When you think football, explosive power and speed come to mind as the key components for performance at all positions on the field. In addition to increasing these two capabilities for your players, one of the goals for your football season should be to improve their flexibility.
I want my football players to be strong and fast—why does flexibility matter?
You want to help your players reach their maximum athletic potential, so you will want to spend as much time as you can helping them build muscle. As such, you may not see the value in spending precious time on increasing flexibility. Here are the reasons why flexibility matter so much for football players: Your football players will get stronger
Flexible muscles are more prepared for action than inflexible ones. As such, your players will have more explosiveness.
Your football players won’t get injured as often
By increasing the range of motion and reducing the tension on joints, increased flexibility also significantly reduces the likelihood of injury—the worst thing that can happen to a football player.
3 yoga poses that can improve flexibility for your football players
Yoga, which provides a combination of resistance training and stretching, is the best way to improve your players’ flexibility. That being said, there are hundreds of yoga poses; not all yoga poses are optimal — or possible — for your players. To help your team get started with the development of their flexibility, here are three yoga poses that you should integrate into your training sessions:
1. Dolphin pose
A limited range of motion in the spine makes it difficult to reach out for catches, twist away from defenders or spin around blockers. The dolphin pose stabilizes the spine, so that the range of motion will increase. This also reduces the likelihood of back injuries.
2. Reclining big toe pose
The reclining big toe pose stretches the hamstrings, calf muscles and groin. This will significantly enhance the potential running, jumping and thrusting explosiveness. With more flexibility around the knee, ACL and MCL tears will also be less likely.
3. Sole stretch pose
The ankle is another area where injuries commonly occur in football players. The sole stretch increases flexibility from the toe to the top of the calf, greatly reducing the likelihood of ankle sprains.
As your players’ flexibility increases, you will find it easier to reach your goals for your football season.