Game version
Hill buddies: climb a gentle hill side by side, taking turns choosing the landmark to reach, then walk down together.
Downhill Control
Learn to run downhill relaxed with quick, short steps.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Pick a gentle grassy slope.
Core: Medium. Walk down slowly to rest.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Gentle grassy slope, adult
- Level · skill
- Developing · Hills & Terrain
The steps
How it works
- Pick a gentle grassy slope.
- Jog down with short quick steps and arms out a little for balance.
- Keep your body tall, not leaning back.
- Do 6 trips, walking up.
Coaching point
Quick feet, soft knees.
Safety: Pick a grassy or smooth hill with an adult nearby. Walk down the steep parts and stop if your knees hurt. If you fall and hit your head, stop and see a doctor before you run again.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a hill: Less (short), Core (medium), More (a little longer). Walk down slowly to rest.
Story
You are a mountain goat climbing to the top.
My best
Beat your own count
Walk down slowly to rest. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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