YPT ask the trainers

TRAINER: Henk Mariman

CLUB: Germinal-Beerschot Antwerp

AGE GROUP(S): Academy Director

COUNTRY: Belgium

"We only use dynamic stretching. This type of stretching is related with soccer. In a game (or training session) the muscles have a lot of contractions. Its important to prepare them for that type of labour you use in the game.

After the game we do the same dynamic stretching. After a game the muscles have a lot of microscopic cracks (the muscle is damaged because of the labour during the game) Its very important to run (very slow) - 30 minutes and to do some dynamic stretching. Its forbidden to use static stretching because of the damaged muscles.

In the warm-up its important to use short distances like in the game (players have to turn a lot) At the end they can do some long runs. (Steigerungs)

Some players have short muscles: during the week they can use the PNF stretching method.

Youth players should start with the ball as soon as possible!

TRAINER:

CLUB: Manchester United FC

AGE GROUP(S): under 9

COUNTRY: England

FORMER CLUB(S):

"In the answer to the question due to the ever changing pressure and intensity of training flexibility is now a massive part of 6 to 10 year olds training along with all other components of LTAD (long term athletic development).

As I work at the under 9 academy a major feature in our programme is technique to combine movement, balance, co-ordination and stretching as part of a session we would demonstrate to the boys a warm up with a ball each in several different ways using both feet and hands without striking the ball for at least 10 minutes and then decrease the amount of footballs to encourage greater movement patterns through a wider range whilst encouraging the main theme. On completion of the specified warm up time we would then give freedom of movement to the group even allowing groups to form and choose their own specific game on occasion which fulfils their personal physical needs. (as we take boys right through the year groups and have bigger group numbers than most clubs - size ranges varies vastly).

We demonstrate and encourage static stretching in the home before and after sessions as they are safer and get the individuals into good habits both physically and mentally which are easy to copy and assessed by parents and siblings. Dynamic stretching can be incorporated into the session after a small warm up and must be controlled by the coach at the younger age. (the use of music is of particular interest to the younger groups to encourage this) However remember it is a football club not a disco so encourage the positive mental state and stimulate - don't distract or over excite."

TRAINER: Mick Priest

CLUB:Oldham Athletic FC

AGE GROUP(S): under 11, under 15

COUNTRY: England

FORMER CLUB(S): Manchester United FC

"Stretching in my opinion does vary with the age of the player. All the work I do with the Under 11's down involves no stretching whatsoever. The players warm up with a ball and then get into the session. Scientifically speaking there maybe flaws in this, but time is limited and the need to practice outweighs spending 10 mins stretching. At Under 12 we start introducing it as a part of habit forming. After that, a lot of dynamic stretching is done, this can still be done so that a ball is involved. After all, mastery of the ball is key.

For my pre-game with my Under 15's we do lots of different kinds of running that simulate the game, inter-mingled with static and dynamic stretching. But I still place most of the emphasis on game and ball related stuff for the stretches.

The cool down is slightly different in the fact that I put the ball away, and just let the lads jog slowly until they have 'come down' from the game, once again bits of static and dynamic stretching is used.

I am not the biggest believer in stretching but do it because it is the expected thing, but I would rather be inventive and use ball routines, and game related exercises to cover flexibility and warm up. Stretching in my opinion does vary with the age of the player. All the work I do with the Under 11's down involves no stretching whatsoever. The players warm up with a ball and then get into the session. Scientifically speaking there maybe flaws in this, but time is limited and the need to practice outweighs spending 10 mins stretching. At Under 12 we start introducing it as a part of habit forming. After that, a lot of dynamic stretching is done, this can still be done so that a ball is involved. After all, mastery of the ball is key.

TRAINER: Carlos Salvach�a

CLUB: Villareal CF

COUNTRY: Spain

FORMER CLUB(S): Real Madrid FC

"Normally I have this order to stretch:

1�- Run 4-5 minutes (soft pace) to warm up the muscles before the stretching.

2�- Static stretching.

3�- Exercise to warm up and dynamic stretching.

4�- After the game or the training, static stretching ( I don't know if the player have small injuries in his muscles for the effort).

Now, I have to make a stretching session, after the general warm up, I can make dynamic stretching on pairs to obtain more elongation with the help of the other player."

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TRAINER: Jesus 'Guti" Gutierez

CLUB: Real Madrid CF

COUNTRY: Spain

FORMER CLUB(S):

I think youth players don't need the warm up to start to play. They usually don�t make it when they are going to play with their friends in the streets. And we know they never suffer injuries playing football on this way.

I use a short warm up with the players from 12 years and up (until 15). It contains some locomotion games and static stretching. Then, we pass directly to the ball.

For older players i think it's a good moment to introduce a good warm up, that must contains, in my opinion, both types of stretching: static and dynamic.

About the post-game cool down I usually recommend several minutes of jogging and static stretch. Very important let the players the last minutes to take special care on the muscles they feel more tired.

w w w . Y P T u s a . c om

ARCHIVE TOPIC: STRETCHING:

What type of stretching do you use for your pre-game warm-up and post game cool down? Does it vary for different age groups? Do you have any other input regarding stretching, warm-ups or cool downs?

Dan Myers, West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

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