System and method for assisting children in learning and improving upon aim in basketball and other sports activities

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for assisting children in learning and improving upon aim in basketball and other sports. The system is adapted for use with a basketball rim secured to a post or a mount, the basketball rim having a recessed portion. The system includes a retainer ring for insertion within or securing to the recess in the basketball rim; and one or more targets secured to the retainer ring, each target comprising a head portion connected to a stem. The target may be a traditional bullseye, a cartoon character, a letter, a number, among many other examples. In use, a child aims for the target, which is positioned just above the basketball rim, as opposed to the rim itself. In so doing, the child positions the basketball for a successful basket and not a rebound off the rim. The system also is configurable for other youth sports, including soccer and baseball as examples.

1 . A system for assisting a child in learning and improving upon aim in shooting a basketball into a basketball rim secured to a post or mount, the system comprising:
 a retainer ring operatively connected to the basketball rim; and   one or more targets secured to the retainer ring, said one or more targets comprising a head portion connected to a stem, the stem retained by the retainer ring;   wherein the head portion of said one or more targets is positioned above the basketball rim at a location where aim of the basketball is optimized for shooting a successful basket.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the retainer ring fits within the basketball ring. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the retainer ring fits on top of the basketball ring, the retainer ring having clips for securing the retainer ring to the basketball rim. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the retainer ring has one or more holes sized for receiving the target stem. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stem is configured to bend upon impact by the basketball in the instance of poor aim of the shot. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the stem is configured to be rigid to resist impact by the basketball in the instance of poor aim of the shot. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the stem has a base portion that is rectangular-shaped and configured to press-fit within the retainer ring. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the stem has a base portion that is cylindrical-shaped and configured for insertion within the retainer ring. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the head portion has printed indicia selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers, and cartoon characters. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the head portion has internal circuitry to power one or more light sources protruding from a portion of said one or more targets, said light source configured to illuminate upon detection of the basketball. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the head portion has internal circuitry and a sound source, said sound source configured to play a sound effect or song upon detection of the basketball. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the head portion has internal circuitry operatively connected to a smart phone device, said internal circuitry communicating data to the smart phone relating to the child's shooting performance. 
     
     
         13 . A method for improving a child's aim in shooting a basketball into a basketball rim secured to a post or mount, the method comprising the steps of:
 attaching a retainer ring to the basketball rim;   securing one or more targets to the retainer ring, said one or more targets comprising a head portion connected to a stem, the stem retained by the retainer ring;   positioning the head portion of said one or more targets above the basketball rim at a location wherein aim of the basketball is optimized for shooting a successful basket; and   aiming a basketball at a location immediately adjacent to and above the head portion of a target and shooting said basketball at said aimed location.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the steps of: providing the head portion with an internal circuitry to power one or more light sources protruding from a portion of said one or more targets, and illuminating said light source upon detection of the basketball. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the steps of: providing said one or more targets with an internal circuitry and a sound source, and playing a sound effect or song upon detection of the basketball. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the steps of: providing said one or more targets with an internal circuitry operatively connected to a smart phone device, and communicating data from said one or more targets to the smart phone relating to the child's shooting performance. 
     
     
         17 . A system for assisting a child in learning and improving upon aim in shooting a basketball into a basketball rim secured to a post or mount, the system comprising:
 a retainer ring inserted within the basketball rim, the retainer ring having a plurality of holes;   a plurality of targets secured to the retainer ring, said plurality of targets comprising a head portion connected to a stem, the stem passing through and retained by one of the plurality of holes in the retainer ring; and   a printed indicator affixed to said head portion of said plurality of targets, the printed indicator configured to attract the attention of the child;   wherein the printed indicator is positioned above the basketball rim at a location where aim of the basketball is optimized for shooting a successful basket.