How to Warm Up for a Soccer Match

Warming up before a soccer game is very important to getting the most production out of players from the opening whistle on. The effects of an improper warm up can be seen sometimes for the entire game. Here is an effective warm-up that any team can go through.

Things You'll Need

• Soccer Balls
• Cones
• A goal

Instructions

How to Warm Up for a Soccer Match

1. Jog: Have the team get in two lines and run back and forth along the width of the field. Have them run the length twice, then have them shuffle (side-step) across the field one direction and then back the other. Then have them do a grapevine or “karaoke” one way and then back the other. Then have them go high knees one way and have them kick their ankles up high behind them on the way back.After that have the players take one big hop off of each foot and then one off of both. The captains should be at the front of the two lines and should be leading the warm up. After all of these are done, have the players jog it out one more time and then circle up and stretch.

2. Stretch: Make sure the stretch is done properly, because in a game a player will test his or her physical limits. The team stretch should take about 12-15 minutes.

3. Ball warm up: Have the players go out and freely kick the ball around, dribble, juggle and get their touch working. Don't do this with any limitations or cones. It's a good way to warm the team's feet up and get loose.

4. Organized warm up: Split the team up into groups of three or four. Have them do juggling circles, one touch passing, three-on-ones or anything else that gets their feet to game speed.

5. Shooting: Put your keeper in goal and have the team start doing finishing drills. Once they are up to game speed, they'll want to be able to just rip the ball. It's a good way to get their energy up, and scoring warm-up goals will have your players confidence skyrocketing as kickoff approaches.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your team captains take charge. The captains will have to set the tone for the whole game.

• Make sure players are properly hydrated.

• Consult a physician before any strenuous activity.