Game version
Traffic Light: a grown-up calls green, yellow (slow) and red (freeze). If you move on red, take a big breath and start again.
Traffic Light Start-and-Stop
A grown-up calls green and red: run fast on green and stop under control on red. Builds quick starts and safe stops.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start at one end of the yard; the caller stands at the other.
Core: Jog. Aim for your own smoothest stop.
- Ages
- 5 to 10
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Open space
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Driving
The steps
How it works
- Start at one end of the yard; the caller stands at the other.
- On "green" run fast toward the caller.
- On "red" stop and freeze with soft knees.
- Reach the caller, then walk back and play again.
Coaching point
Fast feet, soft stops.
Safety: Run on flat, clear, non-slip ground with plenty of room to slow down. Stop if anything hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (walk on green), Core (jog), More (call green and turn). Aim for your own smoothest stop.
Story
You are a car in a toy town, and the lights tell you what to do.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for your own smoothest stop. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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