Game version
Hill buddies: climb a gentle hill side by side, taking turns choosing the landmark to reach, then walk down together.
Trail Footing Drill
Practice quick, careful foot placement on a rough trail at easy pace.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Run with an adult on a rough section of marked trail.
Core: Medium. Walk down slowly to rest.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Trail with roots and rocks, adult
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Hills & Terrain
The steps
How it works
- Run with an adult on a rough section of marked trail.
- Look 3 to 4 steps ahead and pick your landing spots.
- Shorten your stride on rough bits.
- Walk anything that feels unsafe.
Coaching point
Eyes ahead, light feet.
Safety: Run trails and parks with an adult, stay on marked paths, and watch for roots and rocks. 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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