Warm Ups for Juniors

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mas cambios

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Warm Ups for Juniors

Anyone got any advice on the best way to introduce warm up's to juniors? Thinking of up to under 13's.

Have no problem in setting up little games to help raise the heart rate etc but I'm wondering to what extent do they need to know or get involved in stretching etc.

Cheers
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

This is an interesting question. Active youngsters do not need to stretch, however, they should understand the importance of a warm up [and a cool down]. Actually programming these in to the sessions gets them off to a good start.

Having said this, not many youngsters these days are active. By the time they get to secondary school, they spend most of their time sitting; in cars, at school desks, at the computer, watching television etc. Because of this, they develop tight hamstrings, hip flexors and pecs. By the time they get to 11 years old, they should be encouraged to stretch.

Games are great for warm ups; I usually put them in lines of four behind coloured cones and get them 'jigging' about to instructions. When I coach 7 - 10 year olds, I always warm up dynamically and cool down with gentle stretching but this is more to relax them/bring down their heart rates after the activity.
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

Cheers for that Liz, the games are great for getting them active and we do try to make them have some link to cricket (no matter how small!) but the key thing is to keep it fun as well as getting them moving.

So would it be ok to do some very gentle stretching in the manner you suggest? Just to help them understand the benefits of it?
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

mas cambios said:
Cheers for that Liz, the games are great for getting them active and we do try to make them have some link to cricket (no matter how small!) but the key thing is to keep it fun as well as getting them moving.

So would it be ok to do some very gentle stretching in the manner you suggest? Just to help them understand the benefits of it?
Click to expand...

I have to say, quite often, my games do not have anything to do with cricket and yes... I do use a rugby ball :D

Gentle stretching is great after the activity. I like to do these lying down for extra relaxation. Just go through the motions; do not push any stretch until about 12 years old. It is the 'understanding' that is vitally important.
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

Saying that we do get them playing a bit of dodgeball which seems a popular one.

Thanks for the tips on the stretching, was kind of what I thought the answer would be but it's good to hear it from someone else.
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

Dodgeball is always a favourite. I like to use foamballs but the little people always manage to find the hard ones :laugh:
 
Re: Warm Ups for Juniors

Thanks for the link some good stuff in there. Interesting to hear about their position change on stretching, will have to do a bit more reading up on it.
 
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