Abstract: A basketball training aid has a harness removably secured to a body of a player. A bumper is retained at a predetermined position in proximity to the body of the player and represents an obstacle to the player, either to the player's field of view or the movement of the player. In this manner, the bumper provides the player with simulated practice of a basketball skill. The bumper is supported by an elongate attachment, which has a first end connected to the bumper and a second end connected to the harness and configured to support the bumper at the predetermined position in proximity to the body of the player.

Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a backboard to which a goal is configured to be attached, a support structure, a connecting structure configured to connect the backboard to the support structure, a lockable height adjustment mechanism operably disposed with respect to the backboard, and a means for absorbing shock. When the height adjustment mechanism is locked, the means for absorbing shock enables temporary displacement of the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the backboard if the imposed load or force exceeds a threshold load or force, respectively.

Abstract: In one example, a basketball system includes a basketball goal, a support structure, a connecting structure connecting the basketball goal and the support structure, and a height adjustment mechanism connected to the support structure and the connecting structure. The height adjustment mechanism includes: a biasing mechanism connected at least indirectly to the connecting structure and including a locking pin movable between a first position where the biasing mechanism is locked and a second position where the biasing mechanism is unlocked; and, a handle including an outer surface configured such that rotation of the handle results in a corresponding linear movement of the locking pin as the outer surface slidingly engages the locking pin. The height adjustment mechanism is configured such that a single movement of the handle is sufficient to effect both unlocking of the biasing mechanism and adjustment of a height of the basketball goal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present system deal with a basketball goal assembly which adjustably supports a backboard assembly and a rim assembly to enable players to play the game of basketball. In certain preferred aspects, the rim assembly is connected directly to the support arrangement so that force applied to the rim assembly is transmitted directly to the support assembly and is not transferred to the backboard assembly.

Abstract: A basketball system may include a basketball goal with a backboard and a rim. The basketball system may also include a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. In addition, the basketball system may include a height adjustment mechanism that allows the height of the basketball goal to be adjusted. The height adjustment mechanism may include a locked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be set in a fixed position and an unlocked position in which the height of the basketball goal may be adjustable. The upward movement of a handle may unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system, and the downwardly movement of the handle may also unlock the height adjustment mechanism and adjust the height of the basketball system.