Abstract:
A training device for thrown or pitched balls at a target is disclosed, especially useful for basketball training, in which a hyperbolic paraboloid surface deflects the approaching ball at a known angle in a manner in which the returned ball will strike a mat. The mat includes indicia which can be diagnostically useful in determining the proper correction to the throw or pitch.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/785,768 filed 14 Mar. 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains to training devices for thrown, pitched, or otherwise projected articles such as balls, and especially for scenarios in which the projected article must reach, hit, or pass through a target, such as a basketball goal or hoop. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Learning to throw or pitch an object, such as a ball, at a target upon which the object is to impact or pass through can be difficult, especially for younger players of games such as basketball, baseball, and football, because their body height, arm lengths, muscular power and quickness change throughout their cycle of maturation. Learning to throw or shoot a ball actually is an on-going process, because the motor motion and viewing angle of the target is different at each different particular body size and relative dimensions, which much relearning is required as the body changes size and proportions. To add to this challenge is the fact that, in some games, the game court dimensions, goal dimensions and ball size and weight are different for different age brackets. As such, while playing “little league” sports may appear simplistic, younger growing players face many challenges that mature, early adult players do not face and vice versa. 
     During the later adult aging processes, similar changes occur, but they occur in muscle strength, muscle quickness, slight changes in height, and reduced visual acuity. This also makes practice into more of an on-going learning process for adults, as well, even though many players do not recognize this. 
     Many training devices such as pitch-back targets (football, baseball) and restricted opening targets (football, baseball, and basketball) indicate an error in the pitch, throw, or shot, but they do not provide feedback to the player as to what changes or compensation to make to correct the error. Additionally, return devices tend to be bulky, large, and complicated. Targets fail to accurately define a finite point of aim and/or angles of launch. Targets fail to define an angle of entry. Other training processes fail to define a successful shot as one which is defined to maximize tolerance (centering of opportunity). 
     Turning to basketball, early in the history of the sport inventors used an apparatus having a circular hoop of smaller diameter placed acutely above and attached to the front of the regulation hoop as a guide to increase or assure a prescribed arc. This apparatus also had a restricted area of passage through which the practice toss of a basketball was then required to pass through to indicate a successful shot. 
     Since those early attempts at constructing a training aid/apparatus, numerous attempts have been invented featuring other devices providing feedback training, including: ball return; aiming and or reduced size hoop targeting devices; “proper” arc guidance or modifiers; nets; ramps, motorized directional ball return systems, video capture of visual and radio frequency indicated projectile motion path detection systems. 
     The complexity of the Physics associated with motion of a sphere through a fluid (air resistance) under the influence of acceleration of positive and negative values for gravitational pull between point of launch (release) and optimum passage through a horizontally disposed hoop of “reported” diameter of 18 inches (about 46 centimeters) at a commonly referred to distance of 15 feet (about 4.6 meters) for the free throw. It is not uncommon to dismiss the effect of air drag when studying or writing problems associated with motion equations as they relate/apply to basketball motion equations. 
     The training devices generally have been static, tethered or rotatably mounted to give way to allow the practice basketball to pass through the hoop thereby providing an immediate visual outcome. The return device portion of these training devices included massive cages, nets or shroud effects, and the arc identifiers involved computerized tracking and audible feedback which required interpretation or translation to kinetic terms and/or provide delayed result reporting. 
     The misinformation (myths) 18 inch (about 46 centimeters) diameter hoop when measured at center of cross section of ⅝ inch (about 1.7 centimeter) rod, is that there is an effective vertical clearance diameter of 17⅜ inches (about 44.1 centimeters). The common measure cited for the free throw is 15 feet (about 4.6 meters), which is the distance from the free throw line to the front plane of the backboard extended to the floor. The swish shot fails to maximize the opportunity for successful passage through the hoop. 
     The failure of athletes to comprehend and then adjust to the physics based changes associated with player growth, including increased height which modifies variables of the motion equation and then decreases the viewing angle to the basket, leads to diminishing results to many taller or tallest players. 
     With a range of release points from shortest to tallest players being greater than the range in player heights e.g. 5.0 feet to 7.7+ feet (about 1.5 meters to about 2.4+ meters) one angle of launch or arc definition fails to satisfy the need throughout the range of players in the sport. 
     What is needed is an easy to understand and easy to use accurate training aid and method to assist the individual player identify and practice to perfection targeting. Preferably, the training aid will include a ball return apparatus and training guide and score/record keeping system to identify and/or reinforce the most successful percentages for fixed length shot attempts through a series of visual and virtual targets. Preferably, the visual and virtual which aid the player in establishing a comprehension based training aid and system of use through motion equations including the effect of air drag to establish personal benchmarks for establishing a stance. The stance needs to be one which assures a point of launch in the trajectory plane. The repeatability of the stance is a result of using a repeatable method of aim to achieve an angle of entry to the hoop and to maximize the opportunity to center the ball within the maximized tolerance goal with minimal contacts with the rim on the downward flight of the ball as projected by a player using a one hand over hand release. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect a training device is provided. The training device comprising a basketball goal, a center axis, a defined surface, a first linear distance, a hoop target, floor target, and a top aiming indicia. The basketball goal has a backboard, a rim and a net. The center axis is disposed through the rim. The defined surface has the basketball goal positioned thereabove a set height, wherein the backboard is perpendicular to the define surface, wherein the center axis is parallel with the backboard and intersects the defined surface at an intersection point. The first linear distance is between a point on a shooting line and the intersection point. The hoop target is affixed to the basketball goal and positioned above the rim in a position laterally centered over the rim. The floor target is positioned on the defined surface, the floor target being removable and having a center indicator and at least one error indicator, wherein the floor target is positioned a second linear distance from the intersection point. The top aiming indicia is positioned on the hoop target and is visible from the shooting line. Wherein the position of the hoop target and the floor target are configured to provide optimized training for an operator shooting a basketball from the point on the shooting line towards the hoop target, wherein an optimum shot is when the operator shoots the basketball toward the top aiming indicia and the basketball bounces back towards the operator and lands in the center indicator and further bounces back to the operator. 
     In one aspect, a hoop target is provided. The hoop target comprises a body, a surface, a top aiming indicia, and a target centerline. The body is generally cylindrically/elliptically shaped and having a hyperbolic parabaloid shaped surface, wherein the hyperbolic parabaloid shaped surface has a concave surface and a convex surface, the concave and convex surfaces configured to provide a return origination surface. 
     A target centerline, wherein the concave surface extends outwardly therefrom. A nearly flat trough positioned on the convex surface, wherein the convex surface further comprises an increasingly angled slope towards at least one lateral edge. A first color associated with the top aiming indicia. A second color associated with the top aiming indicia. 
     In another aspect, a method of training to shoot a basketball, the method comprising the steps of:
         a. positioning a hoop target above a rim of a basketball goal backboard, wherein the hoop target has a return origination surface with a top aiming indicia thereon and is centered laterally on a center axis of the rim, wherein the center axis is parallel to a plane of the backboard and intersects a defined surface below the rim at an intersection point;   b. selecting a point on or near a shot line, the shot line being on the defined surface wherein the point on the shot line is a first linear distance from the (intersection point) aiming point;   c. selecting an optimum bounce point for a basketball bouncing off the return origination surface, the optimum bounce point being the first bounce point after the basketball departs the return origination surface;   d. placing a floor target on the defined surface, the floor target having a center positioned at the optimum bounce point, wherein the center is a second linear distance from the intersection point, wherein the floor target is positioned between the hoop target and the point on the shot line;   e. determining a point of release for a shooter, the point of release being a third linear distance from the intersection point;   f. positioning the shooter at the point on the shot line, wherein positioning includes establishing a shooter stance and a shooter&#39;s optimum hand and elbow position relative to the backboard;   g. aiming for the top aiming indicia on the hoop target, wherein the shooter does the aiming while holding the basketball primarily with a right hand or left hand;   h. throwing and releasing the basketball at an angle resulting in an arc path towards the top aiming indicia, wherein the throwing and releasing is from the point of release;   i. bouncing the basketball off of the top aiming indicia, the bouncing being a first bounce;   j. bouncing the basketball off of the defined surface;   k. scoring and recording the bounce of the basketball off defined surface relative to the floor target, wherein the floor target has a scoring system thereon, the scoring system having numerical scores related to the proximity of the basketball bouncing at the optimum bounce point;   l. repeating the positioning, throwing, bouncing and scoring for at least three variations; and   m. summing the total of the scores.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the training device, floor target and basketball as used on a standard basketball court. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the training device mounted on a basketball hoop. 
         FIG. 3A  shows an exemplary first embodiment of a floor target with respective target area and numeric values assigned. 
         FIG. 3  B shows an exemplary second embodiment of a floor target. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the entire training device, floor target, ball, the operator&#39;s line of sight and point of release installed on a basketball free throw lane. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the training device, floor targets used on a full basketball court. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side perspective view of the training device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , training device  10  according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention is illustrated as used on a standard basketball court  12 . Basketball court  12  includes at least one free-throw lane  14  and at least one basketball goal  16 . Free-throw lane  14  has free-throw line  18 , or shot line  18 . In the standard basketball court, free-throw lane is about 12 feet wide and about 19 feet long (about 3.7 meters wide and about 5.8 meters long). Basketball goal  16  has backboard  20 , rim  22  and net  24 . In this embodiment, training device  10  includes hoop or first target  26  and floor or second target  28 . Rim  22  has a vertical center axis  29  passing through the center of rim  22 . 
     Basketball court  12  is one type of defined surface  12  having a first end  30  and a second end  32 , with at least one free-throw lane  14  positioned at first and second ends  30 ,  32 . One basketball goal  16  is positioned above free-throw lane  14  at a set height H. Backboard  20  is perpendicular to defined surface  12  forming a perpendicular plane  34  with defined surface  12 . Perpendicular plane  34  intersects defined surface  12  at intersection point  36 . Similarly, center axis  29  also intersects defined surface parallel with perpendicular plane  34  at intersection point  37 . A first linear distance  38  is formed between intersection point  37  and free-throw line  18 . In the standard basketball court, first linear distance  38  is about 13 feet nine inches (about 4.2 meters). Other types of defined surfaces include gymnasiums, driveways, playgrounds or any other type of generally flat surface where a free-throw lane and/or three-point line may be placed. 
     Hoop target  26  is illustrated as being positioned above and laterally centered over rim  22 . Centering is from the perspective looking upon rim  22  from higher position. 
     Rim  22  has net  24  affixed thereto. Hoop target  26  is positioned such that an angle of entry into net  24  for ball  44  is optimized from the free throw line  18  or the three-point line  86 . The optimum angle of entry for each shot location varies due to the increased distance and speed of ball  44 , which anticipates a decreased angle of entry for the three-point shot over the free-throw shot. Hoop target  26  has top aiming indicia  40 . Hoop target  26  may be fabricated out of most any material capable of providing some form of bounce. Some non-limiting examples include wood, aluminum, and suitably non-flexing plastic. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a non-limiting example, hoop target  26  is generally cylindrical/elliptical and has a hyperbolic parabaloid shaped surface  42  also referred to as return origination surface  42 . Hoop target  26  is shaped to have an interaction with ball  44  to represent a successful shot on a plurality of surface points  52  to generally replicate the center, front, back and circumference of rim  22 . Return origination surface  42  is oriented towards free-throw line  18 . Hoop target  42  can be any shape as long as return origination surface  42  and top aiming indicia  40  are positioned for an optimum shot and capable of bouncing ball  44  towards floor target  28 . Top aiming indicia  40  coincides with path of last touch point on ball  44  of operator&#39;s finger of last touch upon release. 
     When viewed from the perspective view, hoop target  26  has concave surface  46  and convex surface  48  extending outward from a target centerline  50 . Concave surface  46  controls the side-to-side return of ball  44  and convex surface  48  controls the front-to-back return of ball  44 . Convex surface  48  has a trough  49  and an increasingly and decreasingly angled slope of return origination surface  42  as return origination surface  42  is viewed towards the proximal and distal edges respectively. Concave surface  46  is configured to provide a focused deflection of ball  44  when ball  44  impacts hoop target  26 . This impact results in a return path within reach of the operator. As used herein, operator is the person shooting ball  44  towards a target, and may also be referred to as the shooter. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , return origination surface  42  of hoop target  26  further has a plurality of surfaces points  52  thereon. Top aiming indicia  40  is positioned on return origination surface  42  within operator line-of-sight  54  of an operator (not shown) and the point of release  56 . Top aiming indicia  40  has line-of-sight indicators  58 . Line-of-sight indicator  58  is illustrated with at least two colors positioned at slight angles relative to the line-of-aim to allow the operator to align their shooting position at the point of release  56 . As illustrated, line-of-sight indicator  58  has at least first color A and second color B. In one embodiment, color A is cyan and color B is magenta, and color A and color B are positioned laterally from the line-of-aim on both sides of the line-of-aim. This positioning facilitates use by either right-handed or left-handed operators who have a wide range of size, height and arm reach. The positioning of color A and color B allows for the different operators to adjust varying degrees of divergence to facilitate determination of an angle of divergence from the line-of-aim to the line-of-sight, thereby aiding the operator to accurately position their stance to establish the launch point and to consistently align their point of release  56  within the plane of trajectory. With two lines on either side of the trajectory plane a total of 8 positioning markers are available, four each for right and left handed shooters of one handed released shots. 
     Additionally, ball  44  size, angle of launch (and resultant velocity of approach) of entry a high arcing shot and a low arcing shot will both have a point at which the same angle of descent will be achieved. The distance variation of said angle from the apogee of ball  44  will result due to time variation effect of gravity. 
     Using at least first color A and second color B, allows the indicia to change for each shot and first color A and second color B are alignment tools. The change to first color A and second color B indicia allows the operator/shooter to view narrow lines coincident with their line-of-sight as determined by one eye open (either eye) observation of said line and adjusting the stance so that line-of-sight provides a lateral distance determining position of stance. The lateral distance determining position of stance secures the proper/perpendicular plane of trajectory/launch of the practice shot. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , free-throw lane  14  is an area on defined surface  12 .  FIG. 1  illustrates free-throw lane  14  with sides  60 . 
     Floor target  28  is positioned within free-throw lane  14  and between sides  60 . Floor target  28  has center  62  that is positioned a second linear distance S from intersection point  37 . Floor target  28  is removable and reusable. Floor target  28  has at least one error indicator  66 , which are decreasing scores and/or right and left markings. 
     Proximate to free-throw line  18  is point-of-release  56 . Point of release  56  is a third linear distance F from intersection point  37 . Point of release  56  and third linear distance F may be shorter than the shot line to intersection point  37 . It depends upon the individual operator or shooter. 
     Hoop target  26 , floor target  28  and free-throw line  14  are configured to provide a two-bounce return of ball  44 , one bounce off of hoop target  26  and one bounce off of floor target  28 . The third linear distance F for the point of release  56  will vary for individual shooters and is impacted by the individual shooter&#39;s physical attributes and technique. 
     In operation, training device  10  provides optimized training for an operator (not shown). The operation of training device  10  begins with the operator shooting or tossing ball  44  towards top aiming indicia  40  of hoop target  26 . Hoop target  26  is positioned above rim  22  and net  24 . An optimum shot from the operator causes ball  44  to impact top aiming indicia  40  in center  72 , which is positioned between color A and color B. The position of center  72  of top aiming indicia  40  is configured such that ball  44  would pass through net  24  but for hoop target  26  being in the way. 
     Continuing with the optimum shot, ball  44  takes a first bounce  72  towards center  62  of floor target  28 . Center  62  of floor target  28  is positioned on target centerline  50  to receive ball  44  after an optimum shot towards top aiming indicia  40  of hoop target  26 . Upon impact with center  62  of floor target  28 , ball  44  takes second bounce  74  towards the operator. It is understood that for a three-point embodiment with operator positioned behind arc  92  with point of release  56  near arc  92 , more than two bounces may occur. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , one embodiment illustrates floor target  28  as having a plurality of center indicators  76  and a plurality of off-center indicators  78 . Each of the center indicators  76  provide for decreasing score value the further away ball  44  lands from center  62  along centerline  80 . 
     Off-center indicators  78  are positioned near edge  79 , have lower score values than center indicators  76  and further identify left or right relative to hoop target  26  from the perspective of an operator. The lowest value off-center indicators  78  are closer to hoop target  26 , distal from the operator, and the next lowest value off-center indicators  78  are furthest from hoop target  26 , proximal towards the operator. The size of floor target can be any size providing information to the operator. In one non-limiting example, floor target is about two feet by three feet (about 0.6 meters by about 0.9 meters). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , another embodiment illustrates floor target  28  as having concentric circles  82  extending outwardly from center  62 . Similar to the embodiment in  FIG. 3A , concentric circles  82  have decreasing value as they extend from center  62 . The lowest value concentric circle  82  is closest to hoop target  26 , distal from the operator, and the next lowest value concentric circle  82  is furthest from hoop target  26 , proximal to the operator. The outermost concentric circle  82   a  is illustrated as being partially on floor target  28 . However, it is understood that floor target  28  can be fabricated to encompass the entirety of outermost concentric circle  82   a . In addition, at least concentric circle  82   b  includes an off-center position value  84  for any left or right off-center impact on floor target  28 . Off-center position value  84  is illustrated as a triangular shape extending outwardly from center  62 . 
     Other embodiments of floor target  28  are anticipated and are considered as part of this invention. For example, an embodiment of combined intersecting circles and triangles extending outwardly from center  62  may be utilized. The importance to the operator is to understand the point of impact on return origination surface  42  and the impact on hitting center  62  with ball  44  from first bounce  72 . 
     Training device  10  may be used by pre-positioning (for the operator&#39;s stance) top aiming indicia  40  and colors A and B with the visual operator line-of-sight  54 . Operator line-of-sight  54  is determined through use of colors A and B of top aiming indicia  40 . In one embodiment, a non-limiting example includes magenta for color A and the left eye operator line-of-sight  54  and cyan for color B and the right eye operator line-of-sight  54 . In this embodiment, point-of-release  56  to top aiming indicia  40  requires the operator to shoot ball  44  in an arc  92 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1  in another embodiment, free-throw line  18  is replaced with three-point line  86 . Three-point line  86  is a fourth linear distance from center axis  90  of rim  22 . Three-point line  86  is also referred to as shot line  86 . The placement of floor target  28  relative to three-point line  86  is similar to that used for free-throw line  18 . A shot line further away from center axis  90  than three-point line  86  is also contemplated and will have a linear distance greater than fourth linear distance. 
     Use of the floor target helps provide accurate value determination and recording of each of a series of “bracketing practice sessions.” Bracketing is discussed hereinbelow. Bracketing provides a record of relative success of respective variations of variables through successive approximation to achieve the most effective angle of entry and functional benchmarks. Bracketing includes, but is not limited to, relative foot placement, weight/balance, knee bend, hand placement on ball, relative placement of respective hands—shooting hand and off hand, pre-launch/shot placement of elbow, orientation of shooting thumb, and other variables including time of routine, number of bounces prior to pre-launch positioning, orientation of seams of ball and so forth. 
     The use of bracketing as a training technique allows for operator experimentation (with record keeping) to have changes made and have those changes be internalized and perhaps more importantly self determined. 
     The sequence of variables selected for use in bracketing sessions may be due to observed tendencies for overshooting, undershooting from previous observations or may be selected to aid shooter in acknowledging flawed mechanics in his or her shot approach which speeds the process to completing the transformation to best form by identifying the most beneficial changes early in the training process using the bracketing process to which claims are “herein” incorporated. 
     Prior to starting, the particular attribute to be evaluated and improved is selected and floor target  28  is positioned accordingly. For example, if the operator is evaluating and/or training from free-throw line  18 , then floor target  28  is placed at second linear distance  64  from intersection point  37 . In one embodiment, floor target  28  is placed at a known distance from intersection point  37  based upon historical data. Alternatively, floor target  28  is placed at second linear distance  64  based upon a matrix chart or by shot release point coordinates. Yet additional placement alternatives for floor target  64  include ball  44  size, angle of entry, operator height, etc. 
     In one alternate setup, a three-point shot embodiment using training device  10  is setup similar to the embodiment with free-throw line  18 . In the three-point shot embodiment, the angle of entry for ball  44  to rim  22  is reduced as compared to that from free-throw line  18 . Accordingly, hoop target  26  provides the operator with a reduced return origination surface  42  facing them. Three-point line  86  is the starting point for this alternate setup. 
     The first step is for the operator to select a point on three-point line  86  to train. That point is the fourth linear distance  88  from center axis  90 . Floor target  28  placed on the floor between center axis  90  and the selected point on three-point line  86  with floor target center  62  at second linear distance  64 . In this embodiment, second linear distance  64  is further from center axis  90  than the free-throw line  18  embodiment. Also, point-of-release  56  is proximate to three-point line  86  and is third linear distance  68  which is further than the free-throw line  18  embodiment. Hoop target  26 , floor target  28  and three-point line  86  are still configured to provide a two-bounce return of ball  44 , one bounce off of hoop target  26  and one bounce off of floor target  28  (or more for some three-point embodiments). 
     The use of the floor chart provides accurate value determination and recording of each of a series of “bracketing practice sessions” to provide a record of relative success of respective variations of variables. This is provided through successive approximation the most effective angle of entry and functional benchmarks including, but not limited to, relative foot placement, weight/balance, knee bend, hand placement on ball, relative placement of respective hands —shooting hand and off hand, pre-launch/shot placement of elbow, orientation of shooting thumb, and other variables including time of routine, number of bounces prior to pre-launch positioning, orientation of seams of ball and other similar variables. 
     The operator, the operator&#39;s coach and/or the operator&#39;s assistant determines the desired attribute and/or variable for bracketing and establishing at least one and up to n variations, descriptions, positions, actions of attribute and or variable being evaluated. In one embodiment, three different variations, descriptions, positions, actions of attribute and or variable are evaluated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  once setup, training device  10  can be used to establish baseline data and bracketing. Bracketing as used herein means the bracketing n number foot positions and shooting a defined number of shots from that position. By way of a non-limiting example, the operator may take shots with (a) both feet forward oriented towards backboard  20  and adjacent to free-throw line  18 ; (b) one foot adjacent to free-throw line  18  and one foot about 45 degrees from the foot adjacent to free-throw line  18  and positioned a comfortable distance away from the other foot; and (c) one foot adjacent to free-throw line  18  and one foot positioned behind that foot. There are numerous other foot positions that will work, but the process requires the selection of those foot positions be consistent for recording and bracketing. Once positioned as described above, for each position the operator takes n sets of shots from each position. In one embodiment, 10 shots at each position are taken. In another embodiment, 25 shots are taken at each position. The results are recorded as described herein. Analysis of the scores for each position are addressed and a determination is made as to the dominate or priority stance most beneficial to the operator. Additional stances may be explored to select the best stance. These additional stances are evaluated against the dominate or priority stance. The bracketing includes variables impacting the launch angle and the force exerted at launch. 
     An added advantage to the use of these components in tandem is a reduction in the introduction of error found in similar approaches to approximating the proper arch of a shot without considering the effect of air drag on the time associated with the basketball shot at a velocity and an angle of elevation to only satisfy the application of the motion equation. 
     There is a tangible advantage also is in that there is immediate feedback provided to the practicing basketball shooter which can be readily observed when the successful shot return strikes the numeric value printed on the floor chart  28  as the ball bounces once on its way back to the shooter. 
     The process of using bracketing of variables and charting a bracketing set of 10 or 25 shots per set of variable can provide a numeric report such as 60-70 for a set of 10 for a good shooter; 40-50 for a fair shooter; and 80-90 for an excellent shooter. Similarly, for a set of ten shots a score of 75-85 for a poor shooter in a set of 25 or perhaps approaching 200 for an excellent to exceptional shooter. 
     The charting of results may provide statistical anomalies which may lead to altering the point of aim as well as determining the most appropriate/successful angle of entry to employ as a benchmark and then developing administrative adaptations within game conditions to adjust for adrenaline/emotion/fatigue may allow for “called” adjustments from the bench to make in-game adjustments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  after setting up training device  10 , using training device  10  requires the operator to first select an appropriate sized ball  44  for shooting towards hoop target  26 . The operator selects a preferred position and stance relative to hoop target  26  and backboard  20 . The preferred position and stance is one that aligns point-of-release  56  in a plane perpendicular to backboard  20  and center axis  90  of rim  22 . 
     An operator assistant, who may be a coach, trainer or anyone else assisting, records multiple attributes and variables of the operator, including operator hand position, number of bounces of ball  44  taken by operator, if any, operator&#39;s knee bend, and other such physical attributes that affect the operator&#39;s shooting. 
     Other attributes and variables include the starting position of ball  44  in relation to the operator&#39;s body and or position of the operator&#39;s elbow, which may influence or reduce tendencies described as pranation and supination. The operator assistant may record these variables on paper, in a computer, or with any other media that allows documenting and tracking of the operator&#39;s performance. Recording may be done on paper, electronically on a smart phone, tablet, computer or other such electronic device, or on video. 
     The operator completes a sample set of shots where the operator shoots ball  44  towards hoop target  26  to calibrate the set-up of training device  10 . If adjustments to training device  10  are required, adjustments can be made and the process repeated. In one embodiment, the operator shoots at least three shots towards hoop target  26  as a sample set of shots/defined set of shots. 
     Once set, operator shoots a defined set of shots using ball  44  towards hoop target  26 . The defined set of shots is at least three. However, the operator may set a larger set of shots and apply the set of shots consistently. The operator assistant records the results of ball  44  impact on floor target  28 . The results include the recording the score of ball  44  hitting floor target  28 . The operator reviews the recorded results and may elect to continue by adjusting the shooting attributes or variables necessary to improve the scoring on floor target  28 . 
     In addition to the single set of shots using ball  44 , hoop target  26  adjusts to provide a plurality of targets for simulating game conditions for three-point practice shots. Hoop target  26  is rotatably adjustable about center axis  90 . 
     This adjustability provides customization of set/fixed angles of entry to satisfy each respective operator&#39;s preferred angle of entry and release “spot up point.” For example, a point guard at top of “key” will shoot for target point  26   a . Another example is the shooting guard orienting for a shot at target point  26   b . Still another example is the wing shooting for target point  26   c . A forward and a center may have shooting points  26   d  and  26   e , respectively, for their shot release points. The shot release points are positioned behind three point line  86  at varying angles between −90 and +90 degrees relative to backboard  20  and center axis  90 . Many shots will be ±45 such as 45 degrees relative to the backboard  20  and center axis  90 . 
     As configured training device  10  and hoop target  26  will support up to five different players for concurrent use. If two hoop targets  26  are setup on both ends of a basketball court, a total of ten players in simulated game condition are able to shoot and pass as a practice session. In this embodiment, hoop target  26  is adjusted to provide a single face in one direction with the other positions having different look angles to hoop top aiming indicia  40 . 
     When complete, the operator and operator assistant agree on the score results or agree to track different score results. Different score results may exist based upon angle or position differences between the operator and operator assistant during the observations of the shots. 
     For scoring the sum of the points from ball  44  hitting floor target  28  are entered. Additional parameters such as right or left scoring are entered to determine necessary adjustments the operator must make to improve. After assessing the scoring and determining the training adjustment, the process is repeated. The results are recorded and may be reported to a coach or trainer and/or tracked by operator for self-improvement. 
     Trainer, operator and score person are able to comprehend the outcome as measured in the sum of the score for a particular training session. By summing each session as a measure of establishing an operator shooting preference within the range of variables being tested, and by ratifying and recording the results for consideration and assessment by the trainer, operator and/or score person to modify the shot methodology. Having ball  44  bounce into center  64  of floor target  28  may not always provide the best results for individual operators. Consistent shooting with successful impact on hoop target  26  is a desired outcome. 
     In addition to scoring, the operator and/or operator assistant can determine the accurate perception of maximum successful shot description, increased accuracy, target and return to shooter function incorporated into one component, chartable recording provisions, adjustable by prescription which may include various angles of entry, ball sizes and points of release (player height) and shot distances. From this information, they can define the finite points of aim to maximize the plus or minus tolerance for a successful shot. Additionally, an optional margin that is laterally defined is disposed above the rim target surface to provide for a reflecting surface of a successful shot. In some cases, a successful shot means one which may only touch the inside of the rim once on its way through the basketball hoop or may be a clean shot without touching the rim. 
       FIG. 6  As a training tool training device  10  allows for the visualized angle of entry to rim  22 . This visualized angle is comprised of a point of aim visually marked on the physical “above the rim structure”—within the cylinder target, coupled with either a physical mark positioned/suspended immediately above the front of the rim or a laser imaged point of reference projected in a similar proximity to define by two fixed points or an operator&#39;s visualized point in space. The optimal angle of entry adjusted to shooter, ball size, which includes aiming points which prescribe an angle of entry to the basket. Aiming point one is on the actual physical target (hyperbolic paraboloid) which features: two blocks of different colored indicia. 
     Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims. 
     In a method of use, a three-point shot embodiment uses training device  10  in a manner similar to that of the method from free-throw line  18 . In this embodiment, the angle of entry for ball  44  to rim  22  is reduced as compared to that from free-throw line  18 . Accordingly, hoop target  26  provides the operator with a reduced return origination surface  42  facing them. In this method, the operator has a reduced set of angles of entry, thereby requiring reduci4ng the range of adjustment required for the completion of the bracketing by angles. 
     In the three-point shot embodiment, the operator selects the point of release behind three-point line  86  to train. That point is the fourth linear distance  88  from center axis  90 . Floor target  28  placed on the floor with floor target center  62  at second linear distance  64 . In this embodiment, second linear distance  64  is measured from center axis  90  instead of being measured from intersection point  37 . For this embodiment, point-of-release  56  is proximate to three-point line  86  and third linear distance  68  is measured from center axis  90  instead of being measured from intersection point  37 . Hoop target  26 , floor target  28  and three-point line  86  are configured to provide a two-bounce return of ball  44 , at least one bounce off of hoop target  26  and one bounce off of floor target  28 . The at least one bounce off of hoop target  26  may also include successively lower contact with rim  22 . 
     Other embodiments of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing specification is considered merely exemplary of the current invention with the true scope thereof being defined by the following claims.