Kubb Spring Training Tips

In the lead-up to the the season, there are many different formulas to get back into into Kubb shape. Some athletes spend time in the weight room, others focus in on their cardio, still others such as Jason "The Boeing Bomber" traveled as far away as China to train with some of the worlds best.

In reality, all available off season options pale in comparison to participating in live action matches. With this in mind, a dozen or so of the Seattle Kubb League's brighest and most talented had a scrimmage at SKL headquarters on Easter Sunday in the annual "Jesus Died and Resurrected for Our Sins So Now We Throw Sticks at Sticks While Drinking A Lot Invitational". However, for those who don't have a regulation Kubb field in the vicinity, here are a few suggestions on ways to hone your talents in the leadup to the start of the season.

1. The best way to shed unwanted pounds accumulated in the offseason is through an intense cardio regimen. Jumping over a Kubb Kung twice should be about enough to get that heart rate up. Make sure you stick that landing! Do that, and you'll be sure to see the pounds melt away.

2. Success for many comes with arm strength. We weren't all born with the natural shoulder strength of the legendary Sven Burgensvengendurgensson; so frequent raising of full beers to your mouth should be a good way to get back into game-shape. The brilliant thing about this technique is that the weights naturally become easier to lift with each successive rep.

3. The experienced Kubb player knows just how important it is to have a strong core and lower body. Numerous squat thrusts while holding kubb pins provides excellent resistance. Note, this should only be done shirtless while wearing unnecessarily baggy hammer-pants. Ladies, you might want to do this one behind closed doors.

4. This technique allows you another method of strengthening your core and lower body with the added benefit of taking out the recycling. A quick toss of your empties, for example into your next door neighbors' back yard, is both good for your body and good for the environment!

5. We've all been there. You win! The crowd goes wild! Everyone's eyes are on you. You do your best to channel your inner Ochocinco, but instead perform the most awkward version of "The Robot" ever done at the conclusion of a major sporting event. So with this in mind, while your working on improving your ability to play the game, why not work on celebrating after it? This simple resistance based exercise will help the disco moves come to you faster than you can say "Saturday Night Fever". Note: Ochocinco has reportedly expressed interest in fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing Kubb. He has yet to report to Spring Training.

6. So Disco's not your thing huh? Well the above resistance based exercise will keep you on the cutting edge of dancing technology. Say hello to the "Lawn Mower". With slight modifications this can also be used to improve your skills at "The Shopping Cart".

Well folks, that about wraps it up. I don't want to give you everything out of my repertoire. Afterall, your humble commish is also a competitor. But until the day that the Kubb season goes into full Swing (perhaps this Saturday at the Husky Spring Game Invitational), happy training, and happy drinking.

Skål!