BASKETBALL TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

A basketball training system includes a basketball training machine, a wearable physiological monitor, a wearable player motion monitor, and a ball motion monitor. Data from the training machine and the monitors is used to provide feedback to the player on shooting performance, shooting form and technique, and intensity level of the workout. The system can provide programmed workouts that include shooting drills and exercise segments to combine shooting practice with conditioning.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,566 filed on May 6, 2015, and entitled “BASKETBALL TRAINING SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to sports training, and in particular to systems that guide an athlete through a sports training workout and provide measures of quantity and quality of the activities incorporated in the workout.

Training in sports involves the development of skills as well as physical conditioning. The game of basketball requires physical strength and conditioning, and also requires special skills. Successful development of those skills requires repetition during practice.

Although it is a team sport, basketball presents opportunities for an individual player to practice and improve his or her game without the need for other players to be present. A player can develop ball handling skills and shooting skills through individual practice.

Basketball players develop their shooting skills by shooting the basketball from various locations on the court. If a second player is not present to rebound, the shooter must rebound his or her own shots. The rebounding process can waste time that could otherwise be used in taking more shots. Over the past several decades, a number of ball collecting devices have been developed to collect basketball shot at the basketball goal (i.e. the backboard and the attached hoop). The ball collecting devices generally include netting and a frame for supporting the netting around the basketball goal. The ball collecting devices are often used with a ball delivery device, which directs the ball back to the player.

Motorized ball delivery device can return basketballs to a shooter at various locations on a basketball court. The ball delivery device can have programs that determine which direction to return balls to the player, how many times to return the ball, etc.

Some basketball training systems also calculate shooting percentage. The system monitors how many balls are delivered to the player, and how many shots go through the basketball hoop (i.e. shots made). The system calculates a shooting percentage based on the number of shots taken and the number of shots made. The systems provide information on whether a player is shooting well or poorly, but do not provide data on why the player is shooting well or poorly.

Successful shooting of a basketball can be affected by a number of factors including a player's form or technique in shooting, and the conditioning of the shooter. Often young players can develop habits that result in poor shooting form or technique. When those habits are repeated over a long period of time, they can be difficult to break. Continuing to practice using improper form or technique can result in some improvement in the player's shooting, but may ultimately limit the player's success. In some cases, poor form or technique may have less effect when the player is taking uncontested shots, but may limit the player's ability to score in game conditions, when the player taking the shot is being guarded by another player.

With younger players, there is a potential of picking up bad habits and poor technique or form in shooting because a young player may not have the physical strength to shoot the ball using the techniques needed when the player gets older. This can result in a young player practicing over an extended period of time using an improper or less than ideal shooting form, and having that form be carried on to the players older years, when he or she has developed enough physical strength to shoot the ball properly. In that situation, practice can actually reinforce bad habits, rather than help the player developing good habits.

As players advance in skill and experience, they are often confronted with the realization that the speed of the game gets “faster”. Players can encounter this as they step up from junior varsity to varsity, from high school varsity to college, and from college to professional basketball. At each step along the way, the player is confronted with the realization he or she will need to get shots off quicker. In addition, the player is confronted with the need to be in condition to play the game at a faster pace in order to succeed.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a basketball training system includes a basketball training machine, a physiological monitor that is worn by a player using the system, and a wearable player motion monitor. Physiological data from the physiological monitor and sensor data from the player motion monitor are wirelessly communicated and are combined with machine data produced by the basketball training machine to provide performance reports that include information about shots taken and shots made, as well as physiological condition of the player at the time the shots were taken, and information about the form and technique used by the player in taking the shots.

In another embodiment, a basketball training system includes a basketball training machine having a ball collector, a ball returner, and sensors for determining shots taken and shots made. The system also includes wearable monitors for sensing one or more physiological parameters of the player and for sensing the player's movement. The system includes a user interface that communicates with a player to indicate activities to be performed by the player during a workout. The workout includes shooting requirements and exercise requirements. While the workout is being performed, performance of the player in meeting the shooting requirements is collected. During exercise portions of the workout, movement of the player is monitored to provide data on compliance of the player with the exercise requirements. Physiological condition of the player is monitored during both shooting and exercise portions of the workout, as well as after the workout, so that intensity of the player's activity during shooting and exercise portions of the workout can be determined, and recovery time of the player from the shooting and exercise activities can be determined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a basketball training machine that includes a ball collection system and a ball delivery system.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the ball delivery system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the ball delivery system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ball launch mechanism of the ball delivery system.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the spring preload mechanism of the ball launch mechanism in two different positions.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate one complete cycle of operation of the ball launch mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a toggle arm actuator mechanism of the ball delivery system.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing the rotation drive of the ball delivery system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the ball delivery system.

FIG. 10 shows the keyboard and display of the console of the ball delivery system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a basketball training system that includes a basketball training machine, a player worn physiological and motion sensors, and a ball motion sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a side view of basketball training machine 10. Basketball training machine 10 includes two main systems, ball collection system 12 and ball delivery system 14.

Ball collection system 12 includes net 16, net frame 18, base 20, shots made counter 22 (which includes made shots funnel 24, shots made sensor 26, and counter support frame 28), and upper ball feeder 30. When machine 10 is used for shooting practice, net 16 is positioned in front of a basketball backboard (not shown) so that the basketball hoop and net (not shown) are immediately above shots made counter 22. The size of net 16 is large enough so that missed shots (which do not go through the basketball hoop and net and through shots made counter 22) will still be collected by net 16 and funneled down to upper ball feeder 30.

Ball delivery system 14 includes ball launching machine 32, main ball feeder 34, and ball ready holder 36. Ball launching machine 32 is pivotally mounted on base 20. The inlet of main ball feeder 34 is positioned immediately below the outlet of upper ball feeder 30. Ball launching machine 32 is pivotable about an axis that is aligned with the inlet of main ball feeder 34 and the outlet of upper ball feeder 30. Balls drop out of upper ball feeder 30 into main ball feeder 34. Balls are delivered one at a time from main ball feeder 34 into ball ready holder 36 at the front of ball launching machine 32. Launch arm 38 (shown in FIG. 2) launches the basketball out of holder 36 to a location on the floor where the player catches the ball and shoots. The location on the floor where the ball is delivered can be changed by pivoting machine 32 with respect to base 20.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of ball delivery system 14 from the front and left of ball launching machine 32. In this view, ball collection system 12 is not shown. Ball delivery system 14 includes ball launching machine 32, to which main ball feeder 34 and ball ready holder 36 are mounted. Ball launching machine 32 includes launch arm 38, bottom platform 40 (which is pivotably mounted to base 20 of ball collection system 12), and outer shell 42 (which encloses the ball launching mechanism and controls that operate machine 32. Front face 44 of outer shell 42 includes electronic front display 46, pre-launch warning light 48 and front opening 50. Also shown in FIG. 2 are ball ready lever 52 and toggle arm 54.

Balls that are collected by ball collection system 12 enter the upper end of main ball feeder 34 and directed downward and forward to toggle arm 54, which stops further ball movement. When toggle arm 54 is actuated, it pivots to release a single ball to travel further downward and forward into ball ready holder 36. As shown in FIG. 2, ball ready holder 36 slopes downward and rearward through opening 50 into ball launching machine 32. As the ball rolls down ball ready holder 36 toward launch arm 38, it contacts ball ready lever 52. When ball ready lever 52 is depressed by a ball in ball ready holder 36, it provides a ball ready input signal to the control system of machine 32. This causes a motor driven cycle to be initiated in which launch arm is engaged and pulled backward while a tension spring is extended. As the cycle continues, launch arm 38 is released and the spring force drives launch arm 38 forward to hit the ball and launch it forward out of machine 32 and ball ready holder 36.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of ball delivery system 14 from the rear and right of machine 32. At the top of shell 42 are USB port 56 and console 58, which allow a user to input information and select operating modes of machine 32, and to receive outputs including data collected by machine as well as menus, instructions, and prompts.

At the rear of machine 32 are ball distance adjustment knob 60 and ball distance pre-select plate 62. Knob 60 and plate 62 are used to change the spring tension or preload on the spring that drives launch arm 38. The greater the preload, the further the distance the ball will be driven by launch arm 38 when it is released. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, plate 62 contains diagonal notched track 64, which includes five notches at which the tension rod connected to adjustment knob 60 can be positioned. The lower the position of knob 60, the greater the preload and the farther the ball will be launched.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of ball launch mechanism 70 built on base frame 40, which is rotatably mounted to base 20 of ball collection system 12. Ball launch mechanism 70 launches balls using launch arm 38, which is pivotally mounted by pivot pin 72 to arm support uprights 74. At its upper end, launch arm 38 carries grab pin 76. At its lower end, launch arm 38 carries cross bar 78. Mounted to cross bar 78 are bumpers or cushions 80, which engage arm support uprights 74 to stop rearward movement of the lower end of launch arm 38 (and limit the forward movement of the upper end of strike are 38). Bracket 82 is mounted to the lower end of launch arm 38 and connects the forward end of throw spring 84 to the lower end of launch arm 38. The rear end of throw spring 84 is connected to the upper end of throw spring tensioner 86. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of throw spring tensioner 86 is pivotally connected to platform 40. The position of throw spring tensioner 86, and thus the tension or preload of throw spring 84 is controlled by a linkage between ball distance adjustment knob 60 and tensioner 86. This will be shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Ball ready lever 52 is positioned above the upper end of launch arm 38 in FIG. 4. Ball ready lever 52 is mounted at the top of support framework 88, which extends upward from platform 40 and includes a number of vertical and horizontal tubular members. Ball ready sensor 90 is mounted adjacent ball ready lever 52, so that when a ball rolls backward and downward in ball ready holder 36 and presses lever 52, ball ready sensor 90 changes state to indicate that a ball is in place and is ready to be launched.

The retracting and then release of launch arm 38 is performed by a motorized drive system that includes drive motor 92, crank arm 94, grab arm 96 with hook 98, guide arm 100, movable guide wheel 102, stationary guide wheel 104, guide arm spring 106, and drive motor sensor 108. Crank arm 94 is fixedly connected at its inner end to shaft 110 of motor 92, and is pivotally connected at its outer end to the lower end of grab arm 96. As crank arm 94 is rotated through a 360 degree cycle by motor 92, grab arm 96 is guided between movable guide wheel 102 and stationary guide wheel 104. Guide arm spring 106 applies a spring bias to movable guide when 102 to keep guide wheel 102 in engagement with grab arm 96 so that grab arm 96 is contained between movable guide arm 102 and stationary guide wheel 104.

During a cycle, grab arm 96 will be moved so that hook 98 engages grab pin 76 and pulls the upper end of launch arm 38 rearward against the string force of throw spring 84. As the cycle continues, grab pin 76 will be pulled rearward to a maximum distance. Further rotation of crank arm 94 causes hook 98 to disengage from grab pin 76, which releases launch arm 38 to move forward and launch the ball sitting on ball ready holder 36. The distance that the ball will travel depends on the amount of preload applied to throw spring 84 through throw spring tensioner 86.

The cycle is limited to one rotation of motor shaft 110. Drive motor sensor 108 is engaged by crank arm 94 as the cycle is being completed, and causes the cycle to be ended.

FIG. 4 also shows rotation calibration sensors 112 that are mounted on platform 40. These sensors are used to determine the center position of platform 40, which allows machine 32 to calibrate the rotation potentiometer that keeps track of the position on the floor where the ball is being delivered.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show ball launch mechanism 70 with the mechanism for preloading throw spring 84 in place. Both FIGS. 5A and 5B show launch mechanism 70 after grab arm 96 has released grab pin 76 and launch arm 38 has moved forward and launched the ball. Bumpers 80 are positioned against arm support uprights 74. As seen, grab arm 96 is oriented vertically and hook 98 is rearward of grab pin 76. Shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are ball distance adjustment knob 60, ball distance pre-select plate 62, track 64, clamp 114, tension rod 116, and spring assist 118. Tension rod 116 is connected at its outer end to knob 60 by clamp 114, and is connected at its inner end to throw spring tensioner 86. Spring assist 118 has its lower end connected to tension rod 116 near throw spring tensioner 86, and is connected at its upper end to support framework 88. The angle of tensioner 86, and thus the amount of tension preload on throw spring 84, depends on which notch of track 64 is holding tension rod 116. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two of the possible positions of tension rod 116.

FIGS. 6A-6F illustrate a cycle of the drive system that retracts and then releases launch arm 38 to launch a ball. In FIGS. 6A-6F, throw spring 84 is not shown for simplicity and clarity. The starting and ending point for each cycle is with grab arm 96 in a vertical orientation and hook 98 rearward of grab pin 76 and launch arm 38. That position is shown as the start/end position in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6A shows the outer end of crank arm 94 in contact with drive motor sensor 108. Motor 92 is stopped, grab arm 94 is nearly vertical and is held between guide wheels 102 and 104. The upper end of launch arm 38 and grab pin 76 are at their forward most position. In response to a signal from ball ready sensor 90 indicating a ball is in position on ball ready holder 36 (not shown), drive motor 92 is activated and begins to rotate motor shaft 110 and crank arm 94 in a clockwise direction.

FIG. 6B shows the cycle at the point where crank arm 94 has rotated to a position where grab arm 96 is lifted away from stationary guide wheel 104. The spring bias provided by guide arm spring 106 to movable guide wheel 102 has caused grab arm 96 to pivot so that hook 98 moves forward over grab pin 76.

FIG. 6C shows grab arm 96 pulling grab pin 76 and launch arm 38 rearward as crank arm continues its clockwise rotation. Movable guide wheel 102 and guide arm spring 106 keep hook 98 in engagement with grab pin 76.

FIG. 6D show grab pin 76 at its furthest rearward and downward position. Further clockwise rotation of crank arm 94 will begin to cause hook 98 to disengage for grab pin 76, as illustrated in FIG. 6E.

In FIG. 6F, hook 98 has released grab pin 76 and the upper end of launch arm 38 has moved forward rapidly to strike and launch the ball. At the point shown in FIG. 6F, the cycle is not yet complete. Crank arm will continue to rotate in the clockwise direction until the outer end of crank arm 94 engages drive motor sensor 108. At that point, drive motor 92 stops with the mechanism in the position shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 shows toggle arm actuator mechanism 120, which operates toggle arm 54. Mechanism 120 includes motor shaft 122, cam 124, cam follower guide wheel 126, guide blocks 128 and 130, spring 132, toggle rod 134, and sensor 136. When a ball has been launched, ball ready sensor 90 indicates that there is no longer a ball waiting in ball ready holder 36 to be launched. That initiates cam drive motor 150 (shown in FIG. 9) to rotate motor shaft 122 in a counterclockwise direction. As motor shaft 122 rotates, cam 124 rotates and guide wheel 126 follows the contour of cam 124. Spring applies a downward spring bias to toggle rod 134 to ensure the guide wheel 126 and toggle rod 134 will follow cam 124. When guide wheel 126 and toggle rod 134 move downward, the upper end of toggle rod 134 pulls the forward end of toggle arm 54 downward to release one ball downward and forward into ball ready holder 36. As motor shaft 122 and cam 124 continue to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, guide wheel 126 and toggle rod 134 are driven upward to block any further ball from moving past toggle arm 54. The rotation of motor shaft 122 continues until sensor 136 signals that one complete revolution has been completed.

The coordinated operation of ball launch mechanism 70 and toggle arm actuator mechanism 120 causes balls collected by ball collection system 12 and delivered to main ball feeder 34 to be supplied one at a time onto ball ready holder 36. When a ball is in position on ball ready holder 36, launch mechanism 70 initiates a cycle in which grab arm 96 retracts launch arm 38 and loads throw spring 84, and then releases launch arm 38 so that the spring force causes launch arm 38 to strike the ball and launch the ball off ball ready holder 36 to the player.

FIG. 8 shows a view of ball launch mechanism 70 of ball launching machine 32 in which the mechanism for rotating ball launch machine 32 with respect to base 20 can be seen. In addition, many of the components of ball launch mechanism 70 that have previously discussed are also labeled and can be seen in FIG. 8. Among those components that have already been discussed are launch arm 38, bottom platform 40 (which is pivotably mounted to base 20 of ball collection system 12), ball distance adjustment knob 60, ball distance pre-select plate 62, and diagonal notched track 64, arm support uprights 74, cross bar 78, bumpers 80, bracket 82, throw spring 84, drive motor 92, grab arm 96, guide arm 100, movable guide wheel 102, stationary guide wheel 104, guide arm spring 106, and drive motor sensor 108. Components of toggle arm actuator mechanism 120 seen in FIG. 8 include cam 124, cam follower guide wheel 126, guide blocks 128 and 130, spring 132, toggle rod 134, and ball feeder sensor 136.

The rotation drive mechanism shown in FIG. 8 includes rotation gear motor 140, rotatable spur gear 142, stationary spur gear 144, rotation potentiometer 146, and potentiometer bracket 148. Platform 40 is rotated with respect to base 20 by rotation of rotatable spur gear 142 with respect to stationary spur gear 144. Spur gear 142 is driven by rotation gear motor 140. Stationary spur gear 144 is mounted on a shaft that is connected to base 20 (shown in FIG. 1). As rotatable spur gear 142 rotates, base 40 and all of the components mounted to base 40 rotate about the axis of the shaft on which stationary spur gear 144 is mounted. Rotation gear motor 140 can drive rotatable spur gear 142 in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Potentiometer 146 is connected to the shaft on which stationary spur gear 144 is mounted, and produces a variable resistance that is a function of the rotational position of platform 40.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of ball delivery system 14. Shown in FIG. 9 shot made sensor 26, are front display 46, pre-launch warning light 48, USB port 56, console 58, ball ready sensor 90, launch drive motor sensor 108, rotation calibration sensor 112, ball feeder sensor 136, rotation motor 140, rotation potentiometer 146, ball feeder toggle motor 150, power supply 152, AC cable 154, controller 156, fan 158, and remote control 160.

Controller 156 is a microprocessor based controller that coordinates the operation of display board 46, safety light 48, console 58, motors 92, 140, and 150, and fan 158. Controller 156 receives input data and commands from console 58 and remote control 160. It also can supply data that is stored to a storage device (such as a flash drive or a computer) through USB port 56. Sensors 26, 90, 108, 136, and potentiometer 146 are used by controller 156 in coordinating and controlling the operations of motors 92, 140, and 150. Calibration sensors 112 are used by controller 156 during set up to provide calibration of the signal from potentiometer 146, which is used to determine the rotational position of ball launching machine 32.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a screen of console 58. In one embodiment, console 58 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) touchscreen with display area 200 for displaying information and data such as the particular drill performed, the tempo at which the drill was performed, the number of shots made, the number of shots taken, and the elapsed time. Console 58 also includes basic control keyboard area 202 and advanced keyboard area 204. Basic control keyboard 202 includes Power key 210, Start Stop key 212, increase key 214, decrease key 216, Enter key 218, Locations key 220, Balls Per Location key 222, Tempo key 224, and Reset key 226. One other basic control key, Drills key 228 is located within advanced controls keyboard area 204.

The advanced control keys found in advance controls keyboard area 204 include Workouts key 230, Shooting Percentage key 232, Player ID key 234, Mid-Range Shot key 236, and Upload key 238.

The functions of the basic controls are as follows: Power key 202 powers on ball delivery system 14. Start/Stop key 212 starts and stops a workout or drill. Keys 214 and 216 increase and decrease a setting, respectively. Enter key 218 accepts settings. Locations key 220 allows the user to select or edit throwing locations. Balls Per Location key 222 allows the user to edit the number of balls that will be passed to each selected location. Tempo key 224 allows the user to edit the time elapsed between each ball being passed. Reset key 226 resets the current settings. Drills key 228 selects a pre-programmed drill or workout.

The functions of the advanced controls are as follows: Workouts key 230 selects a workout program. Shooting Percentage key 232 allows user to view shooting percentage by location after a workout. Player ID key 234 allows the user to enter a player's initials or code. This is used for shooting statistics uploading. Mid-Range Shot key 236 selects a mid-range jump shot versus a 3 point shot. This is also used when uploading shooting statistics. Upload key 238 allows data from a workout to be uploaded through USB port 56 to a storage device, such as a flash drive or a computer.

In one basic workout, the user simply wishes to shoot from a single location. The user aims ball launching machine 32 in the direction that the user wants to pass the ball. The aiming of ball launching machine 32 is achieved by pressing Enter key 218 while pressing the appropriate increase or decrease key 214 or 216. When ball launching machine 32 is aimed at the desired location, the user presses Start/Stop key 212. To adjust the tempo during this workout, the user presses Tempo key 224.

A workout can also involve shooting from multiple locations. In that case, the user presses Locations key 220. A display then appears on screen 200 showing an arc with a series of numbered locations. A flashing location indicates the current position of a cursor. The user makes use of keys 214 and 216 to move the cursor from one position to another. To select a particular location, the cursor is moved to that location, and the user presses Enter key 218. To deselect a location, the user also presses Enter key 218.

User presses Balls Per Location key 222 to choose the number of balls to be passed to the selected locations. Tempo key 224 is pressed to choose the desired time between each ball passed. Once the workout has been defined in terms of locations, balls per location, and tempo, the user presses Start/Stop key 212. The workout can be paused and resumed by using Start/Stop key 212 or remote control 160.

Controller 156 can store pre-programmed drills. The pre-programmed drills may be preloaded into controller 156 so they are available when basketball training machine 10 is delivered to a customer, or may be developed and loaded into the machine at a later time.

To choose a pre-programmed drill, the user presses Drills key 228. Each pre-programmed drill will be called up in sequence as the user continues to press Drills key 228. When the desired drill is reached, the user presses Start/Stop key 212. The user can then edit any drill by simply changing the setting using Locations key 220, Balls Per Location key 222, Tempo key 224, or Workouts key 230.

To save a new drill, the user presses Drills key 228 and then chooses the drill number that he or she wishes to save. The user then makes use of Locations key 220, Balls Per Location key 222, Tempo key 224, and optionally Workouts key 230 to choose drill settings. Once the drill settings are chosen, the user presses Drills key 228 again. Enter key 218 is then pressed and held until screen 200 displays “Drill Saved”.

Remote control 160 communicates wirelessly with controller 156. Remote control 160 can be used to pause and resume any workout. It can also be used in remote mode to pass a ball. A remote mode is activated at console 58 by pressing Tempo key 224 and then using keys 214 and 216 to select the remote mode. The user then presses Start/Stop key 212. The user can then press one of the buttons on remote control 160 to pause ball launching machine 32 to pass a ball. To exit the remote mode, the user changes tempo using Tempo key 224 and keys 214 and 216, or presses Reset key 226.

A user can select a workout program before or after entering settings with Locations key 220, Balls Per Location key 222, and Tempo key 224. When selecting a workout program, the user presses Workouts key 230. There are several types of workouts that can be selected by the user.

A time workout allows the user to set the amount of time the user wants to train. Controller 156 will stop ball launching machine 32 once the selected time has expired.

A shots taken workout allows the user to set out a total of shots to be taken. Controller 156 will automatically stop once the total number of shots goal has been met. This is determined by counting the number of ball launching cycles have occurred since the start of the workout.

A shots made workout allows the user to set an amount of total shots that have to be made during the workout. Controller 156 will count shots made using inputs from shots made sensor 26, and will automatically stop machine 32 when the shots made goal has been met.

A compete workout allows the user to set the amount of shots made required before controller 156 will cause machine 32 to throw to the next location. This can be used in conjunction with other workouts. The number of shots made is determined by controller 156 based upon inputs from shots made sensor 26. For the compete mode, more than one location must have been selected as part of the workout.

A two player compete mode allows selection of a location for each player. Front display 46 shows the amount of shots made by each player. After the workout, the users can press Shooting Percentage key 232 to view individual stats.

The user can view real-time shooting statistics with ball launching machine 32. Statistics can be viewed after a workout has elapsed or by pressing start stop key 212 to pause a current workout. If shots made sensor 26 is connected (i.e., is being used), the average shooting percentage is calculated by controller 156 and displayed on screen 200. The shooting percentages obtained by pressing Shooting Percentage key 232. Shots made, shots taken, time, and shooting percentage show statistics per location. The user can arrow through each selected location using keys 214 and 216 to view the individual statistics for each position on the court.

Tracking a 2-point versus 3-point shot can also be provided. Before pressing Start/Stop key 212 on any workout, the user first presses Mid-Range Shot key 236. As a result of that key press, controller 156 now assumes all shots taken are from inside the 3-point line. To exit mid-range mode, the user again presses Mid-Range Shot key 236. To track free throw shooting, the user presses Locations key 220 and uses keys 214 and 216 to go to the center most location. The user then presses and holds Enter key 218 for two seconds. To exit free throw shooting tracking, the user deselects the center location by pressing Enter key 218 or pressing Reset key 226.

Statistics can be uploaded to a flash drive that is attached to USB port 56. To upload shooting statistics, a player ID must first be entered prior to starting a workout. A date and time must be entered using settings mode. Settings mode can be entered by powering on machine 32 or by pressing Reset key 226. Keys 214 and 216 are then pressed simultaneously and held for two seconds. Then keys 214 and 216 can be used to move between various selections such as selecting time and date. Enter key 218 is used to navigate in the settings mode.

To enter a player ID into controller 156, Player ID key 234 is pressed. A user's three character ID is then entered. Once the player ID has been entered, the user can choose a drill, or set up a workout and press Start/Stop key 212.

When the workout has ended, a USB flash drive is inserted into USB port 56. The user then presses Upload key 238. This causes the shooting statistics to be saved by controller 156 to USB flash drive in USB port 56. The statistics are saved as a single file. This process can be repeated many times as long as there is sufficient space on the flash drive.

Statistics can also be uploaded to the internet after an account has been setup at a designated website, such as www.airborneathletics.com. The USB flash drive that was used to receive uploaded statistics from controller 156 can be connected to a computer which is then logged into the website. Statistics can then be uploaded through the internet to that website.

Coaches can create an account at the website, create a group, and send an email invite to all the players that will be using basketball training machine 10. Each player can click the link at the website and create his or her own profile. By joining the group, the coach can see all of the player's statistics that have been uploaded by each player from controller 156 to a USB flash drive, and from the flash drive to a computer, and then to the website.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of basketball training system 300, which includes training machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1-10. Training system 300 also includes physiological monitor 302, player motion monitor 304, ball motion monitor 306, wireless speakers 308, internet enabled device 310, and website 312 (which includes database 314 and workout server 316).

Physiological monitor 302 is a wearable monitor that senses one or more physiological parameters of the player (such as heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, blood pressure, perspiration, blood oxygenation, muscle fatigue, lactic acid, muscle recovery) and communicates the sensed physiological data wirelessly to either machine 10 or internet enabled device 310. The wireless communication can make use of any one of a number of different available wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth. The physiological data is useful in monitoring the intensity of the player's workout using training machine 10 as well as the player's fatigue and recovery, and can be used to dynamically vary the tempo, pace, range, or duration of a workout.

Player motion monitor 304 is a wearable device or group of devices that can be used to measure specific movements of a player to provide data for coaches and the players to evaluate and improve technique and form. Player motion monitor 304 may be in the form of elastic bands positioned at strategic positions such as wrist and elbow, or a sleeve worn on the player's shooting arm, or a shirt or jersey, or some other form of wearing apparel. In each case, the wearing apparel carries multiple motion sensors (such as solid state accelerometers) that sense movement at specific locations on the player's body that are important for evaluation of the player's form and technique. The data collected by the set of motion sensors is transmitted wirelessly by monitor 304 to basketball training machine 10 or to internet enabled device 310. One example of a player motion monitor is a Vibrado basketball sleeve by Vibrado Technologies of Sunnyvale, Calif.

The motion sensed by player motion monitor 304 can be used in determining a number of important criteria relating to the player's form and technique. By placing a sensor near the player's wrist, another near the player's elbow and another at the player's shoulder, data can be gathered to determine the arm movement used by the player in taking the shot. This can include the position of a player's wrist and hand when the ball is released, the orientation of the player's elbow (e.g. laterally inward or outward with respect to the wrist), the location of the player's elbow (i.e. forward or rearward with respect to the wrist or shoulder), the orientation of the forearm (i.e. what degree with respect to vertical), the follow through form and hold time of the hand and wrist, the height at which the ball was released, and the extent the player jumped as part of taking the shot. In addition, the release time from catching the ball to releasing the shot can be derived from sensed motion, particularly at the hand and wrist area. This same data can be used to estimate the arc of the shot taken by the player. Player motion monitor 304 can also be used to monitor jump height when the player shoots jump shots. In other embodiments, only one sensor or sensors at different locations may be used to determine form and technique.

Player motion monitor 304 provides another useful set of data when the workout being conducted by system 300 involves not only shooting the basketball, but other forms of exercise such as pushups, burpies, etc. The motion sensors of player motion monitor 304 provide data during the exercise segments of the workout to show compliance of the player with the specified exercise, and can be used in conjunction with heart rate data to evaluate the intensity and effectiveness of the exercise in maintaining the desired intensity level throughout the workout. Player motion data may also be used to vary tempo, pace, range, or duration of a workout.

Ball motion monitor 306 provides data wirelessly to training machine 10 or internet enabled device 310 to indicate the motion of the ball during the shooting practice. Basketballs that incorporate motion sensors have been developed, and include the 94 Fifty Smart Sensor basketball and the Wilson Smart Basketball. The data provided by ball motion monitor 46 can be used to determine arc of the shot taken with that ball, and the rotation on the ball. In addition, data from ball motion monitor 46 can be used in calculating release time. Data from monitor 46 will indicate when the ball is caught, as well as when the ball is released. With that data, the release time, which indicates how quickly the player was able to take a shot after receiving the ball, can be calculated. Other forms of ball motion monitors, which include sensors external to the ball, such as video cameras, could also be used to provide so or all of the data. Other data, including release time, dribble force, and number of dribbles before a shot is taken can also be gathered. Movement of the player, for example to the left or to the right, before shooting may also be included in data that is gathered.

In one embodiment, the data collected by monitors 302, 304, and 306 are transmitted wirelessly to machine 10. This allows machine 10 to gather and synchronize the data from monitors 302, 304, and 306 with machine data including shots taken and shots made and the location on the floor where the ball was delivered (and from where the shot was taken). In this embodiment, basketball training machine 10 gathers and organizes the data and then delivers it to internet enabled device 310. Device 310 may be, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, or a laptop computer that is capable of receiving wireless transmissions from training device 10, and is also capable of communication over the internet with website 312. Device 310 can, in some cases, have limited data processing ability. In that case, the purpose of device 310 is to provide a communication link between training system 300 and website 312, where data analysis takes place. After the data has been analyzed website 312, internet enabled device 310 can request and receive data so that the player and others, such as the player's coach can review the results of the workout.

In other embodiments, internet enabled device 310 includes an application program that allows it to perform data analysis on the data from monitors 302, 304, and 306 as well as the machine data from basketball training machine 10. In this case, device 310 provides analysis and generates a report for use by the player and the player's coach. That data would then be uploaded through the internet to website 312, where it is stored in the database so that the player, the coach, and any other person having permission to view the workout data can review that data and the data analysis reports at a later time.

Website 312 also includes a workout server that provides instructions for performing different workouts involving different basketball shooting drills, as well as workouts that involve both basketball shooting drills as well as exercise segments. The player or the player's coach can select workouts from the workout server from a library of available workouts that can be displayed on device 310. A coach may also create workouts for specific players based upon game statistics, such as shots taken and shots made by a specific player at various locations on the court. In addition, a schedule of workouts can be established which will automatically be pushed by website 312 to device 310 at the appropriate dates and times. Thus, system 300 can be programmed to operate in a way that will lead the player through a workout. Verbal instructions can be provided to the player through wireless speakers 308.

One example of the workout involving both shooting and exercise segments is as follows. First, the player is instructed to make ten shots at location A on the floor. When the first shooting drill has been completed, the player is instructed to perform ten pushups. Using data from the player motion monitor, system 10 can monitor compliance by the player, and end the first exercise segment after ten pushups have been completed. The system can also monitor the length of time that it took to complete the exercise, and the physiological condition of the player (e.g. the heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, blood pressure, perspiration, or blood oxygenation) during the exercise segment can also be monitored and stored. Shooting analytics can also be monitored and stored.

The next shooting drill may require the player to make five consecutive shots at position B. Basketball training machine 10 changes the direction that the ball is delivered to position B and monitors main shots until the player has successfully made five shots in a row. After the second shooting drill is completed, another exercise segment may be specified. In this case, it may be ten burpies. Alternatively, the player may be instructed to run in place for a specified period of time or until a specified physiological condition has been achieved (e.g. a heart rate of 160 beats per minute). The workout will continue until all of the shooting drills and exercises have been completed. At that point, the data that has been gathered will be transferred from basketball training machine 10 to internet enabled device 310 (or alternatively will have already been gathered by wireless communication device 310). Data analysis can then be performed and a report provided on the results of the workout.

The amount of information that can be provided to the player or the player's coach can be a function of the type of workout, or may be selectable by the player or the coach. Examples of information that can be reported include feedback on the shooting technique and form such as: (a) arc of shots taken, (b) the form including shoulder, elbow, and forearm orientation, (c) how long a follow through was held, (d) whether the shooter had any type of hitch or tilt back in his or her shooting form, (e) release time, and (f) jumping data such the vertical height jumped when taking a shot, as well as the hang time.

Depending on the particular drill, the workout segments may be modifiable. In other cases, the drill may be standardized and not modifiable so that data from the workout can be compared to data collected from others using the same machine or other machines. In some embodiments, different levels of difficulty can be associated with the workouts, such as high school, college, professional, etc.

Shooting statistics can also be provided. These can include shooting percentage as a function of arc and one or more parameters. Examples include shooting percentage as a function of arc and heart rate, shooting percentage as a function of arc and location on the floor, and shooting percentage as a function of arc, heart rate, and location on the floor.

With the information on form and technique that has been gathered using monitors 304 and 306, comparisons can be provided between the player's form and technique and the form or technique of players known to have desirable form and technique when shooting. The player can see how his or her form compares to the pros.

If a player is working on a particular aspect of his or her shooting form, a special report could be generated correlating shots made and missed to that particular aspect of the player's form. This can give a player more feedback and reinforcement in real time or near real time to help in improving the player's skills.

The physiological data can be used by both players and coaches to determine whether the intensity of the workouts being performed by the player are simulating game conditions. For example, if the data shows that the workouts are being performed at a level at which the heart rate is slightly elevated, but well below the heart rate normally present in game conditions, this can be an indicator to the player and the player's coach that the workout should be performed faster or it should incorporate exercises which will help elevate the player's heart rate in order to simulate the conditions encountered during real game situations.

In some cases, ball movement monitor 306 may not be available or may not be used. The information from physiological monitor 302 and player motion monitor 304 can still be used to provide a large amount of meaningful data for the player and the player's coach.

As discussed previously, wireless communication for monitors 302, 304, and 306 can be made directly to internet enabled device 310, rather than through basketball training machine 10. This reduces the complexity required for the electronics and programming of device 10. A further advantage is that device 310 is portable, and does not have to stay with device 10. The data that has been collected can remain on device 310 and at website 312, rather than being stored at training device 10.

In other embodiments, the functionality of internet enabled device 310 can be integrated into basketball training device 10. This reduces a number of separate parts of the system, and may reduce some of the wireless communication traffic that is needed to transfer data between basketball training device 10 and internet enabled device 310.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A basketball training system comprising:

a basketball training machine that delivers basketballs to a player, collects basketballs shot by the player, and produces machine data relating to shots taken and shots made;

a wearable physiological monitor that produces physiological data representing physiological condition of the player;

a wearable player motion monitor that produces player motion data representing movement at one or more body locations on the player; and

a programmed device for analyzing the machine data, physiological data, and player motion data and provides reports relating to player shooting performance, conditioning intensity, and shooting form and technique.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the basketball training machine provides workout instructions to the player based upon a stored workout program, and delivers basketballs to the player based upon the stored workout program.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the workout instructions include shooting drill instructions and exercise instructions.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the workout instructions are delivered through a wireless speaker, or a visual display, or both.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein player motion data collected during exercise segments of a workout are used by the programmed device to determine compliance of the player with the exercise instructions.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the player motion monitor includes sensors located to sense movement of the player's wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the physiological monitor senses one or more of heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, blood pressure, perspiration, blood oxygenation, lactic acid, muscle fatigue, and muscle recovery.

8. The system of claim 1 and further comprising:

a ball motion monitor that provides ball motion data that indicates motion of a basketball during shooting practice;

wherein the programmed device analyzes the data from the ball motion monitor and provides reports relating to rotation, arc, and release time of shot basketballs.

9. A basketball training system comprising:

a basketball training machine that delivers basketballs to a player, collects basketballs shot by the player, and produces machine data relating to shots taken and shots made;

a wearable player motion monitor that produces player motion data representing movement at one or more body locations on the player; and

a programmed device for analyzing the machine data and player motion data and provides reports relating to player shooting performance and shooting form and technique.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the basketball training machine provides workout instructions to the player based upon a stored workout program, and delivers basketballs to the player based upon the stored workout program.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the workout instructions include shooting drill instructions and exercise instructions.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the workout instructions are delivered through a wireless speaker.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein player motion data collected during exercise segments of a workout are used by the programmed device to determine compliance of the player with the exercise instructions.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the player motion monitor includes sensors located to sense movement of the player's wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the programmed device estimates arc of shot basketballs based on player motion data from the player motion monitor.

16. A basketball training system comprising:

a basketball training machine that delivers basketballs to a player, collects basketballs shot by the player, and produces machine data relating to shots taken and shots made;

a wearable physiological monitor that produces physiological data representing physiological condition of the player;

a ball motion monitor that produces ball motion data representing movement of a basketball being shot; and

a programmed device for analyzing the machine data, physiological data, and player motion data and provides reports relating to player shooting performance, conditioning intensity, and ball arc and rotation.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the basketball training machine provides workout instructions to the player based upon a stored workout program, and delivers basketballs to the player based upon the stored workout program.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the workout instructions include shooting drill instructions and exercise instructions.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein player motion data collected during exercise segments of a workout are used by the programmed device to determine compliance of the player with the exercise instructions.

20. A basketball training system comprising:

a basketball training machine that delivers basketballs to a player, collects basketballs shot by the player, and produces machine data relating to shots taken and shots made;

a ball motion monitor that produces ball motion data movement of a basketball being shot;

a wearable player motion monitor that produces player motion data representing movement at one or more body locations on the player; and

a programmed device for analyzing the machine data, ball motion data, and player motion data and provides reports relating to player shooting performance and shooting form and technique.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the player motion monitor includes sensors located to sense movement of the player's wrist, elbow, and shoulder.