Warm-Up for 30-minutes before you kick-off

Time spent before kick-off is well rewarded when the players run out onto the pitch. It has happened to me where, due to poor directions or traffic, or just plain bad timing, my teams have staggered onto the pitch just before the whistle blows. And boy does it tell.

Within a few minutes of kick-off because your team wasn’t ready to play, physically or mentally, you’re on the back foot, the coaches are cross and shouting and you’re picking the ball out the back of the net just as the last boot lace is being tied.

Encourage punctuality by preparing a routine and making sure that every player and parent understands its purpose, and if a player is late he doesn’t start the match.

Match day fliers should include a time for warm-up so parents know what time to arrive. Make sure directions are correct and include parking arrangements.

For under-12s, a routine that takes 20 - 30 minutes should be adequate. Teams playing at an unfamiliar field should allow extra time for traffic and vague directions.

30 minutes countdown

The first players and parents to arrive can meet up and socialize. You can make sure the players are properly dressed - shin guards, boot laces tied, an extra layer or two in cold weather, etc..

25 minutes... loosen up

As players arrive, take the time to have a word with each of them. “Is your ankle still sore?” “Going to add to your goal tally today?” “Did you enjoy the match last week?” Talk to your keeper about how well he is playing.

Take the team to an area where they can pass a ball around in groups of threes. Get them working on one, twos and dribble and turn. Get the groups to pass between them. Keep them moving.

You can also play a keep away game; 2/1 offense/defense ratio. Get them to focus on the point that they are here for, to play soccer!

20 minutes... stretching a point

Get your captain to lead dynamic stretching. All at an easy jog pace: Jog, Backwards, Side-to-Side shuffle to the left, to the right, Hit your outstretched hands with your knees, Kick your open hands (behind your back) with your heels, Bend down Touch the Ground w/Left hand, w/Right hand, w/Both hands.

15 minutes... don’t panic!

Everyone get a drink of water. Get them doing calm static stretching. Sort out the starting line-up.

Don’t change it if players show up a few minutes before kick-off even if they are the best ones! Make a note to bring them on during the half.

Give encouragement to your keeper, backs, midfielders, and strikers. Try to keep your remarks to under two minutes. Sort out player registration cards (if your league has them) with the opposition.

10 minutes... step up a gear

Get the team into game mode. Make arrangements to have an assistant warm up the keeper. You go in goal, put player A just outside the penalty area even with the right goal post, player B next to him even with the left post.

The rest of the players form two lines on either side of the goal posts just off the playing field. First player in the line plays the ball diagonally to A who shoots.

Passer runs around to take his place. A goes to the back of near line after the shot. First player in the other line passes to B who shoots while passer runs around other shooter to take B’s place. Limit the shooting distance and number of touches before the shot according to age and skill.

Encourage low shots on target; put away rebounds. Parents can help collect missed shots or kids have to chase their own high and wide ones. Keep the lines moving.

5 minutes... Captain to the fore

Captains are called out for the coin toss. When they return, bring the team together for a very brief pep talk. A big cheer, and starters take their positions on the field.

There should be a minute or two to warm up the keeper in the goal area you will be defending and to pass a few balls among the players who are in their positions.

Now you’re ready to kick-off...