Young athletes often treat the warm-up as a formality – a quick jog, a few token stretches, and done. But a well-designed warm-up can be a powerful tool to reduce injury risk and boost performance. Conversely, a haphazard or rushed warm-up leaves athletes literally cold when they jump into intense activity. Coaches, particularly team coaches, should establish player pride in good warm-ups. A purposeful warm-up does far more than increase body temperature. It should address “bad stiffness” in tight muscles and activate “good stiffness” in the right places for stability. It should activate the nervous system for explosive activity and prime blood flow to the correct muscles. It should work on important skills or positions. Are your players hitting all 5 of those goals in every warm-up? Or are a couple laps around the field and some random work all they do? “The Warm-up IS the Workout” Legendary lifter and