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 tem 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.