Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Warm-Up and Strength Drills Butt Kicks Butt kicks are a universal drill throughout sport. They are a great drill used in football training to help athletes develop those fast twitch muscles needed for the constant starting, stopping, pivoting and turning required in football. While doing butt kicks, the back is straight with a slight forward body lean. The body lean is natural as the player would assume while running. Remember, arms are legs higher up. Encourage your athletes to keep pumping and driving them throughout the drill. Push-Ups Push-Ups – Up Position Push-Ups – Down Position Push-Ups with a Clap Make sure your athletes fully extend their arms in the start position, with a straight back. They can help keep a straight back by squeezing their abdominal muscles. When athletes are in the down position, their elbows should be parallel with their shoulders. For variety and increased intensity, add a clap to the push-up exercise. This can help athletes test themselves and each other while working hard and still have fun. 30 Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004