A warm-up can involve more than jogging in a line. Players move around a clear area to collect markers, making small changes of direction while watching for others. The activity should stay cooperative rather than become a race through crowded space. If players begin cutting across each other, give each group a separate route and remove the race element. Watch for controlled changes of direction rather than counting who collects the most markers. Allow about 6 minutes for the station, including explanation, turns and rest.
Set up the drill
Scatter flat markers in a clear area and put collection hoops around the edge. Give players enough separation.
Equipment: Flat markers, collection hoops.
How to run it
- Start with walking to a free marker.
- Pick up one marker comfortably.
- Carry it to a collection hoop.
- Look for a clear route before collecting another.
- Finish when the group has collected everything.
Look ahead and choose an open route.
A common mistake—and the fix
Racing for the same marker creates collisions. Make the target cooperative and allow one collector per marker.
Use fewer markers at comfortable reaching heights, or adapt the task to accessible movement.
Add an easy jog on clear routes while retaining the no-racing rule.
What to measure
Record whether the group completes the task with clear routes and no contested pickups.
Use the first round as the player’s starting point. Keep distance, ball and target size the same when comparing another round. These counts are practice observations, not selection standards or promises of improvement.
Before you start
No diving, grabbing from others or speed competition. Use a comfortable bend and avoid painful movement.
Use a soft ball for the version described here. Explain the stop signal, check the surface and keep waiting players clear. Adapt or stop if a player feels pain, distress or fatigue. Read the full safety and supervision guide.
Questions about this drill
What does cone collection help players practise?
Players practise noticing open space and moving around others while collecting markers. Keep the activity cooperative so children can focus on safe movement rather than racing.
How can I adapt this drill for a less confident player?
Reduce the number of markers and allow each player to move at a comfortable pace. Keep the collection area easy to reach.
What should I look for before increasing the challenge?
Check that players look for space and slow down around others. Reward cooperation rather than the number of markers collected.
