Basketball · Cool-down

Cool-down and review

An easy walking lap and stretches in the centre circle, then a quick review where only the player holding the ball talks.

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Start / 5
Time
8 min
Players
1–20
Age
U10+
Area
Full court
Equipment
1 basketball (size 6 or 7) as the talking ball

Setup

  1. Players walk one easy lap of the court together.
  2. Everyone then spreads out round the centre circle with the coach in the middle.

How it runs

  1. Walk a lap breathing slowly, shaking out the arms and legs.
  2. Hold each stretch for 15 seconds: calves, hamstrings, quads, shoulders.
  3. Coach passes the talking ball; the holder says one thing that went well.
  4. They pass it on; the next player names one thing to practise at home.

Coaching points

  • Slow, steady breathing; no bouncing in the stretches.
  • Keep the review short: one sentence each.
  • Everyone listens while the ball holder talks.

Common mistakes

  • Rushing the stretches to get home sooner.
  • Only the loudest players speaking; pass the ball to everyone.

Say it: “Breathe slow. Ball holder talks.”

Make it harder

  • Players lead a stretch each and explain which muscle it works.
  • Each player sets a goal for the next session.

Make it easier

  • Coach asks yes or no questions with a thumbs up or down.
  • Shorter stretches of 10 seconds.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.