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Takes A Beating Year After Year
On-field football equipment offers safety & durability
By Michael Austin, Senior Editor
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| Ram Sled Co. |
Football teams are built in the searing heat of the summer sun during the two-a-day practices where players relentlessly pound football sleds, tackling dummies and a variety of other on-field football equipment.
While that equipment takes its fair share of abuse, today’s manufacturers of on-field football equipment are taking all the precautions necessary to ensure the safety of the players dishing out that punishment. Plus, despite the constant barrage of players pounding those sleds and dummies, many manufacturers say with the proper care, this type of equipment is an investment that should last many years…even decades. With that kind of durability, you need to be informed to make the best possible choice for your team and your program.
“It is not uncommon for sleds to last up to 20 years and the sled pad dummies for 12 years,” says John Green, Rogers Athletics sales representative. “We find that coaches are able to vary their drills; thereby, gaining longer use of the sled by just varying the pad. For example, our Mod Sled has six different pads to choose from each with a unique offering. Also, with Rogers unique Link System, it allows coaches to buy a smaller package now and add more stations later.”
“I believe coaches should evaluate their program and their training equipment every year. Our sleds will last 10 to 15 years with proper care and normal usage,” adds Karl Deschaine of The Ram Sled Company.”
“A well-kept after sled can last 20 years. As techniques or coaching philosophies change a coach may want a different sled to work his particular drills,” says Hans Krause of Rae Crowther Co.
Safety First
Understanding the types of hits football sleds are absorbing, safety is the No. 1 concern for many manufacturers.
“Our sled spring and recoil mechanisms are encased in metal to protect players from moving metal parts. Rogers innovative Sled Link System has no obstructions between the pads, so players are able to safely run through the sled for a variety of drills,” says Green. “Our dummies and pads are made with higher density foam that performs better and lasts longer.
Rogers innovative Sleds and Chutes ensure proper technique by forcing players to develop proper football fundaments. For example with our Lev Sled, from a good football position, players must hit the pad and overcome its resistance — then only after the pad is driven at least five inches, the Lev Head releases allowing the player to roll the hips and lift the pad finishing off the opponent. If the player does not execute proper drive technique, then they are unable to release the pad and drive.
In addition, Rogers offers its Speed Chute, which trains players to work on firing off the line as the unique arched tubing keeps the players’ shoulder low, yet allows their heads to be unrestricted by crossbars. The company also offers training drills on its website and on DVD.
“Safety is our foremost concern and we put a great effort in to making our equipment safe,” says Krause. “From initial design, to extensive padding of metal, to warning decals…all of it is important.
Deschaine says The Ram Sled Co. hasn’t had any issues with safety and adds that the company always recommends using the equipment with adult supervision.
Many Choices
With durability and safety being equal, it may be difficult for coaches to make a decision as to what type of equipment they need for their team. There are a number of choices available. Here is just a sampling of what some companies offer.
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| Rogers Athletic Lev Sled. |
X Rogers Athletic. The company has been in business for more than 40 years and offers a product mix covering all phases of the game including offense, defense, special teams, indoor training and game day.
For offensive and defensive drills, Rogers offers blocking and tackling sleds, chutes and dummies. The company also has a large selection of speed and agility equipment including drive sleds, agility ladders, cones and running ropes.
Specifically for running backs and wide receivers, Rogers’ Powerblast machine trains athletes to pump their legs while protecting the ball to gain yardage. For quarterback, there is the Combo Passing Net to practice drop-in, high-release and target throws.
In addition, there are landing mats, special-teams mats, kicking nets, and stand-up and pop-up dummies for special teams, as well as goal posts, chain-crew sets, timers, the Waterboy Hydration system and equipment trailers for game day.
X Rae Crowther Co. Drawing on more than 75 years of experience, Rae Crowther offers coaches numerous football sleds and pads of all types. “Our designs are unique because they replicate the human form in motion. And, we are introducing the first moving sled this year. It’s called the Motion Tackler and should be a great addition to the practice field,” explains Krause.
X The Ram Sled Co. Offering two sizes of conditioning sleds (the Ram and the Bear) with harnesses, as well as two styles of turfboards, Ram Sled’s conditioning tools are “throwbacks to the old days of strength training with proven results,” says Deschaine. “You will see a definite increase in explosiveness, toughness, leg drive and hip strength. They are very durable and affordable for all levels of competition.”
X Riddell. The company known for its helmets also has an extensive offering of on-field football equipment, including many game-day products. The Riddell® Slide Down Marker with Collegiate Chain Set has a down marker operated by slide levers as well as a two-piece pole with safety foam padding on the head. It also comes with molded ground stops, rubber crutch tips and an easy clip chain.
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| Riddell yard markers. |
The Riddell® Flip Down Mark Set with Recreational Chain is intended for youth and junior-high levels of football. The down indicator features easy flip color numbers while the markers are made from padded aircraft aluminum poles. The chain set is seven feet tall with 12-inch-by-2-inch padded bulls eye and chain swivels.
The Riddell® Crushable Sideline Marker Set features easy standing yard markers with numbers on both sides. The markers are made with a durable vinyl cover over soft-foam core.
The Riddell Weighted Anchorless Pylon Set stands by itself and features a safe foam filler with a weighted shot bottom. The pylons are a fluorescent orange color and sold in sets of four.
X Lane Gainer. The company’s Bullet Belt is a great way to enhance your players’ speed training. The Bullet Belt has as patented, adjustable resistance and break-away design. It comes in the standard Pop Release™ model (with an 18-inch release handle, two-inch padded waist belt and 18-inch Velcro tail) and Pop & Rip™ model (with a waist belt, 18-inch velcro tail and 48-inch release handle). This model also features a rip-release cable that provides users with greater control over the release.
X Fisher Athletic. Sleds are the main on-field offerings from Fisher. The company’s products include the Big Boomer Sled (drive blocking), Bull Sled (for working on rolling hips to maximize power), Brute Sled (for action-reaction drills), Bull Rush Sled, Sackbak (simulating 1-on-1 contact) and the 9800 Youth Sled (with wrap-around padded wings).
X Gilman Gear. Gilman has a variety of products ranging from game-day equipment such as yard markers, chains and pylons to practice equipment such as blocking dummies and sleds.
