Game version
Form spotters: one runs easily past while the partner shares one thing they liked, like tall posture or quick feet. Swap.
Relaxed Strides
Short, fast, relaxed runs that teach smooth form at quicker speeds.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
After an easy run, mark 80 yards on flat grass.
Core: Posture and arms. Beat your own smoothest stride.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Flat grass
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Running Form
The steps
How it works
- After an easy run, mark 80 yards on flat grass.
- Build up to about 85 percent speed, staying relaxed.
- Ease off and walk back.
- Do 6 strides.
Coaching point
Fast but loose.
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 focus: Less (posture), Core (posture and arms), More (posture, arms and quick feet). Beat your own smoothest stride.
Story
You are a gazelle running tall and light.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own smoothest stride. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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