It was the first game of the season on Saturday and the local council had decided to close the main road leading to our club’s ground. So the phone calls started coming in thick and fast: "Dave we are going to be late."
It was the first game of the season on Saturday and the local council had decided to close the main road leading to our club’s ground. So the phone calls started coming in thick and fast: "Dave we are going to be late."
This reason is why it is vital that you have activities that your players can join in once it has started running – as they all arrive at different times the session can keep going with players adding into it.
I have a lot of warm ups and arrival activities in my locker but here are some of my favourites that benefit different age groups.
One of the best warm-ups for eager younger players is Bib pull-away. It’s simple to set up and great for young players who have energy to harness. Plus, it focuses young minds on individual responsibility within a team.
One of my go-to warm-ups is One touch passing. It’s ideal on match day as it gets players moving the ball quickly and with purpose as soon as they get onto the pitch.
For a more elaborate warm-up, Chase the cones is a great problem-solving activity that will energise brains and bodies. I saw this game used by Real Madrid at a training session before an important game, so I know it works. Check it out because it’s good fun for older players.
Finally, for a focused goal-scoring session, Total finishing warm-up gets pairs of strikers to combine and create chances for each other in the penalty area. It is great for technique as well as the movement. Use this warm-up to make sure your strikers are switched on in the final third of the pitch.
Bib pull-away
One touch passing
Chase the cones
Total finishing warm-up
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.