A method includes identifying, from trajectory data for a kick, kick parameters for and adjusting a value of a first one of the kick parameters to a new value to calculate a first simulated trajectory in relation to a target area in combination with adjusting the value of the first kick parameter to a second value to calculate a second simulated trajectory and calculating a first blocked portion of the target area based on the first simulated trajectory and an obstacle between a launch position and the target area and a second blocked portion of the target area based on the second simulated trajectory and the obstacle. In addition, an optimized value of the first kick parameter is determined where a simulated trajectory of the ball calculated kicked with the optimized value results in a successful kick into the largest unblocked portion of the target area.

A sports simulator calculates the rotational and translational velocity of a sports object. The rotational velocity is calculated using image analysis. The translational velocity is calculated using image analysis and a set of emitters and sensors. The simulator then computes the future trajectory of the sports object based on the rotational and translational velocity. In one embodiment, the sports object is a golf ball and the sports simulator simulates golf.

A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes instructing a human player to perform a plurality of different actions in a determined order with a physical basketball, including actions of bouncing the physical basketball, and obtaining, with one or more electronic sensors, data that characterizes motion of the physical basketball being handled by the human player who is performing the instructed actions at a location. The method also includes communicating the data from the sensors to a console videogame system that is proximate to the location, and graphically representing, in a videogame displayed on a display device, performance by the human player, the performance being affected by the captured data, the representation of performance by the human player being compared against a standard of performance.

An electronic golf aid system for assisting users with reading greens on golf courses includes a camera that captures images of the user's field of view, and an electronic display device with a display screen that displays captured images. A processor, which communicates with the camera and display device, is programmed to: receive signals from the camera indicative of images of a golf ball and a cup on the green; determine respective locations for the golf ball and cup; determine a perspective view of the topology of the green between the golf ball and cup from the user's point of view; determine, based on the green's topology, a proposed trajectory line from the golf ball's location to the cup's location; and direct the electronic display device to display the proposed trajectory line superimposed on the surface of the green as the green is shown in real-time on the display screen.

Electronic tracking systems are disclosed for assisting users with locating objects in a sporting environment. One such system includes a ball tracking component that tracks a game ball while moving in the sporting environment, and a heads up display that is worn by the user. This heads up display has an electronic display screen with a transparent display area that dynamically displays images within the user's field of view. A processor, which communicates with the ball tracking component and heads up display, is programmed to detect movement of the game ball, and responsively determine launch characteristics and/or flight characteristics of the moving game ball. The heads up display displays the launch/flight characteristics contemporaneous with an object indication adjacent to or superimposed over the moving game ball as the game ball is visible through the transparent display area of the display screen within the user's field of view.

A portable baseball/softball pitching target is disclosed. The portable baseball/softball pitching target has a single solitary exact target at which a baseball pitcher throws. The target can be adjusted left or right and/or in a height wise direction so that it can be moved to an exact spot allowing a pitcher to throw to an exact location. The target can be optionally moved remotely allowing the pitcher to practice pitching without having to approach the portable baseball pitching target. The target on the portable baseball pitching target can be moved using mechanical means or electrical means. The target dimensions can be adjusted to make the target smaller or larger. Other optional features include a radar that allows a pitcher to track his/her speed, a remote control device that allows the target to be moved, and a baseball/softball home plate. The portable pitching target may be a part of a kit.

A system determining a spin axis of a ball includes a radar transmitting a signal into a target area. The radar includes a minimum of three receivers arranged so that two pairs of receivers are not co-linear. The system also includes a Processing Unit (PU) receiving data from the radar and determining a radar range of frequencies received at a point in time corresponding to differing velocities relative to the radar of different portions of the ball as the ball is spinning. PU divides the radar frequency range into a plurality of frequency components and calculating, for each of the frequency components, an angular position associated therewith. PU identifies as a projection of the spin axis in a plane perpendicular to a line of sight from the radar to the ball, a line perpendicular to a line represented by the determined angular positions.

A smart soccer goal for tracking and communicating motion of objects includes a goal frame; a net coupled to the goal frame including a plurality of lights; and one or more sensors coupled to the goal frame. A first sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement within and immediately near the smart soccer goal and a second sensor of the one or more sensors is directed to detecting movement outside of the smart soccer goal.

A pickleball training apparatus that includes a base; a substantially vertical stem configured to engage the base; and an arm assembly coupled to the vertical stem, the arm assembly having: a) a coupler having: i) a bearing configured to engage the vertical stem; ii) one or more apertures; and iii) one or more stand offs; b) one or more arms each having a proximal end configured to engage the one or more apertures of the coupling; and c) a ball connected to a distal end of each of the one or more arms; the one or more arms are substantially rigid and extend in a substantially horizontal orientation from the coupler and the substantially vertical base; and the one or more stand offs extend from the coupler in a generally vertical orientation.

Systems and methods for playing a golf game are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for playing a golf game within limited confines includes a wall unit, a floor unit, and a control unit. The wall unit is configured to display a virtual portion of the golf game. The floor unit is configured to enable a physical portion of the golf game. The control unit is programmed to use first data related the virtual portion and second data related to the physical portion to enable a golfer to play a full golf hole.