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Clap Start Game

Learn to start on the signal only, not on other noises.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Get set behind a line.

Core: Jog. Beat your own count of clean passes.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Cones, adult
Level · skill
Beginner · Starts & Relays

The steps

How it works

  1. Get set behind a line.
  2. An adult makes tricky noises, then claps.
  3. Go only on the clap and run 10 yards.
  4. Do 8 starts and count how many you waited for.

Coaching point

Wait for it, then go.

Safety: Warm up fully first. Run on flat, dry ground and stop if a muscle feels tight.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Baton-pass partners: practice smooth baton exchanges at a walk, then a jog. The pair counts clean passes and swaps roles.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (walk), Core (jog), More (call “hand!” on the exchange). Beat your own count of clean passes.

Story

You are secret agents passing a message in a crowded street.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own count of clean passes. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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