Carousel warm-up

WHY USE IT

This form of warm-up provides the players with a more relaxed environment, where they can prepare for the main activity ahead in small groups. It is also very adaptable, as the tasks can be easily changed to meet specific needs. For instance on a colder day, the level of intensity can be increased.

SET UP

Mark out a number of small areas and split players equally between them. Within each individual area, the players complete a specific task.

HOW TO PLAY

In the first instance, all the players complete the same low-intensity activity that begins the warm-up. For example, they could pass the ball between themselves and, after playing a pass, jog to any side of their area and touch the floor before looking to receive the ball again. Once they have done this initial task, they then complete the activity specific to their area.

After a set time period, the groups of players move to the next station and complete the new activity. They continue to do this until they have visited all of the different areas. Any type of activity can be set up within an area, such as a rondo or ball juggling, but some of the areas must have some form of dynamic stretching.