Warm up: Transition at speed

WHY USE IT

This is a dynamic warm-up that progresses from slow to medium pace.

SET UP

Set up within the 18-yard box, or a similar-sized space, relevant to the age and ability of your players. Split players into two or three teams, with two to four balls per team.

HOW TO PLAY

The warm-up begins by teams passing among themselves within the 18-yard box, Red to Red, Blue to Blue. Players move among each other in space, with and without the ball, changing pace and direction. Players pass and receive the balls using all surfaces of the foot. Begin simply with passing with the inside and outside of the foot; progressions may then include receiving the ball from behind, receive and turn, takeovers, one and two-touch passing or pass to other group (e.g. Red to Blue).

COACHING POINTS

• Communication: eye contact, hand gesturing, speaking with intent. 
• Pace: movement, with and without the ball, should vary.
• Creativity: opportunity for players to work on their own 1v1 dribbling, body positioning and feigning, receiving, and playing with head up, to enable vision for the next pass or off-ball movement.