Method of Causing a Fumble

Abstract

A method is provided of causing a fumble or loss of control of a ball by a ball carrier, particularly in gridiron football or rugby. A defender makes contact with the ball carrier and subsequently applies force to the arm, hand, wrist, elbow, or combinations thereof of the ball carrier sufficient to dislodge the ball.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of causing a ball carrier to lose control of the ball, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) a defender first striking the upper body of the ball carrier with the hypothenar eminence of his hand; and   (b) the defender:
 (i) forcing the ball-carrying elbow outward away from the ball carrier; and 
 (ii) forcing the ball-carrying hand downward. 
   
     
     
         2 . A method of causing a ball carrier to lose control of the ball, the method comprising the steps of a defender:
 (a) forcing the ball-carrying arm, wrist, elbow, or combinations thereof in a direction selected from upward, downward, laterally, medially, inward toward the ball carrier, outward away from the ball carrier, and combinations thereof; and   (b) forcing the ball-carrying hand in a direction selected from upward, downward, inward toward the ball carrier, outward away from the ball-carrier, and combinations thereof.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further including an initial step of the defender:
 (a) contacting the ball carrier with a touch, tap, tweak, pat, hit, slap, bump poke, pinch, squeeze, hack, press, stroke, thump, combinations thereof, or by placing a hand anteriorly on the body of the ball carrier.   
     
     
         4 . A method of causing a ball carrier to lose control of the ball, the method comprising the step of a defender:
 (a) forcing the ball-carrying hand downward.   
     
     
         5 . A method of causing a ball carrier to lose control of the ball, the method comprising the steps of a defender:
 (a) forcing the ball-carrying wrist downward; and   (b) forcing the ball-carrying hand upward.   
     
     
         6 . A method of causing a ball carrier to lose control of the ball, the method comprising the sequential steps of a defender:
 (a) placing a hand anteriorly on the body of the ball carrier; and   (b) urging the ball-carrying arm of the ball carrier toward the direction selected from upward, downward, inward toward the ball carrier, outward away from the ball carrier, and combinations thereof.