Patent Publication Number: US-10307655-B1

Title: Football training device and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/042,319, filed Aug. 27, 2014, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
     All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Field of the Present Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to football training devices and methods, and, in particular, to devices used to train a football player by mimicking the experience presented by a defensive rush. 
     Background 
     A wide variety of devices have been developed to assist in the training of athletes. Some such devices are designed to provide physical conditioning, while others are designed to help replicate some aspect of a particular sport so as to provide an enhanced experience for an athlete in training for that aspect. 
     Various devices have been developed specifically for training football players, and more particularly for replicating various aspects of football training. Examples of such devices include tackling dummies and sleds, chutes for linemen, throwing targets for quarterbacks, and the like. 
     In at least some aspects, many of these devices are intended to represent, in some way, another player. For example, a tackling dummy represents an opposing player to be tackled or blocked; a throwing target represents a receiver. For this reason, some of these devices may take on the appearance, at least superficially, of an opposing player. 
     More recently, at least one multi-sport device has been developed specifically to represent an opposing player to be avoided, rather than targeted. The “D-Man” product, available from Pro Performance Sports, LLC d/b/a SKLZ of Carlsbad, Calif., is a lightweight mesh mannequin that may be stationed on a court or field to provide an obstacle for a training athlete. The mannequin takes the form of a silhouette of another player with his raised over his head in a defensive posture, such as a defensive basketball player might take in defending against a shot by an offensive player. 
     This product may also be positioned (supported on a base or staked into the ground) on a football field to provide a stationary obstacle for a running back or the like, with a set of such products being arranged to provide something of an obstacle course. However, once positioned, the product is generally stationary, which greatly limits its usefulness in training for situations involving movement of opposing players. Furthermore, if a group of such products are to be used, they must all be placed and/or moved independently, which further decreases such usefulness. 
     One particular type of specialized training in football involves preparing for the onrush of defensive players trying to block an airborne football. For example, a quarterback must prepare for the experience of defensive linemen rushing at him to tackle him, to block a pass, or otherwise force an incomplete pass. Similarly, kickers must prepare for defensive players of various types trying to block a field goal or extra point try. In each case, it can be difficult to create an experience for the quarterback, kicker, or other player in which the feeling of being rushed by the defense is replicated. For example, it can be difficult for a quarterback to go through drills in which he must imagine a pocket collapsing on him, or defensive pressure causing him to move around on the field, without actually being presented with any physical representation of such experiences. 
     To this point, the only way to replicate a defensive rush, for example, is to actually line players up and have them rush the quarterback. However, this requires multiple personnel, thereby consuming time and energy, and diverting those personnel from other training tasks. Unfortunately, no other devices are available to create this experience for a quarterback, kicker, or the like. Thus, a need exists for a device that makes it easy for a single coach or trainer to create a physical environment replicating the rush of a group of defensive players. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is a football training device for replicating a defensive rush, including: a base frame; a plurality of obstacles extending upward from the base frame; and one or more wheel assemblies supporting the base frame; wherein the base frame may be pushed or pulled over a football field to simulate a defensive rush for a quarterback, kicker, punter, or other offensive football player while executing a drill. 
     In a feature of this aspect, each obstacle includes a mannequin, a support member or frame, and a mount, wherein the support member or frame is connected to the base frame via the mount and wherein the mannequin is carried on the support member or frame. In further features, each mannequin is in the form of a silhouette of a human body; each mannequin includes a panel of cloth mesh; and/or each mannequin includes a wire frame on which the panel of cloth mesh is carried. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the football training device further includes a handle, connected to the base frame, for pushing or pulling the base frame, thereby imparting movement to the device. In a further feature, the handle has a height that is adjustable to provide greater control for a person pushing or pulling the device. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the obstacles resemble the approximate size and shape of human figures representing defensive players rushing the offensive football player. In a further feature, each obstacle has a height that is adjustable. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base frame is “U”-shaped or arced as viewed from above. In a further feature, the “U”-shape of the base frame comprises at least three intersecting line segments formed by interconnecting portions of the base frame. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the plurality of obstacles are arranged in a “U” or arc when viewed from above so as to simulate a defensive rush against the offensive football player. 
     In another feature of this aspect, each obstacle extends upward to an elevation of between five and a half feet and eleven feet above the ground. In a further feature, each obstacle extends upward to an elevation of between six and a half feet and nine and a half feet above the ground. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the obstacles extend vertically from the base frame. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a football training device for replicating a defensive rush, including: a base frame; at least three obstacles extending upward from the base frame and arranged to partially surround a central area in which a quarterback, kicker, punter, or other offensive football player may move while executing a drill; and one or more wheel assemblies supporting the base frame; wherein the base frame may be pushed or pulled over a football field, thereby moving the central area relative to the offensive player while executing the drill. 
     In a feature of this aspect, each obstacle includes a mannequin, a support member or frame, and a mount, wherein the support member or frame is connected to the base frame via the mount and wherein the mannequin is carried on the support member or frame. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the football training device further includes a handle, connected to the base frame, for pushing or pulling the base frame, thereby imparting movement to the device, the handle having a height that is adjustable to provide greater control for a person pushing or pulling the device. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the obstacles resemble the approximate size and shape of human figures representing defensive players rushing the offensive football player, wherein each obstacle has a height that is adjustable, and wherein each obstacle extends upward to a maximum elevation of between five and a half feet and eleven feet above the ground. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a football training device for replicating a defensive rush, including: a base frame having at least three segments, each of the three segments being an elongate member, wherein the at least three segments include a central elongate member, a first elongate wing member extending from a first end of the central elongate member, and a second elongate wing member extending from a second end of the central elongate member such that the first and second elongate wing members are separate from each other and define a central area therebetween; a plurality of mannequin obstacles, wherein each mannequin extends upward from a respective segment of the base frame; and at least three wheel assemblies supporting the base frame, the wheel assemblies being spaced apart along the extent of the base frame; wherein the base frame may be pushed or pulled over a football field, thereby moving the central area relative to an offensive player while executing a drill. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a football training device for replicating a defensive rush, including: a base frame; a plurality of obstacles extending upward from the base frame; and one or more wheels supporting the base frame; wherein the base frame may be pushed or pulled over a football field to simulate a defensive rush for a quarterback, kicker, punter, or other offensive football player while executing a drill. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the football training device further includes a handle, connected to the base frame, for pushing or pulling the base frame, thereby imparting movement to the device. In a further feature, a height of the handle is adjustable to provide greater control for a person pushing or pulling the device. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the obstacles resemble the approximate size and shape of human figures representing defensive players rushing the offensive football player. In a further feature, the height of the obstacles is adjustable. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the base frame is “U”-shaped or arced. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the obstacles are arranged in a “U” or arc when viewed from above so as to simulate a defensive rush against the offensive football player. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a method of training an offensive football player by using a football training device to replicate a defensive rush, the method including: providing a training device, the device including: a base frame, a plurality of obstacles extending upward from the base frame, and one or more wheels supporting the base frame; positioning an offensive football player being trained in front of the training device; initiating a drill where the offensive football player carries out a conventional football play; and while the offensive football player carries out the conventional football play, moving the training device, relative to the offensive football player, such that the obstacles simulate a defensive rush toward the offensive player, thereby creating a visual and physical barrier to completion of the conventional football play. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the providing step includes providing a training device having a handle, connected to the base frame, for pushing or pulling the base frame, thereby imparting movement to the device, and wherein the moving step includes using the handle to move the training device. 
     In another feature of this aspect, a height of the handle is adjustable to provide greater control for a person pushing or pulling the device. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the providing step includes providing a training device having obstacles that resemble the approximate size and shape of human figures representing defensive players rushing the offensive football player. In a further feature, the method further includes a step of adjusting a height of the obstacles to accommodate a particular age group or skill level of offensive football players. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the providing step includes providing a training device whose base frame is “U”-shaped or arced. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the providing step includes providing a training device whose obstacles are arranged in a “U” or arc when viewed from above so as to simulate the defensive rush against the offensive football player. 
     In another feature of this aspect, moving the training device relative to the offensive football player includes pushing the training device toward the offensive football player. 
     In another feature of this aspect, moving the training device relative to the offensive football player includes rotating or pivoting the training device relative to the offensive football player. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the offensive football player is a quarterback and the conventional football play includes dropping back, by the quarterback, to throw a football, and subsequently throwing the football while attempting to avoid hitting the obstacles on the training device with the football. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the offensive football player is a kicker and the conventional football play includes attempting to kick a football through a pair of football uprights while also attempting to avoid hitting the obstacles on the training device with the football. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the offensive football player is a punter and the conventional football play includes punting a football while also attempting to avoid hitting the obstacles on the training device with the football. 
     In another feature of this aspect, the step of moving the training device is carried out by a single coach or trainer. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a football training device for replicating a defensive rush, as shown and described. 
     Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is a method of training an offensive football player by using a football training device to replicate a defensive rush, as shown and described. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a football training device for replicating a defensive rush in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the football training device of  FIG. 1 , shown in a non-use or storage state; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the football training device of  FIG. 1 , shown being used by a coach to train a quarterback to react to a defensive rush; 
         FIGS. 4A-4G  are overhead schematic views of the football training device, coach, and quarterback of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a first drill; 
         FIGS. 5A-5G  are overhead schematic views of the football training device, coach, and quarterback of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a second drill; 
         FIG. 6  is a top cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  6 - 6 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a football training device similar to that of  FIG. 2 , but with panels instead of mannequins. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a football training device  10  for replicating a defensive rush in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. As shown therein, the device  10  includes a base frame  20 , a plurality of obstacles  30 , a plurality of wheel assemblies  50 , and a handle  60 . 
     The base frame  20  is a support structure providing mounting locations for the obstacles  30 . In order to minimize the area covered by the base frame  20  itself, the base frame  20  preferably takes the form of one or more elongated frame members  22  arranged to form a line, “U”, “V”, arc, or multi-segment portion of a polygon. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base frame  20  includes five frame members  22  arranged approximately in the form of a half-octagon. The frame members  22  preferably utilize a combination of light weight, strength, and durability so as to withstand repeated usage on a football field  12 . In at least some embodiments, multiple frame members  22  may be welded, bolted, or otherwise connected together. In at least some embodiments, the frame members  22  are pieces of tubular aluminum that are welded together, but in some embodiments, other materials may be used, including wood, PVC pipe, or the like. 
     The obstacles  30  are supported on the base frame  20 . In at least some embodiments, each obstacle  30  includes a mannequin  32 , a support member or frame  34 , and a mount  36  for connecting the support member  34  to the base frame  20 . In order to lower the overall weight of the device  10 , each obstacle  30  preferably utilizes a very lightweight mannequin  32 , which may take the form of a silhouette of a human body. Such a mannequin  32  may be produced from plastic, cloth, lightweight metals, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the mannequins  32  are produced from nylon or other cloth mesh  38  carried on a wire frame  40 . In at least some embodiments, including the one illustrated, each mannequin  32  takes on the appearance of a human with his arms raised over his head so as to simulate the appearance, for example, of a defensive lineman that is attempting to block a pass or kick. The mannequins  32  are preferably of a size (particularly height and width) so as to match the typical size of football players at the age group or skill level of players with whom the training device  10  is being used. For example, in an embodiment used to train college or professional football players, the mannequins may have a size (particularly height and width) corresponding to a man that is six feet tall and weighs 250 lbs, while in an embodiment used to train youth football players, the mannequins may have a size (particularly height and width) corresponding to a boy that is five feet tall and weighs 120 lbs. The overall elevation of the top of the obstacles  30  is preferably between five and a half feet and eleven feet, and more preferably between six and a half feet and nine and a half feet so as to correspond to the vertical reach of an opposing football player. 
     The mannequin  32  is carried on the support member or frame  34 , which in turn is connected to, and supported by, the base frame  20 . The support member or frame  34  is any mechanical structure that supports the mannequin  32  in an upright position on the base frame  20 . A simple post  42 , perhaps supplemented with a cross-member  44 , may be enough to provide the necessary support for the mannequin  32 . The mount  36  may be welded, bolted, or the like to the bottom of the support frame  34  and is preferably removably connected to the base frame  20  so that the device may be dissembled for storage, transport, or the like. The wheel assemblies  50  include a wheel carried by a chassis that is connected to the bottom or other portion of the base frame  20 . The wheel and chassis may be of any conventional type that is suitable for use on outdoor terrain such as a football field. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel assemblies  50  may be solid-wheel casters, but in other embodiments, they may, for example, be pneumatic wheels. In at least some embodiments, all of the wheels are arranged to be rolled in any direction, rather than in only a fixed direction, while in other embodiments, one or more of the wheels are arranged to be rolled only in a fixed direction. 
     The handle  60  is attached to base frame  20  to provide means for a coach, trainer, equipment manager, or other personnel to move the device  10 . The handle  60  includes a grip  62 , an extension member  64 , and a hinge assembly  66 . The grip  62  provides a convenient structure at a distal end of the extension member  64  for a user  14  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to impart movement to the device  10 . The extension member  64  is preferably about six feet in length and may be folded up out of the way when not in use. In this regard,  FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the football training device  10  of  FIG. 1 , shown in a non-use or storage state. Folding the handle  60  is facilitated by the hinge assembly  66 , which also allows a user  14  to adjust the height of the grip  62  for the convenience of the user  14 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the football training device  10  of  FIG. 1 , shown being used by a coach to train a quarterback to react to a defensive rush. As shown therein, a quarterback  16  can practice various passing drills using the device  10 , wherein the mannequins  32  serve as obstacles (simulating defensive players), both physically and visually, for the quarterback  16  as he attempts to pass a football. The position of the device  10  may be controlled by a coach or trainer  14  via the handle  60 . In particular, the coach  14  can push or pull the handle  60  to impart motion to the base frame  20  and the mannequin obstacles  30  carried thereby. Movement of the frame  20  over the ground  12  (usually a football field, which may be a regulation field, training field, or the like) is facilitated by the wheel assemblies  50 , which permit the device  10  to be rolled. Furthermore, if at least some of the wheels are arranged to be rolled in any direction, the base frame  20  may be pivoted on the field  12 ; such movement may be created by the coach  14  to simulate other situations, such as a defensive lineman evading a block by an offensive player and rushing the quarterback  16 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4G  are overhead schematic views of the football training device  10 , coach  14 , and quarterback  16  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a first drill. In  FIG. 4A , the quarterback  16  is set up to throw to a receiver  18  (who may in fact be another player, another coach, or simply a volunteer assisting with the drill). An approximate line of scrimmage  13  is established for drill purposes, the quarterback  16  sets up behind the line of scrimmage  13 , and the coach  14  positions the training device  10  on the defensive side of the line  13 . On command, the quarterback  16  drops back to pass the ball  19 , and the coach  14  pushes the training device  10  toward the quarterback  16  at a rate of speed selected to simulate that of a defensive rush, as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . 
     Notably, as the device  10  is moved toward the quarterback  16 , the mannequins  32  simulate the look and feel of a group of defensive players rushing the quarterback  16 , complete with their arms outstretched to visually block the quarterback&#39;s line of sight and physically block the quarterback&#39;s throwing lanes. Furthermore, the arrangement of the mannequins  32  in a “U” or arc around the base frame  20  mimics the creation of a “pocket”  15  that is conventionally established by offensive linemen to protect the quarterback  16 . The overall experience, from the point of view of the quarterback  16 , is much more realistic than simply imagining those defensive players as he goes through his drills. 
     Completion of the drill is shown in  FIGS. 4D-4G . In  FIG. 4D , with the pocket  15  beginning to collapse on the quarterback  16 , the quarterback  16  initiates his throw, attempting to complete a pass to a receiver  18  without hitting the mannequins  32 . Movement of the device  10  once the ball  19  is thrown, as shown at  FIGS. 4E and 4F , is somewhat less important, but still conditions the quarterback  16  to the defensive rush. Finally, the accuracy of the throw may be observed by the completion of the pass (or not) to the receiver  18 , as shown in  FIG. 4G . The ball  19  may then be returned to the quarterback  16  (or another ball retrieved), the coach  14  may return the device  10  to the other side of the line of scrimmage  13 , and the drill can be repeated. 
       FIGS. 5A-5G  are overhead schematic views of the football training device  10 , coach  14 , and quarterback  16  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating a second drill. In  FIG. 5A , the quarterback  16  is once again set up to throw to a receiver  18  (who may in fact be another player, another coach, or simply a volunteer assisting with the drill). An approximate line of scrimmage  13  is established for drill purposes, the quarterback  16  sets up behind the line of scrimmage  13 , and the coach  14  positions the training device  10  on the defensive side of the line  13 . On command, the quarterback  16  drops back to pass the ball  19 , and the coach  14  pushes the training device  10  toward the quarterback  16  at a rate of speed selected to simulate that of a defensive rush, as shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C . 
     Once again, as the device  10  is moved toward the quarterback  16 , the mannequins  32  simulate the look and feel of a group of defensive players rushing the quarterback  16 , complete with their arms outstretched to visually block the quarterback&#39;s line of sight and physically block the quarterback&#39;s throwing lanes. However, as the drill continues, the coach  14  begins to pivot the device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 5C , thereby simulating the weakening or collapse of one side of the offensive line and thus the pocket  15 . As a result, the quarterback is trained to move or “roll” away from the pressure thus created by the defensive rush as shown in  FIG. 5D . Once again, the overall experience, from the point of view of the quarterback  16 , is much more realistic than simply imagining those defensive players as he goes through his drills. 
     Completion of the drill is shown in  FIGS. 5D-5G . In  FIG. 5D , as the quarterback  16  rolls away from the rush, the quarterback  16  initiates his throw, attempting to complete a pass to the receiver  18  without hitting the mannequins  32 . Movement of the device  10  once the ball  19  is thrown, as shown at  FIGS. 5E and 5F , is somewhat less important, but still conditions the quarterback  16  to the defensive rush. Finally, the accuracy of the throw may be observed by the completion of the pass (or not) to the receiver  18 , as shown in  FIG. 5G . The ball  19  may then be returned to the quarterback  16  (or another ball retrieved), the coach  14  may return the device  10  to the other side of the line of scrimmage  13 , and the drill can be repeated. 
     Although not specifically illustrated, similar drills may be executed for kickers and punters. For example, working with or without a snapper (or holder), a coach  14  may push the device  10  toward the kicker or punter while such player executes his kick. The presence of the mannequins  32  once again creates both a visual and physical obstacle for the player, thereby giving him a more realistic simulation of game conditions than was previously possible. One particular benefit is the emphasis placed on making sure the player elevates his kick to get it over the onrushing defensive players represented by the mannequins  32 . Although not illustrated, the orientation of the obstacles  30  may also be changed so as to more accurately simulate game conditions. For example, the obstacles  30  could be oriented at an acute angle (such as 45 degrees) relative to the ground to simulate kick blockers diving in front of a punter. In some embodiments, the mount  36 , post  42 , or other portion of each obstacle  30  may be adjustable such that the mannequin  32  may be oriented vertically (as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) or at an acute angle so as to be able to use such a football training device in different ways, such as to facilitate different drills for different players. 
     In some embodiments, the height of the mannequins  32  is adjustable as to make the device  10  usable with different age groups, skill levels, or the like, while in other embodiments, the height of the mannequins  32  is not adjustable, but mannequins  32  are manufactured in different sizes for such purpose. For use with professional players, the mannequins  32  may, for example, be installed such the top of the head of each mannequin  32  is approximately six and half feet off the ground, with the arms extending above that, while for youth players, the mannequins  32  may be installed such that top of the head is much lower. 
     Likewise, in some embodiments, the width of the base frame  20  is adjustable so as to make the device  10  usable with different age groups, skill levels, or the like, while in other embodiments, the base frame  20  is manufactured in different widths for such purpose. For use with professional players, the base frame  20  may, for example, be eight to fifteen feet wide, while for youth players, the base frame  20  may be only six to ten feet wide. In at least some of these embodiments, the outermost mannequins  32  are a corresponding distance apart. Approximate dimensions for one exemplary implementation of the base frame  20  are shown in  FIG. 6 , which is a top cross-sectional view of the device  10  of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  6 - 6 . 
     It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the obstacles do not have to include mannequins or otherwise resemble humans or human figures. For example, one or more of the obstacles could simply include a panel, plurality of elongate members, or the like. In this regard,  FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a football training device  110  similar to that of  FIG. 2 , but with obstacles  130  that include panels  132  instead of mannequins. In at least some such embodiments, the panels  132  or other structures of the obstacles  130  are of a size (maximum or average width and height) that is comparable to that of the mannequins  32  described herein. 
     As exemplified in the drills described above, the device  10  makes it possible for a single coach  14  to create a realistic simulation of movement and feel for a quarterback, kicker/punter, or other player, all without use of additional personnel. The result is far more effective than the player merely “working on air,” and it is even possible to substitute the device  10  for actual personnel in at least some drills, thereby freeing up those personnel for other tasks. 
     Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.