Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): U8 - U9 HL Warm Ups

Warm Up 1 (10 mins)

Organization:

Players spread out inside a 15 x 15 area

Each player holds ball in one hand 

Activity

- All players must be moving around the area at all times

- Each player will attempt to keep their ball in their hand whilst simultaneously attempting to knock the ball out of other players hands

- Each player gets two lives, if they drop the ball twice they are out of the game

This activity is designed to be fun, and create a good atmosphere to start the session. There are learning opportunities specifically awareness of space, changes of diection and speed and protecting the ball.

Warm Up 3 (10 mins)

Organization

- Players in pairs line up opposite eachother in the middle of a 20x30 box

- One ball between the pair

- Pairs stand around 3 yards apart

Activity

- The players are numbered 1-2, and stand opposite each other on their toes

- On the coaches call of a number the number that he calls spins and attempts to get to the line behind them before the opposite number can beat them to it.

- Whichever player makes it first gets the point

- To make it more fun for the players you can have them starting in different positions, or can only use certain movements to get to the lines.

Progression

- Each player starts with a ball and when the numbers is called they have to dribble to the line. The opposite number can get 1 point by beating them to the line or go for 2 by kicking their ball off their oppositions ball.

Progression

- When the players number is called they attempt to get to their partners line with the ball. The partner must leave their ball and attempt to steal from their team mate.

This warm up is a fun way to get your players ready for the game and energized. The activity is focused on developing quick reaction speeds with and without the ball.

Warm Up 5 (10 mins)

Organization

- 20 x 30 area

- Place 2 lateral markings at the 10 yard and 20 yard line of the area

- A defender starts on each of the lateral lines

- All the attackers start at one end

Activity

- The players attempt to get through both lines without being tagged by the defenders

- If they are tagged they join the defender on the line that they were tagged

- The last runner without being tagged is the winner

Progression

- The players are given a ball and have to then get past the defenders on the lines without losing possession

This activity is focused on changes of speed and direction, fakes and disguises, and most of all fun. We should be encouraging players to be creative in how they beat the defenders, tactical in helping others and to enjoy playing the game.

Warm Up 7 (10 mins)

Organization

- Line the players up along the side line 2m apart

- Infront of each player place a cone 5 yards in front

- Each players starts with a ball

Actvity

- The players dribble in to the cone and back out to the white line

- The coach will ask the players to use a specific turn at the cone and repeat that turn for 1minute

- After each turn the coach will ask a player for a new turn that all the players will then repeat for the following minute

Progression

- The players will compete against eacother in dribbling races completing 3 turns at the cone and back to the line to be the winner.

This warm up is a conditioned for the players to get lots of touches on the ball, alongside developing turns and changes of direction. As coaches we are encouraging the players to keep the ball close, dribbling on the front foot and bending knees in order to change direction at speed.