Stretching - Frog Pose

Frog pose from the side

So in the last few practices I have noticed that a few players have pulled or otherwise tweaked their groin/inner thigh muscles. I think this in all likelihood has to do with the act of kicking and for those who are not used to it, it is activating some deep inner thigh and adductor muscles. Below is a yoga pose that I have found and often use that I would suggest as a possible remedy/preventive exercise in regards to this. If anyone else has suggestions for other helpful stretches please share! 

(I tried to find a video that wasn't horrible awkward or odd or boring and well couldn't really find a great one. There are quite a few when you google it, so if you want to give it a go!)

The Frog Pose is an intermediate-level yoga posture. It provides a very deep stretch for the inner thighs and hips. If your knees are sensitive, have a couple of blankets or a thick yoga mat available to place under your knees for cushioning. If you have any back sensitivities, be sure to keep the abdominal muscles contracted and do not over-arch the lower back. Move slowly in and out of this posture.

Frog Pose from the front 

Instructions

1. • 1
     Get on the floor on your hands and knees. Start to walk your knees out to the side and away from one another.
   • 2
     Keep your ankles and feet in line. The knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle, with the ankles straight below. The feet should not kick in or out.
   • 3
     Come down onto your forearms. Start to gently rock the body forward and backward, bringing the hips between the feet and then back to the starting position.
   • 4

     

     Frog pose from a back/top view

     The closer your knees are to your elbows, and the farther the knees are apart, the deeper this stretch becomes.
   • 5
     After rocking forward and backward a few times, slowly rock back and bring the buttocks as close to the heels as you can. Keep the hips down and the back flat. Hold for five to 10 deep breaths.
   • 6
     Release slowly. Bring your hips forward; come back up to your hands first, then bring the knees slowly together.