When we starting the process of planning a training session with our team, we often have an objective in mind that relates to the game itself. However, the process of organizing the warm-up can often drift away from that theme and almost compartmentalize the session slightly. In this week's MSC Breakdown we take a look at how to make the warm-up as realistic and specific as possible towards the aims and objectives of the session. We take a specific topic as an example and then look to break that down and design a warm-up that compliments the topic and potentially helps coaches communicate points earlier and clearer to the players.
Below is a YouTube breakdown highlighting the best options. If you enjoy this content, please subscribe to our MSC YouTube page.
Below are the steps and exercise details shared in the breakdown:
First, Paint a Picture (Zoom Out)
This is where we identify the problem that we are trying to solve in the game. Often this involves replicating a specific picture that appears in the game model. In the example in our MSC Breakdown, we take a look at maximizing the impact of the attacking midfielders (numbers 8 and 10) in the half spaces (highlighted in yellow below). The reason for this is that we want to
Option 1: Through Pressure (using the holding midfielder)
In this exercise a diamond shape is set up 10-15 yards apart, with the attacking midfielders on either side, the center forward at the top and the holding midfielder at the bottom. The ball starts from the holding midfielder who plays it into the attacking midfielder and then into the center forward. The ball simply moves clockwise around the diamond with the players following their pass. Coaches may ask the wide positions to start centrally and then drop out into a wide position so that they can replicate the movement in the 'pockets' for the game. (See below)
Option 2: Around Pressure (using the full-backs)
In this exercise a diamond shape is set up 10-15 yards apart, with two mini-goals at the top approximately 10 yards away from the highest marker. The ball is played into the full-backs in the wide positions and now the attacking midfielders (located at the top of the diamond) are looking to check towards the ball and receive facing forward. As soon as they receive the ball, they are then looking to play forward into the mini-goal. The next ball arrives from a different side and the attacking midfielders simply keep rotating. A progression of this can be to ask them the play into the furthest mini-goal when they receive possession. (See below)
Option 3: Underneath Pressure (using the forwards in central channels)
In this exercise a diamond shape is set up 10-15 yards apart, with a mannequin in the middle and two mini-goals at the top approximately 10 yards away from the highest marker. The attacking midfielders start in the middle here and initially receive the first pass from the holding midfielder to play an angled pass back again. Then, with the holding midfielder playing into the highest line, the attacking midfielder supports underneath and then releases the wide player to score in the mini-goal. (See below)
