This month's warm up looks at incorporating the ball to go alongside the dynamic movements we want our players to perform. I used to hate warm ups. I still do, but age means they are a necessary evil. When I was growing up, getting to practice meant getting the ball out and playing with it. Looking at how kids react when they get to practice these days, nothing has changed.
The circle passing warm up allows player to get their dynamic movements that aid injury prevenation in. Players also get to pass the ball, stroking that desire to "play with a toy". As well as warming their bodies up, players also warm up their voices through calling for the ball and their brains when extra balls and patterns get introduced. After a day at school, foundation age players need this gradual progression into being fully switched on before the main section of practice occurs.
Set Up
Set up a circle, measuring 20 yards in diameter. The players start outside the circle. One player starts with a ball.
The player with the ball passes across the circle to another player. They jog around the circle to take that players place. Continue.
Incorporate dynamic movements around the grid - jogging, high knees, side steps, buttkicks, carioca, back pedals, opening the gate, closing the gate
Progression 1
Player passes across the grid and follows their pass. The ball is touched back to them. The player laying the ball off jogs around the circle to take the position of the passing player. The passing player touches it to the side, and takes the position of the first player they passed to
Progression 2
Add more balls. No more than 1 every 4 players.
Coaching Points
Demand the ball
Increase speed around the circle gradually
Look where you are passing
Observe all players when receiving
Considerations
Decrease the size of the grid to increase the speed of movement
Challenge the players to last 60 seconds with the ball always moving
Suggested Ages
U10-U12