Game version
Mirror footwork: a partner slides with their hands up and you stay square and balanced, with no contact. Swap often.
Hands Up Shape
Shoot your hands up to a target spot on air to learn where a blocker's hands go: inside, thumbs up.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner holds two hands up at chest height, a big step away, as a target.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced mirrors.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- You and a partner or parent
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Partner or parent
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Blocking
The steps
How it works
- Your partner holds two hands up at chest height, a big step away, as a target.
- From your stance, shoot your hands up toward the target without touching it.
- Thumbs up, elbows in, head up.
- Do 15 reps, then switch roles.
Coaching point
Hands inside, thumbs up.
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 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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