Basketball training device, system and method

Abstract

Method and various devices and systems directed towards teaching, training and developing a shooter to increase the accuracy of shooting a basketball are provided. The method comprises shooting a basketball with centerline straightness, 43-45 degree basketball hoop entry angle and 11 inch shot-depth. Embodiments of the physical devices of the invention, which may be used singly or in various combination, comprise a centerline-straightness target acquisition portion, a shot-depth target acquisition potion and an arc-angle target acquisition portion that teach, develop and reinforce consistent, accurate basketball shooting. A bracket assembly is disclosed for detachably attaching the device embodiments to a basketball backboard above the basketball hoop rim.

1 . A basketball shooting training device for use with a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, comprising:
 a centerline straightness assembly portion; and   a shot-depth assembly portion;   wherein the centerline straightness assembly portion is comprised of a centerline target extension element, said centerline target extension element comprising an upper first end, a lower second end and a center axis extending through said first end and second end, wherein during use the centerline straightness assembly portion is suspended above the hoop such that said center axis of the centerline target extension element is substantially perpendicular (90 degrees) to a plane of the hoop and aligned with a diametric center of the hoop;   wherein the shot-depth assembly portion is detachably attached to said lower second end of the centerline target extension element and freely swivels therefrom; and   wherein during use of the training device, the training device is suspended above the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the shot-depth assembly portion is comprised of:
 a lower circular rim element;   an upper portion for detachable attachment to the lower second end of the centerline target extension element; and   one or more side support elements that connect the lower circular rim element to the upper portion,   wherein the lower circular rim element is comprised of a circumference that is substantially the same as a circumference of the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.   
     
     
         3 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the training device is further comprised of a swivel element for detachably attaching the shot-depth assembly portion to the lower second end of the centerline target extension element and for allowing the shot-depth assembly portion to freely swivel therefrom. 
     
     
         4 . The training device of  claim 3 , wherein during use of the training device, a plane of the lower circular rim element is parallel to the plane of the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The training device of  claim 3 , wherein during use of the training device, the shot-depth assembly portion is suspended from the centerline target extension element above the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly wherein the circumference of the lower circular rim element is substantially aligned with the circumference of the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the side support element is comprised of a plurality of support rib elements whereby the shot-depth assembly portion is substantially see-through to a user. 
     
     
         7 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket assembly portion, wherein the centerline straightness assembly portion detachably attaches to and secures with said bracket assembly portion and wherein said bracket assembly portion detachably attaches and secures to the backboard of the backboard and hoop assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the bracket assembly portion is further comprised of a mounting element for detachable attachment and securing the centerline straightness assembly portion, said mounting element comprising a first upper aperture, a second lower aperture for receiving the first upper portion of the centerline target extension element, a hollow inner portion through which the centerline target extension element is inserted and secured, an outer portion and a securing element for securing the centerline target extension element. 
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 8 , said securing element comprising a threaded bolt and manual grip element for insertion, tightening and untightening through a corresponding threaded aperture in the outer portion of the mounting element. 
     
     
         10 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the bracket assembly portion is further comprised of at least one backboard securing bracket for detachable attachment and securing of the bracket assembly portion to the backboard of the backboard and hoop assembly, said backboard securing bracket comprising a top support element, a back support element and a front support element configured for placement of the bracket assembly portion over a top end of the backboard. 
     
     
         11 . The training device of  claim 10 , said backboard securing bracket further comprising a threaded bolt and manual grip element for insertion, tightening and untightening through a corresponding threaded aperture in the back support element or the front support element for securing the bracket assembly to the backboard. 
     
     
         12 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising an arc-angle assembly portion, said arc-angle assembly portion comprising:
 at least one shot-arc target;   a shot-arc target support element;   an attachment support element for detachable attachment and securing of the arc-angle assembly portion to the centerline extension element,   wherein the shot-arc target support element is substantially in the shape of a semi-circle, defined by a straight diameter edge, a center point thereon, and a semi-circumference edge, said semi-circumference edge being equal distance from the center point and extending from a first endpoint of the diameter edge to a second endpoint of the diameter edge, wherein a length of said diameter edge is substantially the same length as a diameter of the hoop of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly,   wherein the attachment support element corresponded with the center point of the straight diameter edge, and   wherein the at least one shot-arc target extends outward from the semi-circumference edge at an angle of about 40°-50° relative to a plane comprising the shot-arc target support element and radiates from the semi-circumference edge relative to the center point of the straight diameter edge.   
     
     
         13 . The training device of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment support element is comprised of a first upper aperture, a second lower aperture for receiving the first upper portion of the centerline target extension element, a hollow inner portion through which the centerline target extension element is inserted and secured, an outer portion and a securing element for securing the centerline target extension element. 
     
     
         14 . The training device of  claim 13 , said securing element comprising a threaded bolt and manual grip element for insertion, tightening and untightening through a corresponding threaded aperture in the outer portion of the attachment support element.