flightpath and before the ball reaches the hitting location target. The swing alert is generated at a time determined based at least in part on the determined time when the ball will reach the hitting location target and a defined swing time associated with the batter.

Abstract: Articles of sports equipment, such as striking implements (e.g., sticks) and wearable articles (e.g., skates, helmets) for playing hockey or other activities, in which at least one of the characteristics (e.g., stiffness) of the articles of sports equipment is adaptable and can be altered during use of the sports equipment, such as by comprising an alterable component coupled to a controller, by comprising an alterable component that is autonomously alterable, and/or by an alterable component that can be altered in response to a command of a remote device.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring physiological movements and providing feedback to increase a user's kinesthetic awareness utilizes a kinesthetic awareness tool that includes a plurality of sensors, a processing unit, and a plurality of feedback devices. The plurality of sensors is used to gather data as a set of reference data and in real-time as a user engages in a training session. The plurality of sensors may include an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and ultrasonic range finder. Data obtained during the training session is processed in real-time by the processing unit and compared to the set of reference data. The processing device may then instruct one or more of the plurality of feedback devices to produce a response signal to guide the user to the correct position. The plurality of feedback devices may be configured to provide acoustic, visual, haptic, or kinetic feedback.

Abstract: The invention relates to social activities typically based on physical manipulation of objects to achieve an objective common to the participants or to allow participants to engage in distinct activities on a shared field of play, part of which is physical and part of which is virtual and rendered on one or more displays. The invention provides a system and method to enable multiple participants (users) to engage in the activity sequentially or simultaneously, based on the context and objectives of the game. The activity includes one or many shared physical environments modeled on a computing system and displayed, in high fidelity, by one or more projectors or screens.

Abstract: A soccer training device and system includes a generally horizontal and planar platform and at least one sloped soccer ball collection trough provided generally around a perimeter of the platform. A segmented cage is provided generally at and around outer bounds of, and vertically above, the platform. At least one sensored gate includes at least one soccer ball impact curtain provided above the at least one soccer ball collection trough to direct soccer balls into the trough, and at least one arrangement of sensors to sense presence of the soccer balls that are impacting the at least one curtain. A ball thrower sequentially receives the soccer balls from the silo, to sequentially deliver the soccer balls to a player on the platform. A control panel and a control box control operation of the soccer training device and system.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a light emitting control circuit of a knob, which includes a first Hall switch, a moving magnet that controls the on-off of the first Hall switch, and a second Hall switch, wherein the moving magnet can move above the circumference where the first Hall switch is located, the first Hall switch is connected to a first light emitting group, an output of the first Hall switch is connected to a second light emitting group through a control switch, the second Hall switch is connected to a third light emitting group, and changes of colors such as two and three colors are achieved by changing the position of the moving magnet between the first Hall switch and the second Hall switch.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: A motion sensing basketball training device for measuring the movement of a user's wrist and/or thumb during a basketball shot. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an apparatus and system that measures the acceleration of a user's guide hand during a basketball shot. If the user's guide arm accelerates above a threshold value, an alert is delivered to the user. The alert indicates to the user that proper technique was not maintained during the basketball shot. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wrist worn wearable device and/or an application executing on a smart watch.

Abstract: An interactive game can include a first target object comprising a first body, a first controller, and a first sensor coupled to the first controller, where the first sensor measures a parameter that indicates when the first body is contacted. The interactive game can also include an initiating object, and a first player positioned a distance from the first target object, where the first player propels the initiating object toward the first target object. The first controller, based on the first parameter measured by the first sensor, can determine when the initiating object contacts the first target object and awards a point to the first player for contacting the first target object. The first controller can communicate a score of the first player to the first player.

Abstract: A shin guard, system, and method includes a rigid member forming an outer surface of the shin guard, one or more soft members, secured with respect to the rigid member, forming an inner surface of the shin guard, and haptic devices positioned with respect to one or both of the rigid member and the one or more soft members. The haptic devices are configured to selectively generate haptic signals according to a plurality of predetermined patterns that may be sensed by a wearer of the shin guard.

Abstract: A system and method perform remote physical training. The method includes receiving movements performed by an operator who is remotely located, and presenting the movements of the operator as movements performed by an avatar representing the operator in a virtual reality environment. The method also includes remotely monitoring the movements of the avatar, and providing real-time feedback on the movements to the operator.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for providing observation-based recommendations for improved player performance and safety are provided. Aspects include receiving historical player performance data. Historical player performance data includes known correlations between visual characteristics, biometric characteristics and conditions of players of sports. Aspects include receiving current video data. Current video data includes images of a plurality of players that are playing a sport. Aspects include receiving current player biometric data. Current player biometric data includes biometric data of the plurality of players that are playing the sport. Based on the historical player performance data, the current video data and the current biometric data, aspects also include determining a condition of a target player. Aspects also include determining a break recommendation for the target player based on the determined condition.

Abstract: A lacrosse face-off training device having a base with at least first and second legs. The first leg extends at least partially along a longitudinal axis. An arm is mounted to the base for rotation about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A resistance member extends between the arm and the second leg.

Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The swing plane defined by these two axes provides a natural and robust reference frame for physically relevant measurements of swing characteristics. Illustrative swing metrics derived from swing plane reference frame data include: swing speed, defined as a rotational rate within the swing plane; total swing angle, defined as the angular change within the swing plane; and swing tempo, defined as the percentage of peak swing speed achieved halfway through the swing. Analyzing these metrics from multiple swings across multiple users identifies factors that contribute to peak performance. Metrics may be combined into multidimensional feature vectors that characterize a swing; these feature vectors may be used to group swings into swing styles or to match swings against similar players.

Abstract: A device for assisting a user during basketball practice is disclosed. The device includes an ejector that launches a basketball, a control system that detects and records shooting data and programs the ejector, and an interface that has a plurality of indicia and communicates with the control system. A report generator is included that generates a report on the shooting data. In exemplary embodiments, a tracking device may detect the location of the basketball and a sensor may detect if the basketball passes through the goal.

Abstract: An exercise training system is provided having a system controller and a plurality of stimulant target units connected via a wireless network to the system controller. Each stimulant target unit has a light source providing light to stimulate a user, a proximity sensor providing an output of a distance between the proximity sensor and an object external to the unit, and means for providing feedback to the user to signal that the unit has been actuated by the user. The system controller includes a program for activating the stimulant target units in a sequence. The reaction by the user to the illumination is registered when the user brings a body part or other object to within a selected distance of the proximity sensor, this distance being programmable by the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light-emitting device for digital control of color temperature modulation and its application. The light-emitting device is electrically connected to a wall switch and includes a DIP switch, first LEDs, second LEDs and a control module. The control module is electrically connected to the above components and contains a truth table. The truth table includes at least a first mode, second mode, third mode and a memory and automatically switch mode, and a digital switching is accomplished by correlating the DIP switch to the truth table. In the memory and automatically switch mode, the first to third mode color temperatures are sequentially switched and controlled by turning on or off the wall switch according to the truth table information. The light-emitting device may be applied to light fixtures or mirror products to improve the convenience of use.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor device including a sensor configured to output a vibration datum by detecting a change in a state of a vibration in a first object when a second object touches the first object, a holding section configured to hold, at a portion of the first object which is different from a portion where the second object touches, the sensor in a state where the vibration in the first object is transmitted, and a communication section configured to transmit the single vibration datum detected by the sensor to an analyzing device which identifies a touch position where the second object touches the first object by analyzing the vibration datum.

Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net having tension to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and having tension to allow the sports projectile to pass downward, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile, the target positioned in front of the return net, whereby a passage is formed between the target and the return net; and an attachment member adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Abstract: Methods for training and improving overhand throwing. A first embodiment of a method includes training exercises performed using a system which includes at least one upper arm that extends from a central body. A pathway marked by indicia extends down the upper arm curving to indicate the correct motion for a desired overhand throw. A flexible slap card may be located along the pathway for use in a first training exercise. The body may include a hole positioned and sized for use as a target for a second training exercise.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training apparatus for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions in the movement sequence of the human body associated with throwing a baseball during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase to conserve stress or strain in the arm and leg muscles. The apparatus has a pitching mound and a frame structure comprising two vertical post assemblies connected at the top by a horizontal cross beam assembly. Light bag weights are suspended from the cross beam assembly. The pitcher learns his body mechanics from following a pitching line indicated by the light bag weights and gauging his position by calibration marks on the pitching mound.

Abstract: A sports simulation robot for playing games and drills on a standard court or field during which the robot will simulate the competitive play of a human opponent with specific playing characteristics such as strategy, physicality, playing style and skill level.

Abstract: An impact training device for a sports device. The training device includes an elongate rod, a handle engagement element and a handle connector joining the handle engagement element to the elongate rod. The elongate rod is radially displaced from a handle of the sports device when the handle engagement element is engaged to the handle of the sports device.

Abstract: A football passing machine is configured to eject a prolate-spheroid-shaped football. The football passing machine includes a frame member, an adjustable launch surface mounted to the frame member, a ball magazine positioned above the adjustable launch surface that is configured to contain a plurality of footballs, a moveable escapement arm that is configured to successively dispense footballs that are contained within the ball magazine onto the launch surface, a moveable ball carriage configured to move a football between a first point on the launch surface that is located directly beneath the ball magazine and a second point on the launch surface that is adjacent a football launch mechanism that is configured to eject a football from the football passing machine. An orientation of the adjustable launch surface is configured to be adjusted to change a launch angle of a football while the frame member and the ball magazine remain stationary.

Abstract: A training sled and service promote proper form when running. The training sled is configurable for adding weights in some embodiments to increase friction and provide for weight-training by lifting portions of the sled. Sled components are slidably or pivotably connected to permit lifting a shoulder member of the sled to different heights for exercise, and to achieve an optimal training angle for an athlete to train.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. In another embodiment, a measuring or detection system is used in combination with or separate from a ball launcher. The system is adapted to measure at least one of a distance of a player from the a launcher, height of a shot made by the player after catching a basketball, release angle, release time, or arc of a shot; entry angle of the basketball into a goal; hold or release time; or shot arc.

Abstract: An apparatus for an athlete to train or practice ball-striking techniques. The apparatus comprises a base, a stand, an arm, and a bearing assembly connected to a tethered ball via a rope. The athlete may strike or volley the ball in order to produce a substantially circular orbit about the bearing assembly, indicating proper form and technique. If the athlete strikes the ball with improper form or technique, the ball may orbit the bearing assembly in a substantially non-circular orbit, such as an oval. The ball may be any suitable ball from a number of sports where correct form and technique for striking or volleying a ball is desired. By way of example, the ball may be preferably a soccer ball, a volley ball, a baseball, among others.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a barrier support structure comprising at least one removable closed-loop resilient coilable frame having a perimeter. The removable closed-loop coilable frame comprises at least one connection member. A support base comprises at least one attachment member. The attachment member removably attaches to the connection member of the removable coilable frame. The attachment member maintains a predetermined angle between the removable coilable frame and the support base.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A training device for teaching and practicing simple and advanced soccer skills and techniques. The device includes a set of mats with printed indicators or indicia on the upper side or surface of each mat, the printed indicators are left and right foot indicia which are either printed in solid lines, or dashed lines, a printed circle indicating the soccer ball placement, solid and dashed lines with arrows for indicating the direction of travel, numbers for designating the sequence and order for the foot indicia, and instructional text for carrying out the designated soccer technique. Each training mat demonstrate a different soccer technique. The soccer student follows the instructions printed on the mat surface by placing their feet on the foot indicia and follow the sequence of steps shown on the mat.

Abstract: A training device adapted to support a ball above a support surface for punting. The training device includes a base assembly adapted to be disposed on the support surface, and a ball support assembly coupled to the base assembly and adapted to contact the bottom of the ball from at least one side of the ball such that the ball is supported above the support surface for punting when the ball support assembly is in a support position.

Abstract: A swing training device has an upright vertical support which is height-adjustable and multiple training attachments for working on a batter's different skill sets. The attachments include a regular batting tee, a “cast away” batting tee, an “in and out” batting tee, and a “perfect cut” batting tee. Each tee is interchangeable with the others, each being used with the vertical support.

Abstract: A ball stopping net is provided, which includes a loop, propping poles, fold-butting poles, hexagonal-shaped holding fabrics, and a net. Each of the two propping poles comprises an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end is curved and engaged rotatably with a mid point of a corresponding side portion of the loop. Each of the two fold-butting poles comprises a first arm and a second arm engaging each other with a hinge, and the first arm is connected to a lower point of the loop rotatably and the second arm is connected to a lower point of a corresponding propping pole rotatably. Each of the two hexagonal-shaped holding fabrics has three queuing sides and three plain sides alternatively, and are queued through the queuing side of the hexagonal-shaped holding fabric.

Abstract: A base unit of a sports swing mechanics training device receives from a swing detector a swing detection message indicating a swing motion by a player, and in response, displays a visual symbol for a predetermined period of time. When the device receives a user selection of a visual symbol from the player, it is compared with the displayed visual symbol. If they match, the device indicates a symbol match. Otherwise, the device indicates a symbol mismatch. The base unit is placed at a location where the displayed visual symbol would be visible to the player immediately following contact with a ball when the player's eyes are in a desired position during the swing motion. The device trains players to keep their heads and eyes correctly directed at the point of collision with the ball during and immediately following the ball collision.

Abstract: A device and method pertaining to a basketball shooting aiming aid, which is positioned at a rear side of a transparent basketball goal apparatus and provides a rear target at which a shooter may aim when shooting a bank shot, which target is independent of the shooter's position on the court at the moment of shooting. A minimum impingement height line is also provided so that when a basketball impinges the backboard above this line and along a line toward the rear target, the basketball will reflect downwardly at an angle of at least 32 degrees, increasing the chance of moving through the rim.

Abstract: Apparatuses that facilitate training for proper, repeatable throwing technique in various sports. Embodiments may provide useful feedback to a user when that user deviates from proper techniques for throwing a football, baseball, or similar item. When proper technique is used, the user may experience no interference between the training apparatus and the ball or the user's throwing hand or arm. In contrast, the user's hand, arm, or a held ball may contact portions of the training apparatus in cases where the mechanics of the user's throwing motion deviate from the proper form, thereby providing immediate feedback. In certain embodiments, the training apparatus includes a body section and attachment portions. The attachment portions may receive an upper guide structure extending from a shoulder portion of the body section and a lower guide structure extending from a hip portion of the body section.

Abstract: A training device that includes a receiving surface on its handle, multiple capacitive sensor elements disposed within multiple grip areas on the receiving surface, a sense circuit configured to compare the capacitance measurements with threshold capacitance values and generate a signal when the capacitance measurements indicate a touch on the grip area and an indicator.

Abstract: A baseball hitting trainer comprises a supportive cup, an upper pipe, a lower pipe, an upper sleeve, a lower sleeve, an resilient piece connected between the upper sleeve and the lower sleeve, a locking device for locking the upper sleeve with the resilient piece to the lower pipe, a base fixed to the lower sleeve, a weight block, and a fastening ferrule, wherein the lower pipe is allowed to be inserted through the central through hole of the weight block, and the fastening ferrule is fitted around the lower pipe to fasten the weight block onto the lower pipe, whereby the hitting trainer can provide two modes of operation. Under the swing mode, the weight block can be positioned at various heights by adjusting the weight block along the lower pipe to have the hitting trainer swung at various frequencies and speeds, at which a hitter wishes to practice a hitting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training and improving overhand throwing. A first embodiment of a system includes at least one upper arm that extends from a central body. A pathway marked by indicia extends down the upper arm curving to indicate the correct motion for a desired overhand throw. A flexible slap card may be located along the pathway for use in a first training exercise. The body may include a hole for positioned and sized for use as a target for a second training exercise. Support structures for maintaining the system in a desired position may be included. Methods for training with overhand throwing exercises using the systems are also included.

Abstract: A training device for sports includes a base that supports a lower portion that adjusts in height. The lower portion supports an upper portion. The upper portion includes a display that displays a desired play. The device further includes a first sensor having a sensing range. When a player enters the sensing range, the first sensor signals the display to display the desired instruction, play, command or similar. A second sensor measures reaction time when the player enters the sensing range and then leaves the sensing range.

Abstract: An athletic training device for enabling and teaching proper athletic movements while executing various athletic exercises. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an athletic training device that enhances neuromuscular control in connection with keeping an athlete's hands close to each other, and also close to his/her torso by providing a restricted range of motion while being easily wearable and removable. Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adjustable, comfortable, cuff-based training devices that securely encircle a user's wrists with cuff-based members flexibly bound together for use in connection with swing-based movements. A central connecting sub-section typically comprises attachments, which affix a resilient, flexible medium to either of the cuff-based members providing a limited-but not unduly rigid-range of motion during utilization.

Abstract: A fielding aid for a baseball or softball glove having an insert composed of a vibration dampening material for slowing or impeding the movement of a ball; the insert having an interior portion and exterior portion. In certain aspects, the interior portion has a convex shape that aids in fielding balls.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for metered ball delivery. An apparatus includes a secure enclosure housing a reservoir of tennis balls, a battery power supply and a battery powered portable tennis ball machine, the secure enclosure and tennis ball machine communicating via a wireless network to determine a location of the portable tennis ball machine.

Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.