Pre-season reactivation
A focused subset of the pre season library — 3 drills across U8 to adult.
Reactivation drills are the first 1–2 weeks of pre-season. Lower intensity, familiar content, lots of touches. The goal is getting bodies and minds back into football mode without producing injuries or losing players who feel embarrassed by their summer break.
3 drills · Ages U8–adult · 3v3 · 5v5 · 7v7 · 9v9 · 11v11
Reactivation — First Session Back
The first session of pre-season is not a fitness test and not a technical drill session. It's a reactivation — a re…
Reaction Warm-Up
After 4–6 weeks off, players need their nervous system reactivated before any real intensity. This drill builds gen…
First Touch Flow
The single biggest mistake at pre-season week 1 is running a session like it's mid-season. Kids arrive with 8 weeks…
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About pre-season reactivation
The biggest reactivation mistake is treating week 1 like week 4. Players come back at different fitness levels; the heaviest session of pre-season should not be the first one. The drills here are deliberately game-based, technically simple, and physically moderate. By week 2 you can step up; in week 1 you're earning trust that pre-season won't be punishment.
How these pre-season reactivation drills fit into a session
Most coaches use a pre-season reactivation drill as the technical block of a session — the 15–25 minute window after the warm-up and before the small-sided game. The drills here range from U8 content through to adult material; pick the one that matches your squad's age and current developmental focus. Each drill is self-contained, with setup time, run time, equipment list, and coaching cues clearly laid out.
Related coaching resources
For session plans built around the same theme, browse the pre season session library. For drills covering the broader pre season category beyond just pre-season reactivation, see the main pre season drills page — it includes everything here plus the wider range of pre season-themed work.
?FAQ
What is Pre-season reactivation?
Reactivation drills are the first 1–2 weeks of pre-season. Lower intensity, familiar content, lots of touches. The goal is getting bodies and minds back into football mode without producing injuries or losing players who feel embarrassed by their summer break.
Is this free to use on SimpleDrills?
Yes — all coaching content on SimpleDrills, including this page, is free to view, print, and use with your team.