Game version
Traffic light game: a parent calls colors. Green means dribble, yellow means slow and red means stop the ball under your sole. A missed stop just means try again.
Red Light, Green Light Run
A start-and-stop game that teaches quick first steps and sharp braking.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A parent calls "green" and you run toward the far cone.
Core: Jog. Beat your own best of smooth stops out of 10.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- You and a partner or parent
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- 4 cones, partner or parent
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Pace & Agility
The steps
How it works
- A parent calls "green" and you run toward the far cone.
- On "red" you stop in a low, balanced stance.
- Freeze for two seconds, then wait for the next call.
- Play 8 rounds and walk back between them.
Coaching point
Small steps to stop, big steps to go.
Safety: Warm up first and run on grass or a flat, dry surface. Walk back between reps and stop if anything hurts. On hot days drink water and rest in the shade; if you hear thunder, go inside.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (walk), Core (jog), More (change direction on green). Beat your own best of smooth stops out of 10.
Story
You are a car driving through town, obeying the lights.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of smooth stops out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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