THE HULKING FRAME of the 7-man sled, backed by a ton of steel, can conjure up negative images. As a football player, I was haunted by the sounds of whistles and my coaches yelling “Faster!” “Drive!” or “Don’t stop!” while sweat was dripping down my face and seemingly no end was in sight to the sled drills.
Pushing the sled from one meaningless spot to another seemed like an exercise that lacked purpose and direction. Now, years later, as a football coach, I use the 7-man sled drill as a critical tool for our team’s success. More importantly, my players have not only accepted the sled drills, but they now look forward to them.
Why the turnaround? For one, the sled is identified as a learning tool — not a torture device — that teaches good leverage, quick feet and solid blocking techniques. Secondly, it’s the ultimate team drill. Everyone participates from quarterbacks to linemen, which promotes bonding and team chemistry as players rally to the task. It’s also an awesome conditioning tool, working the players hard as the seven teammates drive and push the sled.
The 7-man sled has been instrumental in our successful run of 12 straight years in the playoffs and back-to-back section championships. It’s both a demanding and fun tool that has many positive benefits for everyone involved.
Demand Full Effort
One problem you’ll run into from time to time is the players who like to stay in the middle of the sled so they are covered by teammates and can “dog it” at half-speed, giving half-hearted effort.
You must constantly challenge that attitude by asking your players, “What are you, ‘studs’ or ‘duds’?” The studs are the players who volunteer to be on the outside of the sled, working hard as anchors and being the driving force of the sled. The duds are just there for the ride.
By being demanding and praising those who work hard, you’ll soon find your players taking pride in being the studs of the sled and boasting of their new, take-charge attitude.
7-Man Sled Drills
The following are some of the 7-man sled drills that we utilize in our practices.
- The Race For Time. The sled is put on the goal line and a group of seven players must drive the sled 100 yards to the other goal line as quickly as possible. Each group proceeds in a rapid-fire pace to set up, drive and get out on the whistle so the next group can go. Record the times so your players know what the best recorded time is. This becomes a very competitive, spirited drill as each group vies for the best time.
- Distance Drill. The players how many yards they must drive the sled as the goal of the drill, so they can get in the proper mindset. Start at 500 yards and build up from there. This drill is a great tool to see how physically and mentally tough your team is. The players leave the drill tired but with a real sense of accomplishment.
- Doughnut Drill. The players will love this drill as you’ll put the team in groups of four and have the teams turn the sled in a circular motion. How many doughnuts can they do? Stand back, watch the sled spin and enjoy the fun.