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.

Systems and methods for detecting made and missed basketball shots are provided. A launcher passes basketballs to shooting locations about a basketball playing area based on user input provided at an interface to define a custom practice arrangement. A camera captures images of an underside of a rim of a basketball goal. A controller receives images from the camera, associates the images with passes from the launcher, processes the images using a machine vision model to determine which of said received images indicate a made shot, and generates a performance report indicating a number or percentage of made shots for each location in the custom practice arrangement.

A portable sports rack and delivery system including an elongate rack enclosure, and a method of use thereof are provided. The elongate rack enclosure defines a storage space for accommodating balls stacked one above the other. A delivery opening, disposed at a first end of the elongate rack enclosure, receives, accommodates, and delivers an uppermost ball from the storage space. A base member, attached to a second end of the elongate rack enclosure, supports the stacked balls within the storage space. A release component including a compression spring, disposed on an upper surface of the base member, elastically compresses and expands to elevate and release the uppermost ball from the storage space for delivery through the delivery opening. A training component, operably and adjustably coupled to a rear section of the elongate rack enclosure, extends above the first end of the elongate rack enclosure to assist in training a sportsperson.

A system and method is disclosed for a surround-perspective motion annotation comprising: an image/video input for capturing and/or parsing into at least one image frame of a subject performing at least one motion from each of at least three perspectives; a vector generating module for generating a test vector or wire mesh corresponding to a pose of the subject in each of the captured/parsed frame from each of the perspectives; and an annotation module for inputting a drawing imposed on the test vector/mesh for a visual contrast against any one of a feature from the test vector/mesh from any one of the perspectives. Further disclosed embodiments include for a system and method for generating multi-perspective, color-coded deviations of a subject from a reference (color wheel). Further embodiments include for a system and method for generating an optimal motion signature (OMS) for the subject based on his or her generated color wheel.

According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled remote virtual spectator/viewer device enabling viewer interaction with an entertainment participant in an entertainment forum via an exemplary digital video camera, digital audio microphone, speaker system, and display device system coupled via at least one communications interface to a communications network to allow a remote viewer to virtually interact with and communicate with the entertainment participant in the entertainment forum. Embodiments may include a graphical user interface configured to allow control of a digital video camera, and digital microphone in the entertainment forum, by a remote user from a remote location.

A basketball training aid structured and arranged to be worn on a guide or non-shooting hand of a basketball player for use in developing a proper basketball shot, thereby increasing higher shooting percentages and overall accuracy.

A foldable basketball stand has at least one first hoop on a rear end surface of a backboard on an upper half portion of a front frame. A middle portion of first left/right rod of the front frame has two first left/right joints respectively. One end and the other end of left top/bottom rod of a left frame are connected to a left-rear rod/the first left rod respectively. One end and the other end of right top/bottom rod of a right frame are connected to a right-rear rod/the first right rod respectively. A middle portion of left/right rear rod has first/second rear joints respectively. An upper half portion of a rear frame has a stop portion. Left/right sides of the rear frame are connected to left/right rear rods through left/right connecting rods respectively.

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.

A portable training device includes a first and second elongated members, a coupling device, a base, a holder device, and a member holder. An elongated slot is positioned between a distal end and a proximate end on at least one side of each of the first and second elongated members. The first elongated member and second elongated member are each received by the coupling device to form a post that extends in a system vertical direction. The member holder has an engagement portion and a member receiving portion. The engagement portion includes a resilient member and a trapezoidal portion. The resilient member and the trapezoidal portion are slidably received in the elongated slot of the first and second elongated members such that the member holder is positioned into a plurality of positions within the elongated slots of the first and second elongated members.

A basketball return chute assembly includes a chute and a backboard attachment device. The chute is adapted to receive a ball from a basketball basket assembly attached to a backboard and direct the received ball back to a game player. The backboard attachment device is connected to the chute and is adapted to attach to the backboard, to place the chute beneath the basket assembly, and to cause the chute to direct the received ball in a direction away from the backboard. The backboard attachment device is connected to the chute via a hinge. The chute includes a slide with a knuckle at one end and the backboard attachment device includes a plate with another knuckle at one end. The slide is one leaf of the hinge, and the plate is the other leaf of the hinge. The hinge is held together using a pin inserted through the knuckles.