A solution is provided to enhance motion detection and recognition of moving objects associated with various sports by embedding motion sensors into sports instruments such as tennis rackets, badminton rackets, baseball bats and golf clubs, that are swung in a three-dimensional (3D) space. A motion sensor device inserted and locked inside a sports instrument is configured to detect motions associated with movements associated with the sports instrument. The device is shaped to be inserted into a sensor housing attached to a selected location inside the sports instrument. The device includes a motion sensor for detecting motion associated with the movement of the sports instrument, a cover for protecting the motion sensor, and a locking mechanism attached to the sensor housing for locking the motion sensor inside the sensor housing.