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.
Shortest Line Running
Learn to run the shortest line from flag to flag on a winding course.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Set a curvy course of cones.
Core: Two. Compare only with your own last plan.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, open field
- Level · skill
- Developing · Race Tactics
The steps
How it works
- Set a curvy course of cones.
- Walk it first and spot the straightest path between them.
- Jog it on that line.
- Do 5 loops.
Coaching point
Straight between the bends.
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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