Jose Mourinho has a famous quote when it comes to incorporating the ball early into training sessions: "I never saw a pianist running around the piano to prepare for the lesson."
Not only does it help with improving technique, but when a ball is added to a warm-up, it can add a level of engagement for players who, at all levels, enjoy playing the game more than anything else. In this week’s MSC Breakdown, we take a look at three different exercises that can facilitate both physical preparation and technical focus.
If you enjoy these exercises and would like some more ideas. Please download our FREE Football Fitness booklet with more focus on these types of scenarios.
Below is a YouTube breakdown highlighting three ideas. If you enjoy this content, please subscribe to our MSC YouTube page.
Below are the steps and exercise details shared in the breakdown:
Exercise One:
Players are split into two teams and, then again, organized into two groups
One team acts as servers with one ball each positioned on a cone
The other team will start with the S&C work at the top (depending on how the coach sets it up)
Players at S&C work go through the equipment and then reach the 3 servers on each side
Players must go to two servers to get a pass and return (i.e. volley and back)
Once they complete it, the next player goes and that player jogs back
Progression Idea: Race between two groups
Exercise Two:
Players are organized into four groups with speed and agility stations and mini-goals
Two groups start with balls by the mini-goals and two groups start at the speed and agility stations
On the coaches signal, one player from each station goes at the same time:
- Both players with the ball dribble out
- Both players at S&C stations go through the equipment
When the players exit the S&C stations, they receive a pass and play a first time return into the mini-goals
Players then move switch roles as the next players go
Exercise Three:
Players are split into two teams with four S&C stations set-up around a 10x10 yard square
The attacking players (in blue) occupy three of the stations with the defensive team in (red) starting at the fourth
On the coaches signal, one player from each station goes through the speed work and then meet in the middle for a 3v1
One point is awarded for five consecutive passes. If the defenders win the ball, they must dribble out of the grid and then the next group goes
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