1952-53

TUG-OF-WAR
669
legs as well as getting men generally fit. It should consist of walks
at 4 m.p.h. carried out in sweater, trousers and boots. Make a point
of walking over heavy ground, e.g., deep sand, plough, etc., and over
a certain amount of rough ground, in order to strengthen the ankles.
Slow jogging with very occasional short sprints may be included
during roadwork. It is also a good policy to give each man a sheet
of newspaper to crumble in each hand as he walks along. It i s
surprising- how this will develop the grip.
During this first period men should be taught the technique of
the correct positions on the rope, and tested three or four at a time on
the derrick. (See under " Technique.
")
Throughout the whole of training it is important to weigh men
once a week (in the same kit) and keep a chart of their weights.
Weight is likely to drop in the first ten days, and may rise slightly
afterwards or remain constant. Any sudden drop in weight is a
sure indication of " staleness," the bane of every trainer.
" Staleness " is best avoided by making the training as varied and
enjoyable as possible. Games which make the men laugh should be
freely interspersed with the more serious work, and training should
never be carried out as a fatigue. The Army System of Wrestling
forms an excellent variation in training and aids all-round-develop-
ment.
Second Period
After the first month it should be possible to arrange the likely
team in the order in which they are going to pull on the rope, and
from now on the rope work should predominate and should. be
carried out as a team. Use should still be, made of the derrick, but
from now on more and more work should be done against live
opposition.
The position of the team on the rope is usually the shortest
man in front, and the tallest and heaviest man as anchor. It is
immaterial on which side of the rope a man pulls so long as he
pulls on the side which suits him better.
From now on the trainer should aim at perfecting the technique
of his team.
The following section on Technique aims at giving trainers an
idea of the recommended positions to be adopted by a team at various
phases of a pull.
0
a
TECHNIQUE
Take up the Rope
Pick up the rope and stand upright with the hands close to the
body and arms hanging loosely. The rope should be fairly taut
from front to rear, but the team should,not stiffen themselves in any
way. A rigid stance uses up energy which will be required later.
Take the Strain
This is the normal pulling position on the rope. Gripping the
rope firmly with both hands close together, allow the body to fall
back to an angle of about 45 degrees. The correct position here is
of the utmost importance, so it will be dealt with
in detail.