Tackle practice apparatus and a method for practising tackling in a contact sport

摘要

Tackle practice apparatus (1) comprises an inflatable dummy element (3) in the shape of a person, and is releasably coupled to an inflatable ground engaging sled (4) from which a rope (5) extends to a harness (6) which is releasably coupleable to a person for pulling the tackle practice apparatus across a playing pitch for tackle practice by a player. The dummy element (3) comprises a base element (9) and an inflatable central bladder (7) extending upwardly from the base element (9). Two inflatable lower peripheral bladders (10) and two inflatable upper peripheral bladders (13) extend around the central bladder (7). The lower peripheral bladders (10) are located below a waist high position (14). The base element (9) comprises an inflatable first base bladder (15) which is inflatable with water to provide ballast to the dummy element (3), and an inflatable second base bladder (16) above the first base bladder (15) from which the central bladder (7) extends. On the dummy element (3) being correctly tackled below the waist high position (14) by a player, air from the central bladder (7) is expelled through a whistle (31), thus indicating a correct tackle. The sled (4) comprises an inflatable ring (21).

主权项

1. A tackle practice apparatus comprising:
a dummy element configured for being tackled; the dummy element comprising a weighted base element; wherein the weighted base element provide the dummy element with a relatively low center of gravity; a ground engaging sled coupled to the dummy element by a releasable coupling; and means for pulling the tackle practice apparatus over a play area for simulating a player moving over the play area, wherein the means for pulling is connected to the ground engaging sled; wherein while the tackle practice apparatus is being pulled, the dummy element disengages from the ground engaging sled when the dummy element of the tackle apparatus is tackled.