Game version
Shadow-form game: practice the stance and footwork on a partner’s walking line with no contact at all. Swap, and share one thing you liked.
Breakdown and Buzz
The first step of every safe tackle: stop in a balanced breakdown and buzz your feet.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Jog 5 yards toward a cone.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- 1 cone
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Jog 5 yards toward a cone.
- Break down with feet wide, knees bent, chest up, eyes up.
- Buzz your feet fast for 3 seconds.
- Do 10 reps.
Coaching point
Eyes up, feet alive.
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
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner walks), Core (jogs), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of balanced stances.
Story
You are a shadow that stays right in front of its owner.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of balanced stances. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.