Cool down games
Activities to add in at the end of the session
Transition out of a training session is just as important as transitioning into a session. We’re all aware of the importance of a physical warm up, but it also serves to mentally prepare players for the session ahead, especially if players have come straight from work or school.
I include cool down games as the last activity scheduled. They help to bring the session to a close. There is research exploring the minimal physical benefits of cool downs. However, I’ve found them to be useful in helping to mentally transition players out of training.
It also gives each session a familiar structure, which can be helpful when planning training and also helpful routine for the players, especially when they’re learning/being appropriately challenged in the main part of the session. A cooldown is also beneficial for players who are going through the menopause.
I tend to stick to a few activities and rotate them. Here are three you can use:
Cool down games
(Feel free to adapt to suit your practice and players)
Kick Tennis
I’m sure every coach has their version of kick tennis. This is the one I use.
Split players into two teams
Create a playing area and put a dividing line down the middle
Teams stand on opposite sides of the line
Players take turns kicking a ball over to the opposing team
If the ball is dropped or isn’t caught, the player that dropped it/was nearest is out of the game
The team that just received the ball takes their turn kicking it back
A player who is out of the game can return if their teammate gets a clean catch from a kick
The game ends when a team has no players left in the game
If a player is out of the game, I usually spend some time chatting to them or a teammate chats to them
This game can also be played for points, instead of players being removed from the game
You can also play a sudden death version of the game: once players are out, they cannot return.
Walking rugby
This game I usually adapt or keep simple depending on what the aims of the session are.
Split players into two games
Create a playing area
If the ball carrier is touch-tackled, they must stop and pass the ball backwards to a teammate.
This game is very simple, but it also gives an opportunity to continue working on skills is a rugby representative game
You can also use a rule where players have to play the ball through their legs like rugby league “chicken scratch”.
You could also add in some rules to make the game freer and allow one forward pass per tryscoring attempt.
Rugby Kickball
This game is a twist on rugby netball, which I often use for warm ups.
Split players into two teams
Create a playing area
Teams are aiming to score on the opposition tryline
Players can’t run with the ball
They can only kick the ball
They can kick the ball into space or kick pass to a teammate
Defenders can’t stand directly in front/close to the ball carrier. This is a safety rule when players are kicking
You can add in a movement rule: players could either run, walk or jog in this game.
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