Six-year-olds don’t need a sophisticated warm-up. They need movement, attention, and three minutes of energy burn before practice starts. This is that simple version.
What you need: Open field. Enough space for a 30-yard line.
Setup: Kids in a line at one end of a 30-yard area.
How to run it:
- Easy jog from one cone to the other. Walk back. 2 reps.
- Toe touches: 10 reps. Reach down and try to touch toes, hold 1 second, stand up.
- Arm circles: 10 forward, 10 backward.
- High knees in place: 10 each leg.
- One sprint, end to end. Then walk back.
What to watch: Are they paying attention? Five-year-olds wander. Keep the warm-up moving fast and they’ll stay with it.
If they’re struggling: Cut to 3 exercises. Add fun: “Run like a giraffe.” “Stretch like a tree.”
If they’ve got it: Add the dynamic warm-up circuit drill instead. They’ve outgrown the simple version.