Coach's Voice: A Workshop on Leading a Warm-Up

A hands-on workshop on how to lead a warm-up: where to stand, how to mirror a demo, how to count and how to correct. Every student practices leading a small group.

How to play

1. The teacher leads the same drill twice: once badly (back turned, no counting, quiet voice) and once well. The class spots four keys: face the group, mirror the demo, count out loud and correct by name (5 min).
2. Groups of six in a semicircle. Each student draws an exercise card and leads it for one minute, focusing on positioning and mirroring (8 min).
3. Second round with a new card: now the focus is counting out loud and giving one correction to a classmate (8 min).
4. Each group tells every leader one thing that worked and one thing to improve (5 min).
5. One volunteer per group leads a drill for the whole class using all four keys (4 min).

Rules

• While someone leads, everyone else does the drill and doesn't interrupt.
• Corrections are positive: say what to do, not just what's wrong.
• Keep semicircles apart so voices don't mix.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: they lead with gestures and demonstration, and the group stands where it can see their face.
• Students who stutter or are very shy: they may count with claps or fingers instead of out loud.
• Students with limited mobility: they lead seated or from a bench while a partner demonstrates.

Learning goals

• Learn the keys to leading a group.
• Lead warm-up drills safely.
• Give and receive feedback respectfully.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 10
• exercise cards: 30

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is demonstrating with your right arm when the group faces you: stress mirroring, because it's tricky. Prepare cards with simple drawings so nobody freezes.

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