Arduino Basketball Scoreboard

A simple Arduino project that uses an IR sensor to detect when a ping pong ball passes through the hoop and automatically updates the score on a 4-digit TM1637 display.

Date: July 13, 2026

Project Photo

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Video

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What it Does

When a ping pong ball passes through the hoop, the IR sensor detects it and the Arduino increases the score by 2 points. The current score is shown on the TM1637 display. Sending RESTART through the Serial Monitor resets the score back to zero.

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Components

• Arduino Uno
• TM1637 4-Digit Display
• IR Obstacle Sensor
• Jumper wires
• USB cable

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Wiring

Digital Display Wiring

Arduino Pin	Component	Component Pin
5V	TM1637 Display	VCC
GND	TM1637 Display	GND
D2	TM1637 Display	CLK
D3	TM1637 Display	DIO
3.3V	IR Sensor	VCC
GND	IR Sensor	GND
D8	IR Sensor	OUT

LCD Screen Wiriing

Arduino Pin	Component	Component Pin
5V	LCD	VCC
GND	LCD	GND
A4	LCD	SDA
A5	LCD	SCL
3.3V	IR Sensor	VCC
GND	IR Sensor	GND
D8	IR Sensor	OUT

Digital Display Libraries

#include <TM1637Display.h>

Library used:

• TM1637Display

LCD Library

How it Works

1. The Arduino waits for the IR sensor to detect a ball.
2. When a ball is detected, the score increases by 2.
3. The updated score is shown on the 4-digit display.
4. Typing RESTART into the Serial Monitor resets the score to zero.

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Possible Improvements

• Add a countdown timer.
• Add sound effects with a buzzer.
• Track the highest score.
• Add RGB lighting.
• Make the point value configurable.

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Lessons Learned

• Position the IR sensor carefully for reliable scoring.
• Allow enough space so the ball doesn't repeatedly trigger the sensor.
• The TM1637 display is simple to wire and only requires two digital pins.

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Digital Dispaly Code

#include <TM1637Display.h>

TM1637Display display(2, 3);
int score = 0;
void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    display.setBrightness(7);
    pinMode(8, INPUT);
    display.clear();
}

void loop() {
    if (Serial.available()) {
        String restart = Serial.readStringUntil('\n');
        if (restart == "RESTART") {
            score = 0;
            display.clear();
        }
    }

    if (!digitalRead(8)) {
        score += 2;
        display.showNumberDec(score);
        delay(1900);
    }  
}

LCD Version Code

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,20,4);  // set the LCD address to 0x27 for a 16 chars and 2 line display

int score = 0;
void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    lcd.init();                      // initialize the lcd 
    lcd.backlight();
    pinMode(8, INPUT);
    lcd.setCursor(0,0);
    lcd.print("Play Basketball!");
}

void loop() {
    if (Serial.available()) {
        String restart = Serial.readStringUntil('\n');
        if (restart == "RESTART") {
            score = 0;
            lcd.setCursor(0,1);
            lcd.print("                ");
        }
    }

    if (!digitalRead(8)) {
        score += 2;
        lcd.setCursor(0,1);
        lcd.print("                ");
        lcd.setCursor(0,1);
        lcd.print("Score: ");
        lcd.setCursor(7,1);
        lcd.print(score);
        delay(1000);
    }  
}

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