BLOCKING PAD TACKLING DUMMY AND METHOD

Abstract

A tackling dummy hit pad comprises an inner cushion or resilient pad having a tight-fitting durable covering, wherein the tackling dummy is generally formed into the shape of a person. The tackling dummy preferably includes a torso or main body portion with pair of shoulders extending from each side thereof, and a pair of legs extending beneath the torso portion. Optionally, the tackling dummy hit pad may include full-length legs and be free-standing, or may include shortened legs and/or include handles or straps on a backside thereof. In a preferred embodiment, target pads may be placed on the torso portion, on either side thereof and beneath the armpits, to serve as a target for a player's shoulders or shoulder pads during tackling drills. The tackling dummy hit pad may be used as a free-standing dummy or as a dummy-in-motion.

Claims

1. A tackling dummy hit pad comprising: a resilient cushion member having a shape of a human torso, including a main body member a pair of leg members extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a bottom portion of said main body member; a tight-fitting external cover that is disposed to cover said resilient cushion member on all sides thereof; a ball strap attached to said main body member, wherein said ball strap is adapted to be used for temporarily holding a ball adjacent the tackling dummy hit pad during practice drills and a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member on one side of said main body member.

2. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second target pad attached to said external cover on an opposed side from said first target pad, in mirror image fashion.

3. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg members extend to about knee length.

4. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg members extend to about foot length.

5. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further including a pair of straps on a rear side thereof, so that said tackling dummy hit pad may be held by a person grasping said straps on said rear side thereof.

6. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, further including target indicia on a front portion thereof, said target indicia being selected from the group consisting of an arrow positioned on a shoulder and pointing downwardly, an arrow disposed on said main body member pointing toward said first hit pad, and an arrow on said main body member pointing downwardly in a direction between said leg members.

7. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said external covering includes an opening for inserting and removing said resilient cushion member, wherein said opening includes means for temporarily securing said opening into a closed position.

8. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said resilient cushion is made from a foam material.

9. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said ball strap includes adjustable tightening means.

10. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said ball strap is positioned on a side of said main body member.

11. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said ball strap is positioned on a top portion of said main body member.

12. A tackling dummy hit pad comprising: a resilient cushion member having a shape of a human torso, including a main body member a pair of leg members extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a bottom portion of said main body member; a ball strap attached to said main body member, wherein said ball strap is adapted to be used for temporarily holding a ball adjacent the tackling dummy hit pad during practice drills and a tight-fitting external cover that is disposed to cover said resilient cushion member on all sides thereof.

13. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, further including a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member.

14. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, further including target indicia on said external cover for indicating target areas for tackling drills.

15. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, wherein target indicia indicate targets selected from the group consisting of head targets, foot targets, shoulder targets, and any combination thereof.

16. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, further including a pair of handles on a rear side thereof, so that said tackling dummy hit pad may be held by a person grasping said handles on said rear side thereof.

17. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, wherein said ball strap includes adjustable tightening means.

18. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, wherein said ball strap is positioned on a side of said main body member.

19. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, wherein said ball strap is positioned on a top portion of said main body member.

20. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 12, wherein said main body member includes a pair of shoulders extending outwardly from an upper portion of said main body member, wherein a left shoulder extends from a left side of said main body portion and a right shoulder portion extends from a right side of said main body member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad illustrated in use for tackling drills, wherein the legs are full length;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad having a pair of straps on a rear portion thereof, wherein a coach is illustrated holding the tackling dummy hit pad as a player engages the dummy in a tackling drill or rucking drill;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad, further showing target pads on either side of the main body portion between the legs and the shoulders;

[0022] FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 3, with the addition of a strap on an upper portion thereof holding a football;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a rear view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 4, with the addition of a strap on a side thereof holding a football;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a rear view of the embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 4, having a U shaped portion between the legs, and further showing a hit pad on a rear portion of the legs for padding and targeting purposes;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a left side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a right side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad, wherein the legs are shortened to approximately knee length;

[0031] FIG. 9A is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, wherein the tackling dummy hit pad also includes a ball strap for holding a football on a side portion thereof;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a rear view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9, including a pair of straps on a rear portion thereof;

[0033] FIG. 10A is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, wherein the tackling dummy hit pad also includes a ball strap for holding a football on an upper portion thereof;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a left side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a right side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a top view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9; and

[0037] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Free-Standing Dummy Embodiment

[0038] The present invention includes, in a first embodiment, a tackling dummy hit pad 10 that is generally shaped like a person, having a torso section 12 (main body portion), shoulder portions 14 extending outwardly from the main body portion 12, and a pair of leg members 16 extending below the main body portion 12. The leg members may come together to form a V shape therebetween, or in another embodiment, may include a generally U shaped configuration, where there is a generally horizontal portion extending between the legs. It should be understood that the terms tackling dummy hit pad, tackling dummy, hit pad and dummy may be used interchangeably hereinbelow to refer to various embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, the terms torso and main body portion may be used interchangeably herein, as well. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-8, the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is a free-standing structure, made from an inner resilient cushion with a durable, tight-fitting cover. The legs 16 in this embodiment are full-sized, so that the tackling dummy 10 stands at a proper or average height of an opposing player or ball carrier.

[0039] A pair of target pads 18 are preferably disposed about mid-torso on the main body portion 12, one on the right side and one on the left side thereof, as shown. The target pads provide additional padding, as well as targeting information. It is contemplated that the target pads 18 may be a different color from the tackling dummy 10, in order to provide a clear target for the player's shoulder or shoulder pad. It is further contemplated that the target pads may be removable, so that they can be attached to and detached from the main body portion, as desired. In one embodiment, the target pads may be positioned on a front of the main body portion 12 and may extend around the side thereof. Further, additional target pads may be positioned on a rear portion of the legs, in order to indicate where a player should place his hands and/or arms during tackling drills.

[0040] Alternatively, instead of providing a pair of target pads 18 attached to the tackling dummy 10, colored target indicia (bullseye, arrows, or the like) may be applied directly to the external cover of the main body portion 12 or torso to indicate the target zone for a player's shoulder. Optionally, other arrows or other target indicia may be disposed on the tackling dummy hit pad 10, to show placement of the players feet, head, and/or shoulder.

[0041] The inner resilient cushion material may be made from any suitable cushioning material, and preferably from a foam product, such as polyurethane foam or latex foam, although it is understood that any suitable cushioning material may be used. The exterior cover 20 may also be made from any suitable material, although it is preferred that the material be a tough, durable textile material that is waterproof, or at least water resistant, in order to keep water from seeping through the exterior cover 20 and soaking into the interior cushion material. In a preferred embodiment, a slit or opening may be positioned on a rear side of the main body member for inserting the inner resilient cushion material. The slit may also include means for securing the slit into a closed position, wherein such closing means may include hook and loop fastening material (Velcro), a zipper, snaps, buttons, or any other suitable closing means. This arrangement allows a user to remove the cushion material from the exterior cover, so that, for instance, the cover may be washed, or for purposes of replacing the cushioning material with new cushion material if the old material becomes worn out.

[0042] In use, the first embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is placed on the practice field as a free-standing structure, and players practice tackling the dummy 10, while making sure that they are employing the proper technique, as shown in FIG. 1. The tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used to teach a specific tackling technique, wherein a player may practice tackling on a right hand side, or on a left hand side, depending upon the situation.

[0043] Prior art tackling dummies are typically cylindrically shaped pads that are similar in shape and size to punching bags used in boxing and martial arts training. When a player uses one of the cylindrical tackling dummies in a tackling drill, it forces the player to place his lead foot on either side of the tackling dummy, which is not a proper tackling technique. The tackling dummy hit pad 10 described herein includes a pair of legs 16 that are spaced apart slightly, as shown. This arrangement allows a player to place his lead foot generally between the tackling dummy's legs 16, which is the proper tackling technique.

[0044] For right side tackling, the player is instructed to place his left foot forward, and generally between the legs of the dummy 10, and using the left shoulder to hit the dummy 10 on the main body portion 12 below the right armpit on the target pad 18, so that the player's head is up, and extends to the right side of the main body portion 12 and beneath the right armpit and shoulder 14 of the tackling dummy 10. Using the arms to wrap up the tackling dummy 10, the player tackles the dummy 10 to the ground.

[0045] For left side tackling, the player is instructed to place his right foot forward, and generally between the legs 16 of the dummy 10, as shown in FIG. 1. Using the right shoulder to hit the dummy 10 on the target pad 18 of the torso 12 below the left armpit and shoulder 14, the player positions his head so that it extends to the left side of the torso 12 and beneath the left armpit and shoulder 14 of the dummy 10. Using the arms to wrap up the tackling dummy 10, the player tackles the dummy 10 to the ground.

[0046] In this way, the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used as a traditional tackling dummy is used, but with target areas (target pads 18) and indicia shown on a generally human-shaped dummy 10 to show and remind players of proper tackling techniques, which are used to prevent or reduce instances of head and neck injury.

Dummy-in-Motion Embodiment

[0047] A second embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad is shown in FIGS. 2 and 9-14. In this embodiment, the tackling dummy 10 is similar to that described above in the first embodiment, but the legs 16 have been shortened (to approximately knee length, as shown), and the rear side of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 includes a pair of straps 22 (or handles), so that a coach can hold the tackling dummy hit pad 10 via the straps during tackling drills, as shown in FIG. 2. One advantage to this arrangement is that a coach can conduct mobile drills, where he moves while holding the dummy 10, in order to make the tackling drills more realistic because the dummy 10 is in motion.

[0048] In use, the coach grasps the tackling dummy hit pad 10 by the straps 22 on a rear portion thereof, and holds the dummy 10 out in front of him, facing a player. The coach may either remain still, or may move with the dummy 10, forcing the player to chase the dummy 10 and tackle it on the run. When the player grasps the dummy 10 during the drill, the coach releases his grasp on the straps 22, so that the dummy 10 comes free from the coach, and the player continues to grasp the dummy 10 throughout the rest of the tackle. Alternatively, the coach may use the tackling dummy hit pad 10 by holding the straps 22, and instead of having the player tackle the dummy 10, the coach may continue to grasp the dummy 10 while the player hits and drives the dummy 10, blocks the dummy 10, or tackles the dummy and coach together to the ground.

[0049] The second embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 is used to teach a specific tackling technique, as shown in FIG. 2. Oftentimes, football players and rugby players suffer head and neck injuries in games because they either lead the tackle with their heads, and place their faces or facemasks directly in the chest of the opposing player, or they attempt to tackle the opposing player by targeting the forward side of the opposing player in motion, and the resulting collision impacts the head and neck directly.

[0050] The concept being taught by using the present tackling dummy hit pad 10 is that if the dummy is moving from right to left (from the player's point of view), then the player should tackle the dummy by targeting the right side (or rear side, with respect to the motion of the player) of the dummy target pad 18 with his left shoulder. In this way, the player's head and neck are disposed behind the dummy's direction of motion. The actual tackling technique for this in-motion embodiment is exactly the same as the technique described above for the stationary tackling dummy 10, where the lead foot is placed between the dummy's legs 16, and the shoulder or shoulder pad hits the target pad on the torso 12, as described above and shown in FIG. 2. However, the in-motion technique teaches the player not to try to cut off the path of the defensive player with his head and neck, and instead to place his head and neck on the lagging or rear side of the direction of motion, and then to employ the above-referenced tackling technique. This technique is an effective manner of tackling an opposing player, which prevents the violent collisions that occur between an offensive player and a defensive player who tries to cut off the path of the offensive player with his head and neck in the direct path of the offensive player. Rather, this technique allows the defensive player to absorb the ball carrier's contact through the shoulders and feet, instead of through the head and neck.

[0051] Conversely, if the offensive player is moving left to right, then the player tackles the dummy 10 by placing his right foot generally between the legs 16 of the dummy, and targets the left target pad 18 (on the left side of the dummy 10) with his shoulder or shoulder pad, and places his head to the left side of the left target pad 18, beneath the left armpit and shoulder 14 of the dummy 10. Wrapping his arms around the dummy 10, the player completes the tackle while the coach releases grip on the straps 22 of the dummy 10.

[0052] Other drills may be similarly conducted. For example, instead of tackling the dummy 10, the player may either hit and drive the dummy 10 while the coach maintains his grasp on the dummy straps 22, or the player may hit the dummy 10, and simultaneously wrap his arms around the dummy 10 and the coach, and tackle both the dummy 10 and coach to the ground.

[0053] It is also contemplated that straps 22 or handles may be affixed to the rear portion of the free-standing first embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10, having the fully extended legs 16, so that the dummy 10 may be used as a free-standing tackling dummy or a dummy-in-motion, as described herein. Further, either embodiment may include target indicia on a front side thereof, for showing and reminding players of the proper tackling technique. For example, an arrow may be placed on the shoulder portion 14, pointing downwardly, to show where the tackler's head or helmet should be. Another arrow may be positioned on the torso 12, pointing to the target pad 18, showing where the tackler's shoulder should be. Additionally, another arrow may be placed below the target pad 18 pointing towards the area between the legs 16 of the dummy, showing where the tacklers lead foot should be placed for the initial hit on the dummy 10. These arrows or other target indicia may be used on either the right side or the left side of the dummy 10, or on both sides, if desired. In one embodiment, target indicia may also be positioned on a rear portion of the legs, in order to show a tackler where to place his hands and/or arms for proper tackling technique, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0054] Moreover, either embodiment may be made in any desired sized, as appropriate for the age and size of the players, particularly including adult and youth sizes. It is also contemplated that one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad 10 may be manufactured and used without the shoulder sections 14, so that a torso 12 is formed on a top portion thereof, and a pair of legs 16 extend therebeneath.

[0055] Additionally, either embodiment may further include a ball strap attachment 30 for holding a football 32. In one embodiment, a ball strap 30 is attached on top portion of the main body member, so that a football 32 may be placed on top of the dummy and the strap holds the football in place there for tackling drills, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 10A. In another embodiment, the ball strap 30 may be placed on either side of the dummy, preferably beneath the shoulders and above the legs, to simulate the position of a football 32 when being carried by a player, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 9A. These embodiments provide the means to teach not only proper tackling techniques, but also to teach a player proper technique for stripping the ball from an opposing player and recovering a fumble. The ball strap 30 may include adjustment or tightening means, which are commonly founds on many types of straps, and may be secured together using hook and loop fasteners (Velcro), or any other suitable means. The ball strap 30 may be elastic, so that it stretches, or it may be non-elastic, as desired. Any type of strap assembly may be used, so long as the strap is capable of holding a ball adjacent the tackling dummy (or hit pad) during hitting and tackling drills.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.