Welcome, passionate youth coaches of The Football Hub! Today, we're diving into the world of pre-match routines, where we'll focus on getting your young players engaged, switched on, and warmed up for the big match. Whether they are budding superstars or just starting their football journey, a well planned pre-match routine is essential to bring out the best in every player. This blog draws out the essentials for a successful pre-match routine with 5 simple to follow guides.
A key question on coaches minds is often, "How early should players arrive to start warming up?" Unfortunately, there is no gold plated, win every match answer. What's right for one team may not be for another, younger teams may benefit from a shorter warm up and straight onto the pitch due to attention spans, others may require a more prolonged build up to get them firing on all cylinders and playing their best. This blog uses a 30-40 minute recommendation, as it strikes a balance between getting players match ready and not annoying parents because you've wiped out their whole day for a match. One thing is certain, trial and error is your friend!
Try turning up and just doing a 10 minute warm up then short team talk, these are the essential minimums to ensure players avoid injury and know their positions on the pitch. It may mean they have bags of energy and play well with minimal interaction. If it works, great, your job should be relatively simple, for most this will not be the case, particularly as players get older. They will still need warmed up to protect against injury but will also benefit from some ball time and perhaps tactical reminders before kick off... So lets kick off with our 5 simple steps!
1. Engaging Warm-Up: Igniting the Fire Within (5-10 minutes) Before diving into the action, set the tone with a high-energy warm-up to get those muscles activated and minds focused. Think fun relay races, agility drills with a competitive twist, and dynamic stretching. The goal is to get the blood pumping and create a buzz of excitement for what's to come. This stage should build in intensity, don't go flying into sprints as it is a quick fire way to injure your players. You may also consider letting this element be player led, once you are confident they know the appropriate exercise it can be a great way to develop leadership and communication, which will pay dividends on the pitch.
2. Ball Work Bonanza: Fine-Tuning Skills (10 minutes) Now that the players are warmed up, let's get them in touch with the ball. Engage them in a variety of skill-specific exercises, such as dribbling, passing accuracy challenges, and quick one-touch drills. Make it a blend of individual and group activities to foster teamwork and friendly competition. This period must maximise contact time with the ball, drills should be quick paced and fast flowing. Players shouldn't be stood in queues waiting to engage, as this minimises contact time and will allow the muscles to cool down, another quick route to injury.
3. Tactical Chat and Practice: Game-Day Strategy (2-3 minutes + 10 minutes) With the players' skills honed, it's time to review tactical plans. Keep it concise and age-appropriate, discussing key positions, formations, and team objectives. Incorporate game-based drills that mirror real match scenarios to reinforce their understanding and decision-making skills. If you've been working on playing out from the back in training or switching play, now is the time to remind and revise players of how this looks. The starting line up should be engaged in their appropriate positions and substitutes can be used to help facilitate match realistic pressure.
4. Mental Prep: Confidence and Positivity (3-5 minutes) Don't underestimate the power of mental preparation! Spend a few minutes boosting players' confidence and morale. Encourage positive self-talk and remind them of their strengths. A quick pep talk can work wonders in shaping their mindset for success. Now is the time to cover any last minute details or reminders before kick off.
5. Energizing The Team: Unite as One (3-5 minutes) To further build team spirit, find a routine that builds on their collective identity. A huddle, a chant or cheer can foster camaraderie and bring players closer together, ensuring they step onto the pitch as a unified force, ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way. The Captain or senior players can be a great driving force here and build on their leadership skills, give the team a few minutes to themselves, to encourage each other and further open their communication channels with increased confidence.
Conclusion: With this engaging pre-match routine in your coaching arsenal, you'll have your young team soaring to new heights on game day. Remember, it's not just about the drills; it's about creating an atmosphere of excitement, unity, and growth. Keep the sessions dynamic, positive, and fun, and watch your players' passion for the beautiful game ignite like never before. Keep talking time short and sweet, attention spans are crucial in ensuring players don't switch off before kick off. 12 Year olds don't need a 10 minute tactical breakdown of the opposition, they need to know their job within the team and how best to achieve success collectively. The time to teach was during training, the time to remind is during pre-match routines, the time to step back and watch is after kick off...you've done all you can as a coach, now comes the time to watch, support, analyse and manage substitutions/tactical changes, let the players play, make mistakes and learn. Here's to unforgettable victories and a lifetime of football passion!
Your Football Coaching Blogger,
The Football Hub
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