Game version
Add a helper: a favorite toy joins in “Tail Tag” and cheers for every try. Everyone gets a turn.
The grown-up tucks a scarf “tail” in their waistband and dodges; the child chases and pulls the tail. Nobody grabs a person, only the tail.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Tuck a scarf or sock into the back of your waistband as a tail.
The steps
Coaching point
Praise the try: “Great dodging and turning!”
Safety: Only the tail is grabbed, never a person or clothes. 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
Game version
Add a helper: a favorite toy joins in “Tail Tag” and cheers for every try. Everyone gets a turn.
Story
You are a penguin, and your toy friend is learning from you.
Practice makes progress
Free for families and teams
Sign up and the free field hockey week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.