A user interface includes a plurality of pass receipt locations rendered at spaced positions on or adjacent to the rendering of a three-point line to correspond with pass receipt locations on a basketball playing surface. Each pass receipt location is individually and directly selected by physical touch to define a custom basketball practice arrangement which is programmed into a control system to cause an ejector mounted to a frame to launch at least one basketball to each selected location.

A configurable flexible putting green system and methods provide a golf putting experience on a highly configurable simulated putting green surface. A movable, flexible turf belt is tensioned between storage devices at each end of the turf belt. A portion of the turf belt is configured as a putt spot, supporting the player's weight and simulating a real putting experience. The system is provided with actuators underneath the turf belt for creating a variety of undulations, inclinations, and declinations so as to simulate a wide variety of golf putting scenarios. A golf computer is provided for controlling the turf belt and undulators to simulate golf putting conditions according to a database of simulated golf putting terrain matching existing golf courses.

A small electronic device used to perform alignment of a lined golf ball in preparation for putting. The device is battery powered and includes one or more motors for rotating the golf ball at a high speed. The device further includes one or more photonic line sensors disposed at the golf ball for identifying the line on the golf ball and for communicating with a microcontroller which coordinates the electric rotation motors to align the golf ball to the device. The electronic device also features a mechanical loading mechanism which holds the golf ball for rotation during the alignment process and releases the golf ball to the putting green without rotation when alignment is complete.

A light charging system charges at least one luminescent object to emit light and includes a housing comprising an openable lid, an interior, and at least one interior wall, wherein the openable lid provides a light proof seal when mated with the at least one interior wall. A light source comprises an illuminating light panel interposed between at least one light source and the interior to illuminate and charge a luminescent object when operating. An electronic housing contains at least one battery and an on/off switch. A/C or D/C power can be used.

An athletic game, or sport where a player interacts with ricocheting ping pong balls emitting from an apparatus, challenging the player's reaction speed, and dexterity. The apparatus is wall mounted at about eye-level, or higher, said apparatus containing one or more ball retaining, and dispensing apertures that are controlled by a programmed chip. The game is played by a player anticipating a series of balls; that have no predictable sequence, being dropped from any one of several orifices, seeing each ball drop, strike a shelf, then bounce upward, giving the player an attempt to catch, net, hit, or shoot at a time interval controlled series of balls, before any can reach the floor.

A ball dispensing mechanism (5) for an arcade game which automatically dispenses balls (16) from a rotating turret (10) positioned centrally, between the player's legs. The rotation allows balls (16) to be dispensed for both left and right handed players.

A ball identification error analysis system and method is described. The illustrative ball identification error analysis system includes a plurality of balls, a plurality of bays, and a plurality of targets. The plurality of bays is communicatively coupled to a tracking module. The tracking module is configured to determine a list of balls having a first probability of arriving at the target from the list of balls hit during the time period that have not been read by any one of the plurality of ball readers. The tracking module is further configured to determine a list of balls having a second probability of arriving at the target from the list of balls hit during the time period that have not been read by any one of the plurality of ball readers. The system associates the greater of the first probability and the second probability with hitting the target.

A ball holder for a table tennis table designed for non-intrusive mounting under a corner of a table tennis table. The ball holder can be manufactured in two parts for ease of sale and construction, with the two halves being easily assembled and secured by the user. The two halves can connect using a set of male and female tabs, and secure using a set of bolts. The full assembly can attach to the table tennis table through the use of four screws. Properly assembled, the ball holder can contain multiple table tennis balls in an easily accessible position, but without obstructing the players' range of motion or creating a hazard.

A configurable flexible putting green system and methods provide a golf putting experience on a highly configurable simulated putting green surface. A movable, flexible turf belt is tensioned between storage devices at each end of the turf belt. A portion of the turf belt is configured as a putt spot, supporting the player's weight and simulating a real putting experience. The system is provided with actuators underneath the turf belt for creating a variety of undulations, inclinations, and declinations so as to simulate a wide variety of golf putting scenarios. A golf computer is provided for controlling the turf belt and undulators to simulate golf putting conditions according to a database of simulated golf putting terrain matching existing golf courses.

A ball collecting apparatus is provided that employs a human-powered ball transport system that moves balls from a collecting surface to a location above the collection surface. The ball collecting apparatus employs no motors or other artificially powered devices to retrieve and transfer balls, which makes it light and easy to maneuver. The ball collecting apparatus is primarily contemplated for use of picking up tennis balls, but other balls of various sizes may be accommodated by the apparatus, as it is scalable.