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Press and Cover Runs

Work with a partner: one presses the ball cone, the other covers behind.

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

Set up

Set three ball cones in a line 10 yards apart.

Core: 10. Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time.

Ages
14 and up
Time
15 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Cones, partner
Level · skill
Advanced · Speed & Fitness

The steps

How it works

  1. Set three ball cones in a line 10 yards apart.
  2. Your partner calls a cone; you run to press it while they cover behind you.
  3. Swap jobs on the next call.
  4. Do 12 calls with a walk between.

Coaching point

Press fast, cover close.

Safety: Warm up first on flat, dry ground. Stop if a muscle feels tight.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Cone-call game: a partner calls a cone and you move to it with a smooth start. Swap callers and rest fully.

Challenge

Pick a distance: Less (5 yards), Core (10), More (15). Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time.

Story

You are a deer bounding across the meadow.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for a smooth start, not a faster time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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