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Do Really Young Kids Need to Stretch Before Practices?

By Brian Gotta, President of Upstart Sports

While most kids this age are pretty limber by nature and don’t have much in the way of muscles to pull, it is always a good idea to get them to warm up their throwing arms before every game and practice, and to have them do some stretching exercises. I also recommend you start each practice and game with a short, medium paced jog out to centerfield and back. And though it is unusual to see muscle pulls and strains in six and seven year-olds, it is still a good idea to get them stretching at an early age if nothing more than for the good habits it forms for later. Besides, it’s fun to watch a group of six year-olds in a circle together trying to touch their toes and doing jumping-jacks.

Brian Gotta is a former professional recreational youth baseball coach and volunteer Little League coach and board member. He is President of Help Kids Play, a collection of companies whose mission is to further the development and enjoyment of youth sports.

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