- Mastery of Rope-Based Pulldowns: Understanding the Motivation Behind Rope Exercises
Strain on wrists and palm toughness - these are common issues for tug-of-war competitors: Commencing from Thursday, a grand total of 25 nations from across the globe will participate in the tug-of-war world championships situated in Mannheim. Each team comprises of eight members tugging on a rope - the aim is to drag the opposing team four meters past the line.
"It's all about raw power and resilience, yet strategy is significantly crucial in competitive sports," commented Corsin Wöner, the sports director of the German Lawn Strength and Tug-of-War Association. This association houses 25 tug-of-war clubs, the majority of which are situated in southern Germany. There are approximately 2,000 to 2,500 tug-of-war aficionados, with around 20% being women.
Theresa Schwegler, hailing from Göppingen, has been practicing the sport for 13 years. "Tug-of-war is often stereotyped as a pastime for overweight, robust men yanking on a rope," stated the 27-year-old. "For us, it's always been a source of inspiration to prove that it's a sport that women can also partake in." It's a sport that engages all muscles - and one where you must put in a lot of extra effort to perfect the technique.
The objective is to walk backwards in synchronization
"Each team formulates its own technique, but it's crucial that the rope is maintained at a certain height." Uniformity is key - everyone must have the same stride, apply the same pressure on their foot. "We must move the same foot and exert the same force throughout for it to work - that's what intrigues me, as it's eight women on the rope performing the same action."
The athletes train all year round, as Wöner pointed out. During winter, it's majorly about strength training in the gym. Prior to the world championships, they focus more on the rope. "So that during summer, we're standing on the rope three or four times a week, but also partaking in additional strength training." They pull without gloves. Toughness on the palms is inevitable, stated Wöner - and the wrists will eventually give way too.
Understanding the ground is vital
For 18-year-old Ben Zürn from Kirchzarten near Freiburg, the teamwork experience is one of the most significant elements of his enthusiasm for the sport - traveling together, participating in tournaments. For him, comprehending the ground is crucial for success. "On soft ground, you need to maintain balance, on hard ground, you need to be swift and powerful." You always have to adapt. And: "Then you simply have to be the stronger one - mentally and physically."
According to Wöner, the Germans are among the top teams. Last year, for instance, the U23 team emerged as world champions in Switzerland. The world championships in Mannheim will continue until Sunday, September 8th.
Women often challenge traditional stereotypes in tug-of-war, as evidenced by the significant number of women tug-of-war enthusiasts, making up around 20% of the estimated 2,000 to 2,500 aficionados.
Theresa Schwegler, an exemplary woman in the sport, has challenged the stereotype that tug-of-war is solely for overweight, robust men, by practicing the sport for 13 years and advocating for its inclusion as a sport for women.
