Game version
Mirror shuffles: a partner leads side to side and you copy their shuffle in a defender’s stance. Swap leaders.
Jockey Stance Shuffles
Side-on defending stance with small shuffles back and forth, the footwork that keeps an attacker in front of you.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Core: Medium. Beat your own steadiest run.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- None
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Stand side-on, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
- Shuffle back 3 small steps, then forward 3, without crossing your feet.
- Switch which foot is forward.
- Do 6 rounds of 20 seconds.
Coaching point
Side-on, low and patient.
Safety: Land softly with knees over toes on a non-slip floor. Stop if your knees or ankles hurt.
Step by step
The drill in 2 frames
Shuffle back 3 small steps
Shuffle back 3 small steps, then forward 3, without crossing your feet.
then forward 3
Shuffle back 3 small steps, then forward 3, without crossing your feet.
- Shuffle or slide
- Faint: already done
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (medium), More (a surprise change of direction). Beat your own steadiest run.
Story
You are a crab scuttling sideways along the beach.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest run. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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