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.
Zone or Man?
Receiver and defender work: watch the defender and tell if they follow a player or guard an area.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
One partner runs a route at walking pace.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and 2 partners
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, 2 partners
- Level · skill
- Developing · Awareness
The steps
How it works
- One partner runs a route at walking pace.
- The other either follows them or stays in an area.
- You watch and call "zone" or "man" within 3 seconds.
- Do 15 reps and swap jobs.
Coaching point
Watch the defender, not the runner.
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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