GB2589666A

GB2589666A - Apparatus for tackle training

Info

Publication number: GB2589666A
Application number: GB2010218.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Herbst James
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-03
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Also published as: AU2020204452A1; GB202010218D0

Abstract

An apparatus for tackle training, comprises a foam body 1 that includes a cut-out region (14, fig 1) that provides an opening for receiving a contact training product; the apparatus is adapted to be towed so as to move while being used for tackle training. The contact training product is preferably a tackle bag 200 and the apparatus may be towed by a lead 210A. The apparatus may include two leads and use guides attached to the ground to control movement. Also disclosed is a sled apparatus 1 configured to retain a tackle bag 200 in a substantially upright orientation, such that when the sled apparatus 1 is moved over a ground surface during tackle training the tackle bag 200 is moved therewith, so that the moving tackle bag 200 can be tackled during tackle training for rugby or American football.

Description

APPARATUS FOR TACKLE TRAINING FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for tackle training, and especially, but not exclusively to an apparatus for tackle training for contact football sports such as rugby league, Australian Rules Football, rugby union, grid iron and others.

BACKGROUND

Tackle training is an important part of training for contact football sports such as rugby league, Australian Rules Football, rugby union and grid iron.

While tackle training comprising tackling of another player can provide training which St closely simulates tackling during competitive play of the sport, such training may lead to undue discomfort and injury, especially if such training is intense and/or prolonged. It can also lead to players adapting their technique and/or the force used in tackles during training, in order to reduce adverse effects on their teammates or other persons being tackled.

Attempts to mitigate the likelihood and/or severity of discomfort and injury have therefore been made.

One approach has been to provide impact absorbing pads which can be held by those being tackled, and which can absorb a substantial amount of the impact of a tackle. Such impact absorbing pads are sometimes called hit pads or hit shields. A 41-1, disadvantage of this approach is that a person, albeit somewhat protected by the pad, is still tackled, often repeatedly, during training, and may be brought forcibly to the ground.

Another approach is to provide tackle bag (sometimes called a tackle dummy) which substitutes for a person being tackled. One type of tackle bag comprises a generally t. cylindrical foam core covered by a protective layer of fabric or the like. A tackle bag for use by children aged between 10 and 12 may have dimensions of approximately 300 -350 mm diameter and 1200 mm height whereas a tackle bag for use by adult males may have dimensions of approximately 460 mm diameter and 1500 mm height. Of course, these dimensions are provided by way of example only, and other 412 dimensions are possible. Tackle bags are generally balanced on an end and/or held substantially stationary in use, and therefore do not closely simulate tackling of a mobile player, which is the typical situation during competitive play.

Another approach has been to provide tackle wheels (also called tackle rings), which are foam cored annular devices which are rolled in use, so that tackling of a moving object can be practiced. However, tackle wheels are very different in shape from a person which may hinder development of technique, and the rolling movement is not controlled by a coach after its initiation, and can be undesirably predictable unlike the movement of a player during competitive play.

Another approach has been to provide motorised, remote controlled dummies, which Si, can be controlled by a coach during training. By way of example, products of this type are commercialised by Mobile Virtual Player LLC, a US company. This option is prohibitively expensive for many clubs and for most junior training, with the cost believed to start at about AU$5000 per dummy.

Another approach has been to provide an inflatable tackle dummy, simulating a human form, with a ball-like base which is weighted by filling with water. The ball-like base is placed in an inflated ring which can be pulled by a rope to provide movement of the tackle dummy. Tackle dummies of this type are sold under the trade mark 5 HADOWMAN, and related disclosure is published in the patent literature in W02010/122540. Tackle dummies of this type are relatively expensive, 42 and require inflation prior to each training session, as they gradually deflate over a period of several hours. If stored at low temperature, the water should be removed to avoid it freezing within the dummy. The dummy is separated from the inflated ring whenever the dummy is tackled, so reassembly is required for each practised tackle.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an apparatus for tackle training which 4-A avoids or mitigates one or more of the above issues associated with previous tack training apparatus, or at least provides a useful alternative to the approaches discussed above.

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art or related art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form, t-11, part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for tackle training, the apparatus comprising: a foam body; wherein the foam body provides a cut-out region extending downwardly from an upper region thereof, the cut-out region providing an opening for receiving and retaining a contact training product for use in contact football training; wherein the apparatus is adapted to be towed, to move said retained and received training product during tackle training.

Si, In an embodiment the opening is for receiving and retaining a tackle bag, and the apparatus is adapted to be towed, to move said retained and received tackle bag during tackle training.

In an embodiment the apparatus further provides a cover, within which the foam body is provided in use.

In an embodiment the cover comprises a fabric, PVC fabric, reinforced PVC fabric and/or reinforced PVC.

In an embodiment the apparatus provides at least one attachment feature for attachment of a lead, which can be used to tow the apparatus.

In an embodiment said at least one attachment feature is attached to the cover. 412 In an embodiment said at least one attachment feature comprises a loop. In an embodiment said loop is sewn to the cover.

In an embodiment the apparatus provides at least one attachment feature for attachment of a lead at each of first and second opposite end regions of the apparatus.

ft In an embodiment the foam body is formed by a single piece of foam material. Alternatively, the foam body may comprise two or more pieces of foam joined and/or coupled together.

In an embodiment the foam body is substantially cuboid in overall shape.

In an embodiment the foam body comprises foam rubber.

In an embodiment the foam body comprises polyurethane foam.

In an embodiment the cut-out region is substantially cylindrical in overall shape.

In an embodiment the cover provides an insertion opening to allow insertion of the foam body into the cover.

In an embodiment the insertion opening comprises a securing arrangement to allow the insertion opening to be secured in a closed configuration.

In an embodiment the securing arrangement comprises at least one of: a zipper; a lace arrangement; and a hook and loop arrangement Si, In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises first and second lead guides, each adapted to be secured to the ground spaced apart from the foam body and the cover.

In an embodiment each lead guide comprises an eye through which a lead can be passed.

In an embodiment the apparatus further comprises first and second lead parts.

In an embodiment the first and second lead parts comprise rope, chord, twine, and/or elastic material.

In an embodiment in use, the respective first and second lead parts are attached to respective first and second opposite end regions of the apparatus.

tri, In an embodiment the apparatus is adapted to retain the tackle bag, or other contact training product, in a substantially upright orientation.

In an embodiment the apparatus is adapted to retain the tackle bag, or other contact training product, by resilient retention of at least part thereof in the cut-out region.

In an embodiment the apparatus is adapted to retain the tackle bag, or other contact 4-A training product by a wedged-and/or friction-fit of at least part thereof in the cut-out region.

In an embodiment the cut-out region provides a socket formation having an axial direction.

In an embodiment the socket formation is adapted to retain the tackle bag, or other contact training product, by engagement of the socket formation with the tackle bag, or other contact training product, over a substantial axial length of the socket formation. Said substantial axial length of the socket formation may be at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm and/or at least 20 cm. The socket formation may comprise a wall portion extending substantially parallel to the axial direction of the socket formation. The length of the wall portion, in the axial direction of the socket formation may be at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm and/or at least 20 cm.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an Si. apparatus for tackle training, comprising a sled apparatus configured to retain a tackle bag in a substantially upright orientation, such that when the sled apparatus is moved over a ground surface during tackle training the tackle bag is moved therewith, so that the moving tackle bag can be tackled during tackle training.

In an embodiment the sled apparatus is adapted to retain a tackle bag which is substantially in the form of an elongate prism.

In an embodiment the sled apparatus comprises a body defining a cut-out region, the cut-out region being adapted to receive an in use lower part of the tackle bag.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided apparatus for tackle training comprising: 41-1, the apparatus for tackle training in accordance with either preceding aspect and a tackle bag.

In an embodiment the tackle bag is substantially in the form of an elongate prism. In an embodiment the tackle bag comprises a foam core.

In an embodiment the tackle bag comprises two generally half-cylindrical hit shields tik that are attached together along their planar faces to form a generally cylindrical tackle bag.

In an embodiment each of the two generally half-cylindrical hit shields has at least one handle.

In an embodiment the two hit shields are mutually detachable to provide two separate and independently usable hit shields.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for tackle training the method comprising: providing an apparatus for tackle training in accordance with at least one of the first and second aspects; providing a tackle bag retained by the apparatus for tackle training in a substantially upright orientation; and moving the apparatus for tackle training by means of a lead attached thereto, to Si thereby move the substantially upright tackle bag, such that the moving tackle bag can be tackled during tackle training.

In an embodiment the method comprises providing a first lead portion extending from a first end of the apparatus for tackle training, and a second lead portion extending from a second end of the apparatus for tackle training.

In an embodiment the method comprises moving the apparatus for tackle training in a first direction by applying a force to the first lead portion, and subsequently moving the apparatus for tackle training in a second direction by applying a force to the second lead portion.

In an embodiment the method comprises a single user applying a force successively rti, to each of the first and second lead portions.

In an embodiment the method comprises a single user applying a force successively to each of the first and second lead portions from substantially a single position of the user.

In an embodiment the method comprises providing a first lead guide for guiding the 4.* first lead portion and a second lead guide, spaced apart from the first lead guide, for guiding the second lead portion, and providing the apparatus for tackle training substantially between the first and second lead guides.

In an embodiment each of the first and second lead portions has a first end region attached to and/or proximal to the apparatus for tackle training, a second end region tri, distal from the apparatus for tackle training, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions, and the method comprises bringing the respective second end regions sufficiently close together that they can be manipulated by a single user.

In an embodiment method comprises having the intermediate regions of the first and second lead portions engage the respective lead guides, such that the lead guides, in use, allow a change in direction in each of the respective lead portions between a first direction which extends substantially between the first and second lead guides, and a respective second direction substantially between the respective lead guides and the user.

Si, It will be appreciated that features and characteristics described in relation to any aspect or embodiment thereof may be incorporated into any other aspect or embodiment thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will be described, by way of example, in the following Detailed Description of Embodiments which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description of Embodiments is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary section in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which: 41-1, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from a first side and above of an embodiment of apparatus for tackle training in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view from a first end and above of the tackle training apparatus of Figure 1, together with additional apparatus, including a tackle bag, leads and lead guides, which are used to provide embodiments of apparatus for tackle training; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view from the first end and above of the tackle training apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, with the tackle bag and one lead of Figure 2 attached thereto;

S

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view from the first end and above, generally corresponding to Figure 3 but showing the lead extended rather than coiled; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view from the first side and above of the tackle training apparatus of Figure 1, together with all the additional apparatus of Figure 2, arranged in a configuration that allows the tackle training apparatus to be moved in either of two opposed directions by a user; Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in a first in use position; and Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in a second in Si use position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of apparatus for tackle training in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described.

As illustrated in Figure 1, an embodiment of an apparatus for tackle training, in accordance with the present disclosure, is in the form of a sled, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, adapted to receive and retain a generally cylindrical tackle bag in an upright orientation.

The sled 1 comprises a generally cuboid foam core 10 (not visible in use, but part of Ai which is shown schematically at an illustrative cut-away region 12) and a flexible cover 20.

The foam core 10 provides a void or cut-out region 14, which is adapted to receive and retain a tackle bag (see, for example tackle bag 200 in Figures 2 to 7) in what may be regarded as a friction fit around a bottom part of the tackle bag. In the tik illustrated embodiment the sled 1 is intended for use with a generally cylindrical tackle bag, and the cut-out region 14 is, accordingly, generally cylindrical in shape, and has a diameter substantially equal to, or very slightly smaller than, the diameter of the tackle bag with which it is intended to be used. It will be appreciated that tackle bags with shapes other than generally cylindrical are available, and that a cut-tit out region with a shape other than generally cylindrical may be provided if and when appropriate. The foam core 10 comprises a resilient foam, for example the same type of foam as used in foam core tackle bags, and in a particular embodiment comprises a foam rubber such as polyurethane foam.

The foam core 10 may be manufactured by, for example, moulding foam material in a suitable shape, or by removing material from a cuboid block of foam material to provide the cut-out region 14. It should be appreciated that the term 'cut-out region_ is not intended to imply or suggest that material has been physically cut out from a foam block used to make the foam core 10: rather the term 'cut-out region_ is intended only to convey the existence of a void or cavity.

Si, The cover 20 comprises a flexible material (of suitable durability and toughness for the uses described herein) and may, for example comprise a suitable fabric, PVC fabric, reinforced PVC fabric and/or reinforced PVC. A PVC fabric (of appropriate weight and strength) is currently preferred, for example a PVC fabric of a type the same or similar to that often used for the covers of foam-cored tackle bags.

The cover 20 can be provided around the foam core 10 in any desired and appropriate manner. For example, the cover 20 can be sewn to encase the foam, or the cover 20 can be manufactured with an opening (not shown) which is closable and securable by a zipper, lace arrangement or:hook and loop-fastening arrangement (using, for example hook and loop fastener such as that sold under the 111, trade mark VELCRO) so that the foam core 10 can be inserted into the cover 20 and then the opening closed and secured.

In a particular embodiment the cover 20 is formed from seven panels, the first to sixth of which cover the six faces of the cuboid foam core 10, and the seventh of which a covers the cylindrical surface of the foam core which defines the cut-out 4-A region 14.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a first panel 21 covers the in-use upper face of the foam core 10, and provides an opening 21A to allow a tackle bag to be inserted into the cut-out region 14. A second panel 22 covers the in-use bottom face of the foam core 10, and extends across the bottom of the cut-out region 14 to close off the bottom of tli, the cut-out region 14 and prevent the tackle bag extending lower than the bottom of the sled 1, which could reduce stability in use. A third panel 23 covers a first side face of the foam core 10, and a fourth panel (not shown, but corresponding to the third panel 23) covers the second side face (opposite the first side face) of the foam core 10.

A fifth panel 25 (shown in Figure 2) covers a first end face of the foam core 10. A sixth panel (not shown, but corresponding to the fifth panel 25) covers the second end face (opposite the first end face face) of the foam core 10.

The seventh panel is designated by the reference numeral 27.

The panels may be sewn together by lines of stitching which in use extend along the edges of the foam core 10, including (in the case of connection of the first panel 21 to the seventh panel 27, the edges which defines the opening 21A of the cut-out Si region 14.

The seventh panel 27 may be sewn (or attached in some other manner) to the second panel 22 which covers the in-use bottom face of the foam core 10. This attachment may be effected after the foam core 10 is substantially inserted into, or contained within, the cover 20, so that the seventh panel 27 does not obstruct insertion of the foam core 10.

It should be appreciated that the terms 'side_ and 'end_ are used for ease of reference only, and are not intended to import any limitations on the relative end-toend and side-to-side dimensions of the sled.

As shown schematically in Figure 1, attachment loops, for example 32, 33, 34, 35, 411, are provided at the ends of the sled 1.

The arrangement of attachment loops at the first end of the sled 1 is better shown in Figure 2, which shows the sled 1 of Figure 1 from the first end and above. It will be appreciated that a corresponding arrangement of attachment loops is provided at the second, opposite, end of the sled 1.

ta As illustrated in Figure 2, a first attachment loop 31 is provided at the first end of the sled 1, substantially at the lateral centre of the sled 1, and close to the bottom of the sled 1. In the illustrated embodiment the first attachment loop 31 is sewn around and behind a reinforcing strip 40 of material which is attached by sewing, or by a suitable adhesive, to the cover 20 and in this embodiment to the fifth panel 25). Use of the reinforcing strip 40 helps to spread forces applied to the cover 20 by the first attachment loop 31 and to avoid tearing of the cover 20.

It will be appreciated that the first attachment loop 31 is an example of an attachment feature for attachment of a lead, which can be used to tow the apparatus. Of course, other types of attachment feature for attachment of a lead could alternatively or additionally be used.

The attachment loops 32, 33, which are visible in Figure 1, are attached to the cover at the first end of the sled in a similar manner to that used to attach the first attachment loop 31 to the cover, and an additional reinforcing strip 41 of material is SI, provided accordingly. The attachment loops 32, 33 are located higher, and laterally further out, than the first attachment loop 31. The additional reinforcing strip 41 is thus located higher than the reinforcing strip 40, and is of sufficient length to be utilised by both of the spaced apart attachment loops 32, 33. As mentioned above, a corresponding arrangement of attachment loops is provided at the second, opposite, end of the sled 1.

Figure 2 shows the sled 1 of Figure 1, along with additional items which may be used with the sled 1 in tackle training. The additional items comprise a tackle bag 200, first and second leads 210A, 210B, and first and second lead guides 220A, 220B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tackle bag 200 is a two-part tackle bag of the type iti sold under the trade mark HIT & FIT. In this embodiment the tackle bag 200 comprises two generally half-cylindrical hit shields 201, 202, that are attached together with their planar faces abutting to form a generally cylindrical tackle bag. Each hit shield comprises a generally half cylindrical polyurethane foam core or inner and an external PVC fabric cover. The generally half-cylindrical hit shields can be 4-A used substantially as conventional hit shields, and can also be used as step hurdles for knee lift and acceleration training, or as 'agility bags' for footwork, speed variation, lateral running and plyometrics. This type of tackle bag is described in Australian Patent Application No. 2018223061, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, although it should be appreciated that the 412 illustrated embodiment does not need to provide the:windows 'illustrated in the figures of that disclosure. Use of this type of tackle bag is considered advantageous, not least because it may alleviate undue cost in separate purchase of distinct hit shields and tackle bags, but it should be appreciated that the sled 1 may be used with a conventional cylindrical tackle bag (with a diameter suitable for receipt and retention by the sled 1) if desired.

The first and second leads 210A, 210B are substantially identical, so that only the first lead 210A will be described in detail, and it should be appreciated that the second lead 210B substantially corresponds. The first lead 210A comprises a length of flexible material 212 such as rope, chord, twine or elastic material, with a first end 213 (see Figure 3) for attachment to the sled, and a second end 214 to which a handle 216 is attached. The handle may be of any desired type (although one or Si, more desirable features of the handle 216 will be described in due course). The leads 210A, 210B are shown substantially coiled in Figure 2.

The first and second lead guides 220A, 220B are substantially identical, so that only the lead guide 220A will be described in detail, and it should be appreciated that the second lead guide 220B substantially corresponds. The first lead guide 220A comprises a lead engagement portion 222 and a securement portion 224 for securing the first lead guide 220A at a desired location, for example by inserting at least part of the securement portion 224 into the ground. In the illustrated embodiment the engagement portion 222 defines a substantially closed loop or eye, through which a lead extends in use. In the illustrated embodiment the securement th, portion 224 comprises a threaded metal rod. In the illustrated embodiment the lead guides are in the form of suitably dimensioned eye bolts, which are widely commercially available. While this form of lead guide is currently preferred, it should be appreciated that alternative forms of lead guide could be used. For example, suitable bolts, pegs, spikes or other products could be pushed into the ground ft securely, to run a lead through or around in order to change the leads direction.

Figure 3 illustrates the sled 1 with the tackle bag 200 received and retained in the cut-out region 14 of the sled 1. This can be effected by inserting the lower part of the tackle bag into the cut-out region until the bottom of the tackle bag reaches the bottom of the sled. In a particular embodiment this insertion is a simple push-in tit, 'peg-in-hole_ type of operation and may take only a few seconds. The tackle bag may be pushed at least 15 cm, or at least 20 cm into the sled, depending on the depth of the sled 1. The tackle bag 200 is retained in an upright orientation by the sled 1, suitable for effective use as a target for tackle practice.

Figure 3 further illustrates the first lead 210A attached to the sled 1 via the first attachment loop 31. This can be effected by simply passing the free first end 213 of the first lead 210A through the first attachment loop 31 and securing it thereto using one or more appropriate knots. (The second lead 210B and the lead guides 220A, 220B are not used in this configuration.) The described attachment of the first lead 210A enables the sled 1, and the tackle bag 200 retained by the sled 1, to be pulled by a user such as a football coach or the Sr, like, to thereby provide a moving target for tackle training.

Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, but shows the first lead 210A extending substantially linearly away from the sled 1, rather than coiled close to the sled 1.

The sled 1 can be pulled towards a stationary user via the first lead 210A, or pulled or:towed-by the user as the user walks, jogs or runs. This allows the user substantial control over the speed of the sled. When the apparatus is moving (and, if desired, when it is stationary) contact football players can attempt to tackle or impact the tackle bag 200 during training. A successful tackle will knock over the tackle bag 200 and the sled 1. As foreshadowed above, the sled 1 is intended to retain the tackle bag 200 quite securely in the cut-out region 14, so that the tackle bag 200 will th not, or will only rarely, become detached from the sled 1 as a result of a tackle. After a tackle knocks over the tackle bag 200 and the sled 1, the apparatus can quickly and easily be righted, that is, stood up so that the tackle bag is again in an upright orientation, so that it can again be used as an effective target for tackle practice.

The higher attachment loops 32, 33, 34, 35 may be used to connect one or more 4.-A additional leads (not shown) to the sled 1. The additional leads can be used to tie the sled 1 to another substantially identical sled in which another tackle bag is retained. Third and, if desired, subsequent similar sleds may similarly be attached in series, to create a:train-of sleds and associated retained tackle bags. This allows a single user to tow a number of similar sleds and associated retained tackle bags, to ttt allow multiple practice tackles to be performed (on the respective multiple tackle bags being towed) before the need to stop towing and right the sleds and tackle bags. This can substantially reduce the time that players must spend waiting to practice tackling, increasing training efficiency and thereby increasing improvements obtained by the tackle practice. The sleds may be tied together with a safe distance, for example of about three metres, between each sled and the next Figure 5 illustrates a configuration of the apparatus which includes all the parts illustrated in Figure 2, that is, the sled 1, the tackle bag 200, both first and second leads 210A, 210B and both first and second lead guides 220A, 220B.

As illustrated in Figure 5 the sled 1 is placed on the ground. The first lead guide 220A is secured to the ground a desired distance to the front of the sled 1 (that is, spaced apart from the sled in the direction that the front panel 25 externally faces).

Si, The second lead guide 220B is secured to the ground a substantially equal distance to the rear of the sled 1, so that the first and second lead guides 220A, 220B are spaced apart, with the sled 1 located substantially directly between them. The first and second lead guides 220A, 220B may be spaced apart by about 3 to 5 metres (although, of course, this distance may be varied).

The first lead 210A is attached to the first end (a nominal:front) of the sled 1, as described above -that is, by being tied to the first attachment loop 31. The first lead 210A extends to, and engages, the first lead guide 220A. In the illustrated embodiment the first lead extends through the loop or eye of the first lead guide 220A.

th The second lead 210B is arranged similarly to the first lead 210A, but is, broadly speaking, arranged as a mirror image thereof. That is, the second lead 210B is attached to the second end of the sled 1, (for example, by being tied to a second end attachment loop, not shown, similar to the first attachment loop 31, but at the opposite end of the sled 1.) The second lead 210B extends to, and engages, the 4-A second lead guide 220B. In the illustrated embodiment the second lead 210B extends through the loop or eye of the second lead guide 220B.

The handles 216 of the leads 210A, 210B, and the eyes 222 of the lead guides 220A, 220B may be dimensioned so that the handles 216 can be passed through the eyes 222 if desired. This facilitates the handle ends 214 of the leads 210A, 210B itt being threaded through the eyes 222 of the lead guides 220A, 220B, facilitating reconfiguration of the apparatus, for example from an in-use configuration in which a lead guide is not used, to a configuration including a lead guide, without requiring the lead to be untied or otherwise detached from the sled, or the handle to be removed from the lead. It should be appreciated that the size of the eyes of the lead guides 220A, 220B is somewhat exaggerated in the drawings, for illustrative purposes.

The handle ends 214 and handles 216 of the first and second leads 210A, 210B are brought sufficiently close together that the handles can be held in respective opposite hands of a single user -see for example Figure 5. In the illusirated embodiment this corresponds to the direction of extension of each of the leads undergoing a change of direction, or deflection, of somewhat more than 90 degrees at the respective lead guides 220A, 220B.

Sr, The user is then able to move the sled 1 towards the first lead guide 220A by pulling the handle 216 of the first lead 210A (which is deflected at the first lead guide 220A) away from the first lead guide 220A, and allowing the handle of second lead 210B (which is deflected at the second lead guide 220B) to be drawn towards the second lead guide 220B. A configuration in which the sled 1 has been, and is being, moved towards the first lead guide 210A is illustrated in Figure 6, with the directions of movement of the handles, leads and sled indicated by the arrows 601.

Conversely the user is able to move the sled 1 towards the second lead guide 220B by pulling the handle of the second lead 210B (which is deflected at the second lead guide 220B) away from the second lead guide 220B, and allowing the handle of the 11-1, first lead 210A (which is deflected at the first lead guide 220A) to be drawn towards the first lead guide 220A. A configuration in which the sled 1 has been, and is being, moved towards the second lead guide 210B is illustrated in Figure 7, with the directions of movement of the handles, leads and sled indicated by the arrows 701.

The user is thus able to selectively move the sled 1 in either of two substantially 4-A opposed directions, by selective pulling of the first and second leads 210A, 210B, without needing to change his (or her) own position in the training area.

This manipulation of the sled, moving it from side to side as seen in Figures 5 to 7, which may also be a:side to side-direction for players advancing towards the sled 1 and the trainer/user, can be used as a skill development drill for contact football t-11, players. As a player advances towards the sled 1 to impact or tackle the tackle bag 200, the person controlling the movement of the sled 1 can move it left and right making it more difficult for the player to properly impact or tackle the tackle bag, thus developing the players skills.

It is to be understood that embodiments disclosed herein provide substantial advantages over at least some previously known apparatus for tackle training. Some such advantages are discussed below.

Compared to the use of impact pads alone, the described embodiments have the advantage of allowing tackle practice with a person being the, or part of the, target for the tackle.

Compared to using conventional tackle bags (for example generally cylindrical tackle Si bags), the described embodiments have the advantage of providing, and/or facilitating, tackle training on a moving target.

Compared to using tackle wheels, the described embodiments allow a coach to have a much greater degree of control over the movement of the object that is to be tackled. F urther the described embodiments provide a target for tackling which has a form substantially closer to that of a person.

Commercially available motorised, remote controlled, tackle dummies are believed to cost about AU$5000 or more, at the time of writing. Accordingly, the described embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are extremely affordable in comparison. Further, the described embodiments avoid certain maintenance, 411, reliability and battery-charging issues which may affect motorised, battery-operated, remote controlled tackle dummies.

Compared to the inflatable tackle dummy apparatus sold under the trade mark SHADOWMAN, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are quick and simple in set-up. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure avoid the need to inflate (and reinflate) the dummy and/or sled. The need to add water as ballast and potential need to remove the water when the dummy is not in use, is avoided. The potential for the apparatus to be rendered unusable by a small puncture is also avoided. The S HADOW MAN product relies upon ballast in the base of the dummy, together with low mass of the rest of the inflated dummy, to provide a 111, dummy with a centre of gravity close to the bottom of the dummy. It has been noted, in observation of the S HADOWMAN product in use, that the dummy "rolls" backwards into a diagonal angle, within the:ball and socket-(or, perhaps more accurately, :ball and dish) type arrangement used to seat the dummy in the inflated toroidal sled, but is able to self-right due to the low centre of gravity. In contrast to the inflatable SHADOWMAN dummy, conventional foam-cored tackle dummies (generally prism shaped and often cylindrical) generally have a centre of gravity substantially at the geometrical centre, that is, proportionally much higher than that of the SHADOWMAN dummy. Because of this, and/or the toroidal shape of the sled, the sled of the SHADOWMAN product is considered unsuitable for retaining a conventional tackle dummy in an upright orientation during movement. In contrast, Si, the sled of described embodiments has been found to adequately retain conventional tackle bags (and also HIT & FIT tackle bags) in an upright orientation during movement. The ability to use a conventional tackle dummy, which may already be owned by a training facility, with the sled of described embodiments can assist in providing a convenient and cost-effective product. Further, the retention of the tackle dummy in the sled during a tackle (which, in embodiments, is provided by the:peg in hole-attachment of the tackle bag and sled) makes the described embodiments convenient to:reset-after a tackle, in comparison to the SHADOWMAN product which requires the dummy to be retrieved and replaced on the sled. Further, embodiments may include a lead attachment at each end, two rh, lead portions, and respective lead guides, allowing a single user to control bidirectional (e.g. side-to-side) movement of the tackle bag. Further, the structure of the sled in described embodiments is simple, leading to an inexpensive product The SHADOWMAN product retails for over AU$1000, whereas the retail cost of the sled of described embodiments (including leads and lead guides) can be expected to 4-,., be below AU$200, providing a substantial cost benefit, even if a conventional tackle bag (and/or a HIT & FIT tackle bag) is also to be purchased.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term 'comprises _ and its variations, such as 'comprising_ and 'comprised of_ is used throughout in an tti, inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for tackle training, the apparatus comprising: a foam body; wherein the foam body provides a cut-out region extending downwardly from an upper region thereof, the cut-out region providing an opening for receiving and retaining a contact training product for use in contact football training; wherein the apparatus is adapted to be towed, to move said retained and received training product during tackle training.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening is for receiving and Si. retaining a tackle bag, and the apparatus is adapted to be towed, to move said retained and received tackle bag during tackle training.
3. An apparatus in accordance with either preceding claim, wherein the apparatus provides at least one attachment feature for attachment of a lead, which can be used to tow the apparatus.
4. An apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, further comprising a cover, within which the foam body is provided in use.
5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein said at least one attachment feature comprises a loop, sewn to the cover.
6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, or either of claims 4 or 5 when dependent 41, upon claim 3, wherein the apparatus provides at least one attachment feature for attachment of a lead at each of first and second opposite end regions of the apparatus.
7. An apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the foam body is substantially cuboid in overall shape.
8. An apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the cut-out region is t* substantially cylindrical in overall shape.
9. An apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises first and second lead guides, each adapted to be secured to the ground spaced apart from the foam body.
10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein each lead guide comprises an eye 41-1, through which a lead can be passed.
11. An apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises first and second lead portions, and wherein, in use, the respective first and second lead portions are attached to respective first and second opposite end regions of the apparatus.
12. An apparatus for tackle training, comprising a sled apparatus configured to retain a tackle bag in a substantially upright orientation, such that when the sled apparatus is moved over a ground surface during tackle training the tackle bag is moved therewith, so that the moving tackle bag can be tackled during tackle training.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein the sled apparatus is adapted to Si retain a tackle bag which is substantially in the form of an elongate prism in a substantially upright orientation, such that when the sled apparatus is moved over a ground surface during tackle training the tackle bag is moved therewith, so that the moving tackle bag can be tackled during tackle training.
14. An apparatus in accordance with either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the sled apparatus comprises a body defining a cut-out region, the cut-out region being adapted to receive an in use lower part of the tackle bag.
15. An apparatus for tackle training comprising: the apparatus for tackle training in accordance with any preceding claim; and a tackle bag.
41 16. An apparatus in accordance with claims 15, wherein the tackle bag is substantially in the form of an elongate prism.
17. An apparatus in accordance with either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the tackle bag comprises a foam core.
18. An apparatus in accordance with any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the tackle bag ta comprises two hit shields each having at least one handle, the two hit shields being attached together to form a tackle bag.
19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein the tackle bag comprises two generally half-cylindrical hit shields each having at least one handle, the two hit shields being attached together along their planar faces to form a generally cylindrical tackle bag.al,
20. A method for tackle training, the method comprising: providing an apparatus for tackle training in accordance with any of claims 1 to 19; providing a tackle bag retained by the apparatus for tackle training in a substantially upright orientation; and moving the apparatus for tackle training by means of a lead attached thereto, to thereby move the substantially upright tackle bag, such that the moving tackle bag can be tackled during tackle training.
21. A method in accordance with claim 20, wherein the method comprises providing a first lead portion extending from a first end of the apparatus for tackle training, and a second lead portion extending from a second end of the apparatus for tackle training.
22. A method in accordance with claim 21, wherein the method comprises moving the SI, apparatus for tackle training in a first direction by applying a force to the first lead portion, and subsequently moving the apparatus for tackle training in a second direction by applying a force to the second lead portion.
23. A method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the method comprises a single user applying a force successively to each of the first and second lead portions.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23, wherein the method comprises a single user applying a force successively to each of the first and second lead portions from substantially a single position of the user.
25. A method in accordance with any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the method comprises providing a first lead guide for guiding the first lead portion and a second lead guide, spaced 412 apart from the first lead guide, for guiding the second lead portion, and providing the apparatus for tackle training substantially between the first and second lead guides.
26. A method in accordance with claim 25, wherein each of the first and second lead portions has a first end region attached to and/or proximal to the apparatus for tackle training, a second end region distal from the apparatus for tackle training, and an intermediate region between the first and second end regions, and the method comprises bringing the respective second end regions sufficiently close together that they can be manipulated by a single user.
27. A method in accordance with claim 26, wherein the method comprises having the intermediate regions of the first and second lead portions engage the respective lead guides, 411 such that the lead guides, in use, allow a change in direction in each of the respective lead portions between a first direction which extends substantially between the first and second lead guides, and a respective second direction substantially between the respective lead guides and the user.