Abstract: A computer-implemented American soccer training and evaluation method that includes subjecting a drilling user to predefined drilling protocol(s) of a plurality of American soccer drilling assemblies and obtain, from each pre-defined drilling protocol(s) of the plurality of American soccer drilling assemblies and from at least one sensor on each of the assemblies, at least one user physical characteristic of the drilling user. The user physical characteristic is communicated to an administrative server over a network, where it is stored and used to create a drilling user performance profile having individualized performance comparisons with respect to the at least one user physical characteristic of the drilling user and a performance benchmark. Then, the drilling user performance profile is communicated to at least one of a plurality of electronic computing devices of a plurality of consuming users for evaluation and review.

Abstract: A tennis training device used for tennis training with a tennis trainer, including a batting component, a rebounding net component which can be separated, a controller, a microphone and an LED lamp which are connected with the controller. The batting component includes an adjustable bracket group and a batting cloth connected to the bracket group. An upper end of the batting cloth is provided with a ball receiving barrel and a ball guiding tube connected with the ball receiving barrel. Protecting nets are arranged on both sides of the batting cloth. The rebounding net component includes a supporting rod and a rebounding net plate movably arranged on the supporting rod. A tennis training system conducting training information interaction with the tennis trainer through the above tennis training device, which is connected with an application program on a mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to locate a three dimensional object and to execute a predetermined operation on said object, such as playing carom is disclosed. The apparatus includes a robot (200) having an end effect or (202) mounted on a gantry frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of imaging sensors mounted at predetermined positions in said gantry frame. A data processing system (computer) (214) is provided in communication with said robot (200) and said imaging sensors. Further a controller 216 connected to said data processing system (214) to regulate the functions of said data processing system. The end-effect or (202) provided in the robot (200) consists of at least two degrees of freedom, one for rotational (302) and other for transmitting force (306a).

Abstract: A sports simulation robot for playing games and drills on a standard court or field during which the robot will simulate the competitive play of a human opponent with specific playing characteristics such as strategy, physicality, playing style and skill level.

Abstract: A portable and easily foldable sport net 50 includes a ball return system wherein balls 930 or other projectiles are stopped and gently rolled back to the user. A frame system 200 may include spring steel or fiberglass and may further includes front frame members 210, rear frame members 220 and lower lateral frame members 230. An inside net 100 is attached or integrated into the front frame members 210 and the inside net 100 has little contact or attachment to the rear frame members 220. The judicious use of netting material and other components result in a lightweight and easy to assemble sport net. Embodiments feature two lateral voids 250 and a rear void 240 which provide an economy of construction and efficiency of use.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a sports equipment collection and return device including: a vacuum tube terminating in an opening; a return adapted and configured to return the sports equipment to a user; and a vacuum source adapted and configured to apply vacuum to the vacuum tube to draw the sports equipment from the inlet to the return.

Abstract: A sports simulation robot for playing games and drills on a standard court or field during which the robot will simulate the competitive play of a human opponent with specific playing characteristics such as strategy, physicality, playing style and skill level.

Abstract: A lacrosse training and competitive game installation includes an elongated enclosed space having side walls and a goal area adjacent one end thereof and a player area at an opposite end thereof. The goal area includes a rear wall and one or more forward projecting side baffle regions projecting forward from the rear wall of the goal area. Each of the one or more side baffle regions has one or more throwing apertures through which lacrosse balls are hurled into the enclosed space in sequence. A ball projector assembly is mounted behind each baffle adjacent each of the throwing apertures for hurling the lacrosse balls into the enclosed space simulating passed balls between players. A simulated goal is preferably rotatable in the goal area for throwing and shooting of balls at various angles to a goal. Balls are collected from the goal area and delivered to each ball projector assembly.

Abstract: A ball target assembly includes a support that includes a front wall having a front side, a back side and a perimeter edge extending between the front and back sides. The front wall has an opening therein extending into the front side and outwardly of the back side. A rear wall is hingedly coupled to the front wall along an upper edge of the front wall and an upper edge of the rear wall. A ball catch is mounted to the back side and covers the opening. The ball catch is formed of a loose material configured to catch and retain a ball thrown through the opening.

Abstract: An automatic collection method for collecting one or more spherical game elements that may be struck by a striking element is disclosed.

Abstract: A ball sports practice device is disclosed having a forward facing ball capture enclosure and a rear facing rebound structure. The angle between the ball capture enclosure and the rebound structure may be adjusted to support the device to a plurality of use positions on a support surface. An optional support arm may be included to maintain or limit the angle between the capture enclosure and the rebound structure.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device.

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: The automatic ball collection system contains a blower sub-system and a collection device. The blower sub-system drives the balls on the ground towards the collection device, and the balls are then automatically collected by the collection device. The blower sub-system contains a number of blowing devices configured at the corners capable of producing air flow substantially along ground surface so as to push the balls to roll towards the collection device. As such, the players' time and effort in constant bending and picking up balls, and the possible injury resulted as such are avoided.

Abstract: A sports training device to practice shooting, kicking, throwing, launching or hitting a sports projectile such as a baseball, golf ball or ice hockey puck; comprising of a tether attached to the projectile, and an electromechanical drive mechanism to act on the tether to return the projectile. In the case of baseball hitting practice, a batter would hit a ball attached to the tether; the ball would travel the length of the tether. The other end of the tether would be secured to the device body. The batter would activate the device to return the ball. The drive mechanism consists of a drive roller attached to a motor, and an idler roller attached to a lever. After the tether is let out the user depresses the lever, pinching the tether between the rollers and activating the motor simultaneously, thus hauling the tether. The tether coils upon itself when it returns.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for collecting and returning basketballs includes a ball collector, with a top opening and a bottom opening, and a ball returner. The ball returner is connected to a base for receiving balls from the bottom opening of the ball collector and returning the balls to a user. A rotatable support mechanism connects the ball collector to the base so that the ball collector is rotatable with respect to the base and the ball returner.

Abstract: A pitching machine configured for adjustment by a user, and including a pitching head, a first macro-adjustment device and a first micro-adjustment device. The pitching head is situated atop a stand. The pitching head includes a first wheel spaced apart from an opposing surface and a first motor for driving the first wheel. The first macro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head and includes a first locking assembly that, when loosened, allows manual rotation of the pitching head about a first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device is coupled to the pitching head, and includes a first adjusting element that, when repositioned, incrementally rotates the pitching head about the first pivot axis. The first micro-adjustment device configured for operation by a single hand of a user, and the first macro-adjustment device retaining the pitching head in a secure position during adjustment of the first micro-adjustment device.

Abstract: An air driven ball return pitching apparatus that is unique in that the motor, when activated creates a vacuum zone on part of the system and a pressurized zone on the remainder of the system. The motor housing is equipped with a blower that acts upon the system through a Y connection in the pipe. When activated the blower forces air into the pressurized zone and creates the vacuum in that zone. The ball is pitched at the target of the back stop; the ball falls to the bottom which is graded to direct the ball to the return system. The vacuum acts upon the ball causing it to enter the return system and travel to the motor housing where it switches zones into the pressurized zone returning the ball to the pitching position for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a basketball return machine which may be utilized with either a goal unit or a stand-alone basketball goal. Either or both of the basketball return machine and goal unit may be fixed in location or transportable. The machine collects basketballs that are shot in the direction of a basketball goal and returns them to the user at one or more locations around the return machine's perimeter. The present disclosure eliminates the need for persons or other means being deployed to capture and return balls to persons practicing or playing a game of basketball. The present disclosure also contemplates features that permit its use in low level light or even unlighted environments. Lastly, the present disclosure contemplates a fully functional basketball system that is adaptable to varying user skill levels.

Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges.

Abstract: A baseball training aid is provided which includes an audio or visual pitch indicator for simulating a baseball pitcher's pitch. The training aid further includes an impact sensor, preferably in the form of a microphone, for detecting whether a practicing batter's swing is timely, premature or late. The audio signals produced by the microphone are processed by a processor to determine the timeliness of the batter's swing. The results are then communicated to the batter using an audio or visual feedback indicator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for receiving and returning objects such as sport balls. In one embodiment, the apparatus is used for training players such as baseball players. Exemplary apparatus are adapted to catch an item thrown, pitched or hit towards a target located on the apparatus. In the context of baseball, a player may pitch a ball to the target which indicates a “strike zone”. In another embodiment, the apparatus is further adapted to return the item in a way that simulates the various ways the item may be returned during game-play. A user interface adapted to provide trainer with the ability to track a player's practice progress and skill level is also described. The user interface further enables a user to establish one or more rules for practice sessions using the apparatus in order to ensure an appropriate amount of time is spent training players requiring particular types of training.

Abstract: A pivoting frame assembly for use with a pitching machine. The pitching machine for pitching balls. The pivoting frame assembly for supporting the pitching machine above a ground surface. The pivoting frame assembly having a first portion for supporting the pitching machine and a second portion configured for contacting a ground surface, these first and second portions pivotally connected to one another.

Abstract: A rebounder for use with a sport goal that receives a scoring object. The sport goal includes a goal frame having a left upright member, a right upright member and a crossbar extending between the left upright member and the right upright member. The goal frame further includes an open area for receiving a scoring object. The rebounder includes a rebound member for returning a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the rebound member. The rebound member has a tension member. The tension member is configured to return a scoring object to a player when the scoring object impacts the tension member. The rebound member further includes at least one connector for connecting the rebound member to the sports goal such that the position of the rebound member relative to the sports goal can be adjusted while the rebound member is attached to the sports goal. Preferably, the rebounder can be readily collapsed and moved to a storage position while connected to the sport goal.

Abstract: A ball returning backstop assembly includes a backstop that collects a thrown ball and a ball return assembly that returns the collected ball. The ball return assembly includes a housing that supports a linkage for propelling the collected ball and a motor for driving the linkage. The housing includes a tube that receives the collected ball, with the linkage having a piston that is slidable within the tube to propel the ball out of the tube. The motor is electrically connected to switches that control when the motor drives the linkage. One switch being configured to turn the motor on when the collected ball is ready to be returned and the other switch being configured to turn the motor off after the ball is propelled out of the tube.

Abstract: A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a football receiving and launching machine that receives thrown footballs into a ball collector, orients the football and transfers the football into a ball accelerator that launches the football into the air automatically, enabling the user to practice catching and throwing footballs without the assistance of another player.

Abstract: A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.

Abstract: An artificial pitcher for practicing the hitting skill of baseball includes an artificial pitcher on a support and having a ball holder on top, a main spring biased a stroke which are held by a hook on a hollow interior cylindrical main body, and a control device positioned remote from the pitcher having a rope to control the hook to release the stroke to hit a baseball from the ball holder flying to a batter. In order to pitch a transforming ball, an angular adjustment plate is positioned beside the main body to help the main body to adjust its angle of elevation.

Abstract: A combination of a ball storage rack and a ball feeder track provide an apparatus for basketball storage and consistent position retrieval of sport balls, such as basketballs and volleyballs, by a player. The apparatus comprises a frame configured with an upper portion along the length of the frame capable of holding a plurality of sport balls with a lower rack configured to hold a plurality of sport balls and an extendable feeder track capable of receiving a sport ball and facilitating movement of the sport ball down the track for retrieval of the sport ball by a player. Feeder track may be extended for use in active sports drills or sport games, or folded or retracted for convenient storage of the apparatus when not in use. Apparatus may be configured to hold and display signage such as advertisements.

Abstract: Apparatus to add weight to an athletic ball striking bat, having a taper along the bat length, comprising in combination a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, the sleeve having associated retention means to engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.

Abstract: A baseball training device includes a target net from which balls will be fed to a unit that will throw the balls back to a player. The unit can be set to throw the balls in the air or on the ground so a variety of situations can be practiced.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tethered baseball in position for batting practice and automatically retrieving the ball after it has been hit with a bat, which includes an adjustable height stand, a fishing reel and a variable speed motor connected thereto. Tethered by a small gauge fishing line which is attached to the reel, the ball, prior to being hit, rests atop the adjustable strand. When the ball is hit, the line is released nearly effortlessly from the reel; and the ball is allowed to travel virtually unobstructed during its flight. When the ball has traveled its full distance, the batter, by pushing a switch with a foot pedal, starts the motor, causing the reel to rewind the line. A control on the switch allows the batter to vary the speed of the motor from fast when the ball is at a distance to slow when the ball approaches the batter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a batting tee comprising a hollow tubular vertical stand having a first end through which at least one ball can be loaded inside said tubular vertical stand, and a second end, a means for pushing the ball upwardly just above the first end, the pushing means housed within said hollow tubular stand, and a horizontal base plate affixed to the second end portion.

Abstract: A multiple sports, universally positionable, adjustable net-type backstop system mounted to a pole, such as a basketball hoop pole, comprising an outrigger assembly that is vertically and horizontally adjustable and rotatable 360° on a vertical axis, so that the net can be selectively positioned in front, behind or to either side of a basketball backboard. The outrigger assembly is mounted on the support pole via a horizontally pivotable bracket assembly which permits a net assembly retainer bracket to be pivoted down to a convenient height, such as from chest height down to as low as ground level, for ease and safety in mounting and removing the net assembly. The vertical and horizontal adjustability, 360° rotation, and pivoting functionalities are very important safety features, in that the user need not use a tall step ladder to mount and adjust the position of the net, or remove it for storage.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a training device for batting practice. More specifically, the instant invention provides a catch net in combination with an air powered ball return assembly. The ball return assembly delivers a lightweight polymeric ball to a batter in the form of a soft-toss. A hit ball is caught by the net and recycled to the batter. The ball may be hit and recycled back to the batter for a player specified length of time.

Abstract: A practice machine for receiving a thrown ball and returning it to a user is generally provided with a backstop for stopping the thrown ball, a pan disposed below the backstop for collecting the ball, a ball return adjacent the backstop for expelling the ball, and a trough disposed between the pan and the ball return for feeding the ball from the pan to the ball return. The ball return can adjust between ball sizes and vary the trajectory of expelled balls. Moreover, the ball return can be equipped with safety features including a proximity sensor, audible alerts, speed adjustment and tamper resistant controls. Further, the ball return can alternate between a MANUAL mode and an AUTOMATIC mode. The backstop of the practice machine can be collapsible to permit convenient storage and ease of transportation.

Abstract: A baseball training system and method for training a player is shown. The baseball system and method includes a collector for collecting thrown balls and directing them to a throwback unit which has multiple adjusters for adjusting various characteristics of a ball being thrown back. The throwback unit can be adjusted to accommodate different ball sizes to change a trajectory of a ball being thrown back by the throwback unit.

Abstract: A tennis training simulation system is disclosed that improves both reaction time and ground stroke techniques within a limited physical training environment. This training system combines simulated service of a tennis ball from a service line over a virtual net, and delivery of real tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student. In the system of this invention, the tennis ball delivery system includes an automatic tennis ball machine equipped with an array of lights or LED's that simulate the service of a tennis ball from a service line, a simulated trajectory of the tennis ball over a virtual net, and a simulated first bounce of a tennis ball coupled immediately thereafter with real in-flight delivery of an actual tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backstop net assembly and kit for use in combination with a basketball hoop assembly, which comprises a multi-socketed mounting block, a plurality of net extension rods, and a ball-gathering net assembly. In a basketball playground, one can find an upright support post, a backboard mounted on the post, and a basketball rim and net structure mounted on the backboard. The present invention provides a basketball backstop net assembly to gather errant basketball shots launched by a basketball shooter to minimize basketball retrieval time and possible damage to surrounding valuables. The ball-gathering net is a reticulated having a size and width, which extends vertically and laterally via the net extension rods a sufficient distance to capture errant shots and to assist in keeping the basketball in play. Additionally, a perimeter cord bounds the reticulated portion of the net to provide added strength to the ball-gathering net.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus designed to return a thrown basketball substantially in the direction of the player shooting the ball is mounted beneath a basketball goal assembly and includes a resilient rebound panel, a panel retainer assembly, and a panel support assembly. The resilient rebound panel, in multiple embodiments, is provided with flexible and adjustable tensile connections to the goal assembly that allows a limited degree of rotation when the resilient rebound panel is impacted by a thrown basketball. The rotational motion of the rebound panel and the resilience of the rebound panel, combined with the tension and untensioning of the flexible and adjustable tensile connections to the goal assembly, tends to return a thrown basketball substantially back towards the player shooting the ball. The basketball return apparatus is adjustable for a plurality of heights and angles of return, and is easily removable from the field of play.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: An enclosed play area comprises a front wall, a back wall, side walls, and a ceiling which define an enclosed area. The front, back, and side walls, and the ceiling are formed from intersecting frame members which define an area having a geometric shape. One or more activity stations are mounted to the frame members in the enclosure. Each activity station comprises at least one tub in which one or more hoops are mounted, the hoops being sized to allow a ball to be thrown through the hoops. The tub has a rim defining a mouth, wall surfaces extending rearwardly from the rim, and a back. The rim has a geometric shape corresponding to the geometric shape of the area defined by the frame members. The tub is mounted to the frame members such that the mouth of the tub does not protrude substantially into the play area. Preferably, the front, back, and side walls, and the ceiling are covered by a transparent or see-through material.

Abstract: A portable return net device for receiving, arresting and returning a ball to a central collection point for pitched, thrown or batted balls in a ball practice system. The return net apparatus comprises; a net supporting frame, a net for receiving a projected ball, an inclined collection tray operatively associated with the net, and an exit chute, wherein the net is hung untensioned on the supporting frame, on the diagonal, and wherein flaps extending transversely across the base of the hanging net are pivotally connected thereto. The net absorbs the impact of a ball in conjunction with the flaps which trap a ball impacting a tensile zone of the net. The tensile zone comprises that portion of the hanging net below which there is insufficient net weight to arrest a ball in a triangular portion of the net below the point of impact. The arrested ball is conveyed by the collection tray to the exit chute for reuse.

Abstract: A basketball return net assembly is attachable to a basketball hoop support having a post extending upwardly from the ground and carrying a basketball hoop adjacent an upper end thereof. The return net assembly includes a flexible foldable return net and an elongated rigid net-carrying member extending along the upper end of the net to enable the net to be supported in a latterly-extending configuration. The upper end of the net and the net-carrying member can be suspended from an upper portion of the hoop support behind the hoop, and an attachment bracket is connected to opposite lower corner portions of the net and is adjustably securable to the post to enable the bracket to be adjusted relative thereto.

Abstract: Current technology exists to record baseballs or softballs thrown in miles per hour. What is new about The Pitching Coach is the ability to record balls and strikes for each pitch thrown. This gives the opportunity to monitor every pitch thrown for speed and accuracy thereby enabling users to improve their pitching skills as if they were working with a pitching coach.

Abstract: A portable stoopball playing device comprising a playing panel and a support panel connected to said playing panel. The playing panel and the support panel are moveable relative to each other between at least one open deployed position and a closed storage position. The playing panel includes a plurality of sheer surfaces and protrusions on its playing surface, which allow for random and unpredictable rebounding of a ball thrown at the playing panel. The playing panel further includes a vertical curvature and a horizontal curvature, which may be convex, thereby increasing the rebounding angle of the thrown ball, thereby increasing the number of players able to participate in a single game. The horizontal curvature alternatively may be concave, thereby permitting the player to control and direct the rebounding angle of the thrown ball. The playing panel also includes a weighting channel which may be filled with a ballast substance.

Abstract: A foldable basketball frame assembly includes a backboard having four flanges extending from four sides of the backboard and a cover is connected to the bottom flange of the backboard. A ring is connected to the top flange. A first transverse bar is connected to the flange on the lower end of the backboard and two two-way connection members are respectively connected to two ends of the first transverse bar. Two foldable siderails are respectively connected the two two-way connection members and a three-way connection member is connected to a distal end of each siderail. A second transverse bar is connected between the two three-way connection members. Two legs are respectively connected to the three-way connection members. All the parts of the assembly can be folded and received in a bag formed by connecting the cover to the flanges on four sides of the backboard.

Abstract: A portable return net device for receiving, arresting and returning a ball to a central collection point for pitched, thrown or batted balls in a ball practice system. The return net apparatus comprises; a net supporting frame, a net for receiving a projected ball, an inclined collection tray operatively associated with the net, and an exit chute, wherein the net is hung untensioned on the supporting frame, on the diagonal, and wherein flaps extending transversely across the base of the hanging net are pivotally connected thereto. The net absorbs the impact of a ball in conjunction with the flaps which trap a ball impacting a tensile zone of the net. The tensile zone comprises that portion of the hanging net below which there is insufficient net weight to arrest a ball in a triangular portion of the net below the point of impact. The arrested ball is conveyed by the collection tray to the exit chute for reuse.

Abstract: Ball rebounder for rebounding a ball, including a first frame, a resilient member mounted in the first frame, a second frame mounted pivotally to the first frame and provided with a plurality of stops, and a third frame mounted pivotally to the first frame and for engaging different ones of the stops to incline the first frame and resilient member at different angles with respect to the second frame to cause the resilient member to rebound balls thrown thereagainst at different angles.