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WARM-UPS

Tag warm-up

A fast dribbling tag game to start training. Players keep the ball close while taggers chase, building agility, awareness and close control.

Suggested ages
U6 to U12
Players
8–16
Time
8–10 minutes
Area
20 × 20 m, smaller for younger players
Equipment
1 ball per player, 4 cones, bibs for the taggers
Tag warm-up diagramSeven players dribble inside a square marked by four cones while two taggers run towards them. A 20 by 20 metre area: 7 players drawn as filled discs, 2 players drawn as rings; 4 cones; 2 runs, 2 dribbles.

20 × 20 m · drawn in FCommit’s figure style

Players dribblingTaggersRunDribbleCone

Set it up

  • Mark a square with four cones. Start at 20 × 20 m and make it smaller for younger or smaller groups.
  • Give every player a ball. Pick two taggers and give them bibs; taggers don’t have a ball.

How it works

  1. Everyone dribbles around the square, keeping their ball close.
  2. Taggers chase and tag players with a gentle touch on the shoulder or back.
  3. A tagged player stops, holds their ball above their head and stands with their legs apart.
  4. A teammate frees them by passing their own ball through the tagged player’s legs and collecting it.
  5. Swap the taggers every 60–90 seconds so everyone has a turn.

Coaching points

  • Small touches with both feet keep the ball close enough to change direction.
  • Lift your head between touches to see the taggers and the space.
  • Turn away from pressure with the sole or the outside of your foot.
  • Accelerate into space after a turn.
See all 12 drills