There are a lot of factors that go into planning an effective match day warm-up at the elite level. Coaches must manage key variables that include number of players, timing of activities, size of playing areas and, of course, distances covered. While the warm-up is supposed to prepare players for the demands for the upcoming game, it is not required to replicate it. Therefore, every minute must be accounted for and every progression needs to be aligned to the big picture. In this week's MSC Breakdown, I take a look at the Barcelona B team warm-up that I watched in November. We have also added the times and the dimensions below, as well as a bonus video featuring the Barcelona B team going through the different aspects of the warm-up.
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Below you can find the breakdown for each activity, plus a bonus video of the full warm-up.
Part One: Team Circle
Players organized around a circle with S&C Coach
Initial activation and stretching exercises
Time: 3 mins
Part Two: Runs and Sprints
Players organized in pairs
Progressing of activation exercises to sprints
5x15 yards
Time: 2 mins
Part Three: Passing Pairs
One ball between two 5-yards away
Variety of service:
One touch passes
One group drops and steps
Headers
Extends to 20+ yards and incorporates driven and lofted passes
Time: 4 mins
Part Four: 4v4+2 Possession Game
15x20 yard area
One neutral on each side
Directional possession with team in possession looking at transferring possession from one end to the other
Time: 2x90 seconds
Part Five: Pattern Work
Eleven players positioned in team shape
Ball always starts at center backs
Different combinations to goal
Time: 2 mins
Part Six: Positional Work
Back four working with two coaches
Midfielders and forwards working in two groups of shooting combinations
Time: 2 mins
Part Seven: Individual Work
Players choose an activity or stretch before leaving the pitch
You can watch the video for each activity below:
