One is tightened around the sledge seat and the player's waist. The second is placed over and under the sledge frame at the ankles or the thighs in the case of amputee player. An optional chest strap can also be used for players who need greater upper body stability. It is critical to achieve a secure body-sledge attachment making the sledge an extension of the lower body and easily controlled by slight body movements. Basically, the player wants to be balanced on the blades with movements of the hips and lower trunk transferred directly to the blades of the sledge.
Many players utilize individual adaptions to maximize their control and skating ability.
Common ones include foam cutouts or buildups to augment stability and cambering, widening or customizing blade placement for one side weakness or uneven weight distribution, as in amputees. The sticks have a row of metal teeth, similar to the toe pick on figure skates, attached to the blunt or non-blade end. The player reaches forward, plants the metal teeth on the ice, pulls the sledge forward and pushes off from the contact point. Although this may sound difficult, with practice, rhythm and technique, speed and maneuverability can be accomplished by even players with minimal upper body strength. The most difficult push is the first one from a stationary position, so many players try to remain constantly moving, even at a slow speed, during the game.