Abstract: A basketball practice system for providing a portable assembly positionable between the shooter and the basketball hoop for teaching proper arcing when shooting a basketball. The basketball practice system includes a base assembly, a support assembly, and a frame assembly having an opening positionable at a predetermined height between a shooter and a basketball hoop given a pre-determined shooting distance between the shooter and the basketball hoop.

Abstract: A portable combination timer/calculator for basketball players and coaches that is used for indicating the elapse of selected time periods and recording the number of attempted baskets, made baskets, and shot percentages. The device includes a belt worn around a player's waist that contains a “made” basket button, and a “missed” basket button, mounted on opposite ends of the belt. Mounted centrally on the belt is an outer housing with a main on/off button, a timer, a calculator, a plurality of programmed timer buttons, and a speaker. Also mounted on the surface of the outer housing is a game select button that enables the device to be used to play various basketball related games or to be used as a recording device for “made” or “missed” baskets. The player presses the “made or missed” basket buttons when a shot is made or missed. Also, when the selected time period has elapsed, an audio signal is broadcast through the speaker.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A training device includes a platform mounted on a wheel assembly. The platform has a rail for a support mechanism mounted thereon. On this support mechanism at least one training implement can be mounted and be supported therearound for use by an athlete in contacting the training device. In the platform is a control device for the wheel assembly, in order to adjust movement of the training device with respect to the type of training desired.

Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or target of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.

Abstract: An action-responsive basketball backboard includes a backboard having a rim mounted thereon. Mounted thereon are a rim motion sensor operative to detect specific motions of the rim and output notification signals signaling detection of those specific motions, and a backboard motion sensor operative to detect specific motions of the backboard and output notification signals signaling detection of those specific motions. At least one set of indicator lights is mounted on the backboard and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the set of indicator lights is connected thereto for lighting the lights.

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: 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 basketball practice assembly a case including a box-like receptacle which is open at a front side thereof, and a pair of doors hingedly connected with two lateral sides of the box-like receptacle, a pair of fixing members fastened in the box-like receptacle by screws and having a vertical dovetail groove, a pair of telescopic arms each having two inner ends and two outer ends, one of the inner ends being fixedly engaged with the vertical dovetail groove, another one of the inner ends being slidably fitted in the vertical dovetail groove, a net arranged on the telescopic arms to form a rectangular member with an open top, a backboard installed in the receptacle, and a basket pivotally mounted on the backboard.

Abstract: A portable basketball retrieval and return device includes a movable support platform having casters for allowing the positioning of the device on a playing surface adjacent a basketball backboard and rim, a slidable upright frame mounted to the platform and to which a plurality of telescoping arms are attached whereby both the frame and arms are selectively extensible and retractable for disposing netting material which collects shot basketballs from the basketball backboard and rim.

Abstract: A device for teaching proper basketball shooting techniques including a pair of vertically disposed, horizontally spaced transparent panels that form a shooter restricting enclosure having a substantially open front and rear. The panel on the side of the shooting hand extends to the rear further than the panel on the side of the off hand. The enclosure is positioned so that the open front is directed toward the basket and the shooter is positioned with the shooting hand, elbow, and corresponding knee and foot between the panels, with their off hand side knee and foot positioned outside of the enclosure, and their torso positioned at the rear edge of the off hand side panel. A vertically adjustable defensive obstruction is movably attached to the front edge of one of the panels to simulate a defensive player over which the shot must be made. The device is supported on floor engaging wheels so that the device will move if contacted by the shooter and alert the coaching staff of improper shooting technique.

Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or target of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.

Abstract: A portable basketball training device used to teach basketball players how to properly shoot. The training device is comprised of a folding base and a telescoping vertical column supported by the base; attached to the top of the vertical column is a horizontally adjustable u-shaped shooting guide. The training device is used by first unfolding the legs and then adjusting the telescoping vertical column to the appropriate height, which is determined by adjusting the telescoping vertical posts until the bottom of the u-shaped shooting guide is parallel to the wrist of the user's shooting arm with the elbow extended to the shooting position. Once the appropriate height has been set the u-shaped shooting guide is adjusted horizontally in order to prevent horizontal drift of the shooting hand as the ball is projected toward the goal. Proper use of this device also provides optimal arc and natural backspin giving the ball truer flight to the goal.

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 basketball return net assembly attachable to a basketball hoop support behind a basketball hoop carried thereby has a flexible foldable return net having an upper end with an upper sleeve portion extending therealong, an elongated rigid net-carrying member removably insertable into the upper sleeve portion to enable the net to be suspended in a laterally-extended configuration from the net-carrying member, and at least one attachment member for securing the net-carrying member to an upper portion of the hoop support behind the hoop. The net also has a lower end portion for receiving ballast to retain the lower end of the net in a laterally extended configuration at a selected location on the ground.

Abstract: A basketball rebound device (14) comprising a wedge shaped ramp (16). A component (18) is on a top surface of the wedge shaped ramp (16) for deflecting a basketball (20), when the wedge shaped ramp (16) is positioned upon a basketball court (22) under a hoop (24) on a backboard (26) suspended from a stanchion (28) on the basketball court (22). The basketball (20) will bounce back to a desired area where a person is standing doing practice shooting, allowing the person to spend more time practicing and less time retrieving the basketball (20).

Abstract: A clip having a contrasting color to a basketball rim is mounted on the topside of the rim on a line between the shooter and the center of the basket for the shooter to focus on while aiming and shooting the ball over the clip. The clip is moveable around the circumference of the rim for practice shooting from any location on the basketball court.

Abstract: A game is provided including a playing field. A pair of planar vertically oriented backboards are situated at opposite ends of the playing field with a plurality of apertures formed therein and a net mounted within each aperture. A ball is provided having a circular configuration and formed of an elastomeric material. The ball has a pair of flexible resilient wings mounted on diametrically opposed sides thereof. A plurality of game units include a racquet and a lacrosse stick.

Abstract: A baseball instructional device and method for use teaches a hitter how to properly hit a ball depending on the location at which the ball is thrown by the pitcher. The device is capable of positioning a baseball, softball, or other ball, at proper hitting positions relative to the hitter, thus teaching the hitter when and where to swing to make proper contact with the ball. In addition to positioning the ball relative to the hitter, the device is provided with visual indicators to assist in teaching the hitter the proper location for striking the ball with the bat.

Abstract: PRACTICE TARGET FOR BALL GAMES is a means to improve scoring or throwing skills in games utilizing a ball or propelled device including but not limited to lacrosse, baseball football, hockey and soccer. The system as described comprises a metal ring encircled by a colored material which is amenable to being positioned at any desired location on a support. This support could be either a goal-post for any of the games mentioned earlier or an eassily assembled structure that could be provided along with the practice target ring. The size of the ring would be proportional to the size of the porpelling device used in the game being practiced. The metal ring is attached to a metal plate of variable length which is in turn provided with a bracket for attachment to a vertical or horizontal support.

Abstract: A portable basketball training aid to improve the player's shooting accuracy while being distracted by vision restrictors which simulate realistic game conditions. The training aid is used, in the vicinity of an elevated basketball hoop and board. The training aid includes a plurality of height extendible flexiable supports extending upward from the top of the hollow support member in a direction approximately parallel to the support member. The training aid has an upper extent and a lower extent, the lower extent being attached to a compressible anchor member made from any suitable material and shape, for example, a foam cylinder. The compressible anchor member is confined within the rigid hollow support member and held in place by friction. The friction being formed at the intersection of the compressible member and the inside wall of the rigid hollow member. In its uncompressed state, the compressible member is of a width greater than the inside width of the hollow member.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for teaching motor skills to a human subject, learning by a student is based upon imitation of a teacher's motion. The teacher's motion is sensed by a motion sensing device, is digitized by a computer, and is then recorded in memory. The computer generates a virtual image sequence of the teacher on the computer display of the teacher interacting in the computer-generated virtual environment for the student to view and imitate. The same motion sensing device used to record the teacher's movement tracks the student's movement and the computer creates a virtual image sequence on the display corresponding to the student's movement and its interaction with the virtual environment in real-time, simultaneously providing an image sequence of the teacher's movement. The student's task is to imitate the teacher's movement. This process is repeated until the teacher's and student's trajectories match well in space and time.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a round ball rebounding game played on a circular court consisting of a spherical structure supported by a single pole and having a plurality of goals placed at equidistant intervals about the maximum horizontal diameter of the sphere and parallel to the playing surface. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of discharge tubes inserted into the bottom of the sphere, said number of tubes corresponding to the number of goals. Openings are further cut into the sphere relative to the position of each goal such that a net attached to the bottom of each goal can direct a round ball into the interior of the sphere with the ball eventually departing the bottom of the sphere through one of the discharge tubes which then deposit the ball at the base of the structure along the playing surface.

Abstract: A portable basketball return device which includes arms that hold a net which is adapted to surround an existing basketball hoop thus enabling the device to catch a ball that passes through or adjacent to the hoop to be redirected toward a shooter.

Abstract: A children's basketball backboard and hoop assembly includes a backboard, and a hoop having a rim which is pivotably attached to the backboard, and a net attached to the rim. The assembly further includes an enlarged secondary training rim pivotably attached to the backboard for movement between an operative position wherein the secondary rim is located above the hoop rim in substantially parallel relation to the hoop rim, and a storage position generally parallel to the backboard. The hoop rim is pivotably attached to the backboard for movement between an operative position wherein the rim extends substantially perpendicular to the backboard and a storage position wherein the rim is positioned in closely spaced parallel relation to the backboard. When the secondary training rim is moved to the storage position it is received within a recess extending along an upper peripheral edge of the backboard.

Abstract: A sports training device, which is a simulated human figure having at least one movable limb; a fluid-containing actuating system connected to the movable limb; and a trigger device connected to the fluid-containing actuating system, for activating the fluid-containing actuating system. The training device provides a distractive movement to acclimate the sports player to distractions.

Abstract: A system for aiding basketball players to improve their skill at successfully shooting the basketball from any place on the basketball court, by application of the principle of successive approximation. The system incorporates a three piece floor mat that covers one half of a basketball court, and a height adjustable basketball goal mounted upon a wheeled frame. The mat maps the floor of the half court with equidistantly spaced semicircles so that the distance to the basket can be readily determined. The semicircles radiate from the center of an imaginary point falling directly under the hoop and extending to both the endline and the side lines of the court. The basketball goal may be raised or lowered to allow application of the successive approximation principle. The wheeled frame also serves to store and move the mat.

Abstract: A basketball practice or training apparatus or assembly is provided including a floor mount and a vertical standard extending upwardly therefrom. Elongate arm shot obstructions are provided at the top of the standard and are removably mounted for changing the configuration of the shot obstruction if desired such as for practicing jump shots versus free throws. A guarding mechanism is also provided and is secured to the standard and includes a player-engaging portion in front of the standard and spaced above the floor mount. Preferably, the player-engaging portion is selectively movable transversely of the standard to adjust its position in front of the standard so as to allow an operator to manipulate the guarding mechanism for keeping the player-engaging portion close to the player even if they change their position relative to the standard.

Abstract: An athletic shooting aid adapted to be detachably mounted directly on the goal of a sporting event to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the game piece in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a clamp which is removably attachable to the goal having a substantially straight elongated member extending from the clamp with a ball or bulk of material attached to the elongated member to serve as the target at which the player aims when shooting the game piece. The elongated member is adapted and configured to allow the ball to move when struck by the game piece in such a manner that the game piece deflects the ball without substantially affecting the trajectory of the game piece and to allow the ball to be repositioned after the game piece has passed through the goal.

Abstract: A basketball passing machine (18) includes a basketball supply (20) which provides basketballs (48) for a basketball ejector assembly (26) which passes basketballs one-at-a-time in a controlled manner along a trajectory (70) towards a waiting player. The machine can be used with a collection net assembly (16) adjacent a backboard (6) so that basketballs from both made and missed shots are collected and directed into the basketball supply. The supply of basketballs allows the passing machine to pass basketballs to the player as fast as desired, such as every three to four seconds. Balls can be passed from the machine on demand; the pass rate, the azimuth of the trajectory, the speed of the ball and the number of balls placed in play at each position can be preprogrammed. Sensors (74, 104) are used to generate signals whenever a ball is placed in play and when a shot is made. Shooting accuracy and associated information can be displayed for a player as well as recorded for future reference.

Abstract: A basketball goal is movable from a position wherein ball may be played to an out-of-play position wherein the ball may not be played. A locking mechanism, operable from the ground, maintains the goal in either the play or out-of-play positions.

Abstract: A basketball backboard aiming device. The device includes a backboard member for attachment to a standard basketball hoop. The backboard has a front, planar surface. A linear array of indicia are disposed along the backboard, the array including a plurality of individual targets. Each of the targets is selectively viewable by a shooter disposed along a unique axis forming a preselected angle with respect to the plane of the backboard. One side of the angle is defined by a line of sight extending from the shooter to the target and the second side by the plane of the backboard. The selectively viewable target provides an aiming point for a shooter disposed anywhere along the line of sight when said player attempts a bank shot.

Abstract: A target practice device for improving an outside shot is mountable on any place on the rim of the basketball goal that has an available surface, i.e. any pan of the rim that does not also have a hook supporting the net. The target can be placed on the rim so that the target-face can be at various angles ranging from 90 degrees (with respect to the ground) to 0 degrees. The target is designed so that it will retract readily to the force of an incoming basketball. When the ball's trajectory is completed, the target returns to its equilibrium position. The device can be mounted on to, and without damaging or altering any part of, a standard basketball goal.