Abstract: A ball return device for aiding in the practice of basketball or other games which require that a ball be returned to a player in order to perform repetitive practice routines. The device comprises a receiving basket which may be placed under a basketball hoop and which directs a ball to a pair of rotating heads operable to propel the ball toward the player. A detection apparatus on the return device is operable to sense the distance between a player and the return device. When the distance between the player and the return device is within a zone of acceptable distances, an output signal is generated which causes the return mechanism to eject a ball toward the player.

Abstract: A ball return device for aiding in the practice of basketball or other games which require that a ball be returned to the player in order to perform repetitive practice routines. The device comprises a receiving basket which may be placed under a basketball hoop and which directs a ball to a pair of rotating heads operable to propel the ball in the direction of the player. An electronic sensing device is operable to change the position of the return mechanism in response to movement of the player and thereby direct balls to the player as he moves about the court. The propelling head may be adjusted to change the elevation at which the ball is propelled and further adjusted to change the force with which the ball is propelled in order to effectively deliver a ball to virtually any location on a basketball court.