In Soccer practice , it’s a fact that both players and the coaches have a tendency to take warming up and stretching lightly. You must understand that a practice session should aid the player’s total professional growth. Daily practicing soccer training drills is not sufficient.

Players are required to have energy, flexibility, and stamina to remain in the game. Warm up and stretching should therefore be the starting points of any practice session. After that, get on to coaching different techniques, games, and drills. Towards the end, the kids can be made to learn some game tactics.

Warm up and stretching are done with two main intentions. It readies the body to take the strain of a tough sessions and relaxes the body after the session is over. There are some drills that account for amazing stretching and warm up exercises.

1. Running in Formation: This warm up activity requires all team members to run, two alongside each other, staying in harmony. This activity will result in developing player’s strength along with a feeling of belongingness in the team. Also, when the kids move about in a formation, it gives a direct message to the opposition that your team is a force to reckon with.

2. Follow the leader: Another warm up soccer drills which help players get trained at following orders and dribbling while watching other team players. This activity requires every player to have a ball. Ask the assistant coach or an advanced player to lead the team. This lead player must make several different moves and everyone must imitate the lead player.

3. Reaching out: in soccer practice, this is a well-received stretching exercise. Instruct the players to stretch their legs towards left, right, and center in a standing position. Then, ask them to try touching their toes on all sides. At first, they may find it hard but will eventually be able to do it.

4. Lift legs up behind: This is another stretching exercise that works the thighs up. In a standing position, the players must fold their right leg up behind them and hold it for as long as they can. The repeat the exercise with the left leg. The players must not look below at the ground else they will loose their balance.

Every practice must have a goal. Only try to teach a couple of skills every week. Create games and exercises that warm up the players as well as help them stretch after the training and also develop their abilities.

Physical fitness is important. Understand that the team that is not fit and gets tired loses. Make sure that your fitness activities are drills that include soccer ball as much as possible. Do not let the kids run around the field without a ball, ask them to dribble with it.

Make a move and use these tips for soccer practice. Join our youth soccer coaching community to benefit from our knowledge, tips, and tricks on youth soccer.

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