Tread Hurling is rapidly changing how we define competitive sports. Combining the explosive elements of football, wrestling, track, and CrossFit into one powerful format — while eliminating the head trauma risks of traditional contact games — Tread Hurling is not just another hybrid sport. It’s a movement that stands for strength, inclusivity, and innovation.
What is Tread Hurling and Why It’s Different
Tread Hurling is a high-intensity team sport that replaces the traditional ball with a 27–30 lb hurling wheel. The objective is to roll, hurl, and drive the wheel into the opposing end zone while being met by defensive resistance. The result is a game that requires raw power, tactical thinking, and speed — but unlike tackle football or MMA, players are not subject to high-impact head injuries. This makes the game a game-changer for both adult athletes and youth players.
It’s the first sport under the Hurletics umbrella — a brand focused on maximizing human potential while minimizing physical damage.
The Inspiration Behind Tread Hurling
The creation of Tread Hurling was deeply personal. Co-founders Shunn Spademan and LaMorris Hawkins were moved by the story of a young football athlete who lost mobility due to a brain tumor. His story highlighted the dangers of traditional contact sports and inspired a mission to create something safer, more empowering, and equally intense. Thus, Tread Hurling was born in 2023.
Their vision was simple: develop a sport that builds stronger, smarter athletes without putting their health at risk.
Hybrid Gameplay Mechanics Like Never Before
What makes Tread Hurling unique is its combination of several athletic disciplines:
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Football-style field layout (100 yards, end zones, drive attempts)
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MMA-inspired movement (body control, pushing, power)
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CrossFit conditioning (high reps, core training, balance)
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Track-level speed (sprints, cuts, agility)
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Basketball-like strategy (zone awareness, lateral passing)
The game is structured in drives — each team gets up to 4 chances (plus an optional 5th Hurl Option) to drive the wheel forward and score.
Why No Helmets Mean Better Helmets
Unlike football, Tread Hurling uses rugby-style padded helmets. There are no collisions between heads. Players wear durable gloves, shin guards, and padded shirts — and all physical contact is regulated. There are no full tackles. Instead, defense focuses on intercepting, blocking, and disrupting wheel momentum.
Instructors are trained to prioritize safety during both games and training sessions.
The Role of the Hurling Wheel
The Hurling Wheel is the beating heart of the sport. It’s custom-designed to roll, bounce, and resist — just like an offensive player would in a football match. Mastering how to hurl, spin, suplex, or roll the wheel is a game of biomechanics and power.
Types of Hurls:
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Hard Hurl – Long distance
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Mid Hurl – Balanced attack
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Light Hurl – Precise, strategic
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Suplex Hurl – Power throw, over-the-shoulder
Every athlete becomes a technician of movement.
How Safety, Not Violence, Wins Games
Tread Hurling eliminates the violent aspects of legacy contact sports. There’s no diving at knees, head-to-head collisions, or unregulated hits. Instead, athletes develop:
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Leg strength
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Explosiveness
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Core endurance
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Mental agility
The game rewards discipline, not brute force. The penalty system is firm: unsafe behavior, flat throws, and late resets all impact the drive.
This makes the sport ideal for long-term athletic development.
A New Culture of Training
Players are not just thrown into the game — they’re trained to be Hurletes. Under certified instructors, athletes go through:
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Hurling mechanics
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Field strategy sessions
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Safety and gear inspections
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Conditioning and cooldowns
This structured culture of safety and precision is what allows teams to compete hard while reducing burnout and injury.
Instructors are trained under the Tread Hurling Certification Program, a complete professional curriculum that ensures every coach on the field is educated and equipped to lead.
Empowering All Ages and Body Types
Whether you’re a 12-year-old looking to build confidence or a 30-year-old athlete seeking a safer outlet — Tread Hurling welcomes you.
It’s scalable. Players don’t need to be bodybuilders or sprinters. Every team needs:
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Hurlers
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Spotters
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Navigators
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Stoppers
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Goalies
Each position requires a different skillset — meaning every athlete can find a role to shine in.
Community, Camaraderie, and Character
At its heart, Tread Hurling is about people. It builds strong character, stronger bodies, and even stronger communities.
Clubs train together. Teams travel and compete. Parents watch their kids gain confidence. Coaches mentor youth and adults. Veterans find renewed strength. And cities build regional rivalries in the best way possible — through sweat, discipline, and teamwork.
This is not just a game — it’s a movement.
The Future: Tournaments, Rankings, and Pro Teams
Tread Hurling is growing fast. In 2026, it will host its first official Tread Hurling Invitational with elite teams competing for the title of national champions. Regional leagues are forming in:
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Houston, TX
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Shreveport, LA
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Longview, TX
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Tyler, TX
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Dallas, TX
Players are ranked based on scoring, lateral throws, defensive “treads,” and more.
As more clubs form and instructors get certified, national and pro-level play becomes a very real path — especially for athletes transitioning out of traditional sports.
Conclusion: This Is the New Era
Tread Hurling is more than just another sport — it’s a mission-driven solution to everything that’s broken in youth football, adult rec leagues, and even professional athletics.
It’s safer, smarter, and more inclusive.
It rewards character and discipline — not recklessness.
And best of all: it’s open to everyone.
If you’re ready to join the movement, train like a warrior, and compete in a league where your brain and body are protected — then Tread Hurling is the game for you.
