Easy Warm-Up Drill for Kids – No Fancy Setup Needed

Total time: ~10 minutes

Ideal for: Backyard, park, or driveway

Setup

Use 6 cones (or anything to mark space) to create a 10x5 meter rectangle (about 33 x 16 feet).Place 3 cones on each long side to define the boundaries — not for weaving.

👟 Shoes depend on the surface — cleats for grass, sneakers for concrete.

Dribble + Skill Time

Inside the space, let your child:

• Dribble freely, mix in fun moves

• Practice control, change of direction, light skills

• Get creative — it’s about movement, not perfection

  
  

Drill Flow

• Work: 45–60 seconds

• Rest: 15 seconds

• Repeat: 6–9 rounds depending on energy and age

  
  

💧 Keep water nearby. The goal is to get warm, not worn out.

What You’ll Need for This Warm-Up:

• ⚽ Soccer ball – any size your child is used to

• ⏱ Timer – a stopwatch, phone timer, or wearable

• 🟠 6 cones – or anything that can mark boundaries (affiliate link)

• 💧 Water bottle – hydration is key! (affiliate link)

• 👟 Proper shoes – depending on your surface (grass, turf, driveway)

Soccer Mom Gear I Recommend

A few of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you decide to make a purchase. I only share products we actually use (and love) as a busy soccer family!

• 🟠 Durable Training Cones – Great for backyard drills or practice warm-ups. Lightweight but sturdy, and a great value for parents who don’t want to spend a fortune. Check them out →

• 💧 Under Armour Half Gallon Water Bottle (64oz) – This is hands-down my favorite for the kids. It’s insulated, super tough (we’ve dropped it more times than I can count), and keeps water cold even through a double-header. See it here →

• ⏱ Simple Digital Timer – Nothing fancy, just something that lets you track intervals during warm-ups and drills. Find one here →

If you found this helpful and want more tips like these—plus printable guides and exclusive drills—don’t forget to like this post and sign up for the newsletter!