May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots a three point shot in the second half defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA season starting tonight it’s the perfect time to look at a few connected basketball devices that can help players of all levels improve their shooting.
The basketball tech space is getting more congested. Wilson just launched the Wilson X connected basketball to bring the Internet of Things to the hardwood and it will be interesting to monitor how this product is received in the crowded basketball tech marketplace.
We focused on three of the hi-tech basketball products that have been more established and around for over a year. In no particular order, check out the three following basketball items that a player of any level could benefit from using.
ShotTracker
ShotTracker is a combination of three forms of technology working together to provide feedback to a shooter. The first component is a wrist sensor which weighs around 0.34 ounces and measures about 1×2 inches. Equipped with a 6-axis motion processor and a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, this device keeps tabs on shooting motion and shot attempts. ShotTracker also sells an armband and sleeve with a dedicated pocket for the sensor and has Klay Thompson, one of the league’s top shooters on board, as a brand ambassador and product user.
The net sensor is effortlessly attached to any hoop and is capable of providing consistent response of shot makes and misses. Boasting a three month battery life and an auto sleep/shoot-to-wake, this sensor requires little maintenance. Just clip and shoot!
Both of these sensors communicate with the ShotTracker app to give the shooter real-time statistics. There are even workouts and drills programmed into the app to help any player develop their abilities. Players can also keep an eye on their friends’ action and results to see exactly how they stack up.
Hoop Tracker
Developed by Wireless Sports LLC, the Hoop Tracker is an automatic shot tracking basketball smartwatch providing real-time 3PT, FT, and FG statistics. The two and a half ounce SmartWatch device fastens to a player’s non-shooting hand and is able to display points, percentages and other essential numbers.
This information is gathered by the shot detector which can be magnetically attached to the rim using the mounting pole. Players can shoot from well beyond the arc with the detector’s 45-foot wireless range.
The recorded information can then be synced with the player’s free Hoop Tracker online account to view and analyze figures recorded during their shooting sessions.
94Fifty Basketball
The 94Fifty Basketball was named as one of the “Top 25 Inventions of the Year” by Time Magazine last year. Infomotion Sports Technologies promises their product will help improve a player’s ball handling and shooting skills while tracking their makes and misses.
94Fifty’s SmartBasketball is designed to be indoor/outdoor compatible, last eight hours on a single charge, while providing instant responses on every dribble and shot attempted through its built-in sensor software.
Utilizing the 94Fifty Smart Basketball with the easily-connected app, users are able to measure their shot release speed, backspin, arc, as well as their dribble intensity and speed. The connected app also includes skills training, workouts, and a social feature for those who might enjoy a little competition among friends.
