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Falling Starts

Lean forward until you almost fall, then let your legs catch you and sprint ten yards.

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

Set up

Stand tall on a line with your feet together.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
2 cones
Level · skill
Beginner · Speed

The steps

How it works

  1. Stand tall on a line with your feet together.
  2. Lean your whole body forward like a tree tipping over.
  3. When you feel yourself falling, drive your knees and sprint 10 yards.
  4. Walk back and do 8 starts.

Coaching point

Fall forward, then fast feet.

Safety: Warm up first, run on flat, dry ground and stop if a muscle feels tight. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade, and stop if you feel dizzy or get a headache. If you hear thunder, go inside.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Field follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are a scout exploring the field before the game.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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