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T-Pattern Footwork

Run, shuffle and backpedal around a T of cones. Builds clean movement in every direction.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Set a cone at the base, one 10 yards ahead and one 5 yards each side of it.

Core: Jog. Keep each move tidy.

Ages
13 and up
Time
12 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
4 cones, stopwatch (optional)
Level · skill
Advanced · Athleticism

The steps

How it works

  1. Set a cone at the base, one 10 yards ahead and one 5 yards each side of it.
  2. Run forward, shuffle left, shuffle right across, shuffle back to the middle.
  3. Backpedal to the start.
  4. Do 4 to 6 reps with full rest; time a few against your own best.

Coaching point

Stay square, quick feet.

Safety: Use a clear, non-slip space and change direction only as fast as you can control. Stop if a knee or ankle hurts.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

T-cone dance: a partner calls run, shuffle or backpedal for each side. Swap callers.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (walk), Core (jog), More (change the order). Keep each move tidy.

Story

You are a taxi driver following the letter T through town.

My best

Beat your own count

Keep each move tidy. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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