Strategies to optimise sled towing and acceleration in semi-elite rugby league players

Abstract

Sprint-specific training modalities may have a better transfer to performance compared to non-specific strength training. Resisted sprint training modalities such as sled towing (ST) are performed in a horizontal direction, and involve the relevant muscles, velocities and ranges of motion to those of uninhibited sprinting. Despite the widespread use of ST there is a lack of agreement in the optimal sled setup, loading strategies and programming variables. Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to provide new knowledge and practical applications for practitioners looking to incorporate ST into their training programme.