Warm-up: Staying on the ball

WHY USE IT

This fun warm-up aims to encourage young players to stay on the ball, giving them opportunities to develop confidence and technique, working across all four corners (technical, physical, social and psychological).

SET UP

Mark out an area relative to the age and ability of your players. Players should pair up, with one holding a ball in their hands and the other with a ball at their feet.

HOW TO PLAY

The player with the ball in their hands aims to tap it against their opponent’s, scoring a point each time. The player with the ball at their feet should shield the ball from their opponent. Play for one minute and swap roles. Progress with one player no longer holding a ball, but now looking to score by touching their opponent’s ball with their foot. It can be further progressed by players looking to steal footballs. Players in possession at the end win.

COACHING POINTS

Encourage players shielding the ball to keep their body between the defender and the ball, using their furthest foot to manoeuvre it. Players should have an arm out to keep the defender away and look to move into space when the opportunity arises.