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Follow the Leader Trail

An easy jog around the yard or park following the grown-up, with walking breaks. Running for fun, not for distance.

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

Set up

Jog slowly around the yard or park; your child follows you.

Ages
4 to 6
Time
3 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Nothing to bring
Level · skill
Beginner · Running Form

The steps

How it works

  1. Jog slowly around the yard or park; your child follows you.
  2. Swing your arms and run tall.
  3. Walk every time you clap, then jog again.
  4. Let your child be the leader for a turn.

Coaching point

Praise the try: “Great running arms!”

Safety: Easy pace with walking breaks; stop for a drink whenever they want. On grass or a soft path.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Play “Follow the Leader Trail” as a “my turn, your turn” game with a grown-up. Everyone takes a turn and every try gets a cheer.

Story

Pretend you are a puppy playing “Follow the Leader Trail” in the forest, and the whole forest claps for you.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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