1. Drills
  2. Diving
  3. Approach & Start

Rocket Run

Count down from 3 and blast off: a short run to a grown-up and back, then a rest. Short, fast runs build speed.

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

Set up

Put a marker about 10 big steps away and stand by it.

Ages
4 to 6
Time
3 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
2 cones, shoes or toys
Level · skill
Beginner · Approach & Start

The steps

How it works

  1. Put a marker about 10 big steps away and stand by it.
  2. Your child crouches like a rocket at the start.
  3. Count “3, 2, 1, blast off!” and they run to you.
  4. Walk back together and go again, about 6 times.

Coaching point

Praise the effort: “Wow, you zoomed like a rocket!”

Safety: Play on grass or a soft, flat, clear space with nothing to trip on. Stop for a drink and a rest whenever they want one.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Play “Rocket Run” 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 “Rocket Run” in the forest, and the whole forest claps for you.

Practice makes progress

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