match day warm ups U15 girls

Hi FA community,

I am transitioning from linesman to assistant manager this starts (commences this Sat 7 Sept).

I will mainly be responsible for match day warm ups (approx 30-40 mins). I am currently doing the introduction to football coaching course, and I am aware of the STEP principle, and have some ideas provided from the live webinars on this course. 

Looking for ideas to help the girls develop their footballing skills and team-work (they are of mixed ability), and ensure the session is fun.

Any ideas most welcome:)

Thanks,

Scott

Parents
  • Hi Scott,

    Start with a pulse raiser - e.g. jogging / some dynamic movements & stretching (age appropriate) - this could be done in lanes, with the players split into even numbers. Then introduce the footballs for some passing - 2 touch, 1 touch (follow your pass) wall pass, combinations etc. Rondo type drills are also good for the first part of warm ups. 

    It can also be a good idea to incorporate some key themes & messages from the weeks training sessions into the warm up to keep things fresh in the players minds leading into the game. This will also help with linking your training to matchday. You could even revisit a drill from training, if it will provide sufficient opportunity to warm up effectively. 

    Personally I always include some sort of a possession based drill during warm ups (towards the end) - e.g. 5 v 5 in the middle with target players on the ends where the in possession team have to work the ball from one end to the other. You could also consider including 5 minutes of unit specific work to conclude the warm up - e.g. strikers do some shooting (which also involves the GK), midfielders work on receiving. This can work well if you are working with other coaches as you can split into smaller groups and provide specific focus and time to your players. 

    Also consider the 3 R's - repetition, realism, relevance and try to ensure that the football aspects of warm ups incorporate this. Does it look like / reflect aspects of the game they are about to go into? Does it allow for heart rate / body temperature etc to be raised? When its cold in the winter, your warm ups may need to look a little different to in the summer when its 26 degrees like it is today!

    Over time, you will settle into a routine that you find works and that your players engage with and enjoy. 

    Out of interest, what age are the girls that you are working with? This may help others replying. Best of luck with your new role, hope this helps.

    Thanks,
    Adam.

  • PDF

    Here is a simple warm up activity that places focus on ball mastery, passing and dribbling. 
    Feel free to use and adapt as appropriate!

    Let me know how you get on!

    Thanks,
    Adam. 

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