An athletic training system includes one or more panels having a rigid front surface covered by a translucent material behind which is an illumination or light source and one or more pressure sensors that can detect and measure the pressure caused by impact against the front surface. A control device communicates with and controls the panels according to a selected exercise regimen that is designed to develop particular skills for an athletic or sporting endeavor by commanding the panel or panels to illuminate or display information. While illuminated or displaying, each panel actively monitors its pressure sensor for an indication of an impact, and upon detecting an impact, reports the detection of the impact to the control device, and turns off its illumination. The process of turning panels on and off and detecting impact can be used to construct various regimens for training and developing skills.