A method of customizing a golf club, wherein the method includes generating operating data representative of a user operating a mechanical device. The operating data is generated by a first sensor sized and configured to be removably positioned in a mounting port formed on the mechanical device during operation of the mechanical device. The sensor is interchangeably positionable in the mounting port with at least one mass insert, the at least one mass insert being adapted to be interchangeably positioned in the mounting to provide at least two different mass configurations. The method further includes determining a recommended configuration of the at least one mass insert specific to the user based on the operating data generated by the sensor, and transmitting information representative of the recommended mass insert.

Method for coupling a sensor to a piece of equipment, such as a golf club, baseball bat, or tennis racket, that ensures that the sensor is in a known position and orientation relative to the equipment. Compensates and calibrates for degrees of freedom introduced in manufacturing and installation. The method may include manufacturing a sensor receiver that aligns with equipment in a fixed orientation, and that holds a sensor housing in a fixed orientation relative to the receiver. Remaining uncertainties in sensor position and orientation may be addressed using post-installation calibration. Calibration may include performing specific calibration movements with the equipment and analyzing the sensor data collected during these calibration movements.

A sporting device providing a rotating footplate and optional foot extension for a user to employ to practice a swing motion using a bat or club commonly used in sports.

A sporting apparatus includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device may add no weight to the sporting apparatus relative to a comparable sporting apparatus without the monitoring device. The monitoring device may have a center of gravity substantially aligning with the center of gravity of the sporting apparatus, resulting in a sporting apparatus with a monitor having substantially the same center of gravity as a comparable sporting apparatus without a monitor. The sporting apparatus monitor may be configured to trim unreliable post impact swing data and replace it with extrapolated pre-impact swing data and/or more reliable post impact swing data.

The invention is directed to a ball tee for supporting a ball. The ball tee includes a base, a telescoping post, a clamp, and a ball holder. The base presents a plurality of laterally extending arms and an opening. The telescoping post includes a static segment and a first telescoping segment. The clamp is configured to secure the telescoping post to the base. The clamp is disposed at least partially within said opening of the base and at least partially around said static segment of the telescoping post. The ball holder is disposed atop the telescoping post configured to support a ball. The ball holder includes a rolled flexible sheet and an outer holder (and in some embodiments an inner holder). The rolled flexible sheet presents a generally conical shape oriented with a large end upward for supporting the ball, and is at least partially disposed within the outer holder.

A method can include providing an object having a size smaller than a size of a known regulation object, projecting the object, via a delivery device, toward a trainee, and training the trainee to follow the object. A method can include determining a game parameter of a game trajectory of a sports object that was projected along the game trajectory in a real-time sports event, and based on the game parameters, adapting a delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory, with the training object being smaller than the sports object.

A protective screen apparatus including a central protective screen, and a free-standing, hinged side wing. Hinged side wing may be configured and capable of being rapidly decoupled from a primary frame of the central protective screen. The hinged side wing may be readily moved from the right to the left side of the primary frame, thereby easily converting the protective screen apparatus to left-handed configuration or right-handed configuration. Some embodiments include spring biasing of the hinged side wing to absorb at least some ball impact when the hinged side wings pivots upon being struck with a ball. Methods of reconfiguring and protecting a batter with the protective screen apparatus, and an attachable/detachable ball basket are provided, as are other aspects.

A baseball swing trainer. The baseball swing trainer includes a housing having a base, a rear wall, and a top portion defining an open center area. A plurality of resistance blades extend downward from the top portion such that they are positioned within the open center area. A fastener is disposed on the rear wall for securing the swing trainer to a vertical structure such as a pole or tree. When a user swings a bat through the open center area, the resistance blades resist the motion of the bat. This enables the user to develop the muscles that are activated during the swing, which helps to increase swing speed and strength. A resistance band removably affixed to the vertical structure can be connected to the end of a bat to accelerate the bat through the natural swing plane, which enhances the neurological firing rate related to swing musculature.

An interactive baseball gamification system can be facilitated via the use of sensors, data tracking, gamification, and virtualization. A first user can play against a second user in real-time, near real-time, or based on historical user data. Additionally, the first user can be geographically remote from the second user. The interactive baseball gamification system can be used to train baseball players or baseball teams. Alternatively, the interactive baseball gamification system can be used for recreational purposes to pit users against each other.