Abstract: The present application relates to a mark ball special for a golf high-speed camera sensor. The mark ball includes a sphere. A mark portion is provided on a surface of the sphere, the mark portion includes a plurality of marks that are arranged along a circumferential direction of the sphere and shaped different from each other. A plurality of different marks are arranged on a golf mark ball such that a high-speed camera sensor can capture diversified images of the ball.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing heaviness of a swing in sport of tennis is disclosed. The system may display the calculated heaviness of a groundstroke in real-time. As the player hits ground strokes, the system will measure linear and rotational speed of the ball and calculate a heaviness value based on the physics of translational and rotational kinetic energy of the ball.

Abstract: A system and method for a clay target throwing system that eliminates physical buttons and voice controls to trigger the throwing devices whereby the system receives various inputs from one or more guests at a shooting range or another type of user whereby the inputs are used to dynamically manage the various target throwing devices. The method is initiated by a guest renting a wearable device with a UHF RFID tag where the guest wearing the wearable device would then walk within a predetermined distance of a computing system having a UHF RFID reader that detects the location of the UHF RFID tag in relation to the computing system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for measuring values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and using those values to calculate various parameters, such as the physical position and motion of the tennis racket. Embodiments may translate the parameters and derive one or more occurrences corresponding to phases of a tennis point or drill and then generate real-time audible, visual, and/or haptic coaching prompts and other related commands and signals, for the purpose of improving a player's motor skills. Embodiments may also send and receive messages to/from other embodiments, thereby permitting a player to interact with other players, coaches, or devices, such as ball machines and cameras.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for implementing drills and providing coaching instructions to users. Embodiments may load a drill, measure values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and use those values to detect various parameters, such as the physical impact of a ball at the player's racket. Embodiments may then output a coaching instruction to the user. Embodiments may also include adding customized coaching instructions to a drill.

Abstract: A loop recording system allows users to remotely save and share short recorded video, audio, or combination clips using portable devices equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors. The loop recording system enables users of portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc., to record moments of interest during live events (hereinafter called “loops”, “recordings”, or “loop recordings”), while preventing unwanted data loss and conserving memory resources of the portable device. In exemplary embodiments, the loop recording system has loop recording intervals that can be defined by the user or can be predetermined, certain recordings can be automatically saved rather than overwritten, and/or the number of recordings that are saved may be programmable by the user or predetermined. The loop recording system can also prevent unwanted erasure of data, facilitating the tagging of loops, sharing of loops, and enhancing the loops using post processing means.

Abstract: A swing analyzing apparatus includes at least an angular velocity sensor, an impact detection section, an angular velocity information calculation section, and an impact state judgment section. The impact detection section detects the timing of impact in a swing of a sporting good. The angular velocity information calculation section calculates at least one of the amount of change in angular velocity with respect to a predetermined axis in a predetermined period after the impact timing and the greatest value of the angular velocity based on data outputted form the angular velocity sensor. The impact state judgment section judges the state of impact based on the result calculated by the angular velocity information calculation section.

Abstract: A racket assembly may include a racket, and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the racket. The at least one sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter related to use of the racket. The racket assembly may also include a processor configured to receive the signal as an input and generate an output based on the signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing statistical analytics of golf performance for coaching including text, tabular, graphic, and image-based outputs that include trends information for the golfer, all based upon actual golf play on course situations, wherein the golfer inputs shot data during play, without interrupting the flow of the game, and uploads the shot data for analytics and review online, and wherein all information related to a given user are reviewable by an authorized coach user through a web-based coach access account. The system is further operable to provide the coach user rights for providing corrective or instructive feedback to the user, including visual recommendations such as modified target areas.

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: The reconfigurable sports training device includes a main base frame, a plurality of primary attachment components, a plurality of secondary attachment components, and a plurality of accessories so that one or more of the attachment components and accessories can be selectively coupled to the main base frame to form a user-defined sports training device. The main base frame includes a movable rack having a plurality of shelves for storing balls thereon and hollow corner posts. Each corner post has an attachment fixture disposed at the top to enable selective coupling of the attachment components and accessories in various combinations. When assembled, the primary and secondary attachment components form a framework to which the accessories can be mounted.

Abstract: Described are sports training aid(s) such as tennis grips. The tennis grips have markers showing a player where to place their hands and fingers to get a correct grip for a particular tennis shot. Also described are marker indicators having marker indicator comprising one or more indicators indicating to a subject where to put markers on a grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player.

Abstract: This invention relates to volleyball training devices. More particularly, it relates to a system of marker devices affixed to a volleyball net for use in training volleyball players in hitting the volleyball toward the most vulnerable area in the opposing team's defense. The maker body may include a deflector to cause balls to be deflected at various angles to simulate blocking by a defensive player.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: An athletic paddle training apparatus 10 includes an elongate handle portion 20, a coupling region 30 at a distal end 22 of the paddle portion, and a game play head 40 operatively coupled with the handle portion 20 at the coupling region 30. The elongate handle portion is configured to be gripped by an associated user. The game play head 40 has first 46 and second 48 game play regions on opposite first 42 and second 44 sides thereof. The first game play region 46 defines a substantially planar first game play surface 56 on the first side 42 and the second game play region 48 defines a substantially spherical second game play surface 58 on the second side 44 of the game play head 40. In an example embodiment, the second game play surface 58 has a likeness of a #5 soccer ball.

Abstract: A portable training device to be used by one practicing the game of tennis or golf. The training device includes a stand to rest on a flat surface, an adjustable hoop through which a tennis ball or a golf ball is hit, and a hoop support extending between the stand and the hoop. The adjustable hoop is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support, and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop and the stand can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A robot server assembly (20) having a back panel (21), a ball feed collector plate (23) extending outwardly from the bottom of back panel with its horizontal plane positioned an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the back panel (21), a rotatable ball pickup mechanism (24) positioned between a the ball collector mounting section (22) of the back panel and the ball feed collector plate and having a plurality of ball pickup structures (78, 80, 81, 82) extending into the collector plate; a ball guide (25) at the upper end of the back panel; a substantially transparent front cover (28) attached to the front surface of the back panel (21) and extending from the bottom of the ball guide (25) to ball pickup mechanism (24) to define an enclosed ball passageway (30); an oscillator (32) is mounted to the top of the back panel above the ball guide, with a serving head assembly (34) attached to the oscillator through a pivot guide (35).

Abstract: A volleyball practice apparatus is described. Embodiments of the volleyball practice apparatus include a frame, a receptacle, and a pair of engagement structures. Generally, the receptacle and the pair of engagement structures can be attached to the frame at opposite ends. The frame can include a track adapted to guide a ball from the receptacle to a plurality of engagement members of the engagement structures. The plurality of engagement members can be adapted to hold a ball to be hit by a user of the practice apparatus. A pair of the plurality of engagement members can be adapted to stop a next ball from on the track passing through an aperture of the frame until a first ball at the bottom of the engagement structures is removed.

Abstract: A tennis ball throwing machine includes a processor mounted on the machine for controlling the operation of the machine. The processor is adapted to operatively communicate with a portable memory device. The portable memory device is adapted to provide operating instructions to the machine and to save a record of the actions of the machine.

Abstract: A Ping Pong table return system for player to practice alone with personalized settings, the system comprising a Ping Pong table, a net, a returning board disposed along or near a first edge of the Ping Pong table, a L-shaped bracket with a firm arm slidably attached along the side edge of the Ping Pong table, a side support bracket pivotably to adjust the pivot angle between returning board and the top surface plane of Ping Pong table according to user's preference. The second arm of the L-shaped bracket is also functioned as a base support bracket for the returning board. The returning board is made from wood, metal, metal alloy or a combination thereof and optionally coated with a rubber material similar to Ping Pong racket. The system can be set up flexibly according to the user's skill and preference, thus greatly enhance the self-playing fun.

Abstract: A Portable Target Game Training Device for training play by a user that elevates a target comprised of a base, a stand connected to the base, a rotatable shaft connected to the stand, an arm connected to the rotatable shaft connection means between the arm and the rotatable shaft and a target secured to the remote end of the arm. The arm can be forced to bow by tethered cords connected to the rotatable shaft. When the target is hit, the arm, the cords and the shaft rotate. The speed and character of rotation and counter rotation is governed by stretching and easing an elastic cord connected to the base of the device and the top of the rotatable shaft. The angle of the shaft vis a vis the stand may be adjusted. The height of the stand may be adjusted.

Abstract: A racquet sport training device, including a housing with an exterior surface and an attachment portion arranged to engage a plurality of strings of a racquet such that the exterior surface is engaged with at least one string of the racquet The device includes a sensor assembly disposed within the housing and having: a vibration sensor engaged with the exterior surface; a computer electrically connected to the vibration sensor; and a user interface electrically connected to the computer. The vibration sensor is arranged to detect a vibration at the exterior surface. The computer is arranged to record each occurrence of the vibration.

Abstract: A multi-functional gaming assembly may include a portable free-standing first section capable of being selectively modified into a baseball batting game, a basketball shooting game, and a tether-ball swinging game assembly respectively. A portable free-standing second section may be removably connected to the portable free-standing first section in such a manner that the portable free-standing first and second sections may cooperate to selectively include a tennis playing game, a badminton playing game, and a volleyball playing game. A plurality of anchor stakes may be removably attached to the portable free-standing first and second sections respectively. The portable free-standing first section may include a mobile primary base which may include a wire frame preferably having a handle and a plurality of rings extending out from a perimeter of the wire frame. The portable free-standing second section may include a mobile auxiliary base spaced apart from the mobile primary base.

Abstract: A sports training device that includes a pressure sensor mounted on the hand grip of a sports implement such as a tennis racket or a golf club. The device utilizes a piezoelectric force sensor to monitor the grip pressure in a circular sensing area located where the palm meets the index finger. The piezoelectric sensor varies its resistance inversely with the force applied and is connected to an operational amplifier that uses a variable resistor to deliver an output voltage proportional to the force applied. This voltage triggers a vibrating motor that alerts the user that an excessive pressure has been applied to the hand grip. The exact amount of pressure for each player and the sports equipment used will vary but can be adjusted to signal when the pressure is too great for the particular use.

Abstract: A system for capturing and analyzing a trajectory of a tennis ball or other object associated with a play of a game of tennis and providing feedback is described. The system may be designed to capture and analyze a trajectory of a tennis ball during various activities related to the play of a game of tennis. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of tennis. Further, the system may be operable for use in an area where tennis is normally played during normal playing activities, such as player playing a game or practicing on an outdoor tennis court. The system may be operable to account for factors associated with its ambient environment, such as wind, temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A pitching machine for pitching a ball to a batter positioned in a first batting location. The pitching machine including a frame, a drive assembly coupled to the frame, a pitching arm and a lead timing arm. The pitching arm is coupled to drive assembly and rotatable in a first direction about a first axis. The pitching arm includes a forward side configured to contact and project the ball during a portion of the rotation of the pitching arm about the first axis. The pitching arm is configured to project the ball at least a first ball release position with respect to the first axis. The lead timing arm includes a marker. The lead timing arm is coupled to the pitching arm such that the marker is visible to the batter positioned in the first batting location prior to the pitching arm reaching the first ball release position.

Abstract: A volleyball spike training system comprises a ball holder and an optional net. The training holder comprises a wheeled chassis supporting a vertical stanchion projecting upwardly that supports a hopper and a ball feeding apparatus. The stanchion includes a crank system for vertically adjusting telescoped stanchion segments. Balls dropping from the hopper travel by gravity down an inclined ramp at the top of the frame towards a discharge throat. Balls travelling down the ramp are indexed by a Z-shaped lever that serially separates them. A pair of downwardly projecting hands, one fixed and one pivoted, receive dropping balls and temporarily hold them for shooting. The pivoting hand controls the indexing lever to jam successive balls when the device is loaded. When a ball is shot and removed from between the feed hands, another ball is freed by the indexing lever to automatically drop into a shooting position between the hands.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: A game system moves a player character in a virtual game space in accordance with an operation by a player. Further, the player character's moving amount per predetermined unit time is detected at each predetermined time interval. A predetermined parameter (gage amount) value is calculated at each predetermined time interval based on the moving amount detected at each predetermined time interval. Also, the game system adds the predetermined parameter value calculated at each predetermined time interval for accumulation. In response to a predetermined operation performed by the player, the game system causes the player character to perform a predetermined motion (e.g., special shot) on a condition such that a value obtained as a result of the addition reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A sensor based tennis serve training apparatus includes a stand, a ball tosser coupled to said stand, an optical marker coupled to said stand and in electronic communications with said ball tosser, the optical marker to mark a ball strike zone, an ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser to detect arm movement, and a selectively timed ball discharging magazine attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser. Said apparatus can further include an electronic communication control box coupled to said stand and mediating electronic communication between said magazine, ball tosser, ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector, and optical marker.

Abstract: The present invention is a volleyball training system that allows a user to practice hitting a ball without the inconvenience of retrieving the ball. The ball is connected to the user's body so that once hit, the ball will not travel far distances requiring retrieval by the user. The system includes a volleyball tethered to a band that is secured to the user's body. The first end of the tethering cord is secured to the volleyball with a plug. The cord runs through the ball, secured to the second side of the ball with a plug, while the second end of the cord is secured to the band, which is secured to the user's body on either wrist. A portion of the cord runs through the diameter of the ball such that the cord is attached to opposite ends of the ball.

Abstract: A volleyball spike training system comprises a ball holder and an optional net. The training holder comprises a wheeled chassis supporting a vertical stanchion projecting upwardly that supports a hopper and a ball feeding apparatus. The stanchion includes a crank system for vertically adjusting telescoped stanchion segments. Balls dropping from the hopper travel by gravity down an inclined ramp at the top of the frame towards a discharge throat. Balls travelling down the ramp are indexed by a Z-shaped lever that serially separates them. A pair of downwardly projecting hands, one fixed and one pivoted, receive dropping balls and temporarily hold them for shooting. The pivoting hand controls the indexing lever to jam successive balls when the device is loaded. When a ball is shot and removed from between the feed hands, another ball is freed by the indexing lever to automatically drop into a shooting position between the hands.

Abstract: A standard-camera-tripod-mountable tennis (or other sport) training device is disclosed. A section of 3? PVC is cut lengthwise into a half-pipe (chute) and attached to a mounting block that allows for attachment to a standard camera tripod via a 1/4?-20 nut in the base of the mounting block. The device allows for consistent, precise delivery of a slow moving tennis ball or other projectile, thus facilitating training.

Abstract: A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder.

Abstract: A training device that will train a player to throw the ball to the correct height and angle for a serve is provided. The device includes a pole that adjusts from about four feet to twelve feet in height to suit a player's need. The pole is supported by a base and includes an toss hoop at the top of the pole. A photo-sensor is provided at the toss hoop to record a valid toss when a ball is tossed upwardly through the hoop within a predetermined height range and descends through the hoop prior to the serve. A basket may be positioned at the base for retrieving the tossed practice balls. The base legs and toss hoop fold away for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A device for practicing tennis strokes that enables a user to develop a correct reflex action and a proper stance while playing tennis, including at least: a supporting structure (1) having a base (1a); an arm (3) having a work trajectory; a torsion member (2) including a subunit (12) for adjusting a force acting on the arm (3) and dynamics of movement of the arm (3); a subunit (6) for adjusting the height of the arm; a subunit (8) for setting a deflection of the work trajectory of the arm; a subunit (9) for adjusting the angle of inclination of the torsion member to the vertical axis (B); and a clamping member (4) for non-invasively clamping a tennis ball (5).

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

Abstract: A sensor based tennis serve training apparatus includes a stand, a ball tosser coupled to said stand, an optical marker coupled to said stand and in electronic communications with said ball tosser, the optical marker to mark a ball strike zone, an ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser to detect arm movement, and a selectively timed ball discharging magazine attached to said stand and in electronic communication with said ball tosser. Said apparatus can further include an electronic communication control box coupled to said stand and mediating electronic communication between said magazine, ball tosser, ultrasonic tennis arm movement detector, and optical marker.

Abstract: A free-standing rebound system for use with a table tennis table wherein the system comprises: paired multi-legged telescoping support stands with an uppermost shaft having an uppermost portion with a hole therein; a mounting assembly including a shaft collar, screw spacer dowel pin and a thumbscrew; and a rectangular, framed rebound board having two rebounding surfaces which may be coated in natural and/or synthetic rubber blends and paired wood insert nuts oppositely arranged at the midpoint on two shorter sides. The apparatus is adjustable to orient the rebound board above the table tennis table at any distance from the net, at any latitudinal angle, or behind the back edge of the table opposite the player at any distance, height or angle as required by the abilities and training goals of the player.

Abstract: A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder.

Abstract: The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored.

Abstract: An aid for teaching players specific proper tennis grips is provided in two form factors. The aid can be provided in a wrap or a band form factor. The aid comprises a reference for each of the following grips: Continental, Eastern, Semi-Western, and Western. The references are spatially located on the aid, such that when installed onto a neck of a tennis racket, each reference aligns with the “V” formed between player's thumb and forefinger when holding the racket with the respective grip. The references can be color coded, provided in differing fonts, include unique graphical representations, and the like.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.

Abstract: An exercise racquet to aid in the playing development of the user. The racquet incorporates a handle and a solid planar member extending from the handle. The planar member has a centrally located stabilizer member including a longitudinally concave length located on both surfaces of the planar member, the longitudinal concave length having curved wings with downwardly extending shoulders so that the planar member provides resistance to the racquet being stroked through the air and a stabilizer member to prevent the racquet from lifting.

Abstract: A golf or tennis training apparatus for helping a player to improve his/her balance while practicing a swing using a disc shaped member of flexible material with an opening located in the top surface of the disc shaped member and a fluid located in the disc shaped member. The disc shaped member is an unstable support for a golf or tennis player to stand on to help improve the player's balance when swinging a golf club or a tennis racket.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.

Abstract: A volleyball training system includes a volleyball, a tethering means with a first end and second end, said tethering means connected to said volleyball on said first end, a strapping means connected to said second end of said tethering means wherein the strapping means securely fastens around a human wrist.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the inventive mat comprises a planar member. A first marking is disposed on the planar member corresponding to the position of the ball of the foot of the first foot at a first swing first point in time during the execution of a first tennis swing. The first swing first point in time is relatively proximate to the commencement of the execution of the first tennis swing. The first foot is the right foot of a right-hand dominant player or the left foot of a left-hand dominant player practicing a two-handed backhand. The first marking may comprise an indication of the sole of a first shoe and indicate the placement of the heel of the first shoe. A second marking is disposed on the planar member corresponding to the position of the sole of the second foot at the first swing first point in time during the execution of the first tennis swing.