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Blocking Stance and Start

Learn a balanced blocking stance and a short, quick first step, on air with nobody in front of you.

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

Set up

Set your feet shoulder-width apart on a line, knees bent, back flat.

Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced mirrors.

Ages
14 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Small room
Bring
Line or tape
Level · skill
Beginner · Blocking

The steps

How it works

  1. Set your feet shoulder-width apart on a line, knees bent, back flat.
  2. On "go", take one short step with your play-side foot without standing up.
  3. Freeze and check: back flat, eyes up, hands ready at your chest.
  4. Do 12 starts, 6 to each side.

Coaching point

Short first step, stay low.

Safety: No contact in this drill; any contact work is only with a coach. Head up and to the side, eyes on the target. Never lead with your head.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Mirror footwork: a partner slides with their hands up and you stay square and balanced, with no contact. Swap often.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (partner walks), Core (jogs), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of balanced mirrors.

Story

You are a door that closes whichever way the wind blows.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own run of balanced mirrors. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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