Apparatus for returning basketballs to freethrow line

An apparatus for returning basketballs from a position under or adjacent to a basketball hoop having a hoop bracket and mounted on a backboard in a direction toward a corresponding freethrow line, which apparatus comprises (1) a closed frame comprising a proximal member, two side members and a distal member;

• (2) a return surface;
• and (3) a main hang brace;
• the proximal member having a side-to-side dimension which is about the same as the side-to-side dimension of the backboard;
• the side members, proceeding from the proximal member to the distal member, contain an angle in a downward direction;
• the distal member having the shape of a rounded "V";
• the return surface being a single continuous member having a central axis and being connected on all sides to the closed frame so that, when in the operating position, the return surface slopes downwardly from the sides to the central axis and slopes downwardly from the proximal end to the distal end under the weight of the basketball;
• and the main hanging frame comprises an upper member and two side members, the upper member being above and parallel to the proximal member of the closed frame;
• the two side members having upper and lower ends, the lower ends being "J"-shaped and capable of holding the proximal member of the closed frame, the lower ends of the side members of the hanging frame and the proximal member of the closed frame being provided with openings which are aligned to provide access by a locking device.