Automated ball launching system

An automated ball launching system, comprising:

• a ball support configured to releasably support a ball in a launch position;
• a positioning subsystem configured to set a launch direction for the ball;
• a launcher configured to project the ball in the launch direction from the launch position;
• a ball dispenser including:
• a channel for storing a plurality of balls, disposed above the ball support and the launcher and having a lower wall opening;
• a restraining member disposed between the lower wall opening and the ball support;
• a dispensing actuator including a projection within the channel having (i) a lowered position configured to release one of the plurality of balls from the channel via the lower wall opening, and to engage the one of the plurality of balls between the projection and the restraining member, and (ii) a raised position configured to disengage the projection from the one of the plurality of balls and permit the one of the plurality of balls to fall from the restraining member onto the ball support;
• the projection configured in the raised position to obstruct the lower wall opening and retain a remainder of the plurality of balls within the channel;
• a control subsystem connected to the positioning subsystem and the launcher;
• the control subsystem configured to:
• control the dispensing actuator to release a ball onto the ball support;
• determine a position of a player relative to the ball launching system;
• control the positioning subsystem to set the launch direction based on the position of the player;
• and
• control the launcher to project the ball in the launch direction.