Warm-up: Combination play

WHY USE IT

This fun warm-up can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great way to raise heart rates, get players used to soccer-specific movements and create a bit of competition.

SET UP

Mark out a playing area relative to the age and ability of your players. Each player will need a bib.

HOW TO PLAY

Each player should tuck their bib into their shorts, so most of it hangs down the outside, allowing it to be grabbed by other players. Players then spread out around the area and, once the practice starts, aim to steal as many of the other players’ bibs as possible. You can either play to time, allowing players who have lost their bib to regain one from another player, or play to last person standing – so, once players lose their bibs, they are out. The game can then be progressed to each player also having a ball at their feet while they play (see bottom illustration).

COACHING POINTS

• Players work on the ABCs (agility, balance, co-ordination, speed) and must also have good awareness of what is going on around them, including where the space is to escape to.
• When they have a ball, they can also work on running with the ball, dribbling and keeping their heads up.