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Stretches for u11s and u12s

Karl Adams

Hi, 

I was wondering if you had any guides or visual aids to help integrate into training sessions and prior to a game. 

We have a fairly basic set up in regards to stretches but would really love to build on this this year. 

I use the kids to demonstrate stretches as gets them involved more, they all dislike stretching and would like to develop this and make more fun and engaging. 

Many thanks Karl 

  • 0
    Hi Karl, this is an area that we as coaches don't have expertise in. At this age and stage it should be about preparing the players for the actions they are about to partake in. Can the coach simulate some of those actions during the warm-up? Typically pre 13 years old stretching is not as important as it would be at older ages. Anything more complex should passed onto an expert in S&C. It is too easy for football coaches to give general information around stretching. Questions such as what are you stretching for? have the players been getting injuries around certain muscle groups? have the players been complaining of stiffness or soreness? Are key to understanding the physical development of the children we coach. It is a complex and sometimes controversial area.
    Hope that helps.
    Thanks,
    Pete
  • 0

    Hi Karl,

    At that age they shoudn't need specific static stretching before or after training. I always do dynamic stretching only before training but I only started this when they were 13-14 as they are growing more then and more likely to strain a muscle. I do gentle jogging, heel flicks, high knees, side to side lateral movements. You can then move on to walking lunges and squats but these need to be done properly. 

    For your age simply having a few cones and a ball with lots of forward/backward and sideways movement is a good warm up.

  • 0

    FIFA produced something which may give you some ideas.  Fun games and things that you could build into warm ups. Search on Google for FIFA 11+ FOR KIDS MANUAL A WARM-UP PROGRAMME FOR PREVENTING INJURIES IN CHILDREN’S FOOTBALL 

  • 0

    Good afternoon Karl,

    I’ve been very interested in this area recently and thus looked into it too. I am also just finishing off a strength and conditioning course too so have done some work and research into it as part of my course and coursework.

    The Fifa 11+ is a good starting point to look at and to use for stretches etc.

    As far as what ages to start this from everybody has there own opinion and view on it. But I believe there’s no harm in being aware if not specific in considering all factors at all ages.