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Down and Up Game

Get down to the ground and back up quickly, the way rugby players do all game long.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Jog in a small area.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Mat or grass
Level · skill
Beginner · Body control

The steps

How it works

  1. Jog in a small area.
  2. When a parent claps, lie on your front, then your back, then get up.
  3. Keep your chin tucked as you go down.
  4. Do 10 claps with a rest after 5.

Coaching point

Down soft, up fast.

Safety: Practice on soft grass or a mat. Tuck your chin and keep your arms close. Stop if your neck or shoulders hurt.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Field follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are a scout exploring the field before the game.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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