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Squat Jumps with Soft Landings

Build leg power and safe landing mechanics together.

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

Set up

Stand shoulder-width apart, drop into a quarter squat, and jump straight up.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
11 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Small room
Bring
Nothing to bring
Level · skill
Developing · Athleticism

The steps

How it works

  1. Stand shoulder-width apart, drop into a quarter squat, and jump straight up.
  2. Land softly on the balls of your feet and bend your knees right away.
  3. Keep your knees in line with your toes. Do 8 jumps.
  4. Rest 45 seconds. Do 3 sets.

Coaching point

Jump tall, land quiet, knees over toes.

Safety: Landing form matters more than height. Stop if form breaks down.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Court follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement around the court and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are an explorer crossing the court like a jungle.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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