We Want Change! Barack Obama and Dynamic Stretching
We want change! We want change! It is incredible to watch and experience the excitement that is sweeping the country right now. While Barack Obama has excited and captivated the nation and the world, dynamic stretching is putting some excitement and energy back into the team warm-up.
Like many coaches, I've transitioned to dynamic stretching to warm-up my youth teams. I used this technique in football and soccer. Dynamic stretching uses movement, momentum and active muscular effort to bring about a stretch. I noticed the coaches of the San Francisco Dragons (pro lacrosse team) using dynamic stretching with the players back in the summer of 2006. My son participated in a camp hosted by the Dragons and the coaches took the player through a series of dynamic stretching exercises.
Time will tell if this approach is superior to the old static stretching approach. So, as Barack Obama often says, 'here's what I know.' My players have responded with enthusiasm to dynamic stretching and our practices are much crisper from the start. And that in and of itself is a good thing.
I’ll bring forward to you a new warm-up routine for the 2008 season. I’m creating a dynamic stretching quick reference sheet that will be complete with pictures and a short description.
All for now,
Mills
From Coach to Student of Positive Coaching (revised 1/30/2008)
Coaches are an interesting bunch. With the exception of a few coaches like Bill Belichick--New England Patriots--most don't stike me as too bright or talented. In my time as an althlete, I remember just one coach that seemed to embody everything that the Postive Coaching Alliance aims to achieve.
A recent conversation with another coach has insipred my to reflect on coaches as learners. I believe most coaches need to re-learn how to motivate players using tools provided by PCA. The problem is that most coaches don't take the time to become students again. They latch onto the tools and forms and continue to focus exclusively on skills. I recently reviewed a Positve Chart document created by my coaching friend following his game. It completely focused on physical skills to the complete exlucusion of anything to do with sportsmanship, teambuilding, fair play, etc. When I called him on this me told me that he "closely" follows the suggestions of PCA.
Well, like I said, coaches are not the smartest bunch. So, as you journey forward, don't be like my coach friend. Instead, be like Bill Belichick and be a student of the PCA games. Spend some time learning the specific suggestions and avoid the tendency to do a superfical review. Just because you have the forms this does not mean that you are applying the principles and concepts.
Bye for now,
mills
Team Warmup Exercise Routine
In this post, I share with you a collection of warmup exercises. This list was developed during the spring 2006 lacrosse season and then refined for flag football. You'll want to develop a similar list for your youth sports team. This season, I will laminate the sheet for quick review with the team captains.
My sheet includes the following warmup and begin static stretches. Print the attached graphic for more detail.
- Stick Jacks
- Windmill Arms (Front / Back)
- Butt Kicking (1 min)
- Toe Touch (3 count)
- Front of the Shoulder Stretch
- Triceps Stretch
- Flamingoes (Left & Right)
- Quadricep Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch (L&R)
- Calf Stretch
- Hamstring Stretch (L & R)
- Supine Hamstring Stretch
- Groin Stretch
- Sit and Reach
- Lunge Stretch
- Basic Push Up
- Team Jog
Bye for now,
Mills
Positive Coaching
If you are a coach or parent, you definitely want to look into the Positive Coaching Alliance. Their website is at www.positivecoach.org. I've been following their coaching principles and using their tools for the last 3 years. I've had great success using their 'positive charting' tool.They have an impressive advisory board including the following:- NBA and NCAA Champion Head Coach Larry Brown
- Basketball Superstar and Former Senator Bill Bradley
- NFL Hall of Fame Member Ronnie Lott
- Cy Young winner Barry Zito
- Philadelphia Eagles Great Herm Edwards (currently Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs)
Coaching Your Kids
Welcome to Coaching Your Kids.This is my blog about my hours coaching your kids.This blog is dedicated to all parents that spend time coaching youth sports. Of particular note for this blog will be flag football, basketball, lacrosse. All of which I happen to coach in the youth sports program here in Northern California. My athletes are 5th and 6th grade boys and many are the classmates of my son.Each post will consists of observations following practice or games. You'll benefit from my perspective as a coach, parent, and training professional. -Mills
