Dynamic stretching warm up drills

You don't need to be a physio to introduce these stretches into your team's warm up drills and realise the benefits for players.

Dynamic stretching is not new, but has become the received wisdom in many coaching circles. Put simply it's about stretching a muscle initially and then completing the stretch with momentum that will often take the muscle outside a normal range of motion. It is completely natural and safe as long as it is done properly.

Lightly swing the limb (either the arm or leg) to be stretched and feel for a point of tension or resistance.
The level of resistance should reduce as you swing then limb.
Increase the range of motion until you feel you have reached the maximum point of resistance - you can't swing the limb any further.
At that point, repeat the drill only a couple of times.
Do not stretch if the muscle is getting tired because it will begin to lose its elasticity.
Do not try to get to the maximum point too quickly.

The advantages of dynamic stretching

It creates elasticity in the muscles.
If used consistently, it will reduce warm up time.
Static stretches that are held for 30 seconds actually reduce muscle power straight after the stretch.

Dynamic stretching tips for rugby

All the boffins say dynamic stretching should resemble the activity you are about to do. This could start with stretching for running in the context of rugby.

Low kicks to high kicks.
Low knees to high knees.
Narrow steps with a small sit down to wide steps with a very low sit down.
On one leg, swing the other to the side at increasing angles.
Press ups and sit ups can be used, with small movements leading to full movement.

Multi-directional warm up drills

Coaches also need to think "multi-directional", with arms and legs moving in sideways as well as forward directions.

Experts say things like "always warm up with the ball, because that's more like the real game". But consider this: some players rarely see the ball. Instead they do a lot of moving around in different directions.

Running up and down passing is not multi-directional. Players should be zigzagging, running sideways, skipping backwards, jumping up, falling onto and getting off the floor, turning 90 or 180 degrees, and so on.

Of course the ball plays a part in all this, but as the defending side from kick off, for example, your players could easily be making these movements for 30 seconds, during which time most of them won't have touched the ball.

If you're looking for more ways to improve your warm ups, then my Ultimate Rugby Warm-Ups Manual is a "must-have" purchase. Containing more than 100 quick, easy and fun warm-up exercises, it will cover all your warm up and cool down requirements for seasons to come. Click here to read more about the manual and to order it.

This article is taken from the Better Rugby Coaching e-newsletter. Click here to sign up and get free rugby drills and skills twice a week.