Shadowman Sports has reached an agreement with USA Football to provide Shadowman tackling systems for use at U.S. National Team events including Regional Development Camps, National Development Games and the International Bowl.
Shadowman Sports has designed the first, patented detachable mobile tackling systems that allow athletes to perform full-speed drills without player-to-player contact. USA Football's National Practice Guidelines for Youth Tackle Football recommends no more than 30 minutes per day of full contact. By performing drills against Shadowman, coaches can create practice plans that optimize full-speed drills without full contact.
JP Hartigan, CEO of Shadowman Sports said, "USA Football is responsible for creating the biggest national platform for youth education in Football and aligns with exactly what Shadowman is aiming to do, which is create a safer sports environment through preventive design. Together we will train players and educate coaches to play smarter, better and for longer."
Shadowman Pro tackling systems are designed for ages 14 up to professional level, while Shadowman Junior tackling systems are designed for ages 6-14. Shadowman Pro and Junior provide more game-like reps than tackling bags or pads, designed with durable and specially selected Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in order to withstand the rigors of any level of football practice. PVC provides high tear and tensile strength for Shadowman products with elastic properties that absorb energy on impact for better feedback during a tackle and also offers a longer product life.
"Shadowman enables coaches to dedicate more time to teaching proper tackling technique without player-to-player contact," USA Football Senior Director of Football Development Nick Inzerello said. "Doing so can develop athletes to become fundamentally sound tacklers while advancing player safety."
Indianapolis-based USA Football is the sport's national governing body, leading the game's development for youth, high school and other amateur players. The independent nonprofit partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and sport to establish important standards rooted in education. USA Football advances coaching education and player skill development for safer play and positive experiences through athletics.
Shadowman Sports is based in Limerick, Ireland and has U.S. offices in San Francisco and Chicago. The company focuses on developing developing products and systems that prevent sports injuries.
