Germany Warm Up & SAQ

Instructions/Setup:

This warm-up drill is designed to combine speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) with running, providing players with an effective way to prepare physically for the demands of a game. It is used regularly by FC Bayern of Germany to enhance players' explosiveness, balance, and footwork. The drill incorporates various running patterns, cone work, and directional changes to ensure players are constantly engaged and mentally focused. The movements performed in this drill simulate the dynamic changes in direction, acceleration, and deceleration that players encounter during matches, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for the game ahead.

The combination of SAQ exercises and running drills ensures that players are prepared both physically and mentally, improving their reaction times, coordination, and overall fitness. This warm-up also prepares players to perform under pressure, as they must constantly adjust their movements to respond to changing directions and positions.

Coaching Notes:

• Explosive Movements: Encourage players to focus on explosive movements, such as quick starts and stops, as they go through the SAQ and running sections of the warm-up. This will help improve their acceleration and deceleration.

• Proper Footwork: Emphasize the importance of proper footwork and body positioning, particularly when making sharp cuts or quick directional changes. Encourage players to stay low and balanced to avoid unnecessary injury.

• Mental Focus: Players should remain mentally focused on their movements and transitions, as the drill requires quick thinking and reaction. Stress the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the warm-up.

• Recovery Between Efforts: Ensure that players have short rest intervals between the running phases to allow for recovery, maintaining the high intensity of the drill without causing fatigue.

Progression 1: Add Ball Work:

Introduce a ball into the drill, making it more game-specific. Players can dribble or pass the ball while performing the SAQ and running movements, simulating the demands of match situations.

Focus: Improves ball control, decision-making, and movement under pressure during high-intensity situations.

Progression 2: Increase Intensity:

Increase the speed and frequency of the movements or reduce rest time between phases to elevate the intensity. This challenges players’ endurance and improves their ability to maintain high levels of performance throughout the match.

Focus: Enhances cardiovascular fitness and ensures players can maintain high-intensity movements over longer periods.