If you have ever played soccer at above recreational level, you know a pre-game warm-up is crucial to play at your best. However, this aspect can be overlooked and might just be the reason many teams lose early on.
Everyone who has played soccer before knows what it is like to be scored on within the first few minutes. The players all sigh, thinking it's going to be that type of game. Usually one or two players say something like "We can get it back", or "Don't worry about it, there wasn't anything we could do about that one."
The reality is, an early goal tends to get the general mentality down which can turn into a downward spiral if a few more unfortunate incidents occur. It all stems from the beginning...how the course of the game will go. And there is something even before that...what happens before the game determines what will occur in those 90 minutes. It's all in the pre-game warm-up. So I suppose there often is something we can do about stopping those early goals.
Generally before game warm-ups are an hour long, and it starts with the coach's message. This is extremely important, as strategies are discussed and the goals for the game begin to set in. For youth particularly, the coach must be very particular about what they say in order to reach out to each player as an individual. A negative tone will stick with the players, and with the team as a whole, for the entire game. Do not sugar-coat the situation if a brutal or competitive game is in store; let the players know that they are up for a challenge. However, ensure that you show belief in the team's capabilities and give them tips for how they can be successful. It helps if you give the lineup at this time so no surprises happen minutes before the game, and players can begin picturing themselves on the pitch.
Next comes the dynamic warm-up/stretching, which is where mistakes tend to be made. Personally I had a few coaches who would make all of us run a ton at this part, and we were all left exhausted for the game. Let the players dictate what they need in order to feel loose. Younger players tend to need less time for this portion because they do not need to stretch as much. Older players value this time a lot because they need to loosen up and stretch sore muscles. Particularly in times when several games are being played consecutively or within a few days, this part is important. Just remember that it is more about stretching than running.
Following the dynamic stretching is the static stretching, where again younger players should not be given too much time. In reality, younger players (under age 10) should only have 45 minute warm-ups to avoid wearing them out. Sometimes teams (youth teams mostly) can get off track here and stray from thinking about the game. A rectifying strategy is to have the team circle up whiles stretching and go around giving tips and reminders for the game.
The first actual drill typically is a basic passing drill. Nothing too complicated, and nothing new for the players. Just do a simple, familiar drill to get players into their groove and used to the field. On example is groups of passing lines, where players start out with two-touch passes, move into combination passes (give-and-gos), and finish with straight one touch passes. Other examples include "the wine glass" which is a drill set-up in the shape of a wine glass with a triangle set of cone with one more about 15 yards away. The player in the faraway cone passes to the nearest point of the triangle who turns and plays to a side, with the sides rotating each time.
After the passing players should have gotten their touch, and can now move into possession. This is the most game realistic part of the warm-up, so how the team performs here is a good indicator of what is to come. As the coach, keep up the energy with encouragements. Any criticism should be avoided, unless it is something players can fix before game time. Instruct the captains beforehand to be ramping up the energy throughout the warm-up. During the game of possession constantly remind players to communicate, as it is essential that it occurs in the game. Getting players talking beforehand will ensure it happens on the field. Play possession generally until the team starts knocking the ball around swiftly and to the team's ability. If this is not happening, move-on, since playing too long will drain them.
Next comes shooting, where players can perfect their touch and get start getting their shots on goal. Also, it allows the goalie to have actual shots taken against them. Again, simple is good here so you might just have players by the goal posts passing out balls to shooters. Or, you can put together a crossing - finishing drill. Whichever way you decide to go about this, make sure players are getting their shots in without exhausting themselves.
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