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: 5×30 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