The STACK Exercise of the Week will help you improve your overall sports performance—including strength, speed, conditioning and flexibility. This week, we highlight the Sled Push, an exercise that increases lower-body power.
Who’s Doing It
Mike Green, Washington Capitals defenseman
Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers forward
Muscular Benefits
Increases lower-body power
Increases anaerobic endurance
Sports Performance Benefits
The primary purpose of the Sled Push is to build lower-body power so you can increase the amount of force you put into the ground. This is particularly beneficial for improving quickness, and, in Green’s case, stride power for skating.
The exercise also improves anaerobic endurance, which powers short bursts of strength and speed. Although this is a secondary benefit, it's great for helping your muscles recover quickly after a tough play.
Sled Push How To
Start with hands on sled in front with body at 45-degree angle
Powerfully drive legs to begin sprinting
Push sled as fast as possible for specified distance
Sets/Distance: 5x30 meters with 45 seconds rest between sets
Coaching Points
Position hands on sled at hip level
Use weight that allows fast, natural sprinting
Begin with five drives and add more reps as you advance
