How to run an effective football practice continued...
Tip # 3 – Stretch before practice
Most athlete’s do not stretch before practice. A great way to warm up is to spend 5-10 minutes stretching before doing a short
conditioning drill. This is a great way to get your players warmed up before getting into the "core" of your practice.
Most players play different positions and should concentrate on stretching different muscles. Wide receivers and running back
should concentrate on stretching their legs as they will be running more often the athletes in other positions. Lineman should
focus on their lower body and back. Quarterbacks should spend extra time stretching their back and arms. This will provide them
with additional flexibility and better velocity on passes.
Doing some additional stretching after practice can provide a nice warm down and reduce the number of injuries. One way to be
consistent with your stretching is to have the players get together with their position coaches each day, and have the coaches
lead the stretching drills.
Tip # 4 – Shorten your practices at the end of the season
As you get close to the end of the football season, try cutting your football practice plans to 90 minutes (or less). This will
help your player to rest and reduce the changes of players getting injured. Having a well rested football team can go along way
at the end of the year.
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