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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.
Coaching Guides

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Upper Body

Chest Opener   Side Stretch
Chest Opener   Side Stretch
Clasp hands behind back
Palms facing in
Push hands toward sky
  Raise arms over head
Bend to one side
Bring arms back to center
Switch to other side
 
Side Arm Stretch   Trunk Twist
Side Arm Stretch   Trunk Twist
Raise arms over head
Clasp hands, palms up
Push hands toward sky
(If the athlete is unable to clasp the hands, he/she can still get a good stretch by pushing the hands to the sky)
  Stand with back to partner (as above)
Turn, reaching palms toward partner's palms
Repeat on other side
 
Triceps Stretch   Shoulder Triceps Stretch
Triceps Stretch   Shoulder Triceps Stretch
Raise both arms over head
Bend arm, bring hand to back
Grasp elbow of bent arm and pull gently toward the middle of the back
Repeat with other arm
  Take elbow into hand
Pull to opposite shoulder
Turn head in the opposite direction of the pull
Arm may be straight or bent
Repeat with other arm
 
Chest Stretch
Chest Stretch   Chest Stretch
Clasp hands behind neck
Push elbows back
Keep the back straight and tall
  This is a simple stretch that the athletes may not feel a lot when stretching. However, it opens up the chest and inner shoulder areas, preparing the chest and arms for the workout.
 
Arm Circles
Arm Circles
Swing arms forward in large circles
Repeat going forward and backward
 
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