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.
Pillow Wrap and Squeeze
Kneel and practice wrapping and squeezing a soft pillow held by a parent: arms only, head to the side.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Kneel in front of a parent holding a big pillow upright.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Big pillow or soft bag, parent
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Kneel in front of a parent holding a big pillow upright.
- Put your head to the side of the pillow, never in front.
- Wrap both arms around it and squeeze for 2 seconds.
- Do 10 each side.
Coaching point
Head to the side, wrap and squeeze.
Safety: Kneeling on a soft surface only. No running, no driving into the pillow. 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 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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