A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

A sports training device includes a glove with a main body. The main body has a palm portion and a back portion. The main body is configured to receive a hand of a user. A plurality of finger receptacles is disposed on the main body. Each finger receptacle of the plurality of finger receptacles has a proximal end disposed adjacent to the main body and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The plurality of finger receptacles includes a thumb receptacle, a first finger receptacle, and a second finger receptacle. Each of the distal end of the thumb receptacle, the distal end of the first finger receptacle, and the distal end of the second finger receptacle are open. A sensor is disposed on the glove and is configured to monitor a release of an object to be thrown.

An athletic skill training apparatus includes a generally horizontal upper ring that defines an upper opening, preferably circular and the same diameter as a traditional basketball hoop, made from a strong, lightweight material. Three lower rings are attached to the upper ring and extend downwardly and inwardly to attach to a base plate. A shock absorbing base member is elastically suspended from the lower rings and absorbs a portion of the force from a ball shot through the upper ring. The base member includes vertically spaced concentric rings of different diameters to redirect the ball out of the lower rings. The rings, the shock absorbing base member and the base plate form a goal assembly that can be positioned on a support above a playing surface.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a basketball backboard. The basketball backboard includes a display screen, a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor data regarding a shot attempt of a user, imaging devices configured to generate image data of the shot attempt, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit can receive (i) the sensor data from the plurality of sensors and (ii) the image data from the imaging devices. Based on the received sensor data, the control unit can determine whether the shot attempt was successful. Based on the received image data and whether the shot attempt was successful, the control unit can generate analytics that indicate characteristics of the user and the shot attempt and recommendations for improving the shot attempt for subsequent shot attempts. The control unit can provide output data representing the analytics.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a basketball backboard. The basketball backboard includes a display screen, a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor data regarding a shot attempt of a user, imaging devices configured to generate image data of the shot attempt, a speaker, and a control unit. The control unit can receive (i) the sensor data from the plurality of sensors and (ii) the image data from the imaging devices. Based on the received sensor data, the control unit can determine whether the shot attempt was successful. Based on the received image data and whether the shot attempt was successful, the control unit can generate analytics that indicate characteristics of the user and the shot attempt and recommendations for improving the shot attempt for subsequent shot attempts. The control unit can provide output data representing the analytics.

An apparatus for securing a basketball includes a pole section; a claw assembly located at a first end of the pole section. The claw assembly includes a plurality of fingers extending axially and radially away from the first end of the pole section, wherein the fingers are sized and configured to extend over the outer surface of a basketball to secure the basketball within the fingers. A method of handling a basketball using the apparatus includes providing a basketball; and securing a basketball between the plurality of fingers. The method further includes wedging the basketball between a basketball rim and backboard while the basketball is secured between the plurality of fingers to maintain the basketball in a wedged position between the rim and backboard. A player may train and improve their basketball shooting ability by shooting the ball at the basket via the backboard to avoid the wedged ball.

Detectors and related systems and methods for automatically detecting made and missed basketball shots using ultrasonics are provided. A launcher is connected to a structural subassembly and passes basketballs to locations about a basketball playing area having a basketball goal. A detector having at least one ultrasonic sensor is selectively positioned below and adjacent to a rim of the basketball goal and transmits bursts of ultrasonic signals. A processor monitors for reflections of the transmitted bursts occurring within a specified time period after transmission excluding an initial time period and time after the specified time period, and records a made shot where reflections of the transmitted bursts are detected within the specified time period. An accelerometer may optionally be included for determining if the made shot was a swish.

A head and neck orientation retainer block for training young or adult athletes for their sport while keeping their head up to provide a safer way to play, and also to enhance their skill and vision of the game. It can be worn during practices with the team and if one chooses, to practice at home. The retainer is a wedge block protrusion placed under the central forward chin of the child or adult player, to allow the player to have a wider freedom of side to side lateral movement, while the player's head is maintained horizontally for line of sight viewing purposes.

Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides performance feedback based on the user's decisions and timing. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills. Some embodiments include various pitch recognition training, which may be against replicated real-life pitchers.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, coordinate dynamic adjustments of a trailer based in part on a user profile associated with a user physically present at the trailer and an activity profile associated with an activity selected to be performed at the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a tilt of a lower surface of the trailer. A dynamic adjustment may modify a dimension(s) of the trailer based in part on a detected object(s). Various dynamic adjustments may occur concurrently, individually and/or sequentially. The trailer may be a moveable trailer for temporary attachment with a vehicle.