Barcelona Tic Tac Toe Warm Up

Instructions/Setup:

This high-energy warm-up involves two teams racing toward a large 9-square grid (3x3 setup) to play a game of tic-tac-toe using cones. Each team has three cones and must sprint from a designated starting point to place their cone in a square one at a time.

Once all three cones are placed, players must continue sprinting to the grid to reposition their cones—one at a time—to try and form a line of three. The first team to create a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line wins the round.

This warm-up encourages sharp thinking, explosive speed, and quick direction changes while building competitiveness and energy for the session ahead.

Coaching Notes:

• Explosive Starts: Emphasize quick acceleration off the mark. Players should react fast to the coach’s signal and focus on powerful first steps.

• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Encourage players to make smart, fast decisions about where to place or move cones, simulating in-game thinking speed.

• Change of Direction: Reinforce efficient turning techniques and body control when transitioning between runs to and from the grid.

• Team Communication: Promote verbal coordination between teammates to avoid overlapping moves and optimize cone positioning.

• Competitiveness: Use the warm-up as an energy booster by emphasizing competition and intensity to get players mentally engaged.

Progression 1: Reactive Start:

Instead of starting on command, players begin in various reactive positions (lying down, facing away, or reacting to a clap or ball drop) before sprinting.

Focus: Improves reaction speed and replicates unpredictable moments in a match environment.

Progression 2: Add Ball Carrying:

Players must dribble a ball to the grid before placing or adjusting a cone, then sprint back.

Focus: Adds technical ball control to the physical and cognitive elements, reinforcing multitasking and composure under fatigue.