If your device is intermittently missing shots or not detecting shots at all, the cause is most often related to setup, placement, mat stability, ball type, or environmental factors, rather than a hardware failure.
Before assuming there is an issue with the device itself, review the items below to ensure your setup allows the device to consistently see the ball at impact.
Ball Position and Ball Type
Ensure the golf ball is placed fully within the designated hitting area or ball lock zone for your device. Shots struck outside of this area may not be detected consistently.
If the club contacts the mat before the ball, the ball can be nudged forward or backward at impact. Even small amounts of ball movement can move the ball outside of the capture area and result in a missed shot.
Only use premium, standard white golf balls.
Do not use range balls, limited-flight balls, or colored or heavily marked balls. These balls often have inconsistent surface characteristics and compression, which can interfere with reliable ball detection: Range Balls vs Premium Golf Balls: Why Your Numbers Differ
Hitting Mat Stability and Placement
Verify the hitting mat is firmly secured and does not move during the swing. Even slight mat movement can cause the ball to shift out of position at impact.
The hitting surface should be level and free from flexing, lifting, or separation from the floor or base. Warped mats or unsecured turf inserts can contribute to inconsistent shot detection.
Device Height and Level
Ensure the device is placed on a flat, stable surface and positioned on the same horizontal plane as the golf ball at impact.
For ground-placed devices positioned next to a hitting mat, sitting too low relative to the ball can prevent the cameras from consistently seeing the ball. This is especially common with thicker or raised hitting mats.
If needed, raising the device approximately 1″ to 1.5″ can help align it more closely with ball height and keep the ball within the intended capture zone.
Alignment and Hitting Mode
Confirm the device is properly aligned to the target line and that the correct left- or right-handed hitting mode is selected.
For GC3, Launch Pro, GCQuad, and QuadMax, hitting mode is set directly on the device using the touchscreen and/or L/R buttons. If the incorrect mode is selected, the ball may be outside of the active capture area and shots may not register.
For Falcon and GCHawk, the system automatically determines hitting side based on ball position in the left or right hitting zone. If hitting mats have been moved, replaced, or the hitting layout has changed, recalibration may be required.
Infrared (IR) Interference and Reflective Surfaces
Foresight Sports devices use infrared (IR) imaging to detect the ball at impact. Certain materials and environmental conditions can interfere with IR visibility and cause missed shots.
Check the hitting area for reflective or IR-reactive surfaces, including:
Shiny or glossy flooring
Polished concrete
Reflective turf fibers
Metallic objects near the hitting zone
Mirrors, glass, or reflective panels
Bright or exposed IR light sources
Excessive IR reflection or interference can confuse the cameras and prevent the device from reliably identifying the ball. Reducing reflections, covering shiny surfaces, or repositioning the device can help improve detection.
Environment and Visibility
Lighting conditions can also affect shot detection.
Avoid direct sunlight or strong light sources aimed toward the hitting area or device lenses. Ensure lighting is consistent and not flickering, and keep the area around the hitting zone clear of moving or reflective objects.
Device Lenses
Inspect the device lenses for dust, debris, or foreign material. Even small particles can interfere with the device’s ability to clearly see the ball at impact.
When cleaning the lenses, avoid rubbing them dry, even with a microfiber cloth, as this can cause fine abrasions similar to cleaning a camera lens incorrectly.
Recommended cleaning methods:
Use canned air to remove loose dust or particles
If debris is adhered to the lens, use alcohol wipes designed for optical surfaces
Allow the lens to fully dry before use
Do not use paper towels, abrasive cloths, or household cleaners on the lenses.
Firmware
Ensure the device is running the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware can contribute to missed shots or inconsistent behavior. Restart the device after completing any firmware update.
Device firmware can be located on our support page: https://support.foresightsports.com/support/hardware
For GC3, GC3s, Launch Pro, and Launch Pro Indoor devices, ensure the device is connected to a network with internet access. Firmware updates are pulled automatically from our servers and the device will prompt you when an update is available.
Saved Shot Data and Further Help
If shots are being missed intermittently, saved shot files can help determine whether the device is capturing club and ball data correctly. Club-only data may indicate the device is seeing the club but not the ball, which often points back to setup or environmental factors.
If all of the above items have been reviewed and the issue persists, contact Foresight Sports Support for further assistance. Be prepared to provide your device serial number, firmware version, photos of your setup, and any saved shot files if available.
Capture a Saved Shots (3-5 shots min) for Review
Save the shot that shows the issue and transfer it to your PC so Support can analyze it:
FAQ
Why are some shots missed?
Most missed shots are caused by setup or environmental factors such as ball position, mat movement, device height, hitting mode, lighting, or reflective surfaces.
Can the hitting mat cause missed shots?
Yes. If the mat moves or flexes at impact, the ball can shift out of the capture area.
Does device height matter?
Yes. Ground-placed devices should be on the same horizontal plane as the ball. Raising the device 1″–1.5″ may help.
Does golf ball type matter?
Yes. Use premium, standard white golf balls only. Avoid range balls and limited-flight balls.
Can lighting or reflective surfaces affect detection?
Yes. Infrared (IR) reflections or interference from shiny surfaces or strong light sources can cause missed shots.
Why does the wrong hitting mode cause missed shots?
If the incorrect left- or right-handed mode is selected, the ball may be outside the active capture area.
How should I clean the lenses?
Use canned air for loose debris. Use alcohol wipes for adhered debris. Avoid dry wiping or abrasive materials.
What should I provide to support?
Device serial number, firmware version, setup photos, and saved shot files if available.
Need Help? Submit a Request to our team