Game version
Call-the-play: a partner shows a hand signal or color before the snap and you say what you saw. Swap, and count correct calls together.
Key Read Walkthrough
Watch one player (your key) and take the right first step.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner plays your key and shows run or pass at walking speed.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Awareness
The steps
How it works
- Your partner plays your key and shows run or pass at walking speed.
- Call out "run" or "pass".
- Take your correct first two steps.
- Do 20 reps, speeding up as you get them right.
Coaching point
Eyes on the key, feet follow.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one signal), Core (two), More (a surprise signal). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are the quarterback of a spy team, reading the signals.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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