The Greeting Game
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
The Greeting Game is a soccer warm-up for U5–U8 players that gets a shy group moving, laughing, and interacting in the first five minutes of practice. Players jog around and perform whatever greeting the coach calls out, and once they're warm you layer in a ball. It's a camp-day staple and a gentle on-ramp to dribbling.
Want more? See all our soccer warm-ups drills or jump to U7 soccer drills for this age group.
Setup
- Mark a grid about 15×20 yards with cones.
- All players start inside the grid - no balls needed to begin.
How It Works
- Players jog around randomly inside the grid.
- The coach calls out a greeting, and every player must perform it with someone near them: handshake, high five (each hand), shoulder to shoulder, back to back, and so on.
- Keep the calls coming quickly so players keep moving and keep meeting new partners.
- Progression: give every player a ball and repeat the game while dribbling.
Coaching Points
- Once balls come in: keep the ball close and eyes up so nobody collides.
- Encourage players to greet someone new each time rather than sticking with a friend.
- Keep the tone playful - invent silly greetings and let players suggest their own.
- Use the game to learn names and build team chemistry early in the season.
Variations
- Add dribbling: players must keep their ball under control while completing each greeting.
- Add a freeze call where everyone must stop their ball dead before greeting.
- Pair greetings with numbers - 'high five three different players!'