Performance · Apr 20, 2026

The Best Warm-Up Routine for FPS Players

A 10-minute warm-up that actually works — aim drills, movement practice, and mental prep to hit your first game sharp.

Jumping straight into ranked without warming up is like sprinting without stretching — you might be fine, but you're more likely to underperform and get frustrated. Here's a 10-minute warm-up routine that our TGH coaches recommend. Pair this with optimized FPS settings for maximum impact.

Minutes 1-3: Aim Training

Open your aim trainer (Aim Lab, Kovaak's, or the in-game firing range). Do 1 minute of tracking (follow a moving target), 1 minute of flicking (snap to targets), and 1 minute of micro-adjustments (small corrections on close targets). Don't try to set records — focus on smooth, controlled movements.

Minutes 4-6: Movement Practice

Load a custom game or practice mode. Practice your movement mechanics: slide cancels, strafe-shooting, shoulder peeking, jump-shots — whatever your game requires. Move through a building clearing each room. The goal is muscle memory, not speed.

Minutes 7-8: Casual Deathmatch

Play one quick deathmatch or warm-up mode. Don't care about your score. Focus on hitting your shots and using the mechanics you just practiced. This bridges the gap between training and real gameplay.

Minutes 9-10: Mental Prep

Take 60 seconds to set your intention. What are you working on today? 'I'm focusing on my positioning' or 'I'm going to comm every rotation.' Then take a few deep breaths and launch ranked. You're ready. For more on the mental side, read our guide on staying sharp under pressure.

Why This Works

This routine activates your fine motor skills, refreshes your movement memory, gets your eyes tracking targets, and puts your mind in a focused state. Players who warm up consistently report better first-game performance and less tilt across their session. Combine this with smart session limits to stay sharp all night.