Mirror Stretch Circle Cool Down

Objective

• -Lengthen the main muscle groups after work
• -Give players ownership of the cool down
• -Close the session calmly

Setup

1. 1A wide circle with players spaced an arm's length apart in a 12 x 12 yards area.
2. 2Face players in two lines five yards apart with a ball each.
3. 3One ball for the talking point.

How to play

1. 1Players take turns leading a stretch for the group.
2. 2Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing.
3. 3The ball is passed to whoever speaks next.
4. 4One line leads a movement and the opposite line copies it exactly.
5. 5Swap leaders every 45 seconds so everybody leads.

Progressions

• +Leader adds a turn or a skill
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Leader slows the movement right down
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Leader is chosen by a coach cue mid-round
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Rushing through the holds
• -Coach doing all the talking
• -Copying late instead of reacting