Cool-down and review

Setup

1. Mark a square of four cones about 25 × 15 m on the grass, away from any batting or throwing still going on.
2. Players put gloves, bats and balls away first, and have a drink.
3. Have the pitch count log ready for anyone who pitched or caught today.

How it runs

1. Easy jog for one lap around the cones, then walk a lap while breathing slowly.
2. Form a circle around the coach. Hold each stretch for about 20 seconds without bouncing: arm across the chest, arm overhead with the hand down the back, wrist and forearm stretch, calves, quads, hamstrings, hip flexors.
3. Arm check: ask each player how the throwing arm feels. Anyone with pain in the elbow or shoulder stops throwing and the coach tells the parent or carer.
4. Record pitch counts for today's pitchers and note their required rest days (follow your national body's pitch-count guidelines, such as Pitch Smart). Note who caught too, as juniors shouldn't pitch and catch on the same day.
5. Quick review in the circle: one thing that went well, one thing to practise at home, and what's on at the next session. Finish with a team call.

Coaching points

• Slow the heart rate down gradually; no sprinting in the cool-down.
• Gentle stretches only; stop if anything hurts.
• Make the arm check normal: every player, every session, so reporting pain feels easy.
• Keep the review short and specific: name the skill, not the player who made a mistake.
• Ask players to answer, not just the coach talking.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the cool-down when the session runs late.
• Bouncing in stretches or pulling the arm hard behind the back.
• Forgetting to write down pitch counts before players leave.
• A long lecture instead of a two-minute review.
• Players chatting on the boundary while equipment is still lying around.