Accessible Target Throwing System

This project is an accessible target throwing system designed to make throwing practice more fun, interactive, and encouraging. The system was created for a young girl who is working on improving her throwing motion, arm strength, and confidence. Instead of using a plain target, this design gives feedback with lights and sound when the target is hit.

The goal of this project was to build something safe, simple, and enjoyable to use. The target needed to be strong enough for repeated throws, easy enough for the family to set up, and engaging enough to make practice feel more like a game. The final design uses a frame, target board, sensors, LED lights, a buzzer, and an Arduino to create an interactive throwing experience.

This Instructable explains how to build the frame, install the target, wire the electronics, upload the code, and test the system. It also includes notes about safety, troubleshooting, and possible improvements. The design can be modified depending on the user’s needs, available materials, or the space where it will be used.

Main Materials

1. Aluminum LED frame, quantity 1 - This is used as the main frame for mounting the LED lights around the target.
2. LED light strip, quantity 1 - This provides visual feedback when the target is hit.
3. 6061 aluminum sheet, quantity 2 - This is used for the rigid mounting pieces and target support structure.
4. U bolts, quantity 2 - These are used to attach the system to the basketball goal post.
5. Rubber pads, quantity 1 pack - These are placed between the U bolts and the goal post to protect the surface and help prevent slipping.
6. Spring loaded hinges, quantity 2 - These allow the target to move when hit and return back to position.

Electronics

1. Arduino Nano Every, quantity 1 - This controls the lights and sound feedback system.
2. IR break beam sensors, quantity 2 - These detect when the ball passes through the target area.
3. Active buzzer module, quantity 1 - This provides a simple sound response when the target is hit.
4. Power bank, quantity 1 - This powers the Arduino, lights, sensors, and sound system.

Optional Audio Parts

1. Mini speaker, quantity 1 - This can be used if you want recorded sound or voice feedback instead of only a buzzer.
2. PAM8403 amplifier, quantity 1 - This helps power the speaker if a speaker is used.

Tools

1. Socket wrench set - This is used to install and remove the U bolts when mounting the device to the basketball goal.
2. Basic hand tools - Use normal tools as needed for cutting, drilling, tightening hardware, and assembling the frame.
3. Arduino IDE - This is used to upload the code to the Arduino Nano Every.

The first step of this project was understanding what the user needed. Our team met with her therapist and talked through the main goal of the device. The goal was to create something that would help make throwing practice more fun and encouraging. The device needed to give clear feedback when the target was hit, while also being safe, simple to use, and strong enough for repeated throws.

During the meeting, we learned that bright lights and something that could get her attention were important features. This helped guide our early ideas. At first, we discussed several different ways the target could work. Some ideas included sound feedback, while others focused more on lights or different target shapes. After talking through the user’s needs, we decided the best design would be an interactive target that used bright lights as the main form of feedback.

As the project developed, we refined the concept to make it more realistic to build and easier to use. We focused on a target system that could attach to an existing basketball goal, detect when the ball passed through the target area, and respond with LED lights. Sound feedback was part of the original plan, but the final version focused on visual feedback because it was more reliable and still met the main need of getting the user’s attention. The final concept was based on safety, accessibility, reliability, and making throwing practice more enjoyable.

Use the CAD model as a reference before cutting or assembling the frame. Start by measuring and cutting the metal frame pieces to match the CAD dimensions. Lay the pieces out on a flat surface and check that the frame is square before fastening anything together. The frame needs to stay straight because it supports the target, aluminum plate, sensors, and lights.

Once the frame pieces are aligned, fasten the corners together using the selected hardware. Tighten each connection, but do not fully lock everything down until the full frame is checked for alignment. After the frame is assembled, hold it in the final mounting position and make sure there is enough clearance for the ball to pass through the target area.

Before moving on, check that the aluminum plate and target line up with the frame. Mark the hole locations for the plate and any mounting brackets. Drill the holes carefully and deburr any sharp edges. The frame should feel solid and should not flex much when handled. If it moves too much, add support or tighten the hardware before installing the target and electronics.

Before starting the build, gather all materials and tools needed for the frame, mounting system, electronics, and target assembly. Our design used an aluminum frame, LED light strip, aluminum sheet, U bolts, rubber pads, spring loaded hinges, an Arduino Nano Every, IR break beam sensors, and a power bank. These parts were selected to make the system strong, bright, portable, and easy to attach to an existing basketball goal.

It is also important to check all electronic parts before installing them. Some of our sensors and other components did not work correctly when they arrived, which slowed down the build. Testing each part early can save time later and help you know if a problem is caused by the wiring, the code, or the part itself.

Basic tools such as a socket wrench set, drill, fasteners, and wire cutters may be needed depending on how your version is built. The Arduino IDE is also needed to upload the code to the Arduino. Once all materials are gathered and checked, the frame and target assembly can begin.

The aluminum channel frame was used as the outside structure for the target system. This frame helped hold the shape of the system and gave us a place to mount the other parts later in the build. The frame was assembled first because it controlled the size and layout of the target opening.

Start by laying the aluminum channel pieces on a flat surface. Line up the pieces into a rectangle and make sure the corners are square before tightening anything down. Once the pieces are in the correct position, install the corner pieces to connect the frame together. The corner pieces help keep the frame aligned and make the structure more rigid.

After the frame is assembled, check that it does not twist or shift when moved. The frame should feel solid before adding the target, plate, sensors, or lights. If the frame is not square, loosen the corner pieces, realign the channel, and tighten everything again.

After the aluminum channel frame was assembled, the next step was adding the goal post hardware and target. The goal post hardware is what allows the system to attach to the basketball goal during use. This part needed to be strong enough to hold the frame in place while still being easy to remove when needed.

Start by lining up the goal post hardware with the mounting area on the frame. Use the CAD model or drilled hole locations as a guide. Once everything is lined up, attach the hardware to the frame and make sure it is tight. The hardware should not move or rotate when the frame is handled.

Next, attach the target to the frame. The target should be placed in the correct position so the user has a clear area to aim at. Make sure the target is centered and that there is enough open space around it for the ball to pass through. After the target is attached, check that all screws and hardware are tight.

Before moving on, inspect the full assembly. Make sure the target is secure, the frame is still square, and the goal post hardware is strong enough to support the system during use. This step is important because the target and mounting hardware take most of the impact during throwing practice.

The electronics setup is what allows the target system to respond when the ball passes through the target area. For this step, we used an Arduino and a breadboard to connect the sensors and LED lights before securing everything to the final frame. The breadboard made it easier to test the circuit and make changes before making the setup more permanent.

Start by placing the Arduino and breadboard near the frame so the wires can reach the sensors and LED strip. Connect the IR break beam sensors to the breadboard and Arduino based on the wiring layout for your system. The sensors should be powered by the Arduino and connected to an input pin so the Arduino can detect when the beam is broken.

Next, connect the LED lights to the Arduino. The LEDs are used as the main feedback for the user, so make sure they are bright and easy to see. Before mounting the electronics to the frame, upload the code to the Arduino and test the circuit on the table. Break the IR sensor beam by passing an object through it and check that the lights respond.

Once the circuit works, organize the wires and keep them away from the target opening. The electronics should be secured so they do not move during use or get hit by the ball. After everything is connected, power the Arduino and test the full system again before moving to final assembly.

The sensors are used to detect when the ball passes through the target area. For this project, we used IR break beam sensors. One side sends the beam and the other side receives it. When the ball passes through the opening, it breaks the beam and sends a signal to the Arduino.

Start by mounting the sensor pieces across from each other near the target opening. The two sensor pieces need to face each other directly. If they are not lined up, the Arduino may not detect the throw correctly. Use the sensor bracket or mounting holes to keep the sensors in place.

Next, connect the sensor wires to the breadboard and Arduino. The power wire should connect to the correct voltage pin, the ground wire should connect to ground, and the signal wire should connect to the Arduino input pin used in the code. Keep the wires loose enough to reach the sensors, but not so loose that they hang into the target area.

Before securing the wires permanently, test the sensors by passing a ball or your hand through the target opening. The lights should respond when the beam is broken. If the system does not respond, check the sensor alignment, wiring connections, and Arduino code. Once the sensors work correctly, secure the wires to the frame so they are protected during use.

The LED lights are the main feedback feature for the target system. When the ball passes through the target area, the lights turn on and help get the user’s attention. A diffuser was added over the lights to spread the light out and make it easier to see from different angles.

Start by placing the LED strip around the inside of the aluminum channel frame. Make sure the lights face outward or toward the user so they can be seen clearly during use. Keep the LED strip away from the direct path of the ball so it does not get damaged during throwing practice.

Once the LED strip is in place, connect it to the Arduino and test it before covering it with the diffuser. This makes it easier to fix wiring problems before everything is closed up. After the lights work correctly, install the diffuser over the LED strip. The diffuser should sit securely in the aluminum channel and cover the lights evenly.

After the diffuser is installed, test the system again by breaking the sensor beam. The lights should turn on and appear bright through the diffuser. If part of the strip does not light up, check the LED connection and make sure the wiring is secure.

Safety was an important part of the final setup because the target system will be used on a playground. After the frame, target, and electronics were installed, we checked the full system for sharp edges, exposed screws, hard corners, and loose wires.

Foam and rubber padding were added around the screws, metal edges, and exposed hardware. This helped cover the harder parts of the frame and reduced the chance of someone getting hurt if they bumped into the system. Any sharp edges on the aluminum pieces should also be filed down or covered before the device is used.

The wires were secured to the frame so they would not hang into the target opening or get pulled during use. The electronics should be placed where they are protected from direct impact. Before each use, check that the padding is still attached, the frame is secure, and the target area is clear.

After the sensors, Arduino, breadboard, and LED lights were wired, the next step was electronic testing. This step was used to make sure the circuit worked before the system was fully installed and delivered. Testing the electronics early is important because it helps catch wiring problems, sensor alignment issues, or broken components.

Start by powering the Arduino with the power bank or computer. Check that the Arduino turns on and that the LED strip is connected correctly. Next, test the IR sensors by passing your hand or a ball between the sensor pair. When the beam is broken, the LED lights should turn on.

If the lights do not respond, check the sensor alignment first. The two sensor pieces must face each other directly. If the sensors are aligned and the system still does not work, check the wiring connections on the breadboard and Arduino. Also make sure the correct code is uploaded to the Arduino.

After the system works on the table, test it again after the electronics are mounted to the frame. Move the wires slightly and repeat the test to make sure nothing disconnects. The system should respond consistently before moving on to final setup and delivery.

After the electronics were tested, the next step was stress testing the full system. This was done to make sure the target could handle repeated throws and normal use. Since the device will be used for throwing practice, it needed to stay secure after being hit many times.

To test the system, have someone throw balls at the target from a safe distance. Watch the frame, target, mounting hardware, sensors, lights, and wires during the test. The frame should not shift, the target should stay attached, and the electronics should keep working after repeated hits.

After several throws, inspect the full device. Check that no screws came loose, no wires moved into the target area, and no foam or rubber padding came off. If anything moved or loosened, tighten it or secure it before using the system again.

We also tested the system by leaving it powered on for over an hour. This helped confirm that the battery could last through a full practice session on one charge. This test gave us more confidence that the device would work long enough for normal use.

The final step was setting up the target system and adding safety features. Since the device will be used on a playground, we needed to make sure there were no sharp edges, exposed screws, or hard metal pieces that could hurt the user. After the system was assembled, we checked every area that could be touched during use.

Foam and rubber padding were added around the screws, metal edges, and exposed hardware. This helped cover the harder parts of the frame and made the system safer if someone bumped into it. We also made sure the wires were secured so they would not hang loose or get in the way of the target area.

Before using the device, check that the frame is mounted securely and that all padding is still in place. The target should feel stable, the electronics should be protected, and the throwing area should be clear. These safety checks are important because the system is meant to be used in a real play area, not just as a classroom prototype.

After testing and adding the final safety features, the target system was ready to deliver. The device was taken to the customer in Wellington and set up in the area where it would be used. This step was important because it showed how the system worked outside of our build space and in its real environment.

During delivery, we checked that the frame could be mounted securely and that the target area was positioned correctly. We also made sure the lights were visible and that the system could be powered on easily. Since the device was designed for a playground setting, we checked the padding, wires, screws, and metal edges one last time before leaving it with the customer.

The delivery step was also a chance to explain how the system works and what to check before each use. The customer should make sure the frame is secure, the padding is in place, and the battery is charged before starting. Once everything was set up, the system was ready to be used for throwing practice.

After the target system is built, tested, and delivered, the next step is to keep improving it based on how the user responds. Before each use, check that the frame is secure, the battery is charged, the wires are protected, and the foam padding is still in place. The system should also be checked after repeated throws to make sure nothing has loosened or shifted.

One future improvement would be getting the sound feedback working. Sound was part of the original idea because it would give the user another way to know when the target was hit. Adding a working buzzer or speaker would make the system more interactive and could help get the user’s attention even more.

Another improvement would be testing different IR sensors. Some of the sensors we used were unreliable, which made setup and testing more difficult. Trying a different sensor style or a higher quality sensor could make the system detect throws more consistently. This would make the device more dependable and easier to use over time.