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.
Eyes-Up Safe Position
Learn the safe body position alone, with no one to hit: eyes up, chest up, hips down, head to the side. Nothing here touches another player.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand in an athletic stance facing a mirror if you have one.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- Mirror (optional)
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Stand in an athletic stance facing a mirror if you have one.
- Bend your knees and hips, keeping your back flat and eyes up.
- Step forward with your near foot and wrap your arms around an imaginary target, head to the side.
- Freeze and check: eyes up, back flat. Do 3 sets of 8.
Coaching point
See what you hit: eyes up, head to the side.
Safety: No partner and no contact: this is body position only.
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
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