Abstract: A pop-up tackling practice machine has a base with a peripheral tube curved at each end for safety, and a plate covering an opening formed by the tube. Outside the tube, two inverted ears are centrally located on the base and extend upwardly and outwardly at oblique angles with respect to the plate. A bracket allows pivotable mounting of a T-shaped handle that may be grasped by a coach standing on the plate. A further bracket is also mounted on the plate to which a multiple use pad may be mounted. The further bracket is vertically adjustable for height adjustment, pivotable with respect to the plate, and the bracket permits rotation with respect to the plate. The underside of the plate has an elongated roller.

Abstract: A blocking sled includes a first main blocking pad reciprocable on a frame between extended and retracted positions. When a lineman hits the main blocking pad, it is moved to the position of retraction and when the lineman releases the pad, it extends back to its original un-retracted position. In association with each main blocking pad, an auxiliary pad is provided that in one position closely overlies and extends forward of the main blocking pad in its extended position. The auxiliary blocking pad is pivotably mounted to the frame and is latched in the position closely overlying and extending forward of the main blocking pad. An actuator facilitates release of a latching mechanism for the auxiliary pad and moves along with a support rod for the main blocking pad. When the rod is reciprocated, eventually it engages the latch of the auxiliary pad and releases that latch causing a biasing means to pivot the auxiliary pad up and forward with respect to its position when latched.

Abstract: A quarterback trainer includes a circular target frame having a plurality of target locations and is mounted on a support for rotation about its axis in either direction. The support may be located on a cart. The cart includes a receptacle area below the target frame that receives and stores footballs thrown toward the target. A motor is coupled to the pivot for the frame to facilitate control of rotations of the circular target frame. A controller for the motor controls activation and deactivation as well as the direction of rotation and the speed of rotation of the motor's driven shaft. The motor is preferably powered by one or more batteries.

Abstract: A blocking sled includes a first main blocking pad reciprocable on a frame between extended and retracted positions. When a lineman hits the main blocking pad, it is moved to the position of retraction and when the lineman releases the pad, it extends back to its original un-retracted position. In association with each main blocking pad, an auxiliary pad is provided that in one position closely overlies and extends forward of the main blocking pad in its extended position. The auxiliary blocking pad is pivotably mounted to the frame and is latched in the position closely overlying and extending forward of the main blocking pad. An actuator facilitates release of a latching mechanism for the auxiliary pad and moves along with a support rod for the main blocking pad. When the rod is reciprocated, eventually it engages the latch of the auxiliary pad and releases that latch causing a biasing means to pivot the auxiliary pad up and forward with respect to its position when latched.

Abstract: In an inflatable ball, a substance is conveyed within its inner chamber which sticks to the inner surface subtending a small portion of the entirety of that inner surface. A rubber based catalyst is a particularly suitable substance because, when cured, it remains soft and pliable, enhancing its ability to remain adhered to the inner surface of an inflatable ball and to conform to the shape of that surface whether or not the ball is inflated. A heavy substance such as lead shot or stainless steel balls can be embedded into the liquid material prior to curing to increase the weight. Any substance embedded into the liquid material is introduced through the valve and port of the inflatable ball.

Abstract: A pass rush trainer has a rigid base that is height adjustable. Two coil torsion springs are mounted on the base and extend upwardly therefrom. At their upper extents, the springs are coupled to a frame including two outwardly extending arms which support the arms of a dummy or pad that is mounted on it. The distance between the arms is easily adjustable so that a pass rusher can practice against differing degrees of “wing span” of an offensive lineman. The pad itself includes a torso that is draped over the base and springs of the inventive device, has a portion simulating the shoulders and head of a pass blocker, and includes two padded arms mounted over the arms of the frame.

Abstract: A pad is designed to be easily attachable about the lower portion of a football goal post by virtue of a longitudinal split extending throughout its entire length allowing the pad to be flexed apart at the split to be installed over the goal post. The pad has internal padding that may consist of closed-cell foam or any flexible batting to provide suitable padding to cushion the post so that collisions by football players and referees do not result in injury. In the preferred embodiment, the periphery of the inventive pad has a square cross-section including four flat sides, each extending the entire vertical length of the pad. Each flat surface includes an attachment device such as VELCRO® fastener allowing releasable attachment of an elongated plate that may bear advertising indicia.

Abstract: A pass rush trainer has a rigid base that is height adjustable. Two coil torsion springs are mounted on the base and extend upwardly therefrom. At their upper extents, the springs are coupled to a frame including two outwardly extending arms which support the arms of a dummy or pad that is mounted on it. The distance between the arms is easily adjustable so that a pass rusher can practice against differing degrees of “wing span” of an offensive lineman. The pad itself includes a torso that is draped over the base and springs of the inventive device, has a portion simulating the shoulders and head of a pass blocker, and includes two padded arms mounted over the arms of the frame.

Abstract: A lineman trainer includes a base on which are mounted three receiving brackets. Pads are mounted over these brackets. Each of the brackets is mounted on a mechanism that allows the brackets to move. An actuator mechanism may be manipulated by a coach or other operator to activate the brackets independently of one another. When the actuator is reciprocated in one direction or another, it releases one or the other of the side brackets so that a spring can pivot the brackets toward the lineman. When the actuator is rotated so that its handle travels downwardly, the central bracket is released and springs push it directly outwardly toward the lineman. When a lineman hits a released bracket, it is moved back to the locked position ready for another movement when actuated by the coach or other operator.

Abstract: A wiffle football is provided with a tether having a free end attachable to the user. The football is made of a generally rigid material, such as plastic, except that the tips are made of a resilient material designed to provide a cushioning effect and to absorb shock. The resilient tips prevent damage to the user and protect anyone in close proximity to the user.

Abstract: A blocking sled has a pad mounted on a runner body via a mechanism allowing reciprocation and lifting of the pad. The user hits the pad and can push the pad inwardly while it pivots upwardly simultaneously. When the furthest extent of motion is achieved, further movement by the user will result in pushing of the entire sled assembly itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tackling practice machine designed to be used by football players to practice tackling technique. The machine includes a frame and an adjustable upright designed to removably carry a pad. The frame includes two lateral upwardly extending members which are sized and configured so that when the machine is tackled, it is supported on one of these members so that in conjunction with the particular design of the frame and upright as to center of gravity, the machine will automatically pop up and be ready for the next player.