Game version
Course planner: walk a short course with a partner and decide together where to settle and where to surge. Then jog the plan together.
Follow the Leader
Learn to run calmly behind someone and take turns leading.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Jog in a line behind a partner at easy pace.
Core: Two. Compare only with your own last plan.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Partner or group, cones
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Race Tactics
The steps
How it works
- Jog in a line behind a partner at easy pace.
- Every minute, the back runner moves up to lead.
- Stay one step behind, not on their heels.
- Do 10 minutes.
Coaching point
Close, calm and patient.
Safety: Warm up first. Stop if a muscle feels tight or something hurts. Pain in one spot that gets worse each run, or a limp: stop and see a doctor.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one surge), Core (two), More (three). Compare only with your own last plan.
Story
You are explorers with a map, planning the best path.
My best
Beat your own count
Compare only with your own last plan. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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