Soccer coaching tips for pre match warm ups
Time spent encouraging and warming up your team before kick-off is well rewarded when the players run out onto the pitch. It has happened to me where, due to poor directions, traffic, or just bad timing, my teams have staggered onto the pitch just before the whistle blows. And boy does it tell.
Encourage punctuality by preparing a routine and making sure that every player and parent understands its purpose. Make it a rule that if a player is late, he doesn’t start the match.
Match day fliers should include a time for warm-up drills, so parents know what time to arrive. Make sure directions are correct and include parking arrangements.
For under-12s, a routine that takes 20 - 30 minutes should be adequate.
30 minutes countdown
The first players and parents to arrive can meet up and socialise. Make sure the players are properly dressed - shin guards, boot laces tied, an extra layer or two in cold weather, etc..
25 minutes... loosen up
As players arrive, take the time to have a word with each of them. “Is your ankle still sore?” “Going to add to your goal tally today?” “Did you enjoy the match last week?” Talk to your keeper about how well he is playing.
Take the team to an area where they can pass a ball around in groups of threes. Get them working on soccer drills using one-twos and dribbles and turns. Get the groups to pass between them. Use soccer warm up drills to keep them moving.
You can also play a keepaway game; 2/1 offense/defence ratio. Get them to focus on the point that they are here for, to play soccer!
20 minutes... stretching a point
Get your captain to lead dynamic stretching drills. All at an easy jog pace: Jog, Backwards, Side-to-Side shuffle to the left, to the right, Hit your outstretched hands with your knees, Kick your open hands (behind your back) with your heels, Bend down Touch the Ground w/Left hand, w/Right hand, w/Both hands.
15 minutes... don’t panic!
Everyone get a drink of water. Get players doing calm static stretching drills. Sort out the starting line-up.
Don’t change it if players show up a few minutes before kick-off even if they are the best ones! Make a note to bring them on during the half.
Give encouragement to your keeper, backs, midfielders, and strikers. Try to keep your remarks to under two minutes. Sort out player registration cards (if your league has them) with the opposition.
10 minutes... step up a gear
Get the team into game mode. Make arrangements to have an assistant run a warm up drill with the keeper. You go in goal, put player A just outside the penalty area even with the right goal post, player B next to him even with the left post.
The rest of the players form two lines on either side of the goal posts just off the playing field. First player in the line plays the ball diagonally to A who shoots.
Passer runs around to take his place. A goes to the back of near line after the shot. First player in the other line passes to B who shoots while passer runs around other shooter to take B’s place. Limit the shooting distance and number of touches before the shot according to age and skill.
Encourage low shots on target; put away rebounds. Parents can help collect missed shots or kids have to chase their own high and wide ones. Keep the lines moving.
5 minutes... Captain to the fore
Captains are called out for the coin toss. When they return, bring the team together for a very brief pep talk. A big cheer, and starters take their positions on the field.
There should be a minute or two to warm up the keeper in the goal area you will be defending and to pass a few balls among the players who are in their positions.
Now you’re ready to kick-off...
Click here for a selection of warm-up and warm-down soccer (football) drills.
Soccer coaching tips
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