BASKETBALL BANKSHOT AIMING AID FOR BACKBOARD

This description relates to a basketball bankshot aiming aid. The aiming aid comprises target areas placed on the backboard of a basketball hoop. Shooting a basketball at the aiming aid can improve bankshot shooting accuracy. The aiming aid also comprises a vertical reference marker on the backboard and extending vertically above the rim of the basketball hoop. The vertical reference marker aids shooters in identifying the middle of the backboard relative to the rim. A rim reference marker is disposed on an inside of the rim. The rim reference marker aids shooters in identifying a back portion of the rim. The aiming aid also comprises court location markers that identify basketball court locations and that correspond with segments of the target areas. Shooting from a particular court location and aiming at the corresponding segment of the target area can improve bankshot shooting accuracy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to a targeting aid for shooting basketballs at basketball hoops.

BACKGROUND

Conventional basketball backboards utilize an outline of a rectangle, typically called a “square,” positioned on the backboard directly above the rim.FIG. 1is an illustration depicting a front view of a conventional basketball hoop100comprising a backboard102, a “square”104on the backboard102, and a rim106attached to the backboard102. In theory, if a player shoots a basketball to hit the conventional square104on the backboard102, then an increased likelihood exists that the ball will go through the rim106relative to hitting another portion of the backboard102. However, in practice, the design of the conventional square102only improves accuracy when the player is positioned very close and to the side of the rim106. In seemingly every sport that has a target, the participant is most successful when hitting the middle, or inside, of the target. To the contrary, most basketball coaches teach their players to hit the upper corner of the conventional square104on the backboard102for a successful bankshot and layup. Not only are players taught to aim for the corner of the conventional square104, aiming for the corner of the conventional square104provides relatively low accuracy results for shots farther from the backboard102. Accordingly, the conventional design does not give a player an adequate target for where to aim the basketball to have a successful shot.

SUMMARY

This description relates to a basketball bankshot aiming aid. The aiming aid comprises target areas placed on the backboard of a basketball hoop. Shooting a basketball at the aiming aid can improve bankshot shooting accuracy. The aiming aid also comprises a vertical reference marker on the backboard and extending vertically above the rim of the basketball hoop. The vertical reference marker aids shooters in identifying the middle of the backboard relative to the rim. A rim reference marker is disposed on an inside of the rim. The rim reference marker aids shooters in identifying a back portion of the rim. The aiming aid also comprises court location markers that identify basketball court locations and that correspond with segments of the target areas. Shooting from a particular court location and aiming at the corresponding segment of the target area can improve bankshot shooting accuracy.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovations described herein relate to a basketball backboard aiming device. The device comprises a target disposed on the backboard and positioned to provide a higher accuracy of shooting when aiming inside the target. Shooting at the middle of the target provides higher accuracy compared to using the conventional basketball backboard square.

Computer simulations show that banking the ball off the backboard provides a far superior means of making a basket from nearly every spot on the court (except the baseline and straight on) when compared to shooting without using the backboard. These computer simulations also identified locations on the backboard that provide more accuracy when shooting bankshots.FIG. 2is an illustration depicting optimal aim points relative to a conventional square104on a basketball backboard102(FIG. 2omits the rim106to better show the square104). As shown inFIG. 2, the aim points follow a “V”-shaped target200. Most of the target200is positioned outside of the conventional square104, and none of the target200is positioned at a center of the conventional square104. Accordingly, the conventional basketball backboard square104does not actually aid in making bankshots. For generations, the conventional backboard square104has marked basketball backboards102, without assisting players with shooting bankshots aimed at higher-probability areas of the backboard102. The innovations described herein provide a backboard target that aids in making bankshots, thereby improving shooting accuracy for bankshots and improving overall shooting accuracy for players taking advantage of the bankshot compared to a straight shot.

With reference toFIGS. 3-12, basketball bankshot aiming aids and systems will be described.

FIG. 3is an illustration depicting a basketball bankshot aiming aid300in accordance with certain examples.FIG. 4is an illustration depicting a front view of a basketball hoop400comprising the basketball bankshot aiming aid300in accordance with certain examples. The hoop400comprises the backboard102, the rim106, and the aiming aid300.

The aiming aid300comprises two shooting targets302a,302band a vertical aiming line304. The aiming aid300also may comprise a rim reference marker306positioned on the back (and inside) of the rim106. As shown inFIGS. 3-4, the target areas302a,302bcomprise diamond-shaped target areas. The vertical aiming line304extends from the top of the rim106to a midpoint between the target areas302a,302bof the target302.

Each component of the target302may be utilized separately or in combination with one or more of the other components. For example, one or both target areas302a,302bmay be used and the target area(s)302a,302bmay be used with or without the other components, the vertical aiming line304may be used with or without the other components, and/or the rim reference marker306may be used with or without the other components.

As shown inFIGS. 3-4, the target areas302a,302bcomprise two mirrored, diamond-shaped targets positioned off-center from a vertical center line of the backboard102. The target areas302a,302bare positioned such that shooting within the target area302a,302bon a particular side of the backboard102provides an improved chance of success to make the basket. Accordingly, a shooter may aim for the middle of one of the target areas302a,302b. The middle of the target areas302a,302bare positioned at a location to provide a highest accuracy for a majority of shooting forms and locations on the court, taking into consideration one or more of arch, topspin, backspin, location, layups, and jumpshots. With practice, more advanced shooters may focus their aim at other locations within the target areas302a,302bto improve their chance of success based on their shooting form and location on the court. For example, a shooter with a higher-arch shot may aim for an upper, inside portion of one of the target areas302a,302b, slightly above the middle of the corresponding target area302a,302b.

As shown inFIG. 4, the aiming aid300is positioned on the backboard102relative to the rim106to create shooting targets.FIG. 5is an illustration depicting the basketball hoop400comprising the basketball bankshot aiming aid300with reference to a conventional square104and optimal aiming points of the V-shaped target200(FIG. 2) in accordance with certain examples. As shown inFIG. 5, the aiming aid300positions the target areas302a,302brelative to the optimal aiming points in the V-shaped target200. The conventional square104largely misses the optimal aiming points of the V-shaped target200. Accordingly, shooting a basketball inside the target areas302a,302bincreases the likelihood of making a shot compared to shooting at the conventional square102.

Although depicted as diamond shape inFIGS. 3-5, the target areas302a,302bmay comprise any suitable shape to outline or otherwise designate the desired target area. For example, the target areas302a,302bmay have a square, rectangular, rhomboid, circular, oval, multi-sided, or other desired shape. The target areas302a,302bmay be an outline of a figure. The target areas302a,302bmay be a solid area or an outline of an area. In certain examples, the target areas302a,302bmay be formed in the shape of a logo, such as a team mascot or advertisement. Additionally, the shapes may be oriented in any desired manner to outline the desired target area. The desired shape may be chosen based on, among other things, symmetry, attractiveness to the eye, and color/depth perception, and effectiveness in highlighting the target area and improving shooting accuracy. In each case, the target areas302a,302bcan be positioned such that aiming at the center of the target areas302a,302bprovides increased success for a bankshot compared to the conventional square. Additionally, a “bullseye” or other aiming spot may be included on an interior of the target to further focus the shooter's aim.

FIGS. 6-9depict alternative shapes for the target areas of an aiming aid according to certain examples.FIG. 6is an illustration depicting a basketball bankshot aiming aid600comprising square target areas602a,602bin accordance with certain examples.FIG. 7is an illustration depicting a front view of a basketball hoop700comprising the basketball bankshot aiming aid600in accordance with certain examples.

FIG. 8is an illustration depicting a basketball bankshot aiming aid800comprising oval target areas802a,802bin accordance with certain examples.FIG. 9is an illustration depicting a front view of a basketball hoop900comprising the basketball bankshot aiming aid800in accordance with certain examples. The target areas can be sized and positioned as desired to provide a shooting target on the backboard. As depicted inFIG. 5, the diamond-shaped target areas302a,302bare sized and positioned to encompass at least a portion of the optimal shooting points in the V-shaped target200. The target areas can be located with the middle of the target area disposed on the “sweet spot” of the backboard. The sweet spot of the backboard is the location on the backboard where shots from a forty-five degree angle from the baseline (for example, from position2onFIG. 12) and hitting that location on the backboard have a higher probability of making the shot. Then, a shooter can adjust shots around the middle of the target area based on court location. Accordingly, any suitable shape and size of target area that encompasses the sweet spot can be utilized. An odd-shaped target area can have a distinct marking to identify the sweet spot. The size and shape of the target areas also can be adjusted as desired to compensate for different size backboards. For smaller backboards, larger target areas may overhang the top of the backboard to allow the target areas to encompass the sweet spot on the backboard.

The vertical aiming line204on the backboard and the rim reference marker306on the back of the rim provide a player with proper perception as to where the middle of the backboard and where the back of the rim106are located. Oftentimes, the player has a mere split second to identify certain landmarks on the rim106and backboard102prior to taking a shot. The vertical aiming line204and the rim reference marker306assist the player in identifying the middle of the backboard102and middle of the back of the rim106. Many shooting coaches teach players to identify the inside of the back of the rim106as the aiming point to “swish” a shot. Unfortunately, because the entirety of the rim106is one color, it is difficult for the eye to identify that landmark in a split second as the player is about to shoot the basketball. The vertical aiming line204and the rim reference marker306assist in identifying these reference points. The rim reference marker306may be any color that contrasts with the color of the rim106. The vertical aiming line204and the rim reference marker306may be used separately, as each provides aiming benefits. The vertical aiming line204and the rim reference marker306may be used together for increased benefit.

Although the figures depict the rim reference marker306on the back of the rim, one or more rim106reference markers306may be used at one or multiple points around the rim106. The rim reference marker306at the back of the rim106provides an aiming reference for players shooting in an arc in front of the rim106, thereby assisting the players to find the back of the rim106when shooting in front of the rim106. Reference markers306may be placed at any suitable point on the rim106to provide a reference marker from a desired shooting angle. Placing reference markers306at other locations around the inside of the rim106provides reference markers306for shooters within arcs at other locations around the rim106. For example, placing rim reference markers306on the side, inside portions of the rim106(for example, 90 degrees in either direction from the back of the rim106), provides reference markers for players shooting within arcs from the baseline to allow the player to detect the “back of the rim” from that angle. Additionally, positioning rim reference markers30645 degrees in either direction from the back of the rim106provides reference markers for players shooting within arcs around an angle of 45 degrees from the baseline.

An aiming aid system1200for shooting from different locations on the court will now be described with reference toFIGS. 10-12.FIG. 10is an illustration depicting a basketball bankshot aiming aid1000comprising sectioned target areas1002a,1002bin accordance with certain examples.FIG. 11is an illustration depicting a front view of a basketball hoop1100comprising the basketball bankshot aiming aid1000in accordance with certain examples.FIG. 12is a plan view of one-half of a basketball court1202depicting court locations that correspond with shooting sections in the target areas1002a,1002bin accordance with certain examples. The court locations are identified inFIG. 12via the circled number locations, which are number1,2,3, and4.

As shown inFIGS. 10-11, the target areas1002a,1002bof the aiming aid1000comprise four segregated sections numbered1,2,3, and4. The segregated sections1-4correspond with court locations1-4identified on the court1202inFIG. 12. As a shooter moves around the hoop1100, the best location to bank the basketball changes within the target areas1002a,1002b. For example, at court location1, the best location within the target areas1002a,1002bis identified by corresponding section1. Similarly, court location2corresponds with section2of the target areas1002a,1002b; court location3corresponds with section3of the target areas1002a,1002b; and court location4corresponds with section4of the target areas1002a,1002b. When the shoot is at or near a particular court location1-4, the shooter shoots the basketball toward the corresponding numbered section of the target areas1002a,1002b.

Instead of, or in addition to, numbering the court locations and the corresponding target area sections, those items can be color coded or otherwise coordinated to identify the proper spot to aim when at or near a particular court location. Additionally, any number of court locations and target area sections can be utilized, for example, to focus training on particular court locations.

The court locations can be marked on the court in any suitable manner. For example, decals with the appropriate number or color can be placed on the court in the corresponding location. The court locations also can be marked with a paint or otherwise drawn on the court or marked with tape having an appropriate identifier written or marked thereon.

Shooters may practice with the aiming aid1000or the aiming aid system1200to improve shooting accuracy using the aiming aid1000. Thereafter, shooters may adjust their targeting to hit corresponding locations on aiming aids that do not include sections, for example, aiming aids300,600, or800or other aiming aids described herein. The aiming aids described herein may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the aiming aids can be formed as one or more peel-and-stick, static-cling, adhesive, or other decals (such as stickers). Such decals can be separated from a backing material and adhered to the backboard via static, suction, or adhesive. Such decals also can be adhered to the backboard via an adhesive that is manually applied to the decals and/or the backboard before applying the decals to the backboard. In other examples, the aiming aids can be created from an adhesive tape attached to a backboard. The various components of the aiming aids can be formed by overlapping various lengths of tape at the desired locations. For example, the adhesive tape can be blue painter's tape. However, any suitable tape may be used. The aiming aids also may be painted or otherwise drawn directly on the backboard. The aiming aids may be hand-painted, or a template can be created in the shape of the component(s) with the template being used as a guide to paint/mark the component(s) on the backboard. The aiming aids may be applied to the backboard during the manufacturing process of the backboard. The aiming aids also may be supplied separately from the backboard and then applied to the backboard by the installer or owner. The aiming aids also can be applied to any existing backboard, either after removal of the conventional square or in addition to the conventional square.

Each component of the aiming aids may comprise one or more decals. For example, two decals may be used to create the double target areas, a horizontal decal may be used to create the horizontal line connecting the double target areas (if desired), a vertical decal may be used to create the vertical aiming line, and a reference decal may be used to create the rim reference marker for the back of the rim. The aiming aids also can be formed as a single decal for a backboard.

The aiming aids described herein can be any suitable color. The color of the aiming aids may be chosen to contrast with the rim, the backboard, or both.

The example devices, systems, methods, and components described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain components can be combined in a different order, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different example embodiments, and/or certain additional components can be added, without departing from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the scope of the following claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such alternate embodiments.