Abstract: A cue processor uses one or more sensors to obtain motion data for a user performing a physical task in an environment. A cueing law is based on a model determined from the motion data, for example a movement and skill model where the collected motion data are parsed into one or more movement units used to accomplish a range of outcomes. The cue processor generates a movement phase estimation to predict a movement phase and associated movement feature, and applies the cueing law to generate a cue signal. The cue signal is communicated to the user as a visual, audio or haptic stimulus, selected to target the feature for the user to achieve or improve a desired outcome.

Abstract: Motion of actors within a scene may be detected based on imaging data, using machine learning tools operating on cameras that captured the imaging data. The machine learning tools process images to perform a number of tasks, including detecting heads of actors, and sets of pixels corresponding to the actors, before constructing line segments from the heads of the actors to floor surfaces on which the actors stand or walk. The line segments are aligned along lines extending from locations of heads within an image to a vanishing point of a camera that captured the image. Trajectories of actors and visual data are transferred from the cameras to a central server, which links trajectories captured by multiple cameras and locates detected actors throughout the scene, even when the actors are not detected within a field of view of at least one camera.

Abstract: A cue processor uses one or more sensors to obtain motion data for a user performing a physical task in an environment. A cueing law is based on a model determined from the motion data, for example a movement and skill model where the collected motion data are parsed into one or more movement units used to accomplish a range of outcomes. The cue processor generates a movement phase estimation to predict a movement phase and associated movement feature, and applies the cueing law to generate a cue signal. The cue signal is communicated to the user as a visual, audio or haptic stimulus, selected to target the feature for the user to achieve or improve a desired outcome.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein may provide an adjustable magnetic attachment force for flag football and for determining a location in flag football. In some embodiments, a system comprises a flag and a wearable item, wherein the flag and the wearable item are configured such that a magnetic attachment force exerted between a first connector and a second connector attaches the flag to the wearable item. In some embodiments, a set comprises one or more flags and one or more wearable items, wherein an adjustable magnetic attachment force attaching the flags and wearable items is adjusted by replacing one or more magnetic components. In some embodiments, a system comprising a flag and a wearable item is configured to detect that contact between a first connector and a second connector has been broken and to automatically indicate a location associated with the contact being broken.

Abstract: A training apparatus and method of use for guiding and improving the forehand, backhand and other strokes of a table tennis player by forcing the hand travel in the correct trajectory to strike the ball. The apparatus includes a waist and a chest belt, or a wide belt, to position a vertical rigid rod support to which the training guide is mounted. The training guide includes a plate that can be adjusted in 6 degrees of freedom via a universal joint. There are two universal joints between the plate and the vertical rod support strapped to the player's torso. The position, orientation and the angle of the plate can be adjusted by the player via the two universal joints as required. The training apparatus improves the paddle stroke trajectory by guiding the hand such that the ball is returned to the opposing player bouncing off the table.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method of training an athlete to properly throw a ball utilizing proper arm and elbow position by providing a device that attaches to the athlete's waist and has a semi-rigid guide rod extending up from the waist toward the shoulders such that it is positioned to contact the athlete's arm or elbow during the throwing motion once the arm or elbow is moved back into the ideal position, thus providing a tactile signal when the ideal position is reached thereby allowing the athlete to continually train and develop muscle memory of the proper throwing position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for virtual coaching and performance training using a mobile device are disclosed. The methods and systems perform the steps of capturing a training video of a player using a camera on the mobile device; augmenting the training video with a visual cue for a cue period starting from a first time instant; determining whether the player has responded to the visual cue at a second time instant within the cue period, by analyzing a body posture flow of the player between the first time instant and the second time instant, wherein the body posture flow is extracted from the training video by performing a computer vision algorithm on one or more frames of the training video; and in response to determining that the player has responded to the visual cue, generating a feedback to the player.

Abstract: A training system for a jumper on a jump path over a crossbar predicts the jumper's flight path and cues the jumper if the flight path is too close to the crossbar or to take action if the jumper is predicted to strike the crossbar. The system includes a sensor viewing the jumper from a direction paralleling the crossbar and producing data points representative of the lowest edge of the jumper in the vicinity of the crossbar. A computer receiving the data points is programmed to determine therefrom the jumper's flight path, the jumper's forward speed, the location of a jumper's lower legs relative to the crossbar, an expected impact time of the lower legs with the crossbar, and a cuing time. A cuing device, such as a horn, cues the jumper to raise the lower legs so as to not impact the crossbar.

Abstract: A ball for use in teaching proper throwing or pitching techniques in baseball or softball is disclosed. The ball provides an internal mechanism by way of a snap device or a channel having a shiftable weighted material to provide both an audible and visible indication of when a proper wrist snap release of the ball has occurred. The internal mechanisms disclosed can be incorporated into newly manufactured baseballs or softballs or placed into preexisting balls.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting attempts in a sporting game includes a housing with a display for displaying at least a running count of attempts; wrist band means having opposing first and second sides, being connected at the first side with the housing, and being sized and configured to encircle a person's wrist proximal the person's palm; an input contact member mounted at the second side of the wristband means for movement upon contact with the person's palm; an attempt input assembly operably connected with the input contact member to transmit an electrical signal upon detecting movement of the input contact member by the palm; and electronic processing and power elements for receiving input from the attempt input assembly and causing the display to display information related to the movement registered by the input contact member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for basketball shot training and an apparatus therefore are disclosed. In one embodiment, the providing a basketball shot training apparatus includes a first arm extending from a web, a second arm extending from the web, a cavity defined by the first and second arm and the web, a first-arm band disposed on and surrounding a portion of the first arm, and a second-arm band disposed on and surrounding a portion of the second arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function peripheral 1 that can allow a paper feeding cassette deck 3 to connect to an apparatus main body 2. The paper feeding cassette deck 3 has an opening portion 17 and handles. The opening portion 17 is provided on a connecting face 3a with respect to the apparatus main body 2. The handle is configured with at least a part of a rear reinforcing frame 21 and a front reinforcing frame 22 composing an edge of the opening portion 17, the at least parts of the frames protruding inward.

Abstract: An assembly for increasing a basketball player's shooting accuracy, which includes a hinge assembly, a lower arm support, and an upper arm support. The hinge assembly has a plunger, which is configured to extend outward from the hinge assembly, and has proximal end having an opening, which is configured to be attachable to one or more cords and wherein upon raising of the player's elbow to approximately shoulder height, the plunger releases from within a hinge pin within the hinge assembly to allow the lower arm support and the upper arm support to move relative to one another.

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: An article of manufacture for the training of athletes in the skills, shooting, dribbling and throwing of ball sports with an elastic material in the form of a pull-up sleeve, a sleeve that is pulled up and worn above and below the elbow with the restraining tubes on the top and bottom of the inside of the elbow joint, a sleeve that has 2 (two) flexible, semi-rigid restraining tubes above and below the elbow, the restraining mechanism will only allow the elbow joint to close to 90 degrees, a sleeve that remains in place during extensive use with the sleeve construction of and in elastic or stretchable material and foams, and the sleeve can be turned to the back of the elbow to protect the elbow joint.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatuses configured for improving a ball throwing technique of a user thereof. The apparatuses generally comprise one or more body portions configured to at least partially surround at least a first portion of an arm of the user, and one or more flexible portions configured to at least partially surround and secure at least a second portion of the arm of the user, the second portion being oppositely positioned relative to the first portion. The apparatuses may further comprise at least one connector element configured to selectively attach the one or more flexible portions to the one or more body portions. Various embodiments still further incorporate a wedge portion that creates a gap between a user's palm and the ball being thrown. Still other embodiments comprise extension and rotation mechanisms for apparatus adjustments. Methods of using the various apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for training proper finger spacing on a basketball ball at the time of releasing the ball. The basketball training devices provided herein maintain two adjacent fingers in comfortably spaced relation to enable the player to support and release the ball from those two fingers, thereby increasing the player's control of the ball and improving the accuracy of the basketball shot. A method for maintaining two adjacent fingers of a basketball player's hand in spaced and angled relation when shooting a basketball is provided. A method for making the training device is also provided.

Abstract: A hitting apparatus is provided, including a supporting unit, at least a linking unit, and an attaching device. The apparatus includes foldable supporting legs, an adjustable supporting rod, an adjustable hanging arm, an adjustable extension arm, connection elements, attaching elements and attaching ball. The adjustable extension arm is flexible, which can be adjusted at any direction by hand, or foreign force. The connections between connection elements are detachable and releasable upon hit by bat or other subjects. The hanging arm is engaged to the top of supporting rod, and adjustable in length and angles and easy to be detached from the support rod to become a hand held hitting training apparatus. The attaching parts of hook/loop, magnets, adhesive or rubbers holding the ball with minimum detaching releasable force required, The present invention can enhance the focus of the batter on the ball and have a clear hit on the ball.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sports training devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a device for improving the speed, power and control behind one or more ball handling skills, affected through the use of one or more resistance bands and two or more securing cuffs/means. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to improve the speed, power and control of a basketball player's ball handling skills, through toning, strengthening and providing muscle memory improvements to the muscles of the basketball player. Other embodiments may be utilized by players of any sport that would benefit from similar strengthening, toning and muscle memory improvements provided by the ball handling improvement device.

Abstract: A wearable training harness for dissuading the committing of reach in fouls and including a looped belt adapted to be worn about a waist of a wearer, from which an upwardly extending suspender includes a first portion extending from a rear midpoint of the belt. A pair of second portions branches from the first portion and is adapted to extend over shoulder locations of the wearer, the second portions connecting at opposite lower ends to forward locations of the belt. A pair of elongate linkages are pivotally secured to a rigid planar member supported at a location associated with the first suspender portion. A pair of circular bands are adapted to be worn about the arms of the wearer, the bands pivotally secured to remote extending ends of the linkages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless shot tracking system including a programmable electronic unit that is in electrical communication with a shot detector for automatically tracking and displaying real-time shooting percentages of basketball players during basketball shooting sessions, and a telescoping pole for mounting the shot detector to a basketball rim from the ground. The programmable electronic unit provides a program mode, a play mode, a review mode and a random mode to help improve the shooting skills of a basketball player from different shooting locations on a basketball court. The shot detector includes one or more vibration sensors to detect missed shots, and an activator that extends along a horizontal axis in a central region of the basketball hoop to detect made shots. The programmable electronic unit interfaces with a computer via a USB port for uploading or downloading program updates or shooting session data.

Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.

Abstract: An assembly for increasing a basketball player's shooting accuracy, which includes a hinge assembly, a lower arm support, and an upper arm support. The hinge assembly has a plunger, which is configured to extend outward from the hinge assembly, and has proximal end having an opening, which is configured to be attachable to one or more cords and wherein upon raising of the player's elbow to approximately shoulder height, the plunger releases from within a hinge pin within the hinge assembly to allow the lower arm support and the upper arm support to move relative to one another.

Abstract: An intra-digital orthosis for use in shooting a ball such as a basketball comprising: index and ring finger receptacles each having an aperture; a middle finger backstop; and first and second shafts joining the index and ring finger receptacles to the middle finger backstop. The orthosis preferably spaces apart and/or encourages flexion of the distal phalanges of at least a user's index and ring fingers and/or facilitates an arch angle between those fingers and the user's middle finger that approximates the curvature of the ball being thrown so as to facilitate and enhance the user's ability to position the hand when shooting the ball.

Abstract: Systems and methods for basketball shot training and an apparatus therefore are disclosed. In one embodiment, the providing a basketball shot training apparatus includes a first arm extending from a web, a second arm extending from the web, a cavity defined by the first and second arm and the web, a first-arm band disposed on and surrounding a portion of the first arm, and a second-arm band disposed on and surrounding a portion of the second arm.

Abstract: An intra-digital orthosis for use in shooting a ball such as a basketball comprising: index and ring finger receptacles each having an aperture; a middle finger backstop; and first and second shafts joining the index and ring finger receptacles to the middle finger backstop. The orthosis preferably spaces apart and/or encourages flexion of the distal phalanges of at least a user's index and ring fingers and/or facilitates an arch angle between those fingers and the user's middle finger that approximates the curvature of the ball being thrown so as to facilitate and enhance the user's ability to position the hand when shooting the ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of basketball shooting aids. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid includes a glove portion and at least one stiffener to at least partially restrain the thumb of a user. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid can include plural stiffeners, such as two stiffeners, with one positioned on either side of the user's thumb. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid includes a stiffener and at least one strap for securing the stiffener to a user's hand. In some embodiments, a basketball shooting aid can help a basketball player to practice his or her shot.

Abstract: A leg strap with preferably horizontal handles attached at each end of each handle, is used to aid in lifting a jumping player, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. The handles are preferably made of elastic bands with contract to provide a tight fit on the leg of the jumper and when jumping allow for secure grasp by lifters. The simple, reusable, easy to use leg straps provide a level of effectiveness, comfort, convenience, and safety not provided by conventional methods. To use, leg straps are applied to one or more legs of a jumper. When the jumper jumps, one or more lifters grip the leg device. The lifters lift the jumper higher, support the jumper in the jump while the jumper attempts to intercept a ball, and safely lower the jumper.

Abstract: A leg glove having downward facing diagonal pockets for lifting a person who is jumping or being lifted, especially for lineouts in Rugby Union. A single piece of flexible, elastic material has a base layer formed in a conical section and a partially overlapping pocket layer that is folded back over the base layer and attached to form a pocket between the base layer and the pocket layer.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.

Abstract: A sports training device is worn by the trainee for developing skill and minimizing risk of injury in pitching, passing, swinging, kicking, and other such sports-related body movements. An illustrative embodiment includes an anchor member adapted for wear on the torso of a trainee, and elongate member coupled between the anchor member and a forearm or thigh of the trainee, the elongate member being resiliently bendable along its length, inelastic relative to its longitudinal axis, and freely movable relative to the anchor member upon movement of the trainee's arm or leg.

Abstract: An Electronic Basketball Shooting Coach device is used to recondition the mind helping people maintain the proper elbow angle range when shooting a basketball. The self-contained device is worn on either arm below the elbow of a user. The ergonomically designed device is contained in the specially designed pocket of the sleeve before it can be attached below the elbow. The sleeve wraps around the upper-arm below the elbow and is held in place by hook-and-loop materials. The device has no internal movable parts. The device will articulate a phrase when the programmed non-adjustable trip point range. The device has a sleep mode to save on the common single cell's power and is reactivated by movement. The non-adjustable knob must be positioned up towards the fingers and aligned with the thumb or little finger. Two single cell sources must be added to energize the invention.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.

Abstract: Tools, devices, apparatus, systems and methods to enhance ball handling skills and reduce and eliminate fumbling of balls, from football players, basketball players and the like. The training tool can be used to improve ball security for football players of every level to reduce or even eliminate fumbling. The tool can simulate the forces imparted on a football that can cause a fumble during the game. Used during various drills in practice, the invention will improve the player's ability to maintain possession of the football during actual game play. The invention assembly can include a ball (such as a football, basketball or rugby ball), a rope, and a reciprocating handle weight subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball.

Abstract: A wearable training harness for dissuading the committing of reach in fouls and including a looped belt adapted to be worn about a waist of a wearer, from which an upwardly extending suspender includes a first portion extending from a rear midpoint of the belt. A pair of second portions branches from the first portion and is adapted to extend over shoulder locations of the wearer, the second portions connecting at opposite lower ends to forward locations of the belt. A pair of elongate linkages are pivotally secured to a rigid planar member supported at a location associated with the first suspender portion. A pair of circular bands are adapted to be worn about the arms of the wearer, the bands pivotally secured to remote extending ends of the linkages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wireless shot tracking system including a programmable electronic unit that is in electrical communication with a shot detector for automatically tracking and displaying real-time shooting percentages of basketball players during basketball shooting sessions, and a telescoping pole for mounting the shot detector to a basketball rim from the ground. The programmable electronic unit provides a program mode, a play mode, a review mode and a random mode to help improve the shooting skills of a basketball player from different shooting locations on a basketball court. The shot detector includes one or more vibration sensors to detect missed shots, and an activator that extends along a horizontal axis in a central region of the basketball hoop to detect made shots. The programmable electronic unit interfaces with a computer via a USB port for uploading or downloading program updates or shooting session data.

Abstract: An athletic training method is implemented in a computer program to produce audio content which directs an athlete through a random sequence of actions for training purposes. A computer memory stores a plurality of action items representing actions to be performed, each having a respective audio cue associated therewith for instructing the user. The program creates a randomized sequence of the action items according to a user selected criteria. In one embodiment the program stores the associated audio cues as an output file for playback on any suitable audio playback device. In an alternative embodiment, a dedicated training device executes the training method of the computer program thereon to create the randomized sequence of action items and output the audio cue associated with each action item for direct playback to the user in real time instead of storing as an output file.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a pair of leg components to be worn on a user's legs, each having a shin guard kneepad and foot cover member. An assortment of recessed attachment portals are included on shin guards, kneepads, and foot covers for releasably securing opposite ends of an elastomeric cord, which has a training ball secured along its length, producing two legs of the elastomeric cord, each being selectively secured to a respective leg component. In operation, the user begins alternating movement of his or her legs, thereby causing the ball to alternatively strike the selected areas and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for striking with the opposite leg. The user continues kicking the ball from one leg to the other as many times as he or she can consecutively hit the ball.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for training proper finger spacing on a basketball ball at the time of releasing the ball. The basketball training devices provided herein maintain two adjacent fingers in comfortably spaced relation to enable the player to support and release the ball from those two fingers, thereby increasing the player's control of the ball and improving the accuracy of the basketball shot. A method for maintaining two adjacent fingers of a basketball player's hand in spaced and angled relation when shooting a basketball is provided. A method for making the training device is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a baseball bat swing are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, and at least one releaseable attachment device carried by the upper arm portion and positioned to releasably attach to the user's arm. The system can further include an adjustment element operatively coupled to the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion, with the adjustment being manipulatable to control an angle between the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion. The system can be employed to train the user to achieve a consistent baseball bat swing.

Abstract: A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.

Abstract: A sport instruction system for use in training for a sport requiring use of equipment having a gripping handle comprises a plurality of flexible equipment handle cue bands, each cue band displaying a unique visual cue, each cue band sized for securement to the gripping handle of the equipment in a location visible to the player of the sport when holding the gripping handle of the equipment, a plurality of sport specific instruction cards, each card having training theme indicia corresponding to one of the visual cues on the equipment handle cue bands, performance problem indicia related to the training theme indicia, and training instruction indicia related to the performance indicia, such that viewing the visual cue on one of the cue bands during training focuses the players attention on training instructions conveyed by the training instruction indicia on the instruction card having training theme corresponding to the visual cue.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to basketball shooting training articles. The article includes a sleeve having an elongate cylindrical body with an opening at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end for passage of a player's arm therethrough. The sleeve includes release indicia located adjacent the proximal end of the article so that when the article is worn the release indicia is located between the player's elbow and shoulder, preferably at the player's bicep, and more preferably at the upper portion of the player's bicep. The sleeve may also include alignment indicia for aligning the player's arm and basketball with a target. A method for training proper basketball shooting technique and a method of constructing a basketball shooting training device are also provided.

Abstract: A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball rim and includes flexible paddles for mounting to the rim so that the paddles project upwardly from the rim. The glove is adapted to be worn on the shooting hand and includes fingers, wrist and backhand portions. The fingers portion has three separate sleeves interconnected by elastic webs therebetween. The backhand portion interconnects the fingers portion to the wrist portion. The glove is configured so that the three middle fingers of the shooting hand are individually inserted into the sleeves and elastically held together by the webs, while allowing the thumb and outer finger of the shooting hand to spread outward and support the basketball during shooting.

Abstract: An intra-digital orthosis for use in shooting a ball such as a basketball comprising: index and ring finger receptacles each having an aperture; a middle finger backstop; and first and second shafts joining the index and ring finger receptacles to the middle finger backstop. The orthosis preferably spaces apart and/or encourages flexion of the distal phalanges of at least a user's index and ring fingers and/or facilitates an arch angle between those fingers and the user's middle finger that approximates the curvature of the ball being thrown so as to facilitate and enhance the user's ability to position the hand when shooting the ball.

Abstract: A device which aids the training of football carriers, specifically backfield players, in the desired ball carrying and retaining posture, comprising a belt worn around the waist of the player, an attached cradle or flap hanging from the belt, and a football supported by the cradle or flap, which in combination assist in teaching a player to assume a crouching posture when running while carrying the football towards opposing players, and to protect the football from opposing players in a pocket formed by the player's arms. The training aid also encourages the player to hold the shoulders squared in a horizontal orientation, to form and maintain the protective pocket for the football in the most effective manner.

Abstract: A basketball shooting aid. The basketball shooting aid can include a forearm brace for enclosing a portion of a user's forearm, a hand brace for enclosing a portion of a user's hand; a pair of hinged connectors, each hinged connector further having a first end coupled to the forearm brace, a second end coupled to the hand brace, and a hinge disposed between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball.