PAT tips for carrying dummy

[magoosangel]

Hey Guys,
I was just wondering what advice you have for carrying the dummy. I had the test today and finished slightly over the time limit by 15 seconds. Anyway, I am in fairly good shape. The problem is that I weigh around the same as the dummy and for me to carry it takes so long. I seemed to lose grip plenty also. We are only allowed to carry it from the wrists. In any case anyone have any advice for carrying it or practicing. I can fill bottles with sand and try that, but any other advice, pushups??

[txinvestigator1]

Are you trying to do it facing the dummy and pulling backwards?

[magoosangel]

That is the only way we can do it by grabbing the wrists and walking backwards dragging it. The thing is my hands kept sliding off the wrists. Also, I am not that strong so looking for ways to improve to try again next month. I guess run faster and take less time dragging the dummy.

[txinvestigator1]

I believe you have more strength if you face away from the dummy and walk forward.

[636ninja]

Get someone to help you by being a live dummy.

I did, and it worked. The dummy we had to drag was 15 lbs heavier than I am. And I knew ahead of time that we'd be required to lift it up under the armpits and his entire upper torso had to be off the ground while we walked backwards with it.

So I got my brother to help me. He's even a few pounds heavier than the dummy, so it was great practice. I dragged him up and down the hallway until he had carpet burn. :D

That gave me the opportunity to experiment with several different grips and whatnot, and it did the trick.

Best of luck!

[1depd]

If you kept losing your grip, in addition to what was said earlier, you need to work on your hand strength. I suggest forearm curls, reverse forearm curls, and/or the grip strength do-hickys that look like a wish bone with a spring where the two sides meet.

[magoosangel]

Thanks guys! I will definately try some of the exercises you recommended.

[modderbox]

Anyone know exactly how heavy these things are?

[Upandatem]

Anyone know exactly how heavy these things are?

Most are about 100lbs. A weight most people shouldn't have a problem with IF they work out on a fairly regular basis.

[P01IC3M4N]

all of them used around here are 165 lbs. if it's a life-like dummy, reach under the arms and hook your hands into the armpits so you can use your forearms and hands to distribute the weight and grip. lift it up as high as you can get it and run backwards. if you try to finger it, you'll never be able to hold on good enough.

[magoosangel]

Just to add on- I am only allowed to pull the dummy by the wrists. I talked to the Det. a few days ago. She told me that the other ways don't work because the dummy that they use does not bend in any way including at the waist and legs- (so it is like a solid six foot piece of dummy haha) I wanted to try to pull walking forward but they said no go on that. Also, just for info the dummy down here is 150 lbs moved 100 yards.

[madsnax]

Goodness.. Drag the dumby 100 yards?

I think my last Physical test required draggin the dummy about 10 yards and that was freakin heavy!

[Cadet Sorcia]

three days ago i had to take a physical agility test where it included to drag the dummy...hard to say that as a female it takes us much more time if we're not ready physically although i made it on a decent time and was able to comlete my test (hopefully) but all this comments can help me as well as anyone else who has not had any previous experience with the dummy...draging a human being could also work...hey anything that can help you achieve must be tried even if u feel you cant make it!

~good luck to all

[magoosangel]

Hey Guys,
I wanted to let you know that all the practice paid off and I passed this time.

For anyone who wants to prepare- what I did was fill a seabag with 160 lbs and carried it all around my backyard. It was still very difficult but I said forget the wrists and dragged the dummy by the collar--(I was the only one who tried this technique)- it made it not even hard- it was much more easy following your advice.

Anyway thank you all so much! I got my conditional offer after the oral board today. I will definately refer to the site often. Thanks again!