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.
Tackle Shape on Your Knees
Learn the safe tackle shape on your own, with no contact with anyone.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Kneel on a mat with your back flat and your chin up.
Core: Jogs. Beat your own run of balanced stances.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Mat or soft ground, large cushion
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Safe Tackling
The steps
How it works
- Kneel on a mat with your back flat and your chin up.
- Turn your head to one side as if your cheek is against a hip.
- Wrap both arms around a large cushion and squeeze tight, a ring of steel.
- Hold 5 seconds, relax, and do 10 on each side.
Coaching point
Chin up, head to the side, squeeze.
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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