Heavy Sled Pulls

A Heavy sled is not a bad training tool if used properly. In many programs the heavy sled has a prominent place in speed development programs. This is where I have a problem using heavy sleds. A heavy sled slows everything down. It will significantly increase ground contact time. It may be appropriate for a rugby player or an offensive lineman to use for five to ten meters because they must overcome an opponent in their sports. To use a heavy sled for sports that require a pattern of acceleration to top speed is a huge mistake. It reinforces bad running mechanics and sets up a poor pattern of acceleration. Think before you use this. Why are you using it? If you are training to pull a truck in a strongman competition then heavier is better. If you are training a sprinter or a soccer player, then it is best to not go much over 10% of body weight.

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Vern Gambetta

Director at Gambetta Sports Training Systems

Vern is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several MLS teams as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He has lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe and has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He has a BA in teaching with a coaching minor and an MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.

@coachgambetta

Athletic Development Coach, Educator & Consultant. Founder of GAIN Network. Proud dad. Love to read everything.

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Vern Gambetta

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