Warm-up Ideas

Find a space where you won’t interfere with any games already being played. Put backpacks out of the way, or put them between your warm-up area and the field to help keep balls from going onto the field. If two NASA Academy teams are getting ready to play, the two teams can warm-up together. You can borrow cones and pinnies (“bellies”) from the coaches.

  1. Review names: make sure everyone knows each teammate’s name. Also make sure shoes are tied and shirts are tucked in.
  2. Tag games without a ball. Pick 1 or 2. Use your imagination.
    1. Chain tag
    2. Freeze tag
    3. Volcano Island (balls in hands)
  3. Dribbling
    1. Every player dribbles and tries to avoid bumping into other players.
    2. Dribbling chicken: use turns or stop-and-go moves or moves to get behind a defender.
  4. Dribbling games. Pick 1 or 2. Use your imagination.
    1. Chain tag
    2. Volcano Island
    3. Wrist girl
    4. Marbles
    5. Texas draw and keep-away or Texas draw with snow cone goals
  5. Short break: drink water, make sure shoes are tied and shirts are tucked in
  6. The “flying changes” game (dribble and shoot): This is a 1v1 game going to a regular goal. After a player finishes her attack, the next player attacks, and the previous player switches from attacker to defender.
  7. You’re ready to play — good luck, and have fun in your game!