Confused!?!

[Lar]

Hi peeps,

I'm looking for advice on streches, etc.

I understand the need to keep it fun and fresh but I've read that we should be getting kids to stretch. Does this mean we need to get them to do the usual stretches or does anyone have any fun alternatives?

Cheers,
Lar.

[ian.curry]

Usual dynamic stretches for me - just switches their body and mind on early, and they all know exactly what they are doing.
I did - in the past - rename all the stretches to something a bit more humourous.
For example, high skips were called monkey, which became Peter Reid.
Stepping over a gate on either side became Gareth Gates, and doing it backwards was Will Young ....and so on. On my Level 2 they told me it probably wasn't appropriate, so I stopped.

Fun wise we don't really use the warm up for this. I'd suggest doing your normal routine but adding in extras to switch their brains on also - for example turn left whilst kicking out right leg, and switch over.

[Jerzy]

Originally Posted by ian.curry

I did - in the past - rename all the stretches to something a bit more humourous.
For example, high skips were called monkey, which became Peter Reid.
Stepping over a gate on either side became Gareth Gates, and doing it backwards was Will Young ....and so on. On my Level 2 they told me it probably wasn't appropriate, so I stopped.

That's a good habit for most anything you do. I play lots of Simon Says and Follow the Leader, and try to have funny names for most of the games we play.

And for stretches, I've found that if the coach stretches with the players, it'll work out better. If you're the type of coach who kicks the ball around with the players while they're warming up and play in the ssgs and shooting drills, BUT, you don't stretch with them, you send a very loud nonverbal message that you don't think stretching is important.

[Val]

Originally Posted by Jerzy

And for stretches, I've found that if the coach stretches with the players, it'll work out better. If you're the type of coach who kicks the ball around with the players while they're warming up and play in the ssgs and shooting drills, BUT, you don't stretch with them, you send a very loud nonverbal message that you don't think stretching is important.

Good point... Wish I'd thought of that myself. I hereby resolve to stretch alongside my team.

Gawd, what an awful thought. I hated stretching when I was in shape, now I'm going to get shown up by all these super limber almost-gymnast girls....