Warm Up
Activity
This warm-up will include a variety of relay races in teams with simple running games, jumping, hopping, balancing exercises and some have incorporated a ball. These activities help in warming up their muscles, improving coordination, and preparing their bodies for the more demanding movements required in soccer. By engaging in a variety of fun, dynamic movements, children not only enhance their physical skills but also develop confidence, spatial awareness, and a sense of rhythm and timing.
Relays No Ball
Divide your players into pairs or groups of three for a relay race. do not have any more than 3 players in a group. Create lines for them to run towards and add a cone for them to touch or run around. Use any of the following variations for your warm up
High Knees & Heel Flicks
Player 1 performs high knees to line 2 and back, then tags Player 2. On the next round, switch to heel flicks to the same line and back.
Shuttle Runs Varied Pace
Player 1 sprints to line 2, then jogs back to the start, and tags Player 2. When Player 2 gets back they take Player 1 who repeats to line 3. This simulates the varied pacing of a soccer match.
Skipping & Hopping
Player 1 skips to line 2 and hops back on one leg, then tags Player 2. When Player 2 gets back they take Player 1 who repeats to line 3. Alternate the hopping leg on each round for balance.
Shuttle Run Sprints
Player 1 sprints to line 2 goes around the cone, then sprints back to the start, and tags Player 2. When Player 2 gets back they take Player 1 who repeats to line 3.
Shuttle Runs Forwards & Backpedal
Player 1 sprints to line 2 forwards, then backpedal to the start and tags Player 2. When Player 2 gets back they take Player 1 who repeats to line 3.
Bear Crawl & Crab Walk
Player 1 bear crawls to line 2 and crab walks back, then tags Player 2. This is a full-body movement that also activates the core.
Side Shuffle
Player 1 shuffles sideways to line 2 facing one way they then turn face the other way and side shuffle back to the start, then tags Player 2. Repeat, shuffling to the opposite side for symmetry.
Walking Lunges & Reverse Lunges
Player 1 does walking lunges to line 2 and reverse lunges back, then tags Player 2. Focus on form and depth of the lunges for strength and stability.
Dribbling & Passing
Divide your players into pairs or groups of three for a relay race. do not have any more than 3 players in a group. Create lines for them to run towards and add a cone for them to touch or run around. Use any of the following variations for your warm up
Dribble To The Cone
Player 1 dribbles directly at the cone on line 2 stops the ball before hitting the cone makes a turn and dribble back to give the ball to player 2 who repeats. Second time the player goes to cone at line 3 and does the same.
Dribble Around The Cone
Players 1 dribbles around the cone on line 2 with our hitting it and dribbles back to give the ball to player 2 who repeats. Second time the player goes to cone at line 3 and does the same.
Dribble & Pass Back
Player 1 dribbles out and around the cone on line 2 then passes back to player 2 who repeats. On the second round the players go out and around the cone on line 3 and then pass back to their partner.
Short Passes Together
The player stand side by side approx. 3 years apart and will pass the ball back and fourth until they get to the cone at line 2 they then swap side ad go back to the starting line. Repeat the next time to the cone at line 3
One Backpedals One Passes
One players faces the wrong way and back-pedals the other player passes them the ball the player backpedaling just stops the ball and backs up again the pair repeat this until they get to line 2 then they swap roles on the way back to the start line. Repeat to the 3rd line.