An apparatus is provided in the form of an article of headwear designed to force the user to shoot with the proper form every time, together with a method for training a basketball player using the headwear. The headwear has three brims projecting from the front, side and top of the headwear. When a person is shooting a basketball while wearing the headwear, the three brims train the person to have the proper shooting form, by keeping the person's hands, elbows and wrists in the proper locations and at the proper angles.

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.

A system, method, and computer program product for teaching athletic ball skills is herein disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a device with a graphical user interface (GUI) and a ball. It further includes the step of displaying a first number on the GUI. The method further includes the step of performing a first action with the ball based on the displayed first number.

An attachable basketball training device including a substantially semicircular inverted R-shaped clamp having a curved right portion, a curved left portion, a linear middle portion, and a continuous bottom opening. Each of the right portion, the left portion, and the middle portion has an interior lip and an exterior lip. A horizontal slot is medially disposed through the interior lip of the middle portion of the clamp, with a tab slidably engageable within the slot. A plurality of slits is disposed through the interior lip of each of the right portion of the clamp and the left portion of the clamp. Each of a plurality of vertical projections has a looped top section and a linear sword-shaped bottom section. The top section of each of the plurality of vertical projections is disposed through each of the plurality of slits. The clamp is removably attachable to a basketball hoop.

A device and method for aiding in the practice of basketball and other games that require a ball to be returned to a player in order to perform repetitive practice routines. The device generally includes a ball catching component and a ball ejection component. The ball catching component catches balls thrown by the player and delivers them to the ball ejection component so that the ball ejection component has a continuous supply of balls. The invention includes a means for tracking a predetermined color worn by a player on the court and returning the ball toward the player's current position after a predetermined triggering event has occurred.

A sports training apparatus for training athletes to deliver a ball or other object at an appropriate arc. The sports training apparatus includes an adjustable horizontal target that is positioned between the athlete and the target. It gives guidance to the athlete at the time of release. The athlete's height, game being played, desired arc, technique employed and position on the court determine the appropriate configuration, placement, and use of the sports training apparatus described herein. Athletes use the sports training apparatus repeatedly to train, learn, and be able to repeat the desired arc for a particular shot in their sport.

Balance training systems and methods are disclosed. A balance training system is disclosed, comprising: a lower member having a ground contacting surface and an upward facing surface; an upper member having a foot receiving surface and a downward facing surface; the upward facing surface and the downward facing surface being shaped for contact with each other; and the upper member having a balance position when a balance point on the upper member is in contact with the lower member. A balance training system is also disclosed comprising a first platform having a top surface (ground plane) which supports the user's weight, a support having flexible and/or compressible upward facing surface in contact with a downward facing surface of the first platform, the ground plane being within 0.5″ of the top surface of the flexible and/or compressible upward facing surface to reduce or prevent horizontal movement of the ground plane when the first platform changes angle. A balance training system is further disclosed, comprising a first platform having a top surface (ground plane) that supports the user's weight, a curved downward facing convex surface of the first platform, the top surface being aligned within ½″ of the downward facing curved surface.

A ball useful for basketball practice and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The ball includes an inflatable bladder covered with one or more flexible elongate elements wound around the surface of the bladder. The ball also includes an outer covering with at least two outer panels separated by at least one strip of elastomeric material. The outer panels and the strip(s) are placed directly onto the wound flexible elongate element(s). The manufacture-method particularly involves covering the inflatable bladder with the flexible elongate element(s) wound on the surface of the bladder, and placing the outer covering, including the outer panels separated by the strip(s) of elastomeric material, directly onto the wound flexible elongate element(s).

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

A system for improving a basketball player's ability to shoot basketballs towards a basketball hoop having an improved ball sensor is disclosed. An interface allows a player to select various locations for a ball ejector to launch basketballs to. A hollow protrusion extends though the net of the basketball hoop and has a microphone positioned therein. A processor compares audio signals generated by said microphone to pre-recorded sample audio signals of a basketball passing through the net of the basketball hoop to determine if a basketball shot was successfully made.