AFM Home | The Staff Report | Nov 2004

Practice With Leverage
Sponsored by Rogers

In this highly specialized age of technology, more and more applications are becoming a realistic part of the sports world. In today’s time, every coach – from sandlot programs to the NFL – needs to be aware of the latest in video technology, computer software, and practice equipment. One of the most recent advances in practice equipment technology is the blocking sled such as the Lev Sled as developed by Rogers Athletic.

Offensive Leverage:

Most coaches will agree that whether on offense of defense, the player that utilizes the power of leverage is most often the successful player. Both offensive and defensive linemen can use the blocking sleds in a variety of ways. Offensive linemen can improve their drive blocking technique in various forms by exploding at the sled, arching the back, lifting and extending while maintaining a base with balance and continuous leg drive.

Defensive Leverage:

Defensively, the blocking sled that emphasizes leverage technique can be used any number of ways. “One of the drills we use begins with ball movement where the players are taught what to do with their hands,” says West Chester University Defensive Line Coach Ken Sharrar. “They strike the sled with a two hand blow delivery inside the numbers and then move the outside hand to the shoulder area to gain the advantage...they then go to a full extension to get leverage on the play.Everyone on defense gets blocked. The advantage goes to the player that can shed the block as quickly as possible. The blocking sled helps improve both technique and how to practice gaining that leverage.”

For more information on the Lev Sled, go to www.RogersAthletic.com...

Ken Sharrar, the Defensive Line Coach at West Chester, enters his ninth season with the Golden Rams. He also serves as the team’s Academic Coordinator as well as the Recruiting Coordinator. A graduate of Long Beach State, Sharrar has also coached at high schools in California as well as his alma mater and at USC. He can be reached at ksharrar@wcupa.edu.