Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Essential Components of Planning a Football Training Session Special Olympics athletes respond well to a simple, well-structured training routine with which they can become familiar. An organized plan, prepared before you get to the field, will help establish such a routine and help make best use of your limited time. A recommended training plan is outlined below. Warming Up/ Stretching • • • • Every player warms up with a ball; i.e., low-intensity dribbling drills. Stretch each muscle group. Have players lead the stretching while coaches assist individual players when necessary. Finish the warm-up with a fun dribbling/tag game. Sample Warm-Up Routine Easy Aerobic Run Flexibility Stretches Triceps Stretch Side Stretch Groin Stretch Supine Hamstring Stretch Hamstring Stretch Seated Saddle Stretch Hurdler’s Stretch/Reverse Quad Stretch Abdominal Stretch Toe Pointers Mobility Stretches Forward-&-Back Leg Swings Side Swings Lunges Rhythm Drills Easy Skipping High Knees High Skipping Jogging Butt Kicks Skipping Kicks Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 5