Abstract: The tennis ball supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication circuit configured to communicate with an external device; a launcher configured to launch a ball; a body unit configured to move the launcher; and a controller configured to: control the body unit to move to a first position, identify whether the body unit is disposed on the first position based on a signal received from the communication circuit, based on identifying that the body unit is disposed on the first position, control the launcher to launch the ball, control the body unit to move to a second position after the launcher has stopped launching the ball, and identify whether the body unit is disposed on the second position based on the signal received from the communication circuit.

Abstract: A method for enhancing tennis practice by disposing a freely movable tennis court practice target mat so as to lie horizontally within marked playing areas of a tennis court playing surface, the target mat having a plurality of areas each of which generates a signal when impacted by a descending tennis ball. An upright counter-display is also provide responsive to signals from each target area to numerically display the number of hits to each area. Lights and/or speakers may be included to provide an indication when each target area is impacted.

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 method for enhancing tennis practice by disposing a freely movable tennis court practice target mat so as to lie horizontally within marked playing areas of a tennis court playing surface, the target mat having a plurality of areas each of which generates a signal when impacted by a descending tennis ball. An upright counter-display is also provide responsive to signals from each target area to numerically display the number of hits to each area. Lights and/or speakers may be included to provide an indication when each target area is impacted.

Abstract: A tennis training apparatus comprises a balanced rod having an upper segment, mid-section, and lower segment. One or more of the training apparatuses may be secured separately along a tennis net tape with the upper segment extending above the tape as a target. When struck by a tennis ball, the upper segment pendulums back and forth while providing a ringing sound. The upper segment is further divided into a plurality of regions which correlate to different sections of a tennis racket. The training apparatuses may be moved to desired locations along the net tape to create different targets, gaps, and spacings for the players to practice all tennis skills during practice matches or drills. A stand-alone version of the training apparatus need not be attached to a tennis net, but pivots on a stand which provides adjustable pendulum motion, and can be utilized for a variety of non-tennis training exercises.

Abstract: Provided is a tennis training device for training a tennis player to hit a tennis ball to a targeted area with consistency. The device includes a target mat placeable on a surface for the tennis player to aim toward when hitting the tennis ball. The target mat includes a mat body and a detector coupled to the mat body. The detector is configured to detect contact between the tennis ball and the mat body and to generate a detection signal in response to said detection. The target mat further includes a transmitter in communication with the detector to receive the detection signal therefrom. The tennis training device includes a scoring device including a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive the detection signal therefrom. A signaling device is in communication with the receiver and configured to generate a scoring signal in response to receipt of the detection signal.

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: Disclosed is a system for simulating a ball-striking game for a batter in a game area. The system includes a fluorescent bat, a fluorescent ball, a tracking device, and a data computing device. The fluorescent bat is adapted to be held by the batter. The fluorescent ball is adapted to be delivered to the batter for hitting the fluorescent ball with the fluorescent bat. The tracking device is capable of detecting a first set and a second set of parameters associated with the fluorescent ball. Further, the tracking device is capable of wirelessly transmitting the first set and the second set of parameters to the data computing device. The data computing device is capable of generating a score for the batter based on the first set and the second set of parameters.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a sports court or net target. In one example, a sports net target includes a flexible target body comprising a fabric material and having a first side and a second side. The visual indicium is located on the first side for providing an area of visual focus for an athlete during practice of a sport. At least one attachment member is connected to the target body for attaching the target body to a sports net.

Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.

Abstract: The portable athletic court target device includes, as a single unitary article, a flat, thin base mat having integrated multiple protrusions (preferably hemispherical) on its upper surface and having a generally non-slip lower surface. The inexpensive, weather-resistant, and easily-movable athletic court target device is preferably brightly colored to visually define the desired target location. The athletic court target device advantageously provides convenient, automatic feedback when the ball impacts the target location, as the protrusions cause the ball to rebound in an erratic, unexpected path. The athletic court target device is useful as a training aid in tennis and other sports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tether tennis game apparatus which includes a hollow pole that has a helix formation extending externally therefrom along an operative top segment of the pole. The helix formation defines a helical guide path within which a loop formation, that is formed at one end of a flexible line which has a ball connected at its other end and that can be located around the pole, is displaceable. An indicator arrangement including an elongate indicator element, located for axial displacement within the pole, and a trigger arrangement is operable on the pole to indicate a winner of a game played with the apparatus and which occurs when the loop formation, at the end of a flexible line, reaches an end of the helical guide path.

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 target device and method of training for table tennis, and providing a variation of table tennis. Target devices, comprising a target portion and a base portion, are placed on a playing surface. The target portion may be self-repositioning and/or interchangeable. Target devices are placed at predetermined locations on a playing surface to encourage user to practice a swing for aiming at specific locations. The user will be able to visually estimate how far they were from the target device, and compensate for the distance the next time, if the user does not hit the target device. Different difficulty levels of target devices, due to differences in weight or size of the target portion, may be used. Target devices are also placed on a playing surface to provide variations to a table tennis game, wherein the object of the game is to knock down the opponent's target devices.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a tennis ball toss and serve training device. The training device comprises a base, a post, a member and a target. Typically, there are castors secured to the base for relatively easy repositioning. The post is preferably comprised of more than one telescoping sections of pipe which connect the member to the base, and a target, such as a tennis ball, can be attached to the member. Ideally, the target is positioned approximately 12-15 inches above a user's racquet when a user's arm is extended in an upward direction.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a sport court target training aid, a method for training using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a sport court target based training aid is provided. The sport court target based training aid includes a base portion for resting on a sport court and a protrusion extending outward from the base portion and providing a raised target for a ball hit by a player from the sport court. The base portion defines a first surface area and the protrusion defines a second surface area less than the first surface area.

Abstract: A freely positionable tennis court practice target has a plurality of areas each of which generates a signal when impacted by a ball. A counter-display is responsive to signals from each area to numerically display the number of hits to each area. Lights and/or speakers may be included to provide an indication when each target area is impacted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gate apparatus for a paddle and ball game, to a game including the same and to methods for playing the game. The gate apparatus comprises a frame for delimiting a closed region above the ground for a ball to be transferred therethrough and a base element for elevating and stabilizing the frame above the ground. The gate can be permanently installed or can be a portable gate. Preferably the gate is assembled from components disengageably connected to each other.

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 apparatus includes a surface configured to enclose a first volume having an adjustable upper opening and a lower opening. The surface is coupled to a frame and both the surface and the frame are removably attachable to a court net; thereby presenting a target to a player, such that an object can be aimed by the player to enter the upper opening and pass through the lower opening. An alarm can be included to signal the presence of the object within the first volume.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a generally rectangular first flexible panel supported from a pair of vertical supports, and at least one connector of adjustable length extending from at least one of the lower opposing corners of the first flexible panel. A second flexible panel that is smaller than the first flexible panel is supported in a generally parallel fashion from the first flexible panel. The first flexible panel extends below the second flexible panel, so that a trough area is created below the lower edge of the volleyball net when at least one of the lower opposing corners is suppported from the vertical supports.

Abstract: A portable return net device for receiving, arresting and returning a ball to a central collection point for pitched, thrown or batted balls in a ball practice system. The return net apparatus comprises; a net supporting frame, a net for receiving a projected ball, an inclined collection tray operatively associated with the net, and an exit chute, wherein the net is hung untensioned on the supporting frame, on the diagonal, and wherein flaps extending transversely across the base of the hanging net are pivotally connected thereto. The net absorbs the impact of a ball in conjunction with the flaps which trap a ball impacting a tensile zone of the net. The tensile zone comprises that portion of the hanging net below which there is insufficient net weight to arrest a ball in a triangular portion of the net below the point of impact. The arrested ball is conveyed by the collection tray to the exit chute for reuse.

Abstract: A sports target for practicing baseball throwing, hockey shots or the like comprises a hoop; a net loosely suspended from the hoop and spanning its interior, and a pair of elastic straps for suspending the hoop from a crossbar or the like. The straps splay outwardly to provide an anti-rotation bias to the structure. An inner hoop and net may be suspended within an outer hoop and net for more advanced target practice.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A device is described for locating the positions of impact of projectiles as they strike a target by detecting the pressure or force delivered upon impact. A sensor layer is made of resistive ink applied to a non-conductive material. An electrical current is applied to the resistive ink layer, and when the force of impact from the projectile acts upon the sensor layer a change in impedance is measured via standard circuits and electronics. The magnitude of the impact force can also be correlated to the magnitude of the resulting change in impedance. The resistive ink layer can be divided into smaller sections to provide location data to the output electronics. Each section of the sensor layer connects to the output electronics via sensor connectors made from either conductive inks or standard wires. Output electronics connect to a standard display device. A pressure transfer layer may be present in front of the sensor layer when the projectile has a higher velocity.

Abstract: A batting practice device comprising a resiliently flexible and elongate retaining rod, a target member coupled to a distal end of the elongate retaining rod, and a clamping structure for clamping a proximal end of the elongate retaining rod to an environmental structure, such as chain link fence. The target member may be coupled directly to the distal end of the elongate retaining rod as by having the elongate retaining rod pass through a bore hole in the target member. A fixed or selectively removable ball stop may retain the target member on the elongate retaining rod. The clamping structure may incorporate a first clamping block and a second clamping block and a threaded clamping nut that selectively presses the blocks together. The first and second clamping blocks can have first and second elongate clamping furrows for engaging adjacent strands on a chain link fence.

Abstract: A throwing and catching net comprising a frame supporting a net having one or more layers of lattice adapted to cause a ball thrown at the net to rebound in an unpredictable manner, wherein in use, catching, throwing and/or batting skills can be practiced. A method of using the same.

Abstract: A volleyball player training device especially useful for teaching volleyball players to block and tip a volleyball at the volleyball net is disclosed. The device includes a frame which may be removably fastened to the volleyball net, a volleyball, and a pedestal or support extending upwardly from the frame for holding a volleyball above the volleyball net. During use, a player may block or tip the volleyball causing it to be pivoted from its supported position above the net. A return mechanism returns the volleyball to its supported position placing it in position to be blocked or tipped again.

Abstract: A durable, rigid, low-cost device to sense an impact of a ball over a wide area and to provide response to a user that said impact has occurred. The sensing mechanism is a low-cost acoustic sensor, acoustically coupled to an essentially single sheet of plastic material. Sensor electronics filter the input and measure amplitude to determine if a valid hit has occurred. If so, the device reports an activate signal to the response electronics that in turn provide feedback to the user by playing a digitally recorded audio message, recorded specifically for the event. Variously, the activate signal may be transmitted to a remote device that contains the response electronics.

Abstract: An informal baseball game played with a few players on each side, equipment for defining a strike zone and hit zones, and with a set of rules.

Abstract: A rebound net 10 having a reinforced periphery 20 that can be removably attached to a structure surrounding a door opening of domestic garage. The net 10, while attached to the structure 24, substantially closes the opening 22. The periphery 20 of the rebound net 10 is removably attached to the structure 24 by a first means 26 of an eye bolt 28 and a snap hook 30, a second means 40 of a J-type screw hook 42 and an adjustable strap 44 and a third means 54 of an anchor pin 56 and a shock cord hooks 58. Tension on the rebound net 10 is adjusted by the adjustable strap 44.