Abstract: A production slate device may include a first arm having a first distal end, and a second arm having a second distal end. A hinge may movably couple the arms together so that the first distal end and second distal end form the portions of the arms that are distal to the hinge, and the hinge may enable the device to be moved into and between a closed position, in which the distal ends are proximate to or in contact with each other, and an open position, in which the distal ends are moved apart from each other. A board plate may be coupled to the second arm. The board plate may have a board length dimension (BL), and the second arm may have a total length dimension (TL). Preferably, the BL is less than 80 percent of the TL.

Abstract: A programmable device configured for education and entertainment is described. In one embodiment, the programmable device includes a circuit board with a magnetic reed switch and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), speakers, and other electronic components. In one embodiment, the magnetic reed switch is configured to activate one or more modes of the programmable device. The LEDs is configured to display a pattern of light. The speakers are configured to emit audio. In one embodiment, the programmable device includes a polymer disk with a cylindrical receptacle to connect the programmable device to the polymer disk.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a folder including a magnetic closure adapted for use in a visual management system. The folder includes a back flap and a front flap that cooperate to define a storage area for papers. The magnetic closure is configured to selectively hold the folder in a closed position.

Abstract: The sports training system of the present invention is preferably used in association with the sport of basketball to improve a player's shooting and dribbling fundamentals. The system includes a tower positioned between the player shooting the ball and the basketball hoop. The tower requires the player to shoot the ball over the top of the tower. The act of shooting the ball over the tower requires the player to have a preferred release angle, which in turn, causes the ball to descend towards the hoop at a preferred entrance angle. The system also includes a pad configured to be stood upon by the player, which ensures that the player's feet are properly aligned with the basketball hoop. The system may also have a core training apparatus to improve a player's dribbling fundamentals by requiring the player to dribble the ball in a crouched athletic stance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing direct assistance and instruction to hand placement on balls and other sporting good equipment to improve the skills for those trying to learn the sport, including but not limited to young children where early habits are formed. Without proper assistance and instruction, bad habits for hand placement are formed and limit the ability for anyone to truly excel or just enjoy the sport.

Abstract: A sports board training apparatus. Implementations may include a front surface and a rear surface, the front surface including a mock board layout resembling a basketball court. A plurality of lights may be mounted on the locations on the mock board layout corresponding with a plurality of shot locations. A timing clock may be mounted above the top side of the mock board layout and one or more game control buttons may be mounted on the mock board layout. One or more switches may be mounted on the rear surface. A microprocessor may be included and adapted to actuate each of the plurality of lights, receive inputs from the one or more game control buttons, and to receive signal from the one or more switches. The microprocessor, the plurality of lights, the timing clock, and the one or more switches may be electrically coupled with an electrical power supply.

Abstract: This document generally describes techniques, methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a three-dimensional (“3D”) sports playbook. Such a playbook may permit someone like a football, basketball, or soccer coach to see a play executed in a classic X's and O's overhead two-dimensional (“2D”) view, and also in a 3D view.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method that includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data reflecting motion of a sporting device during one or more drills performed by an athlete. The method also includes creating and storing action data by identifying a plurality of portions of the motion data, where each of the portions correspond to one or more actions by the athlete; comparing the action data for the athlete, with the computer system, to corresponding aggregated action data for a plurality of other athletes to determine a relative skill level for the athlete with respect to the one or more actions; and generating data for a report that reflects the relative development level of the athlete.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method and apparatus for training a basketball player proper movement of a player's feet. The method includes positioning a stand at a generally central location in front of a player's body, with a first foot slightly ahead of the second. The ball is positioned on the stand, then the player grabs the ball from the stand, steps over the stand, squares up to the basket and shoots the ball.

Abstract: Methods and equipment to improve the visual ability of a subject during athletic activities are provided. One such method includes configuring a sporting object to visually approximate the appearance of a background or configuring a background to visually approximate the appearance of a sporting object. A subject may then train using the sporting object visually in front of the low contrast background. A background where the visual appearance of the background comprises at least one depiction of the sporting object may be used. A subject may then train using the sporting object visually in front of the background.

Abstract: A basketball training aid comprising an axle component and a ball component mounted on the axle component so that the rectilinear axis of the axle component is substantially coincident with a diametric axis of the ball component and so as to be rotatable about the axis of the axle component.

Abstract: A portable basketball training device and method for creating visual distractions adjacent to an elevated transparent basketball backboard in the vicinity of the rim to facilitate increasing a player's concentration, focus, skill and accuracy in goal shooting. The device includes a housing mounted on the backboard that contains a motorized reciprocating member, and a plurality of movable vision distracters disposed on a back side of the backboard suspended from the reciprocating member having body portions extending downwardly from the housing in the vicinity of the rim which swing or bounce from side behind the backboard in the vicinity of the rim. This motion tends to distract the player's attention and cause them to lose their concentration on making the shot. However, over time, a player will learn to increase their concentration and focus to overcome this distraction, and thereby enhance their skill and accuracy in goal shooting.

Abstract: A system and method for training a subject for control processes, preferably for a particular task. The task may optionally comprise a sport, such as basketball for example; additionally or alternatively, the task may comprise an area of skills to be improved, such as general improvement of physical reflexes and/or reactions. The present invention enables cognitive skills associated with the task to be improved, without requiring physical fidelity to the physical actions that are normally performed during the actual task. Improving these cognitive skills results in improved control processes during performance of the actual task by the subject.

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 basketball training aid designed to teach a user how to correctly grip, set up, and release a basketball. The device includes a material that wraps around the top (prone side) of the hand and bottom half of the underside (supine side) of the hand, without limiting wrist extension and flexion during a basketball shot. The glove includes a splint support material on top of the index, middle, and ring fingers, running from the middle of the digits to the bottom half of the top (prone side) of hand. The splint support material prevents premature finger flexion at the base of the fingers during the release of the shot, ensuring an open hand at follow through. Additionally, the design encourages proper finger separation and proper extension of wrist joint on set up, keeps the ball off the palm of the hand, and promotes proper position for dribbling a basketball effectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving a basketball players's shooting skills. A basketball player's shooting skills are improved by aligning a shooting arm with a mirror containing a guiding chaser light. A players's arm follows the vertical movement of the light to the rim in a straight motion, as the basketball is released. This action correctly positions the players' arm in reference to the chaser light bulb. Once a shooting throw is taken, using the product, it will enable the player to achieve the correct arc and trajectory release. The mirror containing the guiding chaser light is placed between the shooter and the basketball rim at any distance allowing the shooter to have visual contact with both the target and the mirror itself, simultaneously, allowing self-correction to take place. The method promotes three vital ingredients to increase correct shooting skills: 1. Muscle memory; 2. Hand and eye coordination; and 3. Allows the shooter to square up correctly.

Abstract: The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface which may include a first plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, which may include a second plurality of raised dimples arranged thereon. The first surface has a first marking thereon and the second surface has a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game.

Abstract: The use of spot locations that are freely movable with respect to one another and that include different uses for each side is an improvement over the prior art. A basketball game includes at least one ball, a playing surface, a support structure, a backboard, a hoop, and a plurality of spot locations, and may further include a timekeeping device. Each spot location has a first surface with a first marking thereon and a second surface, in opposition to the first surface, with a second marking thereon. On at least one spot location, the first marking differs from the second marking. The different markings and the mobility of the spot locations relative to one another allow for a greater number of different, creative sets of rules using fewer spot locations. Additionally, a basketball game package and method of playing a basketball game utilize aspects of the basketball game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing basketball and in particular to a method comprising providing a rectangular region defining a game play surface; providing a goal defined by a hoop located over each the in paint region; and scoring points during game play as follows: a player standing, within the in paint region, and shooting a ball through the goal scores one point; the player standing, within region between the in paint region and the three-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores two points; the player standing, within region between the three-point line and the four-point line, and shooting the ball through the goal scores three-points; and the player standing, within the four-point region, and shooting the ball through the goal scores four-points.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to predicting outcome in a sporting environment are described. The methods and apparatus are used to relate trajectory performance of an object to body motions and body orientation associated with a generating the trajectory of the object. When equipment is utilized to generate the trajectory of an object, than the effects of equipment motions and equipment orientation can be also related to trajectory performance. The method and apparatus can be used to predict body motions and body orientations that increase the likelihood of achieving a desired outcome including specifying optimum motions and orientations for a particular individual. The method and apparatus may be used in training, coaching and broadcasting environments.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing sports instruction are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of each of a plurality of instructors entering a name and one or more credentials into a server based data storage unit and each of the plurality of students selecting one of the plurality of instructors based on the one or more credentials. At a server, one or more uploaded files are received from each of the plurality of students and they are stored in the data storage unit. A selected one of the plurality of instructors reviews the uploaded files and provides instruction based on the uploaded files. The students can rate the instructors based on their experience. Other aspects of online sports instruction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A training aid for improving a player's skill in shooting a basketball. The training aid includes a substantially planar surface and foot positioning indicia viewable on the planar surface. The foot positioning indicia include a lead foot indicia and a plurality of trailing foot indicia. Each of the trailing foot indicia define a separate foot placement position for the player's trailing foot wherein the training aid is usable by players having different sizes by selecting one of the plurality trailing foot indicia appropriate for the size of the player and using the lead foot indicia and the selected one of the trailing foot indicia to define suitable lead and trailing foot positions for the player when shooting the basketball. The planar surface may take the form of the upper surface of a floor mat repositionable on the court and having alignment indicia for properly positioning the mat.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A device is described for introducing variation in athletic training and competitive events. This device maintains an internal state that occupies one of several allowed values. Depending upon the selected configuration, the device changes internal state at regular or irregular intervals, progresses through its allowed values sequentially or in random order, and spends a different designated fraction of time in each state. This variable and typically unpredictable state is presented to the field of play where one or more athletes receive the information and react to it as a change in their athletic training or game environment.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A basketball shooting aid having visually distinctive designs, configurations and colors for the purpose of sending immediate visual feedback to the athlete, informing the athlete whether the proper technique was employed in the athlete's grip of the basketball, the athlete's release of the shot and the arc and rotation of the basketball during flight. An equatorial track is disposed between a first and second lines defining a first hemispherical half and a second hemispherical half, and the equatorial track further including alternating color members displayed thereon. The basketball shooting aid including a first patch displayed within the first hemispherical half abutting the first line, and a second patch displayed within the second hemispherical half abutting the second line, wherein the first patch and the second patch are on the same axis. For proper gripping of the basketball shooting aid, a first and second outlined hand are displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an educational basketball game device, comprising a backboard which houses cheer lights outlining perimeter, a score display, a target, a hoop, and a sensor, an extendable pole which is made of two parts an upper part and a lower part, and a progress display made of several portions which illuminate game progress, and a baseboard which houses speakers, an extendable foul line and wheels. Also, the present invention provides a method for educating a game of basketball with an educational basketball game device. The educational method incorporates playing of recordings that cheer the player to make a shot, encourage the player to aim at target, motivate to keep practicing and getting the ball in the hoop. In addition, the educational method uses cheer lights to acknowledge success. Additionally, a visual display showing a cheering crowd of fans will light up when a goal is achieved.

Abstract: A basketball training apparatus for improving shooting skills and accuracy on all playing levels. The basketball training apparatus is adapted for use with a basketball rim placed above a playing surface, and comprises a base on the playing surface beneath the basketball rim, a plurality of arms extending in radial directions from the base, a plurality of shooting markers spaced apart along the length of each arm, and vision markers attached to the basketball rim. Each vision marker is radially aligned with a corresponding one of the arms. With this arrangement, a user, when standing on one of the shooting markers and facing the basketball rim, is provided with visual shooting assistance as a result of the arm being radially aligned with one of the vision markers located on a region of the basketball rim that is nearest the user.

Abstract: An item of sports equipment having functional markings and informational markings provided thereon, the functional markings serving to place a user's hand on the item, and the informational markings conveying information about use of the item.

Abstract: A child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit for teaching a child between the ages of 3 and 6 to tie shoes and dress oneself. The child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit includes a pair of strap members each having an outer side and first and second longitudinal edges and being adapted to fasten about thighs of seated users; and also includes a pair of shoe members being removably fastened upon the outer sides of the strap members and having shoe lace holes therein; and further includes shoe laces for lacing up the shoe members; and also includes fastening members being attached to the strap members and to the shoe members.

Abstract: An apparatus for training body movements in athletics includes a waist strap configured for attachment around the torso of a wearer and having a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto, and a shoulder strap configured for attachment around the wearer's shoulders and having two cooperating ends. The shoulder strap is configured to extend around the wearer's shoulders and under the wearer's arms such that the cooperating ends are connectable together at a point located substantially between the wearer's shoulder blades. The shoulder strap further includes a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto. The apparatus may further include leg straps configured for attachment around the wearer's legs and arm straps configured for attachment around the wearer's arms. The leg and arm straps may each include a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto.

Abstract: The organizer (10) includes a traditional ringed binder (12) which contains a strategy page (20), a storage page (40), a player position page (50), and magnetic player pieces (60). The strategy page includes a strategy board bearing a plan view of a playing field of a team sport which can be written on with a marker and disposed on the first surface of the page, and a roster board (25) on its opposite surface which includes a matrix having players' names, positions for the players and time played, and an open space below the matrix for notes by the coach. The storage page (40) and the position page (50) are both made of a ferrous metal, and magnetic player pieces (60) are releasably affixed to the storage page (40) and the position page (50) to provide instructions to the players.

Abstract: A training apparatus has a primary frame structure including a pair of base members, first and second vertical post assemblies each including a lower vertical post member attachable to a respective base member and an upper vertical post member telescopically received within the lower vertical post members and selectively positionable relative thereto to adjust a height of a top end of the upper vertical post member, and a horizontal cross beam assembly including a pair of elongate cross beam members. The top ends of the upper vertical post members are provided with receptacles for receipt of outboard ends of the cross beam members so that the horizontal cross beam assembly spans between the spaced apart vertical post assemblies at a selected, adjusted height above the floor.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus the AB Challenger Apparatus, is an exercise device which is comprised of light cylindrical straight and curved components, which are easily assembled by the use of cylindrical joints. The apparatus described herein is particularly recommended for strengthening all abdominal muscles, serratus anterior, chest muscles, anterior deltoids, flexor groups of the hand and leg muscles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing timed basketball drills includes one or more ball return units, a basketball goal assembly, a timer/counter, and one or more remote transmitters. The timer/counter senses, processes, stores, and displays the number of balls thrown at and returned from the one or more ball return untis and/or the number of successful shots to the basketball goal assembly. The remote transmitter provides an encoded signal to the timer/counter from either the one or more ball return units or the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: A shooting aid for basketball players designed to keep the elbow of the shooting arm in towards the center line of the body during shooting. The shooting aid comprises a sleeve adapted to fit around the shooting arm of the basketball player; a clip adapted to be secured to clothing worn by the basketball player; and an elastic cord with two ends having one end attached to the sleeve and the other end attached to the clip, wherein the cord is of sufficient length to restrain the position of the player's shooting arm when the player shoots a basketball. In another embodiment, a belt adapted to be worn by the player can be used instead of the clip.

Abstract: A realistic, graphic, sport-related instruction board is provided which includes a board structure made of transparent, durable material having a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface. Disposed inside the board structure is a display panel which has at least one realistic, graphic, sport-related surface printed thereon. In an alternative embodiment, the display panel has two realistic, graphic, sport-related surfaces printed on opposite surfaces. A writing instrument containing dry-erasable ink is removably attached to the top or bottom surface of the writing board. By disposing the display panel inside the transparent board structure, viewers can see the display panel's realistic graphic surfaces when viewing the board structure. Coaches can write directly on the surface of the board structure directly over selected areas sport-related surface to instruct players how to play the sport.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the assessment and biofeedback training of coordination skills of a subject critical to maximizing the power and accuracy of athletic ball-strike activities. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides for assessment and biofeedback training of weight bearing and center of gravity control under conditions requiring the athlete to strike a ball such that the distance and direction of flight trajectory of the ball are accurate relative to a performance goal. One embodiment of the invention includes a body movement sensor, a ball strike sensor, a display, and a computer. The body movement sensor provides an output indicative of the motion of the subject's body over a period of time including the moment of ball strike. The computer causes the display to show both a trajectory of the motion of the subject's body and the moment of ball strike in relation to a region of the trajectory.

Abstract: An athletic training device comprising a base, an upright supported by the base, and a planar training shape simulative of a human athlete, including head, torso, arms and legs, mounted on said upright. The vertical height of the training shape is adjustable, and the arms articulate at the elbows and shoulders so that the position of the arms is adjustable. The training shape will remain at a predetermined height with the arms in a predetermined posture, so that the training device will represent an opponent at the precise posture and position for which the ball handler seeks to develop the countermove. Once the simulated opponent is countered at a first position and height, the height of the opponent can be raised in the same way that a track and field high jumper will raise the bar once he comfortably clears a given height.

Abstract: An athletic glove especially adapted for handling a basketball includes a palm layer and a top layer sewn together at their lateral edges to provide a substantially partially thumbless, fingertipless, wristless, four fingered glove body construction having the outer surface of the palm layer being covered by a plurality of rubberized protruding friction elements having a hemispherical shape substantially the same size and shape as protruding elements upon the surface of a basketball. The palm layer and the top layer are made of a spandex type material adapted to stretch and closely conform to the anatomy of the hand of a wearer of the basketball glove. The glove resists rotation and reversal of direction of a moving basketball approaching and contacting the hand of a basketball player. The glove also dampens impact, so that the basketball has less of a tendency to jump out of the hands of a player during a fast moving basketball game.

Abstract: A portable game board structure is arranged to provide for coaches and the like to illustrate various plays and examples relative to a game playing situation. The game board includes a rigid perimeter having a central opening, with one of a plurality of game boards mounted to the perimeter centrally oriented relative to the opening. Clip structure mounted relative to the opening is arranged to selectively secure the game boards thereto, with magnetic tokens utilized to indicate opposing teams in illustrative strategy play. The tokens, as well as a white writing instrument, are magnetically adhered to a perimeter frame portion of the game board apparatus.

Abstract: A portable, free-standing visual aid designed to be used by coaches, teachers and other group leaders. The invention incorporates a large chalkboard, a chalk tray, sliding, two-sided inserts, a storage pocket for the inserts, and a smaller storage pocket for other items. It has a handle for portability. Some models use releasable fasteners to hold a chalk holder and eraser.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball game monitoring unit capable of sensing shots attempted and shots made in normal play and shots attempted and shots made from a spot location and further adjusting the score for the time a player remains in the air when shooting from the spot location; the unit acting to calculate, store, and display total time in play, total score, total percent of baskets made of total baskets attempted and total score shooting from the spot location for each of two backboard hoop assemblies.

Abstract: A training device for training one player of a game, such as basketball, to closely follow another player of the game, comprises a body-worn member to be worn by the one player; a tether fixed at one end to the body-worn member; and a quickly attachable-detachable connector element carried at the opposite end of the tether for attachment to a mating connector element carried by another training device to be worn by another player.

Abstract: A folder is especially designed for use by an athletic coach or instructor. The folder includes a pair of stiff, rectangular supports or covers joined in the folding fashion by a linear hinge. On both the interior and exterior surface of at least one of the covers there are a plurality of releasable fastening elements, such as velcro pads. A rectangular chalkboard is provided having a top surface permanently marked with a diagram of the competition area and demarkation lines an athletic sport. The undersurface of the chalkboard is equipped with second, mating releasable fastener elements, that are releasably engageable with the first fastening elements. A magnetic board is likewise provided having a top surface permanently marked with a diagram of the competition area and demarkation lines of an athletic sport with the undersurface of the magnetic board equipped with second releasable fastening elements arranged in the same mirror image pattern as that on the surfaces of the cover.

Abstract: A sensing frame is positioned so that a basketball will pass through a rectangular shaped opening in the sensing frame when a free throw shooter shoots the basketball towards a goal. The sensing frame has a beam of light directed across it above the top of the desired path of the basketball for the basketball to enter the goal and a second beam of light directed across it below the desired path of the basketball to enter the goal. If either of these beams of light is broken, different alarm signals indicate to the shooter whether the path of the basketball is high or low. The sensing frame is adjustable both vertically and about a horizontal axis to enable the desired positioning of the sensing frame relative to the shooter.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially observing player positions in predetermined game plays includes a player position matrix in the form of a playing field including a plurality of L.E.D. indicators for designating various player and ball positions. A memory includes a plurality of play sequences each comprising a plurality of player positions. A keyboard control enables selection of one of the play sequences so that the changing positions of the players and ball will be visibly and sequentially imposed on the matrix through the memory to visibly display the progressive development of a play to its conclusion. The method comprises actuating the keyboard control to select one of the play sequences and to visibly and sequentially display the changing positions of the players and ball on the playing field matrix.