Warm-ups and cool-downs are two of the most important aspects of your training and match day routines.
It’s vital that your players warm-up and cool-down properly in order to maximise their performance and reduce the risk of injury. We tell you how and why warm-ups and cool-downs work and we suggest some activities that you might try with your team.
This fun activity is perfect for use on match days, allowing you to warm up your players’ passing and moving technique. Set up You need balls, bibs, cones and a mannequin (cone/training pole) in a 20 x 15 yard area with four cones on the corners and a centre mannequin (or cone/training pole). We used […]
Getting the most out of your players can be hugely rewarding. While your knowledge and experience is undoubtedly the most telling influence on their development, encouraging children to find their own methods is always a good idea. Here are six tips for empowering your players, offering versatility and individuality in how they learn the game. […]
This simple passing exercise will encourage your young players to work on their possession so they can dictate the play at speed in match situations. Why use it This session is to help players to pass the ball at speed and will improve the skills of young players in one of the most vital areas […]
A simple and easy warm-up to get your players thinking about speed, both when running without the ball and when dribbling with the ball. Why use it Good for engaging soccer brains and ABCs. Set up Mark out two baselines that are set 20 yards apart. We have used eight players for this warm-up. You […]
This is the time of year when players push themselves that little bit further in trying to end the season on a high and end up being injured. Quite often they have picked up an injury early in the season and have played through with it. Proper warm-ups are one of the ways to make […]
This five minute fitness drill can be used during your training sessions for a quick break to help coaching points sink in, or as an incentive for a drinks break. Why use it This is a great warm-up to get your players moving in all directions so they are ready to play in matches. Set […]
Straight from the Fulham Academy training ground, this warm-up will help develop your team’s ability to use both feet and to pass accurately. Why use it This is a great warm up to get your players passing the ball and working in sequences and passing patterns. Using a circle is a good way to get […]
Under 8s usually turn up to matches highly charged and in a state of great excitement, but any hanging around in rain or cold or just generally having to wait for the game to start brings them down to earth with a bang and so they have to be charged back up again! The way […]
This fun activity is perfect for use on match days, allowing you to warm up your players’ passing and moving technique. Difficulty Rating – 4 out of 5 stars Good technical warm up but does require the player in the centre to move quickly to keep the session going – the progression adds movement which […]
This session works on encouraging communication and good passing and getting players to drive into space and hit the target. Why use it This is excellent for team play with individuals linking and passing to create a goal scoring chance in the penalty area. Set up You need balls, bibs, cones and a goal. Set […]
