Game version
Shadow-form game: practice the footwork and body position on a partner’s walking line with no contact at all. Swap, and share one thing you liked.
Shadow Tackle Footwork
Rehearse the steps into a tackle with no one there and no contact: close the space, step in, get low and freeze.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Put a cone as the ball carrier 5 yards away.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones
- Level · skill
- Developing · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Put a cone as the ball carrier 5 yards away.
- Run in, shorten your steps and put your lead foot close to the cone.
- Bend at the hips, back flat, head to the side, arms ready.
- Freeze for 2 seconds. Do 8 each side.
Coaching point
Close, step in, freeze.
Safety: No contact with a person. Practice on soft ground or a mat, keep your eyes open and your head up and to the side. Stop if your neck hurts.
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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