Game version
Gate shadow: your partner moves toward a gate and you shadow them to the same gate. Swap leaders. It is a partner game, never a contest.
Reactive Gate Chase
Your partner moves toward one of several gates and you shadow them to arrive at the same gate. A partner game, not a contest.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Set 4 gates (two cones each) across a 10-yard line.
Core: Three. Beat your own best of shared arrivals.
- Ages
- 13 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- 8 cones, partner
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Pace & Agility
The steps
How it works
- Set 4 gates (two cones each) across a 10-yard line.
- Your partner jogs and fakes, then runs through one gate.
- You mirror from 3 yards away and try to arrive together.
- Do 6 reps each, swapping roles.
Coaching point
Watch the hips, not the head.
Safety: Use a clear, non-slip space and change direction only as fast as you can control. Stop if a knee or ankle hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Choose a level: Less (two gates), Core (three), More (four). Beat your own best of shared arrivals.
Story
You are a shadow following its owner through the castle gates.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of shared arrivals. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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