A pitching machine pitch type and speed data providing method is carried out by a service providing apparatus connected to a user terminal through a network, and the method includes the steps of acquiring player data having pitch types and command percentages by pitcher in real game situations, converting the player data into pitch type and speed data of a given pitching machine, receiving a request message for the player data, and providing the pitch type and speed data corresponding to the player data for the user terminal in response to the request message for the player data.

A pitching machine pitch type and speed data providing method is carried out by a service providing apparatus connected to a user terminal through a network, and the method includes the steps of acquiring player data having pitch types and command percentages by pitcher in real game situations, converting the player data into pitch type and speed data of a given pitching machine, receiving a request message for the player data, and providing the pitch type and speed data corresponding to the player data for the user terminal in response to the request message for the player data.

The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for “fielders” and enable the creation of the first “batting range”. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.

A basketball system is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system includes a rotatable hoop assembly with a hoop and backboard mounted to a support and rotatable around a vertical axis of rotation to change an angle of the hoop and the backboard relative to a particular geo-position. The system may include a programmable display device that presents a display on a surface based at least in part on the angle of the hoop and the backboard and control logic that sends commands to change the angle of the hoop and backboard relative to the particular geo-position. In some embodiments, a rebounding system is included with a ball guide that directs balls to the particular geo-position before and after a change to the angle of the hoop and the backboard.

This invention relates generally to a ball delivery system and method, and more particularly to a ball delivery system where the axis of rotation of the ball delivered from the system can range from perpendicular to the direction of motion of the ball to parallel to the direction of motion. This invention also permits a user to enter information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball. This invention also permits information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball to be determined from a video of a ball.

This invention relates generally to a ball delivery system and method, and more particularly to a ball delivery system where the axis of rotation of the ball delivered from the system can range from perpendicular to the direction of motion of the ball to parallel to the direction of motion. This invention also permits a user to enter information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball. This invention also permits information related to the speed and axis of rotation of the ball to be determined from a video of a ball.

A system for providing player training including a grid of individually powered, processor controlled and communicable lighting elements and sensors which are embedded within a playing surface associated with the event, the lighting elements interfacing with at least one of a player worn sensor and/or a remote processor device for providing a visual illustration of any number of parameters associated with an actual player performance, including real time motion progressions of the player which are represented on the field surface and/or recreated on a processor driven screen which films or otherwise tracks the event. The simulated progressions can further replicate the desired motions of the positional player's intended motions or those of an opposing positional player and in lieu of the actual player being on the playing surface.

In one implementation, a game apparatus includes a base with a playing surface that has (i) a first end with a first designated area for cups and (ii) a second end; a game piece; a tether that attaches the game piece to the base so as to permit the game piece to move freely within the tether's range; and a first launcher that includes a mechanism to launch the game piece as a projectile, the first launcher being positioned at or around the second end to launch the game piece toward the first designated area for cups, wherein the first designated area for cups and at least a portion of the first launcher are within the tether's range.

In one implementation, a game apparatus includes a base with a playing surface that has (i) a first end with a first designated area for cups and (ii) a second end; a game piece; a tether that attaches the game piece to the base so as to permit the game piece to move freely within the tether's range; and a first launcher that includes a mechanism to launch the game piece as a projectile, the first launcher being positioned at or around the second end to launch the game piece toward the first designated area for cups, wherein the first designated area for cups and at least a portion of the first launcher are within the tether's range.

A protective screen system having a protective screen made up of a protective screen frame and a primary net, and including a protective screen safety apparatus coupled to the protective screen. The protective screen safety apparatus includes one or more spacing connectors adapted to couple a structure such as a protective screen frame, and support and suspend a safety net in front of and spaced from the protective screen frame to minimize bounce back of a ball from the protective screen frame. Methods of protecting a batter with the protective screen safety apparatus are provided. Retrofitting and adjustable protective screen safety apparatus are described, including embodiments adapted to minimize damage to chain-link fences, as are other aspects.