Abstract: A ball return mechanism arranged for disposition directly beneath a circular basketball rim structure so as to automatically return the ball back to a shooter standing at or near the foul line. The mechanism includes two laterally spaced tubular rails angled downwardly and forwardly preferably at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees measured relative to the plane of the basketball rim. Rear end areas of the rails are pivotably attached to a clamp mechanism that is releasably mountable on a conventional bracket structure connecting the basketball rim to the basketball backboard. Flexible straps extend downwardly from the rim to resiliently support the front ends of the rails.