Strength Report – Harvesting Strength from the Field

We frequently look at different forms of strength equipment to help reach our ultimate goal of building a complete athlete. While much of the equipment we incorporate at Vanderbilt can be utilized inside, our staff definitely prefers to implement them outside on our practice fields.
I have always felt that this form of outdoor strength training replicates farming. As coaches, we all want to grow strong, healthy, productive athletes that don’t break down and can withstand the heat. Similar to how farmers treat their crops, we also invest tons of attention on our athletes, no matter what the weather, time of day, or season of the year.

This outside style of training offers many benefits:
• Builds athletes work capacity
• Expands training space
• Brings variety to the training session
• Exposes athletes to array of weather
elements
• Helps to develop mental toughness
• Improves station-to-station transition

Some of the equipment we implement in our outside training programs are:

Oversized Tires (300 lbs. each)
- Tire Flip for distance/time/reps.

Mace Bell
- Various movements
- Hold for time (pictured)
- Pitch Fork (pictured)

Kettle Bell
- Swing, High Pull, Snatch
- Movement Drills (KB Swing pictured)

Sledge Hammers (14, 20, 30 50 & 70 lbs.)
- Over Head Swing (busting wood)
- Side Swing (chopping tree)
- Reps or Time

Prowler Sled Push
- Vary weight
- Vary distance
- Time

Heavy Barge Ropes
- Circles
- Two arm whip
- One arm whip
- Big Clap
- Small Clap
- Upper Cut
- Reps or Time

Gilman Crab Sled Drag
- Vary Weight, distance, or time

Gilman Heavy Bag (70 lbs.)
- Hay Bail Toss (pictured)
- Clean Squat Press + Toss
- Front Squat
- Over Head Toss
- Distance, reps, or time