Abstract: Disclosed herein is a basketball backboard system and methods of assembly. The backboard system reduces and simplifies the number of steps for a user to take in assembling the system for play. The basketball system comprises a base, a vertical support assembly including a pole, a backboard extension arm, a backboard, and a rim. In some embodiments, the user only has to complete five attachments to fully assemble the system, including securing the vertical support assembly to the base, securing the backboard extension arm to the pole, mounting the backboard to the extension arm, and mounting the rim to the backboard. It is further contemplated that the system will be convenient to package, as the vertical support assembly may be designed to fully nest within the base to reduce product volume.

Abstract: A game apparatus involving launching and catching of a game piece includes a pincer tool having first and second opposed members that are articulatable with respect to one another to capture the game piece between the articulatable members, and to also accelerate the game piece radially outwardly from a pivot region. The pincer tool of the game apparatus therefor acts to launch the game piece merely through relative articulation of the opposed first and second members toward one another while the game piece is in contact with both of the first and second members.