Abstract: A user interface includes a plurality of pass receipt locations rendered at spaced positions on or adjacent to the rendering of a three-point line to correspond with pass receipt locations on a basketball playing surface. Each pass receipt location is individually and directly selected by physical touch to define a custom basketball practice arrangement which is programmed into a control system to cause an ejector mounted to a frame to launch at least one basketball to each selected location.

Abstract: An ejector launches a series of basketballs to various locations selected by a user via an interface having a number of individually selectable indicia arranged in a spaced angular pattern thereon corresponding to shooting locations on a basketball playing area. A sensor counts the number of ejected basketballs and made shots. A computer calculates shooting statistics data which is transmitted to a database via a network connection device. The database is configured to store the shooting statistics data and transmit it to an electronic device.

Abstract: A system for improving a basketball player's ability to shoot basketballs towards a basketball hoop having an improved ball sensor is disclosed. An interface allows a player to select various locations for a ball ejector to launch basketballs to. A hollow protrusion extends though the net of the basketball hoop and has a microphone positioned therein. A processor compares audio signals generated by said microphone to pre-recorded sample audio signals of a basketball passing through the net of the basketball hoop to determine if a basketball shot was successfully made.

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

Abstract: A system for improving a basketball player's ability to shoot basketballs towards a basketball hoop having an improved ball sensor is disclosed. An interface allows a player to select various locations for a ball ejector to launch basketballs to. A hollow protrusion extends though the net of the basketball hoop and has a microphone positioned therein. A processor compares audio signals generated by said microphone to pre-recorded sample audio signals of a basketball passing through the net of the basketball hoop to determine if a basketball shot was successfully made.

Abstract: A launcher passes a series of basketballs to various locations on a basketball playing area. The locations where the basketballs are passed is determined by selection of one or more individually selectable indicia located on an interface. A controller electrically connected to the interface and the launcher is configured to program the launch to pass the basketballs to the locations selected by the user in the order in which the user selects them.

Abstract: An ejector launches a series of basketballs to various locations selected by a user via an interface having a number of individually selectable indicia arranged in a spaced angular pattern thereon corresponding to shooting locations on a basketball playing area. A sensor counts the number of ejected basketballs and made shots. A computer calculates shooting statistics data which is transmitted to a database via a network connection device. The database is configured to store the shooting statistics data and transmit it to an electronic device.

Abstract: A device for gathering and returning basketballs thrown towards a basketball goal is disclosed. The device includes an ejector programmed to launch basketballs to a series of locations selected via an interface having a plurality of interactive indicia arranged in a spaced angular pattern. A basketball retrieval system associated with the basketball goal captures basketballs thrown towards the goal and guides them to the ejector. An upper edge of the basketball retrieval system extends above the rim of the basketball goal.

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

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are gathered or collected, stored and/or tracked, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. One embodiment includes the ability of players from the same or different teams to compare statistics and enables the launchers at different locations to launch substantially exactly the same pass to different players to facilitate such competition.

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

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

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are gathered or collected, stored and/or tracked, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball. One embodiment includes the ability of players from the same or different teams to compare statistics and enables the launchers at different locations to launch substantially exactly the same pass to different players to facilitate such competition.

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

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a player's efficiency in shooting by providing a player with various shooting challenge routines at which a player makes either a total number of shots or a total number shots in a row. Statistics regarding the player's performance are stored, printed and/or evaluated and the player can use the information to improve his or her efficiency at one or more of the plurality of different locations where the player shoots the basketball.

Abstract: A football training system and method for training a player football technique, strength and endurance. The system provides an engagement member that can be engaged and driven upward and substantially simultaneously rearward. The system includes a life-size simulator, dummy or engagement member for providing a true-to-life training experience. The system is capable of providing increased resistance to the player as the player drives the dummy and also provides a speed and power indication to the player, his or her coach or trainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reversibly converting a chair into a basketball goal. Four operating modes are disclosed. A first mode in which the article is configured as a basketball goal, a second mode in which the article is configured as a chair within an upwardly extended backboard, a third mode in which a net is deployed for returning basketballs to a shooter and a fourth mode wherein the article is configured as a chair with the backboard collapsed therebehind.

Abstract: A football training system and method for training a player football technique, strength and endurance. The system provides an engagement member that can be engaged and driven upward and substantially simultaneously rearward. The system includes a life-size simulator, dummy or engagement member for providing a true-to-life training experience. The system is capable of providing increased resistance to the player as the player drives the dummy and also provides a speed and power indication to the player, his or her coach or trainer.

Abstract: A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be engaged by a player during a basketball practice or training session. After a pad is engaged and driven away from the box-out area, the other pad is driven toward the box-out area. The player experiences a predetermined amount of resistance in order to simulate “boxing out” during a rebound drill. The apparatus and method may be provided separately or integrally with a basketball backboard and hoop. There is a disclosure of a friction-based swivel assembly that utilizes at least one brake pad for use in a basketball practice system.