SKILLS ENDURANCE WARM UP 

@DavidBairdSC

A few highlights from the teams warm up in preparation of a game the next day: 

Fun Warm Up (dribbling)

Explanation: This is a fun introductory activity for young kids learning to dribble the ball. Set up a 30x30 square (depending on numbers) have all players lined up on the end line with a ball and two defenders in the center of the square.

The key to this exercise is to get past the defenders and to the other side, the main focus is on close control, change of direction and teaching young players to get their head up and see the field when running with a soccer ball.

On the coaches command players attempt to get from one side of the square to the other without the defenders kicking your ball outside the square. If an attacker is tackled they become defenders for the next round. The person tackled must sit down where they lost the ball and attempt to tackle players without standing up. The last player left wins.

Coaching Points:

• Change direction and pace to avoid tacklers
• Get your head up to see the defenders and 'sitters'
• Avoid the players on the ground

Basic Warm Up

Set Up: Using a 20x20 area set up four cones in each corner with an equal amount of players at each cone. You will need two soccer balls for this basic warm up.

Instruction: The player at the front of the line passes the ball to the line opposite then runs as quickly as possible backwards to the end of his own line. This is repeated with the players receiving the ball and everything is to be done with 2 touches.

Coaching Points: Good first touch with instep, touch the ball forward so you can step onto the pass. Firm, accurate passes! Also stress running backwards as fast as possible to stretch the legs.

 

Progression - Dynamic Stretches

Instruction: The ball continues on it's path, always working up and down the line, this time the players will work side to side. When a player makes his pass he will then side step (dynamic stretch) to join the line to his side. Although this is done as a warm up, stress the importance of a good first touch and a firm pass. The pressure here is a bad pass will break the flow of the exercise.

Another Progression: This time the players will travel diagonally, working on high knees and high ankles across the playing surface. Control the ball, pass and then work diagonally stretching off and moving to receive the ball in your new position.

Final Progression: This progression increases the intensity to ensure all players are warm and muscles have been stretched ready for activity. Again the ball always travels in the same path (forward and backward) This time once a player passes the ball they must perform a sprint around the square to join the opposite line. At the coaches discretion you can also add the stipulation of one touch passing. This means if players don't time the pass well and run quickly the move is likely to break down. Can they perform the drill for 3 minutes without slowing the drill down? Allow time for further stretches at the end of the drill.