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Special Olympics offers training and competition opportunities in 30 Olympic-type sports for athletes 8 years or older.  For children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7, Special Olympics provides a Young Athletes Program. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life. As a grass-roots organization, Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.
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Lower Body

Calf Stretch   Calf Stretch with Bent Knee
Calf Stretch   Calf Stretch with Bent Knee
Stand facing wall/fence
Lean arms and forehead on wall/fence
Bend forward leg slightly
Bend ankle of back leg
  Bend both knees to ease strain
 
 
Hamstring Stretch   Seated Straddle Stretch
Hamstring Stretch   Seated Straddle Stretch
Legs straight out and together
Legs are not locked
Bend at hips, reach toward ankles
As flexibility increases, reach for feet but don't pull on toes
Push out through the heels, pointing toes to the sky
  Legs straddled, bend at hips
Reach out toward the middle
Keep the back straight
 
 
Hurdle Stretch — Incorrect   Hurdle Stretch — Correct
Reverse Hurdle Stretch, Incorrect  
Correct alignment of the lead leg is important in a hurdle stretch. The foot must be aligned in the forward direction of running.
 
Sit with legs outstretched
Bend knee, touch bottom of foot to opposite thigh
Toes of the straight leg are flexed toward sky
Push out through the heel, forcing toes to the sky
Bend at hips in nice easy stretch bringing chest forward toward knee, reaching toward the outstretched foot
 
 
 
Step-Ups   Standing Hamstring Stretch
Step-Ups   Standing Hamstring Stretch
Step onto support, with bent leg
Push hips in, toward support
  Rest heel of foot
Push chest/shoulders in and up
 
 
Forward Bend
Forward Bend   Forward Bend
Stand, arms outstretched overhead
Slowly bend at waist
  Bring hands to ankles or shins or knees without strain
Point fingers toward feet
 
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