A training apparatus for use in tackle training, comprises an elongate contact pad having a front surface; and at least two laterally extending elongate members disposed in general longitudinal alignment with the elongate contact pad, wherein the laterally extending elongate members are disposed to the rear of the elongate contact pad, which provides an effective training apparatus for improvements in collisions, tackles and especially the grapple tackle in rugby, thereby improving point of contact, height of approach and arm grip strength.

A youth football sled assembly for training youth in American football tackling and blocking includes a sled that is positioned on a training field. The sled is comprised of tubular members such that the sled has no sharp edges to enhance safety for youth employing the sled for training American football tackling and blocking. A cushion is removably positioned on the sled and the cushion is pushed against by the youth during training. A plurality of weights is each selectively positioned on the sled for increasing a weight of the sled.

A youth football sled assembly for training youth in American football tackling and blocking includes a sled that is positioned on a training field. The sled is comprised of tubular members such that the sled has no sharp edges to enhance safety for youth employing the sled for training American football tackling and blocking. A cushion is removably positioned on the sled and the cushion is pushed against by the youth during training. A plurality of weights is each selectively positioned on the sled for increasing a weight of the sled.

An exercise apparatus with base horizontal members forming a base polygon and ceiling horizontal members forming a ceiling polygon and a plurality of vertical members mounted at their lower ends to the base polygon and mounting the ceiling polygon spaced from the base polygon. A human interface permits athletes to exercise, and wheels mounted to the base polygon permit transport of the apparatus and attached equipment to a field or court. The base polygon includes two parallel skids and the human interface may be a pad permitting an athlete to push the apparatus horizontally when none or two of the wheels contact the ground. When no wheels contact the ground, the apparatus may be used in the manner of a weight rack, because the apparatus will not move along the ground without substantial force being applied.

An exercise apparatus with base horizontal members forming a base polygon and ceiling horizontal members forming a ceiling polygon and a plurality of vertical members mounted at their lower ends to the base polygon and mounting the ceiling polygon spaced from the base polygon. A human interface permits athletes to exercise, and wheels mounted to the base polygon permit transport of the apparatus and attached equipment to a field or court. The base polygon includes two parallel skids and the human interface may be a pad permitting an athlete to push the apparatus horizontally when none or two of the wheels contact the ground. When no wheels contact the ground, the apparatus may be used in the manner of a weight rack, because the apparatus will not move along the ground without substantial force being applied.

A system is provided for evaluating football player tackling performance of learned skills in a competitive in-game setting. The system includes reviewing video footage of football games, and analyzing each tackle opportunity with clear objectives for the player with the tackling opportunity to satisfy to achieve a successful result. The system also includes a visual tool that provides clear context for analysis of each tackle opportunity. Methods of evaluation are also provided.

A body held sparring device configured for either striking or being hit with the addition of a secondary target. The secondary target is offset from the sparring tool and designed to yield when struck, rather than transmit dangerous torque to the body part holding the sparring tool. Additionally, the sparring tool can further incorporate additional sparring tools, additional secondary targets and or additional control body points.

A grappling dummy having a generally human shape includes a trunk with a head, arms, and legs extending from the trunk. The legs can be connected together by a connecting leg segment forming a leg enclosure. The grappling dummy also includes padding disposed about the trunk, the head, the arms, and the legs. The trunk defines a midline, and the head can extend longitudinally from the trunk angled in a forward direction from the midline at about forty-five degrees. Each of the arms can extend from the trunk at about forty-five degrees. Each of the arms can lie in a generally transverse plane with respect to the midline. Each of the legs can extend from the trunk at about forty-five degrees. Each of the legs can lie in a second plane angled in a forward direction from the midline of the trunk at about forty-five degrees.

A grappling dummy having a generally human shape includes a trunk with a head, arms, and legs extending from the trunk. The legs can be connected together by a connecting leg segment forming a leg enclosure. The grappling dummy also includes padding disposed about the trunk, the head, the arms, and the legs. The trunk defines a midline, and the head can extend longitudinally from the trunk angled in a forward direction from the midline at about forty-five degrees. Each of the arms can extend from the trunk at about forty-five degrees. Each of the arms can lie in a generally transverse plane with respect to the midline. Each of the legs can extend from the trunk at about forty-five degrees. Each of the legs can lie in a second plane angled in a forward direction from the midline of the trunk at about forty-five degrees.

A portable athletic trainer sled having a strike pad capable of movements in multiple planes for teaching and practicing footwork, striking points, head placement and directional maneuvering techniques for contact sports, minimizing risk of concussion. The sled is light in weight, adjustable, and easily assembled and disassembled.