Fast Moving & Engaging Technical Warm-Ups

A warm-up should do more than just get players loose—it should prepare them for the realities of the game. Fast-moving, technical warm-ups that constantly shift and evolve not only sharpen skills but also keep players mentally alert. By introducing frequent changes in direction, tempo, technique, and decision-making, coaches can replicate the unpredictable demands of competition while creating an environment that rewards adaptability. This constant change challenges players to stay engaged, think quickly, and respond under pressure—key habits that translate directly to match performance. In addition, the high tempo and variety maximize touches on the ball while keeping players energized from the first whistle. Ultimately, these warm-ups set the tone for training by blending intensity, focus, and game-like demands right from the start. In this week's MSC Breakdown, we look at 3 exercises that can ignite a training session.

You can watch the full MSC Breakdown below. Please like and subscribe if you enjoy!

Below are the details and dimensions for each exercise described in the video.

Warm-Up 1:

• 6 players are organized into pairs inside a 10x20 yard area

• One ball per pair

• Players work through the following set of technical tasks

  • Two touch passing

  • One touch return passes with one player checking to the ball

  • Give and go with one player constantly working

  • Carousel passing with players working across the grid

  • Shadow 1v1 defensive footwork

  • Change the angle: Give and Go on the move

  • Change the angle: Give and Go with overlap

  • Work in groups of 3 with central player bounce passes

• Every set works 20-30 seconds per player

  
  

Warm-Up 2:

• 6 players are organized into two groups of three 12 yards apart with separate cones alongside them

• One ball per group

• Players work through the following set of technical tasks:

  • Two touch follow your pass

  • One touch follow your pass

  • Pass and go through fast footwork on the sides

  • Diamond passing clockwise

  • Diamond passing anti-clockwise

  • Diamond pass and weave (both sides)

Warm-Up 3:

• 8 players are organized into a 20 yard circle with a 6-yard circle on the inside

• Four players start with a ball on the inside and four on the outside

• Players work through the following technical tasks:

  • Players dribble outside the mini-circle, pass to outside player, receive at an angle and find another player

  • Same action but now it's an extra bounce pass from the outside players (right and left foot)

  • Same action but now inside players must sprint around the outside player after passing to them and receive on the other side

  • Two balls now and players work in pairs on the inside to combine with a player on the outside to practice 3-player combination moves

  • Every set works 20-30 seconds per player