Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Lower Body Hamstring Stretch Seated Straddle Stretch Legs straight out and together Legs are not locked Bend at hips, reach toward ankles As flexibility increases, reach for feet Push out through the heels, forcing toes to the sky Legs straddled, bend at hips Reach out toward the middle Keep the back straight Hurdler Stretch - Incorrect Hurdler Stretch - Correct Correct alignment of lead leg is important in hurdle stretch regardless if you are a hurdler or not. The foot must be aligned in the forward direction of running. Bend knee, touch bottom of foot to opposite thigh Straight leg, toes are toward sky Push out through the heel, forcing toes to the sky Bend at hips in nice easy stretch, reaching toward the feet or ankles Bring chest to knee 28 Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004