If you ever coached a soccer team or were part of one, you would know the best training sessions do not confine players and coaches to just isolated drills. They reproduce game situations.
This is how players stay more interested and develop new skills, plus enhance decision-making on the field. One such practice is through small-sided games, which are basically scaled-down versions of soccer matches.
These are games that are designed to provide players with more touches, more attack-defend situations, and more game-like decisions.
But why small-sided games for warm-ups?
Warm-ups are more than jogging and stretching; they are about sharpening your mind, preparing one’s body for some rigorous physical activity, and touching the ball before the real session.
Employing small-sided games in the warm-up is an efficient way of ensuring that all of this is met while players are mentally involved and enjoying themselves.
With fewer players and more concentrated space, everyone keeps being active, alert, and involved.
This is an in-depth guide to some of the best small-sided games you could incorporate with your team, while at the same time it will be explained why they are beneficial and how to set them up.
Whether you coach younger age groups or senior teams, the following exercises can be adapted for all levels.
Why Small-Sided Games for Warm-Ups?
Before looking at specific exercises, let’s understand why small-sided games are such an effective tool, especially as a warm-up:
More touches on the ball-because with less player on the pitch, individual players have more chances to be in control of, pass, and dribble the ball.
Better replication of the game: Games are realistic and afford opportunities for players to practice decision-making, positioning, and reading the game.
More fun/engagement: Small-sided games are so much more fun-especially for the younger players-compared to doing drills over and over again. Competition keeps them motivated.
Fitness benefits: In these games, generally, the players would be on the move, thereby preparing the team member for stamina, agility, and sharpness as one develops from attacking to defending.
Skill development under focus: These games can be modified through specific directions to develop particular skills such as passing, shooting, or dribbling.
As established above, let’s have a few tailored for warm-up sessions.
1. A Game of Four Fields
This is a fun, dynamic game to warm up a whole team in preparation for a full session.
Setup:
- Four teams of four players-the numbers can be adjusted according to the size of the squad.
- Each team wears a different colored bib.
- Two goalkeepers, four soccer balls.
- Playing Area: 50 yards in length x penalty box width.
How it works: All three teams start off passing the ball amongst themselves. The catch? There is a goalkeeper in charge-the only one calling the shots.
When a keeper yells out the color of a team, that player in possession of the ball must take an instant shot on the goal. After the shot, the keeper collects the ball and tosses it back to the team.
Why it works: This game replicates the quick decision-making required in matches. Players must be alert, and when their color is called, they’re ready to shoot.
The pace of this game keeps everyone involved and helps build accuracy in shooting early in a session.
2. Tag
A classic which takes a little twist with the ball.
Setup:
- A square grid.
- Two players wear bibs.
- The rest of the players scatter across the grid.
How it works: Have the two bibbed players tag players across the grid. The tagged player must freeze and wait for a teammate to tap them to unfreeze them.
After a few rounds, add in a ball. The players now must not get tagged while they are dribbling. If tagged, they freeze, waiting for a teammate to pass the ball through their legs to unfreeze them.
Why it works: This playful twist not only develops coordination and footwork but also keeps players on their toes and moving. Adding the ball raises the bar level as players need to dribble under pressure, just like in real-game defensive battles.
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3. Passing in Circles
A good game to warm up passing and movement with a competitive edge too.
Setup:
- Two teams of four.
- A circular play area.
How it works: One player from each team goes into the circle. When the ball is played in, they compete for it. The player who comes out with the ball on top passes out to a teammate who runs into the circle to create a 2v1 overload.
Players continue running in and out of the circle until one side has all players inside. At that point, they need to make six passes in a row to win.
Why it works: This game puts players in small spaces where they must make quick decisions and move efficiently to create passing opportunities. It’s perfect for warming up ball control and communication.
4.. Man-Marked
A more intense game that encourages defensive awareness and builds physical sharpness.
Setup:
- Two teams of six.
- A square playing area.
How it works: Every player gets an opponent assigned. They can only be beaten by that player they are lined up against.
The aim is to keep possession with the other teammates and not to lose the ball to that one particular paired opponent. The teams get points when they come on top, winning the ball in possession.
Why it works: This game places emphasis on close control, spatial awareness, and 1v1 duels. It keeps the players on their toes because they will have to be sharp in both attack and defense.
5. Safe House
This is another great dribbling game to get players confident running at defenders.
Setup:
- Two teams of four.
- A rectangular grid with a “safe zone” at either end.
- Four soccer balls.
How it works: The attacking team starts outside the rectangle. The objective for the attackers is to dribble through the grid without losing possession to their designated defender.
When all attackers have reached to the opposite side-the “safe zone”-teams switch roles. If any attacker loses possession, they become a defender in the next round, creating an overload on the attacking team.
Why it works: This game encourages players to take on defenders 1v1, helping them build confidence and skill in dribbling under pressure. Plus, it keeps everyone moving and involved.
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6. What The Coach Says
This fun and adaptable game focuses on dribbling but with a twist.
Setup:
- A square grid.
- Two teams of four.
How it works: A normal 4v4, but at specific commands of the coach, players need to dribble in a certain manner. For example, “Switch feet,” “Change direction, or “Inside foot only.” If the player does not complete the action prior to releasing or losing the ball, the team loses a point.
If they do what the coach says, the team gets a point.
Why it works: The players are obliged to be sharp and quick to react during this game. Players have to make sure they can listen and pay attention to their contact when they are dribbling and also listen for what the coach says.
This is, in fact, a very great coordination and mental warm-up.
7. Touch, Touch, Shoot
This is a touch, control and shoot game.
Setup:
- A small field.
- Two teams of three.
- One goalpost.
How it works: The attacking team must involve all three players in each attack, with each player required to take two touches before passing. Defenders try to win possession, and if they do, teams switch roles.
Why it works: This gets players focusing on their first touch and body positioning. It’s an ideal warm-up for getting used to handling the ball in tight spaces before shooting.
Final Whistle
Small-sided games are a powerful tool in soccer training, especially during warm-ups. They sharpen skills, boost fitness, and encourage players to think on their feet—all while having fun.
You’re either prepping a youth team or working with senior players, these games are adaptable and can be customized for your team’s needs. Best of all, they’re a surefire way to keep your players engaged right from the start of the session.
So, next time you’re looking to switch up your warm-up routine, try out these small-sided games.
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