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 with a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said main body member, wherein said left upper arm extends from a left side of said main body member and said right upper arm extends from a right side of said 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; and a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member on one side thereof between one of said upper arms and said leg members on the same side as said one of said upper arms.

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 are shorter than the length of said main body member.

4. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg members are longer than the length of said main body member.

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 one of said upper arms 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 is a textile material that is substantially water resistant.

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

9. A method of teaching and practicing tackling or rucking skills for contact sports, said method comprising the steps of: providing a generally human shaped tackling dummy hit pad, said tackling dummy hit pad comprising a main body member with a top, bottom, front, rear, left side, and ride side, a pair of leg members extending from said bottom of said main body member, and a target pad attached to said main body member on at least one of said left or right sides, between an upper portion of said main body member and one of said leg members; instructing a player to place his or her lead foot generally between said leg members; instructing said player to place said player's shoulder against said hit pad; instructing said player to place said player's head adjacent said hit pad on one side of said main body member; and instructing said player to wrap his or her arms around said tackling dummy hit pad and fall to the ground with said tackling dummy hit pad in said player's grasp.

10. The method set forth in claim 9, further comprising the step of providing straps on a rear side of said tackling dummy hit pad.

11. The method set forth in claim 10, further comprising the steps of: grasping said tackling dummy hit pad to present said tackling dummy hit pad to said player; moving with said tackling dummy hit pad to provide said player with a moving tackling target; and releasing said tackling dummy hit pad as said player grasps said tackling dummy hit pad so said player can fall to the ground with said tackling dummy hit pad in said player's grasp.

12. The method set forth in claim 11, further comprising the steps of: instructing said player to place his or her head on an opposed side of said tackling dummy hit pad from the direction of motion of said tackling dummy hit pad.

13. The method set forth in claim 9, wherein said tackling dummy hit pad further includes a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said left and right sides of said main body member.

14. A tackling dummy hit pad comprising: a resilient cushion member having a shape of a human torso, including a main body member with a left and right upper arm extending outwardly from an upper portion of said main body member, wherein said left upper arm extends from a left side of said main body member and said right upper arm extends from a right side of said main body member; a pair of leg members extending generally downwardly and outwardly from a bottom portion of said main body member; and a tight-fitting external cover that is disposed to cover said resilient cushion member on all sides thereof.

15. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, further including a first target pad attached to said external cover and positioned on said main body member.

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

17. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 16, wherein target indicia indicate proper placement of a portion of a user's body selected from the group consisting of their head, their lead foot, their shoulder, and any combination thereof.

18. The tackling dummy hit pad set forth in claim 14, 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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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:

[0018] 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;

[0019] 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;

[0020] 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;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a left side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a right side view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of a tackling dummy hit pad, wherein the legs are shortened to approximately knee length;

[0027] 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;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a left side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a right side view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a top view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9; and

[0031] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the tackling dummy hit pad shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DECRYPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Free-Standing Dummy Embodiment

[0033] 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. 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.

[0034] 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. 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. 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Dummy-in-Motion Embodiment

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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. 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.

[0049] 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.