Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Various Warm-ups

Passing in small groups

Organization: Inside a 20x20m grid divided into 4 10x10m grids, have small groups pass and move as shown.

After a pass, the player should move into a positive supporting position immediately or for the next player to receive the ball. On the coach's shout, the ball and player movement stops and every player performs a dynamic movement as part of the warm up. After either a time or a specific number, the players again go into pass and move mode. On a different call from the coach, one player moves into the next grid (clockwise) looking for the forward pass followed by a first time lay off. As the ball moves into the next grid, each player also moves into the next grid to support the 'penetrating' pass. Have multiple groups going at the same time. As a means of integrating your GKer in the warm up, have him or her able to use hands when the ball is chipped up, but only able to use feet when the ball is played on the ground.

Key Factors:

1) Have the players go through complete ranges of motion preparing the body for game situations

2) Increase the demand leading towards more game like situations

3) Elevate the heart rate

4) "Get a sweat on"

5) Get a feel for the ball and for moving in a more game realistic fashion

Screen 4

Organization: Have half of the team around the outside of the circle and half of the team inside the circle. The players on the outside each have a soccer ball.

For a time period (30s-90s) the players inside the circle move to a teammate, receive the ball and play it back that same player. Start by playing the ball on the ground and returning the ball with two touches. Have the players switch roles after the time limit. The GKer(s) perform the same skill as the rest of the team. Progress through one touch passing, turning, control out of the air with the foot, balance work with volleying, contol with the thigh, control with the chest, control with the head, heading back reduce the number of soccer balls and have the players inside combine before passing the ball back to an outside teammate, etc. There are any number of skills you can work on in this organization.

Key Factors:*

1) Have the players go through complete ranges of motion preparing the body for game situations

2) Increase the demand leading towards more game like situations

3) Elevate the heart rate

4) "Get a sweat on"

5) Get a feel for the ball and for moving in a more game realistic fashion

* You can get into skill specific key factors (e.g. shoulder check before receiving the ball), but for this purpose it is a warm up not a skill session.