How to Do a Proper Youth Soccer Cooldown

One prominent feature of youth soccer is a nearly total lack of a proper cooldown. But a good cooldown is one of the most important aspects of sports and exercise.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm clothing
  • Distilled Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand the cooldown. A proper cooldown is a gradual slowing down of activity, followed by stretching.

    • 2

      Cool down every time you play. Don't just walk off a field. Whether at a game or practice, follow cooldown principles after all sports activity.

    • 3

      Put on warm clothing, and cover the legs to keep muscles from tightening in cool weather.

    • 4

      Do the same stretches as you use in a warmup. The cooldown need not be as elaborate, since its purpose is to unwind, both physically and mentally.

    • 5

      Stretch at least the major muscle groups of the legs. Since stretching is best performed on warm muscles, post-activity stretching is very efficient.

    • 6

      Drink and eat immediately after playing. Proper rehydration and refueling speeds muscle recovery.