Sled alternatives or substitutes???

You could try buying the lumber to build yourself a Maskell Sled type thing.

You should see if you can find pictures, and get a carpenter to help you. I don't imagine shipping costs would be favourable, although contacting the NFL Europe teams may help a little.

In terms of the pushing movements, one of the drawbacks to a sled is that it can teach kids to lean too much into a block, and sometimes they develop bad habits. One thing a sled can be great for is to teach arm and hip extension, where they extend and explode lifting the sled upwards. You might be able to get away with a 2 man sled for that. Much cheaper.

I've gotten away from the sled a little, having my guys work on bodies, with bags held real low. I don't think a sled really simulates the motions of a football player (although I have heard the Crowther sleds supposedly do this well). Have them do a Yo-Yo or Up and Back drill. You get 2 players, lined-up head to head (one Off, one Def), Offensive guy drives to the whistle, on the whistle your player switch roles, lowering hat level and getting hands inside. I've heard of line coaches using this as a technique drill and also a conditioning drill.

If it is the arm extension you are using try sandbags or 25-45lb plates. They shouldn't punch them OUT but UP... building muscle, and technique.

BlackFly,

Thanks for the tips! I've surfed around for info on the sled you mentioned, without success. I will contact the NFL Europe staff in Amsterdam. It seems Holland has embraced the game. My focus will shift up there for equipment issues.

Thanks again,

John

Just happened to look back through this post and if you haven't found a picture of the Maskill sled yet, there is one under the "sleds" tab on the rae crowther site (i think it is . Looks fairly straight forward to build.