Cool Downs

Cool Down Jog And Stretch: Reaction Start

Lower the heart rate gradually

Cool Downs

Cool Down Jog And Stretch: Reaction Start is a 8-minute cool downs drill for 1-24 players, suitable for Under 5 to Adults at beginner, intermediate level. You need cones. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Cool Downs
Cool Down
Beginner
Intermediate
Full Squad
Minimal Equipment
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Quick 10 Minutes
Speed & Agility
Reaction Speed
Competitive

Duration

8 min

Players

1-24

Pitch size

Any safe space

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Cool Down Jog And Stretch: Reaction Start1234Any safe space

Cool Down Jog And Stretch: Reaction Start — Four-corner square · Any safe space

Step 1 of 4Two minutes easy jogging around the loop.

  1. 1. Two minutes easy jogging around the loop.
  2. 2. Static stretches for calves, hamstrings, quads, hips and groin.
  3. 3. Hold each stretch for twenty to thirty seconds.
  4. 4. Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Ball
  • Cones mark each station in the shape
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Lower the heart rate gradually
  • -Stretch the main muscle groups
  • -Finish the session calmly

Setup

  1. 1Mark a jogging loop with four cones.
  2. 2Players spread out for the stretching.
  3. 3Water bottles nearby.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Two minutes easy jogging around the loop.
  2. 2Static stretches for calves, hamstrings, quads, hips and groin.
  3. 3Hold each stretch for twenty to thirty seconds.
  4. 4Every repetition begins from a visual or audio cue rather than a set count.

Coaching points

  • -Stretch to mild tension, never pain
  • -Breathe out into every hold
  • -Use the time to review the session
  • -Load the first step and explode on the cue
  • -Stay light on the toes while waiting

Common mistakes

  • -Bouncing in the stretch
  • -Skipping straight to the car
  • -Holding the breath

Where this drill fits

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