The New Zealand Football warm-up
A good warm-up before training is crucial in football, to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. As well as preparing the body for the activity to come, the warm-up is a great time to work on things like:
- balance and co-ordination
- ball skills
- movement patterns
- functional strength and power
All of which will ultimately improve performance and reduce the risk of more serious injuries.
Players all over the country miss games due to knee and ankle injuries, and female players in particular are at high risk of suffering an ACL tear.
The NZF warm-up programme is designed to help reduce this risk, keep your best players on the pitch and at the same time, improve the strength, power and other physical characteristics of all players.
The programme is suitable for male and female players of all ages. Emphasis should be on technique, so follow the teaching points and aim for quality not quantity at all times.
Check out the NZF warm-up (PDF 124K) and make it a part of your regular training routine.
