Home > Drills > Soccer Warm-up Drills

Soccer Warm up Drills

SOCCER WARM UP DRILLS, KIDS WARMUP DRILLS, YOUTH SOCCER WARM UP

For soccer warm up drills, warm up drills for kids and youth soccer warm ups, check out our age and topic specific drills for kids of all ages.

Soccer Warm up Drills

Soccer warm-up drills are necessary to introduce a skill, technique, or tactic while allowing the player to loosen up and get ready for practice. These drills are often best at the beginning of training; however, depending on the skill level of the team can be the main drills on your topic.

Fixed Distance Passing Game

Fixed Distance Passing Game

This drill helps players develop passing accuracy, weight of pass, and first-touch control. It also reinforces teamwork and focus while progressively increasing difficulty by narrowing the passing gate.


Age: 4-10 Field: 20X30
Players: 2+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 6,494
Published: 2/16/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Y Passing Drill - Variation 1

Y Passing Drill - Variation 1

Develops players' ability to receive with an open body position, execute accurate passes, and transition quickly between roles. Encourages movement, decision-making, and proper body positioning when receiving the ball.


Age: 9+ Field: 15x20
Players: 5+ Focus: COMBINATION
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 MINS.
Goalkeeper: NO Team
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 9,330
Published: 2/19/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Y Passing Drill - Variation 2

Y Passing Drill - Variation 2

Develops passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and one-two combination play. Encourages quick decision-making, communication, and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing the ball.


Age: 9+ Field: 15X20
Players: 5+ Focus: COMBINATION
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 MINS.
Goalkeeper: NO Team
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 4,425
Published: 3/9/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Y Passing Drill - Variation 3

Y Passing Drill - Variation 3

Develops players' ability to execute quick one-two passes, play accurate long balls, and transition into new positions efficiently. Encourages decision-making and proper body positioning for receiving and distributing passes.


Age: 9+ Field: 20X20
Players: 6+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 6,358
Published: 3/16/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Escape

Escape

This drill enhances a player’s ability to move under pressure while maintaining balance and control. It also encourages teamwork and coordination among defenders using their hips to contain the central player.


Age: 4-10 Field: 10X10
Players: 6 Focus: AGILITY
Difficulty: EASY Time: 5-10 Mins.
Goalkeeper: NO Team
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 12,876
Published: 3/16/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Troll Crossing Game

Troll Crossing Game

Develops dribbling under pressure, decision-making in 1v1 situations, and ball protection. Players learn to change direction and use feints to evade defenders.


Age: 4-9 Field: 18X25
Players: 6+ Focus: DRIBBLING
Difficulty: EASY Time: 15 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 12,863
Published: 3/16/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
1v1 Corner Escape

1v1 Corner Escape

This drill sharpens a player’s ability to receive under pressure, recognize defensive cues, and dribble into space. It emphasizes decision-making, ball protection, and breaking away from pressure in tight areas.


Age: 9+ Field: 6X6
Players: 4+ Focus: ATTACKING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 12,356
Published: 4/1/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

3-Man Passing and Moving Warmup

This soccer drill sharpens short-range passing, encourages constant movement after the pass, and prepares players physically and mentally for training. It reinforces clean technique and fitness through repetition.


Age: 9+ Field: 10X10
Players: 3+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 4,311
Published: 5/8/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
3-Man Box Passing Warmup

3-Man Box Passing Warmup

This drill focuses on teaching players how to open up their body, scan the field, and play accurate passes while moving continuously. It helps reinforce technical habits that translate directly to in-game situations.


Age: 9+ Field: 10X10
Players: 3+ Focus: PASSING
Difficulty: Medium Time: 10 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO INDIVIDUAL
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 8,429
Published: 5/8/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
Breaking Ball Combination Drill

Breaking Ball Combination Drill

This drill teaches players how to play accurate breaking balls into space and make well-timed runs to receive them. Players will work on combination play through quick 1-2 passes, then focus on the weight and timing of through balls. The receiving player learns when to make their run and how to time it with the pass. This drill builds the connection between passer and runner that's crucial in breaking down defenses during games.


Age: 9+ Field: 20X20
Players: 6+ Focus: BREAKING BALLS
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO TEAM
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 223
Published: 10/6/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
4v4+2 Endzone Possession Game

4v4+2 Endzone Possession Game

This drill develops players' ability to keep possession under pressure while moving the ball quickly and effectively. Players learn to scan the field, find open teammates in different zones, and make smart decisions about when to pass and when to dribble. The endzone players teach awareness of supporting options behind the defense. Neutral players on the sides create overloads that mirror real game situations. Players work on their first touch, receiving skills, and passing accuracy while constantly moving to create passing lanes. The progression from simple possession to scoring through the endzones builds complexity as players improve.


Age: 10+ Field: 12x20
Players: 12+ Focus: POSSESSION
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 MINS.
Goalkeeper: NO Team
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 106
Published: 10/8/2025 Author: Chris Johnson
5v3v1 Rondo Possession Drill

5v3v1 Rondo Possession Drill

This drill sharpens possession skills while teaching players to quickly switch between attacking and defending roles. Players learn to recognize when they win or lose the ball and immediately adjust their positioning and mindset. The team of three works on keeping possession against one defender, then must quickly transition to defense when they lose it. The single player learns to pressure and transition to attack when winning the ball. Outside players develop awareness of when to support and how to maintain possession in tight spaces. This constant switching builds mental quickness and helps players stay focused during the transitions that occur in real games.


Age: 10+ Field: 20X20
Players: 8+ Focus: POSSESSION
Difficulty: MEDIUM Time: 20 mins.
Goalkeeper: NO TEAM
Rating: 0 / 5 Views: 126
Published: 10/8/2025 Author: Chris Johnson

SoccerXpert Newsletter

Subscribe to the SoccerXpert newletter for hand-picked soccer drills, tips, and videos delivered straight to your inbox.