Abstract: A training system for developing tackle technique and tackle follow-up technique includes a combination on a field of a first padded tackling training apparatus for targeted training at a first level corresponding to a relatively low body height, a second padded tackling training apparatus for targeted training at a second level corresponding to a medial body height; and a third padded tackling training apparatus for targeted training at a third level corresponding a relatively high body height facilitates coaching of improved technique for tackling and follow-up technique in contact sports, particularly in American football. The system and apparatus enables technique at a targeted tackling height to be coached and has features to facilitate follow-up actions and thereby providing more effective and safe tackling at a range of targeted heights for use in game play.

Abstract: An in-goal ball return device, the ball return device is a material implement having a front edge, side edges, and a rear edge. The device is configured for attachment within a goal, the goal having a supporting net mesh. The device has a plurality of closed loops disposed along the rear edge and side edges. The device includes a lacing cord for threading through any number of the closed loops and the net to secure the material implement to the net mesh. The device forms a continuous angled surface between the front and closed portion of the goal when attached.

Abstract: An exemplary responsive training device for responding to user interaction with the device can be provided. For example, the responsive training device can be configured with a surface enclosing a compressible body. The responsive training device can further embed at least one sensor configured to sense a deformation of the compressible body and to generate a sensory output to a controller. The responsive training device can also embed a controller configured to control at least one transponder. Furthermore, the exemplary responsive training device can embed at least one transponder configured to provide an audio output and/or a visual output as a function of the sensor output.

Abstract: A system, method, and blocking pad for receiving strikes from a special individual. The blocking pad includes a pad configured to receive the blows from the special individual. The blocking pad further includes a number of handles connected to a back of the pad. The number of handles include at least two handles in a middle portion of the back of the pad and at least a handle at ends of the pad.

Abstract: A sand training bag for sand and/or mineral training in an open and closed configuration. The sand pit training bags includes a sand pit training bag configuration comprising at least one fastener and at least one overlaying fabric around the perimeter to open flat on a surface. The sand training bag includes attachable wall structure, wherein the surface attachable wall structure is configured with a sand pit training bag in an open configuration visible relative to a sand or mineral pit held by one or more fasteners. The sand training bag includes a single sand pit training bag, wherein the single sand pit training bag is convertible to a single sand pit with at least one attachable perimeter wall around the perimeter of the open sand or mineral receiving surface configuration, wherein a top cover is configured to be viewed as a sand or mineral pit closed configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments of a tackling ring and methods of use therefore that are useful for training safer techniques of football tackling.

Abstract: A tackle shield is provided having a body defining a front contact surface and a rear holding surface. The shield includes one or two or more of the following features of: two opposing lugs laterally disposed on the body; the body having an angled or curved profile such that the front contact surface has an upper forward projection and a lower forward projection and a recess therebetween; or the body has a central portion which has at the rear surface of the central portion, a holding zone in which gripping or holding members are disposed.

Abstract: A fitness device is provided, the fitness device comprising: a spheroidal member having an interior cavity, the spheroidal member comprising a cylindrical portion extending between a first hemispherical endcap and a second hemispherical endcap, wherein a surface of the spheroidal member defines an aperture positioned between the interior cavity and an exterior of the spheroidal member; and a structured surface positioned on the surface of the spheroidal member over the aperture, the structured surface extending into the interior cavity of the spheroidal member.

Abstract: A sports training aid having a base member, a center pole secured to the base member, at least one body panel rotatably secured to the center pole, and a plurality of elastic legs connected between the at least one body panel and the base member. The at least one body panel is configured to rotate in a first direction about the center pole when impacted by an object, the at least one body panel rotating from an original position to a deflected position. The elastic legs are configured to cause the at least one body panel to rotate in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, when a force from the impact subsides, thereby returning the at least one body panel to the original position.

Abstract: Bag for punches, kicks and boxing, provided with spine, for suspension, consisting of a part of containment, preferably cylindrical, provided throughout its central vertical axis, of a cylinders assembly, made of concrete, having also different dimensions and specific weights, separated from each other, by expanded polyurethane agglomerated disks, wherein, both of said cylinders and disks, are also centrally perforated, to allow the passage inside them, of a chain or of a cable, both of metal, in order to assemble said cylinders and disks, in a vertically layered manner, as a spine, coated by a layer of expanded polyurethane agglomerate foam, obtained by means of a hollow cylinder and, alternatively, by a sheet layer wrapped around the said spine, in the manner of the spine of a human being, wrapped in connective tissue and muscles, to simulate the areas of the head, neck, chest and abdomen of the opponent.

Abstract: A sports blocking pad apparatus for improved grip and protection for contact sports training includes a pad body defining a pad cavity. A pad filling is coupled within the pad cavity and is shock absorbent. An X-strap comprises a first diagonal strap and a second diagonal strap coupled to a back side of the pad body. The second diagonal strap is coupled to the first diagonal strap at an intersection portion of the first diagonal strap and the second diagonal strap. A plurality of rivets is coupled to the X-strap through the intersection portion. A plurality of handle straps is coupled to the pad body. Each of the plurality of handle straps is coupled to the back side, vertically oriented, and configured to receive a user's hand.

Abstract: A system, method, and blocking pad for receiving strikes from a special individual. The blocking pad includes a pad configured to receive the blows from the special individual. The blocking pad further includes a number of handles connected to a back of the pad. The number of handles include at least two handles in a middle portion of the back of the pad and at least a handle at ends of the pad.

Abstract: A structurally unified free standing bag joined by its exterior skin to effectively absorb impact energy. The bag may comprise a foam top; a base with a rim and a channel below the rim, where the channel has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the rim; a cover, where the foam top attaches to the base via the cover; and a clamp assembly attached to the cover. The clamp assembly may have an open position and a closed position. The clamp assembly may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the rim when in the open position and smaller than the diameter of the rim when in the closed position, and the clamp assembly may be capable of being placed in the channel and secured in the closed position to attach the foam top to the base.

Abstract: A system, method, and blocking pad for receiving strikes from a special individual. The blocking pad includes a pad configured to receive the blows from the special individual. The blocking pad further includes a number of handles connected to a back of the pad. The number of handles include at least two handles in a middle portion of the back of the pad and at least a handle at ends of the pad.

Abstract: A mobile device and system which simulates human motion. The device includes a base with a drive system for providing motion to the device. A receiver is provided which controls the drive system the receiver receives wireless control signals. Pads and a self-stabilizing component are provided on the device. The device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a human motion to provide a safer alternative to live interaction to increase participant safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice or drill sessions. The system includes at least one mobile device. The mobile device includes: a base having a drive system for providing motion to the device; a receiver which controls the drive system the receiver receives wireless control signals; and self-stabilizing component provided on the device. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting the control signals to the receiver.

Abstract: A practice dummy comprising a remotely controlled, self-propelled base unit supporting a detachable upper body enables athletes to practice football skills against a dummy that can simulate the speed and mobility of a human player.

Abstract: The soft weight strength trainer includes a selectively fillable pouch with a strap positioned so that a person can fit a hand or foot in-between the strap and the fillable pouch. The soft weight strength trainer can be utilized in a variety of exercises that strengthen various muscle groups. None of the exercises that are performed with the soft weight strength trainer require a close fisted grip, which makes the soft weight strength trainer ideal for use by a person with reduced hand strength due to age or injury. Additionally, the soft weight strength trainer will not cause damage or injury if inadvertently dropped due to its non-rigid construction.

Abstract: A martial arts training bag is provided having a substantially cylindrical upper portion and a tapered, e.g., frusto-conical, lower portion. The bag includes a central support and one or more training devices configured to be releasably connected to the central support. The bag includes at least four connectors to provide a four-point suspension.

Abstract: A mobile device which simulates player motion, the device includes a ball drive, omni-directional members, at least one motor, a controller and pads. The ball drive provides rolling motion to the device. The omni-directional members are positioned proximate to and in engagement with the ball drive. The at least one motor is connected to the omni-directional members, the at least one motor providing the motive force to drive the omni-directional members and the ball drive. The controller controls the motor. The pads are positioned on the device. The device accurately mimics the unpredictable motion of a live player to provide a safe alternative to live play to increase player safety and decrease the incidence of injuries during practice sessions.

Abstract: A multi-mount heavy bag designed for a single user for striking with the intent of developing and conditioning users muscles and skill with at least one unique sculpted body side having contoured features and developed striking areas with at least one forward extended head like appendage that creates for the user a unique orientation to the bag simulating an opponent: providing a distinct opponent posture and specific exposed set of target areas. A bag that can be suspended from either the top, or mounted to a surface below that will provide multidirectional movement. A device of three embodiments of construction each has an option of a digital data analysis package that consists of appropriate components and software for: data storage, retrieval and or wireless transmission for displaying a visual and auditory measure of the intensity of the strike and providing analysis and comparison of performance data.

Abstract: A physical skills training apparatus particularly useful for training various close-contact sports skills and techniques related to stance, balance, hand positioning accuracy, leg movement, muscle strength, action and reaction times, resistance, movement finesse, and others, includes a main structure or body that provides at least geometric form, structural integrity, engageability by at least one user if the apparatus is connected to a mount or support and, by two or more users (as, e.g., opposing participants), and is characterized by its geometric form to be portable, relatively light-weight, and easily transportable by a single person. Illustratively, the main body of the apparatus may be in the form of a one-piece, high aspect ratio plate that is flat or curved. The main body will have (holding) means for gripping, grasping or holding the apparatus by a user on one side of the apparatus, which may be in the form of shaped and oriented openings to accommodate both hands of a user, or handles.

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 pad system for using in training for martial arts is disclosed, and includes a long chamber having a first flexible sheath that surrounds a first cushioning pad made with a relatively rigid and firm foam material to prevent penetration and deflection thereof. A short chamber includes a second flexible sheath that surrounds a second cushioning pad of a second firmness less than the firmness of the first cushioning pad. The short chamber is fixed with the long chamber, such that side edges of each chamber are substantially mutually aligned and such that top and bottom edges of the long chamber overhang top and bottom edges of the short chamber, respectively, thereby defining overlapping volumes having a pair of handles situated therein and fixed to either of the chambers.

Abstract: A training device for use as a playing field obstacle during athletic training exercises. The training device includes a weighted base supportable on an underlying ground surface. The base has at least one wheel enabling ready repositioning of the base on the playing field and an upper wall with an upward-opening slot. The base can also include a dummy obstacle having a body portion and a base plug portion. The base plug portion is receivable within the slot of the base for connecting the dummy obstacle to the base such that, when the dummy obstacle is connected to the base, the body portion of the dummy obstacle is supported in a substantially upright position. The base may further include one or more coaching sticks removably secured within receptacles in a position extending or projecting from the base.

Abstract: A training device for use as a playing field obstacle during athletic training exercises. The training device includes a weighted base having a bottom wall supportable in a stationary position on an underlying ground surface. The base has at least one wheel enabling ready repositioning of the base on the playing field and an upper wall with an upward-opening slot. The training device can also include a separate dummy obstacle having a body portion and a base plug portion. The base plug portion is receivable within the slot of the base for connecting the dummy obstacle to the base such that, when the dummy obstacle is connected to the base, the body portion of the dummy obstacle is supported in a substantially upright position. The training device can also include one or more coaching sticks separate from the base and dummy obstacle, and the base can include at least one receptacle for removably securing and supporting the coaching stick in a position extending or projecting from the base.

Abstract: A football training system and method for training a player football technique, strength and endurance. The system provides an engagement member that can be engaged and driven upward and substantially simultaneously rearward. The system includes a life-size simulator, dummy or engagement member for providing a true-to-life training experience. The system is capable of providing increased resistance to the player as the player drives the dummy and also provides a speed and power indication to the player, his or her coach or trainer.

Abstract: The tackling dummy includes a slide having a ground-engaging skid and an upward extending frame configured to receive a channel formed in an anthropomorphic body having a front side and a relatively narrower profile side. The channel extends upwardly into the anthropomorphic body from a lower side thereof and engages the upwardly extending frame for positioning the anthropomorphic body in one of two primary configurations relative to the slide. These configurations are rotationally spaced about the longitudinal axis of the channel approximately 90° from one another.

Abstract: Freestanding bag or body with a support member, and a bag or body mountable upon the support member, has at least part of the support member provided with padding to receive a striking blow.

Abstract: An obstacle device for use on a playing field has a base and a frame approximating in shape the front profile of a human head and torso. The frame is coupled to the base. The frame includes a collapsible frame member that has an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area. The frame member also has a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area. A covering material is attached to the frame so that the covering material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A football blocking and tackling dummy adapted with an electrically actuated rotatable torso that provides resistance during blocking drills thereby improving the effectiveness of the drills is disclosed. The football blocking dummy includes a base, and a blocking dummy pivotally connected to the base. The blocking dummy has an upper torso portion rotatably connected to a lower body portion connected to the base. The upper torso portion includes left and right pressure pad sensors that function, upon application of a force, to actuate rotation of the upper torso in a direction opposing the applied force. As a result, the football blocking dummy provides resistance to a force applied thereto, thus simulating the forces and reactions experienced when one football player applies force to an opposing player.

Abstract: A hand-held offensive lineman training pad formed of a resilient inner pad and a close fitting outer cover has a generally T-shaped tapered configuration with flat front and back sides and a generally rectangular cross section. The generally T-shaped pad has a relatively wide upper portion and an elongate lower portion having opposed lateral sides that taper downward and angularly inward and terminate at a flat bottom end to simulate the framework of the upper torso of a defensive lineman with the wider upper portion simulating the shoulder pads of the defensive lineman. A pair of shallow generally rectangular recessed pockets on each of the elongate lateral sides of the pad receive the fingertips of the offensive lineman and approximate the proper hand placement for an offensive lineman to engage a defensive lineman. The pad is effective in training an offensive lineman in proper hand placement and executing various blocking maneuvers.

Abstract: An obstacle device for use on a playing field is formed from an elongate support member. A frame member in the form of a resilient, flexible hoop is coupled to the support member. The frame member has an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area. The frame member is resiliently deformable to a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area. A layer of fabric material is attached to the frame member so that the fabric material is spread by the frame when the frame is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A limited contact boxing game and apparatus for playing the game includes a platform having an upper surface for supporting two individuals in a standing or crouched position. A platform is preferably in the shape of a square boxing ring and may be elevated and/or include a set of ropes surrounding the platform. The upper surface of the platform includes two or more spaced apart designated boundary areas of equal size and a tethered ball disposed in the space between the two designated areas. The tethered ball is adapted to be struck by each of the individuals toward the other in order to obtain a score by striking the individuals head or body or by causing the individual to step out of their designated boundary area.

Abstract: A martial arts practice apparatus which supports a hand-held striking target, called a focus pad, in a variety of positions corresponding to parts of a person's body. The apparatus generally comprises an arm adapted to hold a focus pad at its distal end and a base which pivotally supports the arm and absorbs the force of the blows delivered to the focus pad. An axle disposed through the middle of the base and the bottom end of the arm allows the arm to be pivoted over the base, and a removable pin may be inserted through the arm and one of the holes formed at regular intervals through the top edge of the base at a uniform radial distance from the axle to secure the arm in a fixed position. A spring loaded resistance system or a resilient top portion of the base allows the base to absorb the force of the blows delivered to the focus pad.

Abstract: A blocking dummy is provided which is abrasion resistant, self-supporting, and resistant to lateral displacement relative to the ground. A bottom cap provided with cleats is rotationally molded of an abrasion resistant substantially rigid material and secured to a blocking dummy. In use, the cleats engage the ground to provide self-supporting stability. The cleats also provide resistance to lateral displacement of the dummy along the ground when the dummy is impacted. Additionally, the abrasion resistance of the bottom cap allows the blocking dummy to be dragged across the ground with little or no damage from abrasion.