The Evolution of Contact and how to Gain a Competitive Advantage
Evolution of ContactSince the inception of the game, contact was coached and developed using a horizontal plane of force. The objective was to create horizontal momentum by "running off the ball" and taking a big "lead step" in order to move/control the opponent.Players who were bigger historically dominated smaller players. Smaller players, who were tasked with playing against bigger opponents were often left with few answers.However, in recent years, coaches at the highest levels of the game have innovated and brought to the game a new contact skill. This new technique is called "Force Deflection".Force Deflection uses hip driven power to elevate the spine angle of the opponent. As the opponents spine rises they lose their leverage strength and momentum, and they can then be defeated.Smaller players now have a technique to consistently beat larger players, and players of all sizes can become more effective.
Goal of the Climber SledThe Climber Sled allows players to practice the exact postures and movement patterns required to consistently execute "Force Deflection" on game day.The sled utilizes the S Pad. Instead of a traditional flat pad, the player shaped S pad helps the player tap into their hip power and keep their elbows within the frame of their body.Even professional linemen can hide technical flaws on traditional flat padded sleds because they only require horizontal force to move. The Climber is different and requires Hip Driven Force.In order to move/drive the Climber, players must uncoil their hips to generate lift and follow with fast feet.The Climber will stop moving if the player take big steps. Big steps disable the power in the hips.Force Deflection Technique requires attention to detail and every rep on the Climber can help players prepare for success in the game.
Empowering Player SafetyThe first thing most people notice when witnessing players hit the Climber is there is no head contact when performed correctly.If you were to step forward and push an object with your hands, your head is drawn towards that object. When Force Deflection technique is applied the hips become the power source, and the head is naturally drawn back. The hips send a shockwave of energy through the opponent, similar to a wrecking ball.This ascending angle of force is not only more powerful than horizontal push blocking but it also reduces repetitive helmet contact. The player is no longer leading with their head.In summary, Force Deflection technique is a skill that can be well learned and practiced through the Climber but has the homerun effect of creating a better and safer game for the next generation of players.
- The sled for the mechanics of hip driven power and removing the helmet from contact.
- Maximize your teaching of base blocks. Maximize your players practice time.
- Maybe the best tool available for helping the undersized lineman.
- The angle (or lean) of the S-Pad is adjustable, allowing the coach to adjust the contact angle. Lean pad forward like a player in their stance, or stand pad upright like a pass blocker. Or anywhere in-between.
- With DL's offering little surface area to strike, the offensive lineman must learn the Climb technique by striking underneath the shoulder plate with an upper cut strike, while finding handles on the breast plate of the defender.
- The climb technique throws the helmet back and out of contact.
- S2 pad has built in breast plate with enough "give" to allow the offensive player to gain a handle. S2 pad also includes stubby short arms.
- Adjustable in
