Shadowman

We bought some, I think they are great if you are teaching the hawk tackle or some kind of rugby tackle. If you hit them high they flip over. I personally like them and use them about every day. They can also be used to set up and teach your WR to settle in zones.

It seems like they'd be useful, but we could probably buy a lot of other things to help our program rather than spending close to $3,000 on three of these after shipping.

The main issue is the base of them (innertube) is very wide so you won't be able to get as close to the target (the actual shadowman) when you make the tackle. Also, the strap by which you pull it can often get in the way; kids need to learn how to avoid a strap when making a tackle

We looked into the shadowman. Too expensive.

I am a poor man but i think i have a bit of imagination

i can loop a rope through an old tire (free)
and put one of these on it for under $100


www.amazon.com/EVERLAST-INFLATABLE-PUNCHING-BOXING-TRAINING/dp/B00HTZ4K78/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1458102907&sr=8-2&keywords=inflatable+everlast

wouldnt that be the same thing?

I guess the only question could be durability? Maybe buy one and test it out. But I'm very intrigued.

Greetings Fellow Coaches,

I have used the Shadowman product for several years now, on multiple levels of football, and cannot imagine a successful football practice without them.  Especially with the new contact restriction laws.

I highly endorse this project not only for tackling, but for offensive purposes, as well as fundamentals drills.  The product is durable, easily stored, and serves multiple purposes in practice that do not require contact with another player.

We have used the humanoid to work on our tackling in the open field, going to the boundary, and as a pass rush target.  We use several at once for option responsibilities as well.  We split the defense into three categories based on position group and had coaches or managers "caddy" the shadowman while players tackled them.  In 10 minutes, each player had multiple reps without hitting any other player.  In each of these scenarios we were able to reach the desired effect.  Our tackling as a team was vastly improved and we had a significant reduction in injuries (including head related injuries).

Offensively, we were able to use the humanoids as blocking targets, coverage reads, created would-be "traffic" for receivers in their routes, and several QB, RB & WR drills.

The actual process of tackling the shadowman is exactly like tackling a human body.  Players must strike low with their should pad, run feet through contact, wrap the implement, and gator-roll the ball carrier.  If the process is done correctly, the player and the humanoid roll off the tube together.  I find the immediate feedback of the dummy to be the most impactful component.  If the player bounces from the contact with the dummy and/or the tube, then it is clear the player struck in a downward manner and is incorrect.  If the player and the humanoid come apart from each other after contact has been made, then the wrap was not sufficient.  If the player is running and tackling full speed after a walk through and half speed progression, then contact with ancillary pieces rather than the humanoid seems improbable.

The cost is well worth the safety and development of players, and proper instruction.  The durability and dependability of reliable and timely customer service easily validates the cost on the front end.

Sincerely,
Coach Adam W. Lewandowski
Head Football Coach 
Andrew High School

Please send video if you try to tackle this thing...haha

Our HC set up the shadowman the first day we got them and was going to show the coaches how he wanted us to utilize them, at full speed. Now he is an in shape 61 years old, played at UF and then for the Steelers....but seeing him almost kiLL himself flying over the top of the shadow man (he hit it too high) was worth every penny he paid for it.

Well, it's confirmed... You're officially from Nor-Cal.

I love the Shadowman. We have 8 of them in the program. I will never teach my kids how to tackle on another teammate again. Honestly one of the best purchases I have made as a coach in a long time.
In addition to our work on defense we use them for our outside zone drill work.

actually saw an idea from a video on their site
offensive drill, would work well for OZ, Pin n Pull, or Bucksweep

they had 3 all connected together ... like a train

player or coach pulls the end of the leash, and all 3 slide in unison

great for whoever is the one in these schemes CLIMBING up to the LB level
hard to get kids to understand
-attacking on a wide enough track to pick up the LB in space
-finding the right LB in space

also, hard to get scout kids to simulate in right, if my frankenstein shadowman works well... i will build more and use them for our outside run schemes

I was thinking, maybe a old everlast heavy bag on a tire and pull it. Screw into the tire a D ring or something to tie your rope to. The heavy bag might last better.

How did this end up working?

I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but is it overpriced if it helps keep your players safe? I had the same issue as all of you too expensive. Talked to my AD who talked to Superintendent and they agreed safety first. We ended up buying the 6 bag package and it was great. Not only used it for tackling, but for WR, OL form fit on them, pursuit drill with defense, there use are only limited to lack of imagination. I strongly suggest you find a way to fund raise for them. I don't regret buying them. Did some fund raising for them, Lift-a-thon, discount cards and school matched what we raised to get the 6 bag package.