Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Great Resources for Warm-Ups and Activations in Soccer

Warm-ups aren’t just a checkbox before training — they’re one of the most important things a player can do to stay healthy and perform their best. Whether you’re prepping for a game, recovering after practice, or helping your kid learn the value of movement, these resources offer smart, soccer-specific approaches to warming up and activating your body. 

Here are five great resources for warm-ups and activations:

How Goalies Should Warm Up

What it is: Goalkeeper Quinn Stahmer walks through activation tips tailored for goalies, designed to sharpen reactions and reduce injury risk. 

Why we like it: Most warm-ups ignore the unique needs of keepers — this short and visual TikTok is a quick-hit routine that speaks directly to them.

Don’t Neglect Your Post Practice/Game Routine

What it is: Former pro Brittany Wilson shares a 10-minute mobility and stretching sequence to wrap up after a session. 

Why we like it: Recovery is half the battle. This quick cooldown is perfect for young players who skip this step — and then wonder why they’re sore the next day. 

The Only ACL Warm-Up Routine You Need

What it is: Holly Silvers, one of the top ACL prevention experts in the country, breaks down her 20-minute soccer warm-up. 

Why we like it: It’s science-backed, proven effective, and already being used at the highest levels. Every team should be using this.

Why Soccer Players Should Never Skip Warm-Ups

What it is: A detailed explanation of the physical benefits of warming up and cooling down, especially for injury prevention. 

Why we like it: Sometimes it helps to understand the why. This article breaks it down in clear, relatable terms for players and parents.

Do Young Players Need to Warm Up?

What it is: MOJO Sports outlines how youth players benefit from fun, play-based warm-ups over rigid static stretching. 

Why we like it: Kids don’t need to jog laps. This is how to keep warm-ups age-appropriate, effective, and enjoyable.