Abstract: A soccer training device can include: a body having a front surface facing a first direction; and an illuminating contact sensor associated with the body so that a light emitter is visible and capable of emitting light in substantially the same first direction that the front surface faces and so that a force contact above a predetermined threshold with the body is sensed by a sensing module. In some aspects, the illuminating contact sensor is at least one of: coupled with the soccer training member; removable from the soccer training member; or integrated with the soccer training member.

Abstract: Basketball passing systems with virtual coaching capabilities are provided. An interface comprises selectable pass receipt locations arranged about a visual depiction of basketball court elements to visually correspond with locations at said basketball playing area a launching device is capable of passing basketballs to. A controller receives a user selection of the selectable pass receipt locations and commands the launching device to launch basketballs to the selected locations for the user to catch and shoot. A sensor determines if the shot is successfully made. A camera records images of the shot. The controller generates a virtual coaching display with images from the camera and a visual indication of whether displayed images resulted in a successfully made shot.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for quantifying physical qualities of a ball returned by a player using a loop drive technique, such as in table tennis, and generating a corresponding quantitative summary of the overall quality of the loop drive technique based on the quantified physical qualities. Image processing techniques are applied to historical video recordings of balls returned using loop drive techniques to quantify physical properties of said balls. A machine learning model is generated using the quantified physical properties to determine relative significance of specific qualities and their corresponding quantified values to the overall quality or success of loop drive techniques, such as in table tennis matches.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ice hockey ball-controlling skill training device, which comprises a plurality of cross members hinged end to end, and the connecting ends of adjacent two cross members are provided with fixing components for connecting and fixing; the training device also compromises a ball, LED lighting components, and induction components, the induction component compromises a plurality of Hall elements and electromagnetic induction elements, a plurality of Hall elements are respectively arranged on a plurality of cross members, the electromagnetic induction elements are arranged in the ball; when the ball passes under the cross member, the electromagnetic induction elements can triggers induction with Hall elements. During the training process, when the ball passes under the cross member, the electromagnetic induction element can trigger induction with the Hall element. Compared with the ball control device in the prior art, the device has more accurate induction.

Abstract: Portable markers for sports such as ice hockey. The portable markers have a short profile, are stackable, have a bottom surface with enhanced friction to prevent movement of the markers on the ice, and define an opening through which the toe of a hockey stick blade may be inserted so that the markers may be easily placed upon and lifted from the ice and transported together on the hockey stick.

Abstract: A protective field screen system that includes a screen frame system (including a screen frame and a protective screen that includes a netting coupled to the screen frame), a base frame to be disposed on a supporting surface, and resilient members. The screen frame coupled to the base frame by way of the resilient members, and the resilient members to deform to facilitate movement of the screen frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A football device includes an outer skin and an inner bladder to be inflatable and substantially resemble and perform like an actual football. The football device includes a sensor unit that can sense various performance metrics and wirelessly communicate data to another device such as a mobile device. To maintain a feel and performance as close to an actual football as possible, a battery powering the sensor unit is wirelessly recharged.

Abstract: Hockey puck rebounders and training devices are capable of rebounding playing objects, such as hockey pucks or balls. Aspects of the technology are directed to training devices that can be used on ice surfaces or synthetic ice surfaces to practice various skills. The training device can include a frame, anchors, and rebound panels mounted to a tubular frame. The anchors can secure the training device to the ice surface. Hockey pucks can be rebounded off the rebound member by a player.

Abstract: A sports ball includes sensing electronics embedded therein. The electronics are supported on an inner surface of the wall of the ball within an elastomeric boot that extends inwardly toward the center of the ball. The elastomeric boot is configured to protect the electronics from damage due to shock as the ball is used, and to have little if any effect on the performance characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an ice hockey puck rebounder includes a rigid base with ends and side faces. At least one resilient member has a first surface secured to at least one of the side faces. A first surface of the resilient member is received against and supported by the side face of the base along its entire length. The resilient member comprises a rubber material having a durometer between 50 and 60. A second, outwardly facing surface of the resilient member presents a rebound surface for being contacted by an ice hockey puck. The resilient member consistently, resiliently deflects an ice hockey puck away from the resilient member.

Abstract: Apparatuses that each include at least one body and are configured to move relative to an entrance of goal to form an obstruction. The apparatuses either operate autonomously or have a remote operator and their bodies can be moved in coordination with players, pucks, balls or other object of interest. The apparatuses also each include a removably attachable actuating support. The actuating supports of each are mechanically linked to the body, removably attachable to goals, and in operable communication either a teleoperator or autonomous controller.

Abstract: A soccer training device and system includes a generally horizontal and planar platform and at least one sloped soccer ball collection trough provided generally around a perimeter of the platform. A segmented cage is provided generally at and around outer bounds of, and vertically above, the platform. At least one sensored gate includes at least one soccer ball impact curtain provided above the at least one soccer ball collection trough to direct soccer balls into the trough, and at least one arrangement of sensors to sense presence of the soccer balls that are impacting the at least one curtain. A ball thrower sequentially receives the soccer balls from the silo, to sequentially deliver the soccer balls to a player on the platform. A control panel and a control box control operation of the soccer training device and system.

Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.

Abstract: A breakaway trainer device features a first leg pad mimicking member, a second leg pad mimicking member connected to said second pad-mimicking member; and first and second connectors operable to respectively connect the first and second leg pad mimicking members to first and second posts of a goal net to place the first and second leg pad mimicking members in positions projecting outward from the goal net at a converging angle with one another. The leg pad members feature an optionally adjustable five-hole between their proximal ends, and optionally adjustable scoring holes at their distal ends near the goal posts. Adjustable connectors and/or extendable/collapsible leg pad members enable quick and easy adjustment of the angular positions and forward/rearward reach and placement of the leg pad members to simulated various goaltender positions.

Abstract: Hockey training devices generally include a frame, and a flexible band coupled to the frame. At least one spring may be coupled to at least one longitudinal end of the flexible band. A plurality of backstop structures may be coupled to the frame to extend substantially orthogonal to a top surface of the frame. A first rebounder wing may be coupled to a first side of the frame, and a second rebounder wing may be coupled to a second side of the frame. The first and second rebounder wings may each include a respective wing structure coupled to the frame, and a respective flexible band extending between a portion of the respective wing structure and either the frame or the first flexible band. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: An automated objective American-football evaluation system may include an American-style football, at least one sensor carried by the football, and electronics. The electronics arranged to: (a) receive strings of sensor signals from the at least one sensor, wherein the characteristic of the throw of the football determined by the electronics; and (b) output throw quality. The throw quality is based upon a combination of at least two throw characteristic determined based upon the received string of sensor signals associated with a throw of the football. The at least two throw characteristics are selected from a group of throw characteristics consisting of: velocity; spin rate; time-of-flight; angle of attack; release angle; cone angle; nutation angle; spiral efficiency; and spiral decay.

Abstract: A novelty football audio apparatus for playing fight songs to show school pride includes a football body having a football-shaped skin forming an inner cavity. The skin has an exterior, an interior, and an access aperture extending through to the inner cavity. An access panel is coupled to the football body to cover and alternatively uncover the access aperture. A set of imitation laces is coupled to the football body and is configured to represent laces from a real football. An electronics housing is coupled to the interior of the skin within the inner cavity beneath the access aperture. A tone generator coupled within the electronics housing. A speaker is coupled within the skin above the electronics housing and is in operational communication with the tone generator. A power button is coupled within the skin above the electronics housing and is in operational communication with the tone generator.

Abstract: A hockey training apparatus features an elongated track, a practice puck carried atop said elongated track and displaceable back and forth therealong on a longitudinal travel path, and at least one rebound mechanism mounted to the track adjacent a respective end of the longitudinal travel path for rebounding of said practice puck back toward an opposing end of the longitudinal travel path upon impact with said rebound mechanism. Each rebound mechanism comprises a resiliently stretchable member spanning laterally cross-wise to the longitudinal travel path in a taut condition thereacross at a location thereabove for impact by the practice puck.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a training device for hockey players is disclosed herein. The training device includes a puck sorting system for holding and orienting hockey pucks. The puck sorting system includes a puck drum having bottom and side portions and configured to hold therein a plurality of hockey pucks. The bottom portion of the puck drum has rotatably mounted thereon a conical puck agitation device configured to orient the plurality of hockey pucks into a predefined position. The training device further includes a puck launching system attached to the puck sorting system. The puck launching system includes a sloped tube operable to receive oriented hockey pucks and convey hockey pucks to a puck launcher. The puck launcher is configured to shoot hockey pucks via a spinning launching wheel driven by a launching motor.

Abstract: A hockey puck is disclosed including an internal signal transmitter enabling instantaneous identification of its position as it moves around. The puck includes two molded subcomponents, which encapsulate the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter may include driver electronics and a number of signal transmitters which together generate and emit an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may be emitted by a plurality of diodes mounted in cavities in the subcomponents, for example around an outer circumference of the hockey puck and through a top and bottom surfaces of the hockey puck. The puck may alternatively be formed of a material that allows electromagnetic radiation to be emitted through the subcomponents, and the diode cavities may be omitted.

Abstract: An ice hockey practice target is provided, the target comprising a first substantially tubular portion, including a first end attached to a base and a second end constructed and arranged to engage an upper horizontal goal crossbar, and a second tubular portion attached to the base, the second tubular portion constructed and arranged to engage and secure a lower end of a vertical goal post.

Abstract: A training apparatus includes a panel that forms an obstruction proximate an entrance plane of a goal. The panel has one or more apertures that permit an object passage through the entrance plane of the goal. The training apparatus also includes a rotary assembly coupled to the panel and one or more doors in operable communication with the rotary assembly. The rotary assembly has an axis of rotation and at least one arm that rotates there-about. Each door is located proximate a respective aperture and movable between a closed position and an open position based on motion by the rotary assembly.

Abstract: A method for improving the skills of a sports player includes arranging targets around a player-occupied central location, associating at least one visual display with each target, generating a first detectable signal and simultaneously illuminating all but one of the visual displays with a common color or pattern of lights. The visual display that is not illuminated with the common color or pattern is uniquely illuminated so that the player may identify it. A second detectable signal is generated after a predetermined lapse of time from the first detectable signal. A ball is delivered to the central location from a ball-feeding location when the second detectable signal is generated. A passing box is secured to each of the targets and a sensor is secured to each passing box. The sensor generates a signal upon detection of a ball entering into the passing box and the time of detection is recorded.

Abstract: An adjustable basketball training apparatus comprising an upper portion having a horizontal obstruction supported by one or more support members and a lower portion movably attached to said support members such that the height of the horizontal obstruction may be adjusted to force a player to release a basketball with a desirable trajectory toward the intended target, such as a basket or another player, and methods for use thereof. The training apparatus is adjustable and may include vertical obstructions extending from the horizontal obstruction, attachments that simulate all or part of a defender, means for distracting a player, and a ball storage rack.

Abstract: An assembly for modifying/adapting a practice goal to serve as a sporting game practice aid. The assembly suitably includes a target and/or plurality of target pockets that can be removably coupled to the practice goal. This provides a physical target towards which to aim a sporting object (including a puck, ball, and/or the like), and thereby a means of evaluating one's progress towards mastery of the task at hand.

Abstract: A training apparatus for improving the skills of a sports player includes arranging targets around a player-occupied central location, associating at least one visual display with each target, generating a first detectable signal and simultaneously illuminating all but one of the visual displays with a common color or pattern of lights. The visual display that is not illuminated with the common color or pattern is uniquely illuminated so that the player may identify it. A second detectable signal is generated after a predetermined lapse of time from the first detectable signal. A ball is delivered to the central location from a ball-feeding location when the second detectable signal is generated. A passing box is secured to each of the targets and a sensor is secured to each passing box. The sensor generates a signal upon detection of a ball entering into the passing box and the time of detection is recorded.

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 gathered or collected, stored and/or tracked, 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. One embodiment includes the ability of players from the same or different teams to compare statistics and enables the launchers at different locations to launch substantially exactly the same pass to different players to facilitate such competition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a skating rink that includes a skating area, a wall at least partially surrounding the skating area, and a visible mark extending along a perimeter region of the skating area to indicate to a skater traveling head first toward the wall that the skater should look up and to related methods.

Abstract: A goal-keeping game involves multiple competing goal-keepers. The source sport for the goal-keeping competition can be any sport based on shooting a ball or puck into an opponent's goal, such as soccer, lacrosse (outdoor or indoor), ice hockey or field hockey. Goalies do not compete directly against each other, but rather face non-competing certified players at multiple competition stations. At the competition stations, competing goalies undergo trials with respect to three goal-keeping skill areas: shot saving, passing and dodging. Points are awarded for saved shots, successful passes and effective ball/puck handling.

Abstract: A portable fabric target for ball sports has at least: a) three fabric panels, comprising a top first panel, a middle second panel; and a bottom third panel; b) the top first panel having i) a first bottom edge attached to at top edge of the second middle panel and ii) a second outside top edge; c) the top first panel having a support element extending away from the second outside top edge; d) the support element having a self-latching system that connects the second outside top edge to itself to form a loop or to a section of the top first panel to form a loop; e) the support element when locked around a pole supporting all weight of the portable fabric target without unlocking; and f) the bottom third panel having a stabilizing component thereon.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A training device for teaching and practicing simple and advanced soccer skills and techniques. The device includes a set of mats with printed indicators or indicia on the upper side or surface of each mat, the printed indicators are left and right foot indicia which are either printed in solid lines, or dashed lines, a printed circle indicating the soccer ball placement, solid and dashed lines with arrows for indicating the direction of travel, numbers for designating the sequence and order for the foot indicia, and instructional text for carrying out the designated soccer technique. Each training mat demonstrate a different soccer technique. The soccer student follows the instructions printed on the mat surface by placing their feet on the foot indicia and follow the sequence of steps shown on the mat.

Abstract: A hockey practice system for helping goaltenders and shooters to visualize scoring and goaltending angles in hockey. The hockey practice system generally includes a housing which houses an internal reel assembly. A plurality of reels within the housing include a plurality of cords which extend out of the front end of the housing to be magnetically secured to goalposts with a plurality of anchors. The rear end of the housing includes a blade sleeve into which the blade of a hockey stick may be inserted and retained. As the housing is moved with the hockey blade, the cords will define an area in which a puck would travel if shot. A camera on the front of the housing may also be included to record practice for future reference.

Abstract: A hockey skill training system, said system comprising a hockey stick having a transverse bore, a movable stand, and a skill training device, said skill training device comprising: a generally cylindrical external shape having a to surface, a bottom surface, a front, and a back, wherein the bottom surface comprises an open portion adapted for releasably rigidly connecting said bottom portion of said training device on top of the stand, and wherein the top surface is upwardly slanted from the front to the back.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight soccer rebounding wall with good rebound characteristics, whereby the pace of the rebounding soccer ball is similar to that of the pace at which it was imparted against the wall. The system is easily assembled and disassembled and is sufficiently light to be carried by one person for several hundred yards. In a specific implementation, the rebounding wall includes a panel of pultruded, fiberglass cross bar grating.

Abstract: There is provided a device for motion identification, the device comprising: an enclosure and a plurality of sensors being provided with the enclosure and configured to measure acceleration in three axes and angular motion in three axes.

Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and allow the sports projectile to pass downward along the return net, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile; and an attachment means adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Abstract: A lightweight lacrosse training ball that is suitable for use in lacrosse training drills is lighter, softer, and larger than a regulation lacrosse ball. The lacrosse training ball is comprised of multiple layers: an inner (non-hollow or hollow) layer comprised of a rubber compound; a middle layer comprised of felt or a similar cushioning material; and an outer layer. In one embodiment, the lacrosse training ball is a non-hollow or hollow, lightweight ball with a cushioning layer covered with an outer surface. The light weight of the lacrosse training ball makes it suitable for training where player safety is of concern. The light weight is also advantageous for developing optimal catching ability, forcing players to focus on “giving” with the catch or catching softly. The larger size of the lacrosse training ball increases catching proficiency as there is less room for error in catching a larger ball.

Abstract: An inside foot soccer pass training device is disclosed. The passing device includes a curved race and a foot carriage that can travel from one end of the race to the other. The curved race guides the foot carriage into a proper technical position, which allows a user to improve their technique of the inside foot soccer pass. Embodiments include multiple tracks, an overall tensioner designed to strengthen inner leg muscles, an impact device designed to mimic the feel of hitting an actual soccer ball, and electric force monitors to compute both the impact the foot carriage makes on the impact device and the force on the foot carriage as it moves along the race.

Abstract: Goal shot training systems and devices comprise a training covering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The devices are configured to obscure a net of a goal, and the covering is composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes through the covering. The covering material creates negative viewing space by obscuring visual access behind the training covering and forms at least one user-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewing space including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shots originating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the covering relative to the net of the goal.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a method for playing, scoring and judging skill level of a player of a soccer related game involving modules of rebound type walls, each module comprising two or more opposing rebound type walls of preferred distance and size parameters. The purpose of this invention is to provide a basic method of interacting within rebound type wall modules to improve individual soccer ball skills This method helps to facilitate, optimize and guide individual soccer training within said modules with the goal of attaining fundamental as well as personalized soccer ball skills The method is further intended to lead to improvement of said skills over a period of time in relation to the amount of interaction the player would have with the ball and said wall modules.

Abstract: A hockey goalie blocker pad for use with a hockey goalie blocker. The blocker pad has a substantially rectangular volume having four sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; the bottom surface has a curved shape adapted to coincide with the curved shape of a top surface of the goalie blocker, to thereby fit snugly there against. The top surface is substantially flat and includes a hook surface including hook material thereon and adapted to interact with a surface of a practice hockey ball having loop material thereon, and a connector member adapted to securely and removably attach the blocker pad to the blocker.

Abstract: A training apparatus for use on a training surface is disclosed. The training apparatus includes a sport-projectile stopping member and an elongated body substantially transverse to the sport-projectile stopping member. The elongated body has a first section, a second section, and a transition section between the first and second sections. A portion of the first section is positioned on the sport-projectile stopping member, and the first section is sized such that the sport-projection stopping member, the first section, the training surface and the transition section define an orifice through which a sport-projectile can pass through.

Abstract: A method of providing integral soccer sports training for youth comprising providing an age-specific training program; an age specific neuropsicomotor development program; and a computer-based sports management system. The computer-based sports management system incorporates a database, administrative functions, and use of mobile field devices by coaches and referees for field data gathering and reporting.

Abstract: A portable fabric target for ball sports has at least: a) three fabric panels, comprising a top first panel, a middle second panel; and a bottom third panel; b) the top first panel having i) a first bottom edge attached to at top edge of the second middle panel and ii) a second outside top edge; c) the top first panel having a support element extending away from the second outside top edge; d) the support element having a self-latching system that connects the second outside top edge to itself to form a loop or to a section of the top first panel to form a loop; e) the support element when locked around a pole supporting all weight of the portable fabric target without unlocking; and f) the bottom third panel having a stabilizing component thereon.

Abstract: A hockey-stickhandling-tool, methods of use, and a system for improving a player's hockey stickhandling strength and/or speed are described and disclosed. The hockey-stickhandling-tool may comprise: a puck-receiver and a stick-attachment-means. The puck-receiver may be sized to removably hold the at least one hockey-puck, by the puck-receiver providing at least one wall to partially enclose the at least one hockey-puck. The stick-attachment-means may be configured to removably attach to the hockey-stick. The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may attached to each other such that use of the puck-receiver does not interfere with the stick-attachment-means and use of the stick-attachment-means does not interfere with the puck-receiver.

Abstract: We disclose an apparatus for improving passing skills in soccer, consisting of one or more triangles that can be placed on the ground to demarcate regions and boundaries on a playing field within which player movement is constrained or otherwise guided. The triangle edges are made from a flexible or extensible material and are attached at the triangle vertices by some type of joining device. The triangles can be placed on any surface suitable for soccer and held in place with stakes or other means. Multiple triangles can be placed on the ground to create a variety of demarcated regions and boundaries. This apparatus can be used for basic practice or to play various skill-enhancing games in which the ball is passed into and out of, or between, a triangle or a set of triangles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player.

Abstract: A lacrosse practice ball having a tether extending from the ball and attaching to a lacrosse stick to enable practicing of cradling or other short-range maneuvers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the tether extends from the ball by between 12-24 inches. The ball can have two channels passing through the middle of the ball and offset from one another by an angle, and the tether can pass through the channels. The tether forms a loop that can be knotted to secure the tether to the ball with the knot positioned within one of the channels. The practice ball can secure to any portion of the lacrosse stick using the tether.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus has handle member having a body including first and second handle members connected together by a middle segment, such that the handle members are held at an angle to one another, and adapted such that when the athlete holds the device behind their back while grasping the handle members with respective right and left hands, their upper body is held straight and stable with their shoulders pulled backwards, providing a better posture and stronger core control during training movements.