SPSS Ltd
XLR8 Sports House
24a Acheron Drive
PO Box 8757
Riccarton, Christchurch
New Zealand
Ph: +64 3 343 4053
Fax: +64 3 343 4054 info@speedpowerstability.com
By Johnny Gbenda-Charles
Head Fitness & Conditioning Trainer Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
Room 2001, Olympic House, 1 Stadium Path, So Kon Po, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
DD:(852) 2504 8339; M: (852) 96733185; F: (852) 2576 7237
E: gbenda.charles@hkrugby.com
W: www.hkrugby.com
Due to professionalism, pre-season training for rugby has been transformed from the grass roots to the international
stage. Teams now see themselves playing up to ten months of the year and due to the split cycle nature of season
periodising your training has become harder to plan, manage and implement.
The aim of pre-season is now geared towards, maximizing technical, tactical and
physiological sessions without resulting in the dreaded “Three Os”
Overload
Overtraining
Overuse
SOLUTION
Below is a list of components of rugby that are used at some stage during a season.
Technical (micro skills, defense, attack, set pieces)
Tactical (patterns of play, the way you will play the game)
Psychological (mental toughness, player management and pre-game strategies
Sociological (time management of private life, family, girlfriend and its effect on
rugby)
Listing in order of importance the five components of rugby will give you a definitive idea
of your individual or teams requirements in the pre-season.
In the top three of you list will be the physiological components of rugby, which is
essentially the fitness and conditioning requirements of the team or individual.
Limited time, adequate recovery and work load are essential in the pre-season phase and to combat this I have found
“Fuel Mixed conditioning” to be a fantastic way of implementing transferable fitness sessions on the rugby field.
USING XLR8® STRENGTH BAGS FOR FUEL MIXED CONDIITONING SESSIONS
XLR8® Strength Bags have revolutionized the way we look at training, with the added
advantage of taking what has previously been done in the weight room, out onto the paddock and in a rugby specific environment.
XLR8® Strength Bags can be used as an ultimate tool for “Fuel Mixed Conditioning” resistance can be brought on the field to simulate
body conditioning in the contact area, whilst also working the rugby specific energy systems.
Shown below is a six week program using XLR8® Strength Bags as a method of preparing a rugby players body for the
long heavy season ahead. The program can be tailored to suit your specific requirements, time span. Feel free to
implement for three, ten or the desired six weeks ensuring you always start progressively from WEEK 1.
DISCLAIMER
Before you engage in any physical exertion/activity you should consult your GP for
clearance. Also note that all sessions should commence after a thorough warm up of the total body.
WEEK 1 & 4
EXERCISE
1. Snatch grip
XLR8® Strength Bag (PB) shuttle run 0-5m, 0-10m, 0-15m X7 SETS
2. Max PB forward throws for height – 10m sprint - Max PB forward throws for distance (50m) – sprint 50m X6 SETS
3. PB Slams (drive PB into ground with trunk rotation) 10X – 22m sprint, walk back recovery and repeat X5 SETS
4. PB Back Grip (bag on shoulders) lunges to 22m – sprint 22m – walk 22m and repeat X7 SETS
6. PB Push Ups (bag on back) 5X SETS of 10X REPS – PB Sit Up Throws 5X SETS of 10X REPS
WEEK 2 & 5
EXERCISE
1. PB Lunges with rotation to left and right – Max boxing on PB for 1min, X8 SETS
6. PB Push Ups (bag on back) 7X SETS of 10X REPS – PB Sit Up Throws 7X SETS of 10X REPS
POSITIONAL SPECIFC XLR8® STRENGTH BAG LOADS
POSITION
LOAD OF POWER BAG
Props and Locks
35-50kg
Hookers and Loosies
30-50kg
Nines and Tens
20-30kg
Centers and Full Backs
25-30kg
Wingers
20-30kg
PROGRAM PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES
1. Aim to work in pairs to ensure then get a 1:1 work to rest ratio, if the load is too much, modify with three
players (1:2 rest to work ratio working on one bag and an agility grid set up as an active rest
2. Work with a heart rate monitor if available, record data and compare to previous and future session as
quantifiable information and motivation
3. Keep everything specific to your team or players game plan. If you play a more hit and run fast game, place
time constraints on finishing each task
4. Do not compromise on technique and work rate. Quality in everything you do should be a key trigger
5. Ensure you are taking on fluids (water and electrolytes) little and often prior, during and after your sessions
6. Complete every session with a cool down and recovery strategy
7. If players are new to XLR8® Strength Bag work, complete lunges, reverse lunges, squats, split pike jumps and
jump squats using bodyweight only, working through full range of movement. Only use resistance when ready
8. Enjoy your training and keep loving life
Specialists
in
Speed and Agility Training, Power Training, Quickness and Sports Training
Equipment.
Whether you are a teacher, coach, personal trainer, athlete, or physical
therapist we have something for you. XLR8® represents the very best in quality
sports training aids, physical education, strength conditioning and training
education.