US20140315665A1

US20140315665A1 - Mobile Football Blocking Trainer

Info

Publication number: US20140315665A1
Application number: US14/210,534
Authority: US
Inventors: Darrell Lee Hall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-18
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2014-10-23

Abstract

A mobile blocking trainer allows offensive football players to practice blocking a defender by moving the blocking trainer in the in the manner required to properly execute different blocks. The mobile blocking trainer includes a strike area intended to simulate an opponent's shoulder area, the target for a proper block. A fabric jersey may be added to this strike area. A wider base is mounted on wheels permitting movement in any direction. Weights are added for resistance, and the weights may be shifted to simulate different types of resistance exerted by an opponent. A flap may be attached to and detachable from the base so that proper footwork can be developed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of prior filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/852,637, filed Mar. 18, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to an athletic training device that can be used for training blockers to use proper technique as part of football practice.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is common in football practice to present opposition for the offensive lineman in the form of bags, cones, dummies, garbage cans and other devices to simulate the opposing defensive fronts, 4-3,4-4,5-2. The offensive lineman's main job is to block their assigned area or man in accordance with blocking rules.
One of the most prevalent blocks used in Inside and Outside Zone play is the Double Team block to the linebacker. Moving your opponents is essential to this Zone Blocking scheme. Devices used today to simulate the defense for the offense are dummies, cones, cans and bags. These are devices that prohibit the offensive lineman from practicing proper technique while performing the drive block and double team block.
Another common block is the base block, which is used in practically every blocking scheme. Therefore it is very important to master this block. This technique will be used by offensive linemen when they are covered or if his teammate beside him is covered (a defender is in front of the blocker). The linemen will block the defender any way the defender chooses to go, all the while keeping contact, until the play is over.
On all blocks the linemen have an aiming point. The lineman must get his hands and head gear to their aiming point and fight to keep contact through the block. The aiming point for the Base block is the Sternum or point between the defenders numbers. The inside number of the defender closest to the offensive lineman can also be an aiming point, as well as the outside number of the defender. The offensive lineman will attack these aiming points depending on where the ball is going. For double team blocking, both blockers continue to work to their aiming point on the down defender. They must fight to gain control of the down defender while getting up field movement. Both offensive linemen should eye ball the linebacker, so that they can adjust to the path of the linebacker, in order to block him.
First contact with a defender must be with the hands followed by the top of the face mask and helmet in order to maintain control and contact with the defender. The lineman's hands will make contact with the defender at the aiming point (sternum) with his thumbs up. To finish the block, the lineman will arch the back while driving the feet and keeping a wide base with your feet and take short choppy power steps to maintain contact.
It is also essential for a lineman to perfect the double team or zone block. A huge percentage of your blocks are the double team blocking scheme. Double team blocks will be executed when a lineman or his teammate beside him is uncovered (no defender in front of him). The purpose of the double team is to stop penetration, create movement of the first level and seal off the linebacker on the second level. As the linemen begin to get movement on the defender, either the outside or the inside offensive lineman will gain control over the defender, allowing the other lineman to come off the block to the second level to the linebacker
Blocking sleds commonly used for football practice come in different sizes and shapes. They typically are one dimensional as it is only meant to go in only one direction. There are seven man, five man, two man and one man sleds. Blocking sleds are great for drive blocks (blocking straight ahead) but not much more. A blocking sled develops power and explosive movement. Even though power and explosive movement are still needed in the game, finesse and agility are a must by linemen today. Blocking sleds cannot be implemented safely in team walk thru nor team practices because of the size and material of the sled, but the mobile blocking trainer can. Blocking sleds normally cannot be used indoors for rainy day practices nor when linemen practice indoors in the off season, but the mobile blocking trainer can. Blocking sleds are not typically sold to individual players to practice on their technique at their home, but the mobile blocking trainer can.
The mobile football blocking trainer, according to the present invention, is the only known blocking device that allows offensive linemen the ability to practice on a wide foot base while driving the mobile football blocking trainer. A wide foot base is essential for a linemen to become an effective blocker. A wide foot base allows the linemen to stay balanced and have a stronger foundation and have the ability to be mobile or agile. Today, when offensive linemen practice on wide foot base they use a six inch×ten inch board with a length of from five to ten feet. By practicing drive blocking with the board between his feet it helps an offensive lineman keep his feet apart when performing the drive block in a game. Players drive other players over the board to simulate a realistic block while keeping their feet wide. Injuries do occur because of the boards thickness and because players sometimes make mistakes from fatigue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mobile football blocking trainer serves at least three purposes. It allows linemen to practice on a variety of blocks and rushing techniques. It provides linemen an opportunity to develop their skills at different sites, indoors, outdoors or at their home. Finally, it allows teams, with fewer players, the opportunity to have productive practices and cuts down on injuries because the mobile blocking trainer takes the place of a player. Fewer players are needed on the opponent's side of the ball.
The mobile football trainer according to present invention maneuvers 360 degrees allowing the offensive lineman to execute drive blocks and double team blocks to the linebacker, which simulates a realistic game scenario. The present invention requires fewer players to support it because the mobile football blocking trainer needs no one to support it. The present invention can be used indoors or outdoors, in gym class, after school at the playing field or consumer homes. The mobile football blocking trainer allows a player to practice drive blocks, double team and roll to a linebacker, cut off blocks and stretch blocks alone.
The mobile football blocking trainer is made to take the space of about one player. This is why the mobile football blocking trainer can be used in practice walk thru and installing periods at practice. The mobile football blocking trainer is relatively light and can easily be transported because of its weight and mobility. Preferably, the mobile football blocking trainer is not made of steel. It does not have any parts protruding outside of its basic frame that would cause a player to trip or run in to it.
Both the blocking sled and the mobile football blocking trainer, according to this invention, work on drive blocks and hand placement. The mobile football blocking trainer also works on angle blocks, kick out blocks, down blocks, cut off blocks and double team blocks. All these blocks mentioned above can be executed by the mobile football blocking trainer while the team is running their offensive playbook against the defense. Linemen receive continuous, quality practice on their blocking technique, the entire practice, regardless of the number of players on the team. Running backs see the play develop with realistic movements and blocks.
The mobile football blocking trainer is great for blocking and drive training. There is no other known blocking device that can be blocked and driven in any direction. The mobile football blocking trainer is structured with one or more swiveled caster wheels in order to move in various directions. The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plastic or pneumatic but preferably, pneumatic wheels.
The mobile football blocking trainer allows an offensive lineman to practice on wide foot base while the lineman is driving the mobile football blocking trainer. An attachment to the mobile football blocking trainer may or may not be rubber, plastic, carpet, rug or any other material preferable rubber, that will simulate a board. It may or may not be attached by buckles, hook and loop fasteners, screws, adhesive or straps. The mobile football blocking trainer will allow the linemen to practice on drive blocking while working on their wide foot base technique at the same time without using another player. When you use other players you increase the chance of an accident. When a linemen practice on wide foot base, using the mobile blocking trainer, the offensive lineman will get in a three point stance (both feet and one hand on the ground) facing the front of the mobile football blocking trainer. Next, the offensive lineman will attack the mobile football blocking trainer with his hands placed on his aiming point and the attached rubber board or flap between his feet as the offensive lineman take choppy steps to drive the present invention. If the offensive lineman steps on the rubber board or flap, the rubber board will detach, indicating incorrect foot mechanics. Using the mobile football blocking trainer for wide base drills should significantly reduce player injuries
The mobile football blocking trainer is ideal for performing the double team block. Double team block is essential if you're going to run the zone offense, the zone offense is possibly the most popular offense in football. The zone offense is used from professional football to youth football. To have a blocking device that allows you to practice on double team blocks is very special. The mobile football blocking trainer according to the present invention allows two offensive linemen a chance to read the linebacker as the linebacker approaches the two offensive linemen in order to get to the ball carrier. The two offensive linemen are responsible for the blocking the one defensive lineman and the linebacker that is approaching them. Both of the offensive linemen are looking at the linebacker while they both keep contact with the defensive linemen represented by the mobile football blocking trainer. Either the outside or the inside offensive lineman will gain control over the defensive lineman, allowing the other offensive lineman to come off the block to pick up linebacker. The concept of the zone block is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, which show the position of the two blockers relative to the defensive lineman and mobile blocking trainer they are facing as well as a linebacker. Sight lines are represented by dashed lines while the arrows show the manner in which the offensive linemen move to block the defender and then to move to block the linebacker in response to his moves. The mobile football blocking trainer would take the position of the defensive lineman.
The mobile football blocking trainer is also suitable for use by the defensive linemen. The defense is a very vital entity of a football program. As the saying goes, offensive wins games and defensive wins championships. The mobile football blocking trainer can simulate an offensive lineman for the defender. One unique thing about the mobile football blocking trainer is that it has a jersey fitted around the shoulders for realism. Not only does it give the defense and the offense aiming points. It makes it realistic for the defense because defensive players grab jersey to make a lot of their moves and it's all legal. The mobile football blocking trainer allows the defender to work on specifies like hand placement and jersey grabbing all while getting penetration (move up field). The mobile football blocking trainer works on the defender drive rush (moving the offensive lineman straight back, or pushing the offensive lineman through one of his shoulders). The mobile football blocking trainer also allows the defender to practice on moves (different ways to get to ball). Defenders may execute the shed block (grab jersey and move lineman left or right), the rip (vigorously shoot your right arm and shoulder under the right arm of the offensive lineman as you move past him). Swim blocks (defender hit the offensive lineman right shoulder with his left hand then the defender throws his right arm over the right shoulder of the offensive lineman as the defender move pass him) can also be practiced. The mobile football blocking trainer allows you to execute many realistic moves and limits the risk of injury to other players.
The mobile football blocking trainer is made for outdoor and indoor use. This training device is relativity light and mobile, and it is very easy to move and fit into most exterior doorways. Because of the swivel wheels and tires, that makes traveling over practice and game fields possible.
The mobile football blocking trainer is the only known blocking device that allows one player to practice on all blocks, even double team block, by himself.
According to one aspect of this invention, a mobile football blocking training device includes a base that can be moved in any direction relative to a surface, such as a playing field, on which the mobile football blocking training device is supported. A strike area extends above the base and tilts forward relative to the base so that a practicing blocker will initially engage the strike area when using the mobile football blocking training device. Weights are mounted above the base and below the strike area so that mobile football blocking training device will provide resistance to the user attempting to execute a football block. The weights can be shifted in the mobile football blocking training device to simulate forces exerted in different directions by an opposing defender.
According to another aspect of this invention, a mobile football blocking training device is shaped to simulate an opponent emerging from an initial stance so that a blocker using the mobile football training device can practice executing a block on the opponent. The mobile football blocking training device has a base mounted capable of lateral movement in any direction when struck by the blocker. A strike area simulating an upper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent and extends forward relative to the base. The mobile football training device moves in any lateral direction dependent upon how the blocker engages the strike area. A body section extends between the base and the strike area. Weights are mounted in the mobile football training device to provide resistance to a blocker when using the mobile football training device.
In another aspect of the invention the mobile football blocking training device simulates an opponent, such as a defensive lineman, emerging from an initial stance, such as a three point stance. Two blockers can use the mobile football training device together to practice double team blocking. This version of the mobile football blocking training device includes a base mounted on supporting members permitting lateral movement of the mobile football blocking training device in any direction when struck by the two blockers. A strike area simulates an upper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent which is the area which both blockers should initially engage when properly executing a block. The mobile football training device will then move in any lateral direction dependent upon how the blockers engage the strike area. The strike area has two side by side targets comprising two aiming points for the two blockers. Weights are mounted in the mobile football training device to provide resistance to the blockers when using the mobile football training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the mobile football blocking trainer or training device showing the base, body and striking area as they would be seen by a blocker when using this device.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile football blocking trainer facing left in this view, which shows the striking area extending further forward than the base and body of the device.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mobile football blocking trainer showing the compartment in which weights may be added and moved to provide mobile resistance.

FIG. 4 is a view showing how two blockers can use the mobile football blocking trainer to practice zone blocking in which the two blockers initially block the mobile blocking trainer.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a fabric jersey covering the striking area to give blockers an aiming point when using the mobile blocking trainer.

FIG. 6 is a prior art view showing a zone blocking scheme in which two offensive linemen initially block a single defensive lineman and one lineman subsequently disengages to block a linebacker, depending upon the movement of the linebacker. FIG. 4 should be compared with FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The mobile football blocking trainer 1 has four sides and is made of high density polyethylene and metal. The top portion the mobile blocking trainer has a protruding angled rectangular area called the strike area, which simulates a football players shoulder pads. The strike area is where the offensive lineman should place his hands during the blocking drill at football practice. Above the strike area in the center there may be a square or oval shape, which simulates an opponent's helmet or face. The top portion of the strike area is positioned so that it will be tangent a vertical line at the foremost extent of the mobile blocking trainer. The bottom portion of the strike area is angled inward at approximately seventy degrees, may be more or less or not at all. The mobile blocking trainer is angled forward at approximately seventy degrees to stimulate a lineman after he has taken his first step out of his three point stance. Most contact is made after a defensive lineman has made his first step. It is very essential that the mobile football blocking trainer simulate this angle because after an offensive lineman has practice on the mobile football blocking trainer the offensive linemen muscles, eyes and brain will remember the similarities of this present invention and a real opponent. The mobile football blocking trainer is structured so that the chest, starting at the waist, is leaning forward. That gives the linemen using the mobile blocking trainer a realistic look.
Slots may be built on the side of the present invention to allow for weight to be added for more resistance. The mobile football blocking trainer allows a user to add weight to base of this invention. The amount of weight depends on the player using the mobile blocking trainer. Weight is added to simulate an opposing player force so the weight will vary from player to player. Inside the hollow body of mobile blocking trainer on the bottom of the base is a divider, (could be of any height and width but preferable 3″×10″×½ inches), to stop weight from sliding to the front or back. The height of the bottom of the opening that houses the weight could be five inches, in order to keep the weight from sliding out. The type of weight used, could be and not limited to sand, rocks or iron weights, but preferably sand bags. The mobile football blocking trainer is great for blocking and drive training. There is no other blocking device that can be blocked and driven in any direction. The mobile football blocking trainer is structured with one or more swiveled caster wheels in order to move in various directions. The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plastic or pneumatic but preferably, pneumatic wheels are employed.
The mobile football blocking trainer is constructed with one or more openings to house the weight. The mobile football blocking trainer may or may not have an opening. Weight may or may not be added to the exterior side to create an even or uneven force. Weights may or may not be added to slots, pockets, stems, straps, or poles, but preferably inside the hollow body of the mobile blocking trainer. The mobile football blocking trainer allows its user to position the added weight to the left side or the right side or in front of the mobile blocking trainer. Overloading either side of this present invention will stimulate a defensive linemen force. Force is the direction or pressure the defensive lineman is trying to go. When applying weight to one side of the mobile blocking trainer more weight or force is created on that side. When an offensive lineman drives the mobile football blocking trainer he must keep the mobile blocking trainer or defender straight as he pushes the mobile blocking trainer backwards. Because the weight or force of the mobile football blocking trainer is on one side, the offensive linemen must adjust its technique (his elbow, shoulders, arm, hips, and feet) in order to keep the mobile blocking trainer straight as he drives it backward. If the offensive linemen fail to adjust his technique the mobile football blocking trainer will pivot indicating poor technique was applied.
The elongated body beneath the strike area gradually widens until it reaches the base of the present invention simulating the football player's torso. The base of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 is wider than the top portion to increase stability. The base simulates a football player stance after he takes his first step coming out of a three point stance. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is attached to four swivel caster wheels for mobility. The present invention allows the offensive lineman to work on a variety of blocks needed to run the now popular Zone blocking scheme or any blocking scheme.
A preferred embodiment of the mobile football blocking trainer is shown in FIG. 1 and, comprises a strike area 9, which simulates the upper torso or shoulders of an opponent to be blocked, may or may not be configured to simulate shoulder pads. The strike area 9 is generally rectangular, but may be any shape although preferably it would be rectangular. The top portion 12 of the strike area would be tangent to a vertical line at the front of the mobile football blocking trainer. The bottom portion 11, of the strike area is approximately at a seventy degree angle, but may be angled more or less, inward towards the body 10 of the present invention. The body 10, extending between the strike area 9 and a base 13, is slightly narrower than the strike area 9, and the base 13, body may be any shape. The construction of the illustrated base 13 is rectangular, but may be square, circular, octagonal or even an irregular shape.
The preferred embodiment of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 of the present invention may be built in one or more parts. This mobile football blocking trainer 1 may or may not have a top, movable with one or more hinges to attach to the body 10. The device may also have one or more hydraulic lifts to simulate the lifting of a player upper torso. The present invention's height and width has numerous sizes to accommodate the corresponding age and skill levels of organizations that will utilize the mobile blocking trainer. Sizes include youth football, middle school football, high school football, collegiate football and professional football.
The mobile football blocking trainer 1 may be constructed of linear medium density polyethylene and metal construction may also include wood, steel, polyvinyl chloride, high or low density polyethylene etc. This present invention may be covered in pads, made from foam, polymer or any other material.
The mobile football blocking trainer may have one or more slots, opening, bars, pipes or straps but preferable an opening 31 to house weight for more resistance. The slot or opening may be any size that allows weight to be place in easily. The slots may be monolithic with the body 10. A mobile football blocking trainer 1 may have attachments on the body 10 to secure the weight resistance. The top of the mobile football blocking trainer 1, may have or may not have a hat top 8 an oval or any shape to simulate a players helmet. The mobile football blocking trainer is designed with a face helmet 8 to simulate the position of a helmet. This face helmet 8 is important because it can obstruct the lineman's view, creating a blind spot as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. When offensive linemen perform the double team block, the defender's helmet may obstruct an offensive lineman's view of the approaching linebacker. The offensive lineman must maneuver his body or head to see the player he is responsible for blocking, which is a skill the offensive player must learn.
The mobile football blocking trainer may be attached to one or more legs, ski's, rails, balls or wheels that allow the present invention to slide or roll in any direction, but preferably swivel caster wheels 15 provide mobility. The swivel wheels are attached by screws and/or nuts. Swivel caster wheels vary in sizes from one inch by one and a half to twelve inches by two inches of pneumatic, rubber and/or polyethylene wheels whose content is not limited to the above material. The mobile football blocking trainer facilitates blocking and drive training. There is no other known blocking device that can be blocked and driven in any direction. The mobile football blocking trainer is structured with one or more swiveled caster wheels in order to move in various directions. The wheels may or may not be made of rubber, plastic or pneumatic but preferably, pneumatic wheels.
FIG. 2 shows that with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strike area 9 may or may not protrude in front of the body 10 of the present invention. Top portion 12 and bottom portion 11 of the strike area 9 clearly shown with a hot top 8 attached. The side and back of the shoulder pads are shown. The face helmet is shown with a slight angle approximately 70 degrees. Two hooks are shown to connect the jersey for security. The back of the mobile football blocking trainer is slanted for easy access to distribute the weight.
With this invention a flap 23 attachable to and detachable from the front of the mobile football blocking trainer 1 allows linemen to work on their wide base technique while working on drive blocking. The linemen will not step on this flap if they employ the correct wide footwork. If a lineman steps on this flap 23, it will be detached from the mobile blocking trainer indicating a mistake. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is a trainer device for offensive and defensive players. This invention is not intended for full force contact like a blocking sled, it is used for control movements for training purposes. The mobile football blocking trainer has aiming points for the hand placement. Proper footwork can be measure while drive blocking by the attached carpet, rug or dense plastic that is buckled, tied, screw or hook and loop to the bottom of the front base. It could be six inches long by ten inches wide. If proper footwork is not performed (choppy, power steps, and keeping a wide base while chopping your feet) and your feet steps on the carpet, it will detach from the mobile football blocking trainer 1. That's your indicator that your footwork is incorrect. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 will travel as fast as the operator is pushing it. Most blocks duration is three to five yards. Stops can be provided on the front and side to help the operator stop the mobile football blocking trainer 1 if needed. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is constructed with shoulders and chest for defensive linemen hand placement. The mobile football blocking trainer is constructed for offensive lineman to place his hands on the chest and outer chest for proper hand placement and control. The height and length may be higher or shorter depend on the level of competition. When an offensive lineman drives the mobile football blocking trainer he must keep the mobile football blocking trainer or defender straight as he pushes the mobile football blocking trainer backwards. Because the weight or force of the mobile football blocking trainer is on one side, the offensive linemen must adjust its technique (his elbow, shoulders, arm, hips, and feet) in order to keep the mobile blocking trainer straight as he drives it backward. If the offensive linemen fails to adjust his technique, then the mobile football blocking trainer 1 will pivot indicating poor technique was applied.
FIG. 3 shows the top view of the present invention comprised of the slot 31 that houses added weight and may or may not have weep holes that drain any water that might accumulate. The present invention shows the strike area 9 may or may not slightly protrude past the body 10. This view also shows one or more hooks to attach the jersey. The present invention may have no hooks.
The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is constructed with one or more openings to house the weight. The mobile blocking trainer may or may not have an opening. Weight may or may not be added to the exterior side to create an even or uneven force. Weights may or may not be added to slots, pockets, stems, straps, or poles, but preferably inside the present invention hollow body. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 allows you to position the weight you add, to the left side or the right side or in front of the mobile blocking trainer. Overloading either side of this present invention will stimulate a defensive linemen force. Force is the direction or pressure the defensive lineman is trying to go. When applying weight to one side of the mobile football blocking trainer you create more weight or force on that side
FIG. 4 illustrates one of possible method for the mobile football blocking trainer to be used. This figure shows the use of the mobile blocking trainer 1 for practicing a common block called the double-team block. FIG. 6 shows demonstrates an example of the position and movement of two offensive linemen in response to the position and movement of a defensive lineman and linebacker in a zone blocking scheme. FIG. 4 shows the use of the mobile blocking trainer 1 to replace a defensive lineman during practice. This double team is probably used in all offensive blocking schemes, especially in the currently popular offense employing the inside and outside Zone. As shown in FIG. 6, while executing the double team the offensive lineman 40 and next to him his teammate 41 are responsible for blocking two defenders, the defensive lineman 47 (replaced in FIG. 4 by the mobile blocking trainer 1) and linebacker 48. Both lineman 40, 41 must get up field movement or lateral movement on the defensive lineman 47 while eyes are engaged on the linebacker 48. As the linebacker 48 reads the play he will flow to the play side (where the ball heading). One of the linemen 40, 41 will come off of the defensive lineman 47 and block the linebacker 48. The linemen 40, 41 that rolls off the defensive lineman 47 is determined by what path the linebacker 48 takes. It the linebacker 48 goes over the top of the defensive lineman 47 the lineman 40 will roll off to the left and block the linebacker 48. The other lineman 41 will continue blocking the defensive lineman 47. If the linebacker 48 chooses to attack underneath the defensive lineman 47 then lineman 41 will roll off the right side and block the linebacker 48 while the other lineman 40 continue to block the defensive lineman 49. Since the mobile blocking trainer 1 is movable it can replace the defensive lineman 49 during practice, and the offensive lineman 40, 41 can practice the moves necessary to execute their blocks while also reacting to the movement of the linebacker 48, which could be simulated by a coach or another player or by other means. The mobility of the mobile blocking trainer 1 allows it to be used to replace the defensive lineman so that the offensive blockers 40, 41 can realistically practice this blocking technique. This mobility will allow blockers to realistically practice other blocking schemes and movements.
FIG. 5 shows the front view of the present invention comprised of the jersey 50 may or may not be made nylon, cotton rayon or any other material that you can grab. The jersey 50 may or may not be attached by monolithic hooks, blocks, rings, buttons, buckles, hook and loop fasteners, or grooves to hold the jersey 50 on the present invention preferable monolithic hooks 51. The mobile football blocking trainer 1 is the only known blocking device that allows the defensive linemen the ability to work on jersey grabbing. Defensive linemen grab the offensive linemen jersey to gain advantage of the lineman. Defensive lineman grabs the opponent's jersey to pull, turn, move and control the offensive lineman, all while reading where the football is heading.
In an alternative embodiment, the rearward facing compartments for the weights can be replaced by slots on the front, back and sides of the mobile blocking trainer so that standard weight or plates used for normal weight training can be inserted into and removable from the slots.
In another embodiment, weights may be hooked to the mobile blocking trainer and moved from side to side to vary resistance. Additional weights can be added to the same hook configuration.
While a preferred embodiment has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, rather, it is intended to cover all modification in alternate construction falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and declarations. For example, the mobile blocking trainer may be constructed of any desired shape, even with arms attached, with any desired dimensions and of any desired material.

Claims

I claim:

1. A mobile football blocking training device comprising:

a base movable in any direction relative to a surface on which the mobile football blocking training device is supported;

a strike area located above the base and extending forward relative to the base so that a user will initially engage the strike area when using the mobile football blocking training device; and

weights mountable above the base and below the strike area so that mobile football blocking training device will provide resistance to the user attempting to execute a football block, the weights being shiftable in the mobile football blocking training device to simulate forces exerted in different directions by an opposing defender.

2. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein the strike area is located a height to simulate an upper sternum and shoulder area of the defender being blocked.

3. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 2 wherein a fabric material on the strike area provide a gripping surface which the blocker can grasp to simulate grasping a jersey worn by the defender.

4. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein a top portion, simulating a defender's head, extends above the strike area.

5. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein the base is mounted on supporting members that offer equal resistance to movement in any horizontal direction.

6. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 5 wherein the supporting members comprise wheels.

7. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 5 wherein the supporting members comprise casters.

8. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein the strike area tilts forward relative to a body extending between the strike area and the base.

9. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 8 wherein a slotted area extending inwardly from a rear surface of the body provide space for shifting weight from side to side to provide variable lateral resistance to a blocker using the mobile football blocking training device.

10. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 1 wherein the base is wider than the strike area to provide stability to the mobile football blocking training device.

11. A mobile football blocking training device shaped to simulate an opponent emerging from an initial stance so that a blocker using the mobile football training device can practice executing a block on the opponent, the mobile football blocking training device comprising:

a base mounted on supporting members permitting lateral movement of the mobile football blocking training device in any direction when struck by the blocker;

a strike area simulating an upper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent and extending forward relative to the base, the mobile football training device moving in any lateral direction dependent upon how the blocker engages the strike area;

a body section extending between the base and the strike area; and

weights mountable in the mobile football training device to provide resistance to a blocker when using the mobile football training device.

12. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 11 wherein the strike area is wide enough to be engaged by two blockers using the mobile football blocking training device, the mobile football blocking training device moving in a lateral direction dependent upon the difference in force applied by each of the two blockers.

13. The mobile football blocking training device wherein the 11 wherein lateral movement of the mobile football blocking training device allows the blocker to practice continued movement required for proper execution of a block.

14. The mobile football training device of claim 11 wherein the weights are shiftable to provide different resistance to lateral movement in different directions.

15. The mobile football training device of claim 11 wherein the supporting members comprise casters, which provide no differential resistance to movement in any lateral direction.

16. A mobile football blocking training device shaped to simulate an opponent emerging from an initial stance so that two blockers using the mobile football training device together can practice double team blocking of the opponent, the mobile football blocking training device comprising:

a base mounted on supporting members permitting lateral movement of the mobile football blocking training device in any direction when struck by the blockers;

a strike area simulating an upper sternum and shoulder area of an opponent and extending forward relative to the base, the mobile football training device moving in any lateral direction dependent upon how the blockers engage the strike area, the strike area including two side by side targets comprising two aiming points for the two blockers; and

weights mountable in the mobile football training device to provide resistance to the blockers when using the mobile football training device.

17. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 16 wherein the aiming points comprise numbers on a fabric member extending over the strike area to simulate a football jersey so that the two blocker can each use one of the numbers as an aiming point.

18. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 16 including a flap, attachable to and detachable from the mobile blocking trainer at a front edge so that the flap will be detached when a blocker steps on the flap, so that the blocker can practice wide movement of his feet.

19. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 16 wherein the weights can be shifted in a manner unknown to the blockers so that the simulated resistance of the opponent will not be known to the blockers before executing a training block.

20. The mobile football blocking training device of claim 16 wherein the blockers move the mobile football blocking training device in a simulated zone blocking scheme.