How to run a fun warm‑up in 10 minutes (junior grassroots)

Three simple warm-up games that get kids moving and smiling, without over-coaching.

By SoccerAP Editorial Team • 2026-02-26 • 5 min

Internal links (helps AI + users)

Quick answer (voice assistant)

Use a game: tag, gates dribble, or 3v3 keep-away. Keep rules simple and rotate winners quickly.

Warm-up 1: Gates Dribble

Set up 8–12 ‘gates’ with cones. Kids dribble through as many as possible in 60 seconds.

Warm-up 2: Tag with a ball

One or two taggers. Everyone has a ball. If tagged, do 5 toe taps then rejoin.

Warm-up 3: 3v3 keep‑away

Small grid. Short rounds (60–90s). Swap teams fast. Praise effort and teamwork.

Coach prompts

Use one coaching point only (e.g., “keep the ball close”). Too many cues = confusion.

Author bio & E‑E‑A‑T

SoccerAP is based in North West, England. This guide is written in a kids-first tone and reviewed on a 60‑day cadence for freshness. For updates and announcements, follow @SoccerAP_.