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.
Open-Field Leverage
Use the sideline as a helper and take away the cutback before fitting on a bag.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Set a 10-yard-wide lane with a bag at the end.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- 6 cones, partner, stand-up bag
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Set a 10-yard-wide lane with a bag at the end.
- A partner jogs the lane then steps behind the bag.
- Stay inside-out, close the space, then fit on the bag.
- Do 8 reps each side.
Coaching point
Inside-out, keep them going to the sideline.
Safety: Only with a coach, in a helmet and pads. Head up and to the side, never lead with the helmet. Bags and pads only; no live tackling in this drill, and never tackle a person at home.
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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