Carousel Coaching Warm-Ups

Engaging players at the start of training sessions has become one of the most important objectives for coaches today. With higher levels of engagement, players will naturally have more energy and enthusiasm to impact the session. In addition, there is also the opportunity for higher levels of communication, which can move the onus to the players, rather than the coach constantly supplying the information. This week on the MSC Breakdown, we take a look at 'Carousel Coaching' where players experience a variety of skills and situations in their warm-ups. This requires additional levels of planning for a coach but the rewards can be huge as players are exposed to different pictures and challenges as soon as they arrive at the session. Below are three ways that 'Carousel Coaching' can be used for a warm-up.

You can watch the full breakdown here:

Below are the details to each of the ideas shared in the video.

Idea 1: Technical Variation

With this idea, the coach sets-up three different fields that each focus on a different technical component of the game. In our example above, there is one passing exercise that develops into a shooting exercise and includes a goalkeeper. Another exercise is a diamond passing exercise that focuses on quick passing and combination play, where the coach can emphasize the importance of fundamentals and basics. The third exercise involves passing and a dribble variation where players can carry the ball over bigger distances. With three variations, the coach can show that passing is an important component of the game in different situations.

Idea 2: Change the Overload Objectives

Some coaches prefer to start a session with a rondo-type possession game, but it can lose it's tempo as players experience the same pictures for long periods of time. The objective of this exercise is to change the tactical objective in each game. The first game is a 3v1 exercise that focuses on aggressive positioning. The possession players must move to a different corner after passing the ball, constantly repositioning themselves and becoming a new option for the player on the ball. The second game is a 5v2 rondo that is focused around the central player receiving splitting pressure, scanning before receiving and finding a new option. Coaches can change the central player in each game. The third game is a 6v3 game where the possession team are working on rotations from out-to-in and in-to-out. This game is a great way to work on timing and communication between players in possession.

Ideas 3: Game Based Challenges

Of course the "game can be the best teacher" but if it's the same game over and over again, it does have the potential to limit learning and enjoyment. This carousel is designed for players to experience three different types of games. The first is a 3v3+2 overload where the possession team can score into the mini-goal after four consecutive passes. The second game is a 4v4 game where the mini-goals are facing away from each other in the middle. The objective here is to move the opponent and free up space in order to score in any mini-goal. The third idea is a 4v4 vertical game that takes place on a narrow 15x30 yard field, that challenges players to find solutions with more vertical space. Again, the nature of carousel coaching is the players are empowered with more decisions so the coach can see how the players respond to different forms of football challenges.