Description
A fun, high-engagement warm-up where every player dribbles a ball inside a grid while one or two designated taggers try to tag them. Tagged players perform a quick skill (5 toe taps or 3 pull-backs) before re-entering. This game-based warm-up gets young players moving, dribbling, and scanning for danger in a joyful environment that disguises technical work as play.
Setup
Mark a 20x20 yard grid with cones. All players have a ball. Designate 1-2 taggers who also dribble a ball. Taggers must tag other players with their hand while maintaining control of their own ball. Tagged players step outside, do 5 toe taps, and re-enter.
Coaching Points
- +Keep the ball close with small touches so you can change direction quickly to escape
- +Use your body as a shield — keep the ball on the opposite side from the tagger
- +Scan for the tagger constantly — head up, not down staring at the ball
- +Change speed and direction suddenly to lose the tagger, not just run in straight lines
Progressions
- 1.Add more taggers to increase pressure and reduce space
- 2.Taggers must tag by kicking their ball against another player's ball
- 3.Shrink the grid every 2 minutes to increase difficulty and contact
Equipment
Skills
Source: USSF Grassroots Curriculum
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