AFM Home | The Staff Report | June 2003

Mark Torgerson, Head Football Coach
Kentlake High School (Wash.)

Before getting into specific drills for the Rogers Lev Sled, It has been my experience,whether on offense or defense, each player utilizing this sled will realize success. Having been a head high school coach for the past 15 years, I have never seen a sled that can accommodate so many different functions. This sled teaches all players to engage with a flat back with eyes up and hands inside. A player must arch his back, lift and extend their arms while maintaining a solid base with their legs and feet. When using leverage techniques, the pad has to be driven in six inches before the lever will release to add realism to the drill.

Listed below are just a few of the drills we do at Kentlake High School:

Drill 1: The Drive Drill - During Monday’s practice, the varsity linemen, linebackers, running backs and quarterbacks do a conditioning drill with the lev sled in the locked position. The QB calls a play and snap count with the players driving the sled for approximately 5-7 seconds, simulating the length of a normal play. The players love this drill. It is a football specific conditioning drill.

Drill 2: Lateral Blow Delivery (LBD) - To set up the LBD, have a single-file line shuffle down the length of the sled, delivering a blow and lifting the lever at the same time. As one player moves to the next pad, the next player begins. It is a very rapid pace. Each player must drive the lever just right or it won’t release. The LBD is even more effective when you have position challenges, offensive line vs. defensive line, etc. Each time a player isn’t able to release the lever by using proper technique, the opposing team gets a point.

Drill 3: Sting & Tackle - The players are in their position stances; defensive players must deliver a blow (sting) with proper technique to lift the lever. After completing the blow, they must shed the pad, release and run through the sled, then execute proper tackling technique on the ball carrier.

Drill 4: Zone Drill - This drill is designed for two offensive linemen and/or tight ends to double team pad, executing proper zone footwork and upper body technique. On the coach’s cue, one lineman releases up to a linebacker usually holding a shield to complete the block sequence. This drill requires players to use vision as well as communicating with each other while performing proper blocking techniques.

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