Field Hockey Conditioning Tips: How to Do a Proper Cable Row Exercise

Conditioning is a very important aspect of field hockey training. Players can increase their strength and stamina off of the field so that they will be more effective in games. One thing that can be beneficial to field hockey players is strengthening ones back muscles. The cable row exercise is a back exercise that a lot of players like to use to target these muscles. Like with any exercise, you should make sure that you are using the proper amount of weight for your cable row, as using too much can potentially lead to injury. However, by using too little, you will not be getting as effective of a workout as you could be having.

The first thing you need to do a cable row exercise for your field hockey conditioning is to set the machine so that the pulley is near the bottom. The next thing that you want to do is find a straight bar attachment and attach it too the pulley. Next you should place something, such as a step bench, between the end of the machine and where your legs will be going.

After the machine is all set up, you are ready to begin doing your cable row exercise for your field hockey conditioning. First you should sit down on the ground facing the row machine. Place your feet against the step bench while sitting up, bending them slightly at the knees. Next you should grab on to the straight bar and pull it back towards your body. While you are doing this exercise, your elbows should be coming straight backwards, with your arms sort of grazing your body as you pull the weight bar backwards. After you finish pulling the bar back, let the machine slowly pull it back with your arms, rather then leaning your body closer or farther from the machine.

The cable row is a very good exercise to increase one's back and shoulder muscles. When you are doing the exercise, your body should be fairly stationary, rather than rocking back and forth as you do your reps with the weight.

Sources:

Sports Fitness Advisor
Field Hockey Equipment