How to Coach a Kids' Soccer Warm-Up Drill

A proper warm-up sets the tone for a good practice and game. Try this fun game, called "Stuck in the Mud," to start your practice out right.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Give three kids pinnies (vests) to wear and have them run around the soccer field trying to tag the other players. A tagged player is frozen, i.e. "stuck in the mud."

2. Have teammates crawl through frozen players' legs to have them released and resume running around.

3. Give the three taggers a minute to see how many players they can tag.

4. Repeat the game by passing the pinnies on to other players.

5. Spend about 10 to 15 minutes playing this game. Let the game go awhile, even if things aren't going well. It's good to let players sort out their own confusion.

6. Stretch after the warm-up. You don't need to do as much with younger children, although it is good to get them into the habit.

7. Focus on having fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Start a warm-up with or without a ball. You can play Stuck in the Mud by having running players dribble a ball.
• Soccer is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.

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