Methods and systems for real-time generation of ball shot analytics are disclosed. The methods and systems perform steps for ball and posture detection, ball and posture flow generation, shot event identification and classification, and shot analytics generation based on identified shot events and shooter posture flow. Embodiments of the present invention use computer vision techniques to enable a resource-limited mobile device such as a smartphone to conduct the aforementioned steps. Also disclosed are benefits of the new methods, and alternative embodiments of implementation.

An Internet of Thing (IoT) device includes a transceiver coupled to a processor. Blockchain smart contracts can be used with the device to facilitate secure operation.

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 quantitative scoring based on the user's decisions and timing. Coaches and other users may design customized scenarios or plays to train and test users, and the resultant scores may be reviewed by the coach. 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.

A template for properly determining the positions for the yardline numbers of an American-style football field includes a generally rectangular frame having an external perimeter and an internal opening defined by an internal perimeter. The shape of the internal opening, and the corresponding shape of the internal perimeter, is such that for each of the yardline numbers, i.e. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0, the internal perimeter defines a plurality of locations for abutting a corresponding plurality of outer edge portions of the yardline number. With the external perimeter appropriately aligned along one or more lines of the field, the frame can be used to properly locate any one of the six yardline numbers that are needed to properly locate all of the yardline numbers on an American-style football field. This frame reduces the number of templates needed to locate the yardline numbers of a football field, and also simplifies the process of properly locating the yardline numbers.

Provided is a method for a basketball training device comprising a blocking module secured to a retaining element, in which the blocking module and the retaining element are configured such that the blocking module extends from the chest of a wearer and is adapted to impede the wearer from moving a basketball ball into a defensive hand zone of the wearer.

A shooting system includes a collapsible ball capture support adapted to support a ball capture device and a ball return. The ball return detects a ball captured by the ball capture device and returns the ball to a user in response to the detected ball. To return the ball to the user, the system identifies a location of the user with respect to the shooting system, orients the ball return toward the user, and accelerates the ball along a trajectory based on a distance between the user and the shooting system.

Methods and apparatus related to improving player performance for trajectory-based sports are described. In particular, sporting devices are described that can be utilized to improve player performance in basketball. The sporting devices can include a camera-based system configured to capture and analyze the trajectory of a shot taken by a player. The camera-based system can be configured to provide feedback that allows a player to optimize the trajectory mechanics associated with shooting a basketball. In one embodiment, the camera-based system can be used in conjunction with a training aid that is attached to a basketball rim. The training aid can be configured to improve the trajectory mechanics of individuals utilizing the modified basketball rim to practice their shooting.

A system and method for using performance signatures can include generating a set of performance features during an activity of the first participant by collecting kinematic data from at least one inertial measurement unit and generating a set of biomechanical signals; combining the set of performance features into the performance signature; generating at least a second performance signature from a set of participants; comparing the performance signature of the first participant to at least the second performance signature; and applying a result of the comparison to an interaction with at least one participant.

A basketball that uses compression or decompression of piezo elements to produce current that charges a rechargeable battery in the basketball. The current is generated by the piezo elements that are placed between an inner shell and an outer shell of the basketball so that the bouncing of the basketball creates current to charge the battery. The charged battery can be coupled to an electronic device (e.g., smartphone) to charge the electronic device.

Systems and methods relating to evaluating the performance of a person playing basketball are described. The systems and methods can be used to provide an evaluation sequence that can determine and evaluate the performance level of a person at one or more basketball skills. The evaluation sequence for the person can include a first sequence of actions that are the same each person being evaluated for a particular skill and a second sequence of actions that is based on the results of the first sequence and may be different for each person. Once the first and second sequences have been completed by the person, the system can determine a performance level for the person for the skills being evaluated.