Game version
Landing zone: set a landing zone and take your approach to it, landing softly. The pair cheers each soft landing.
Hop-Step-Jump Rhythm
Learn the hop, step and jump rhythm from a short run with a coach.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start with a walk-in hop, step and jump on grass.
Core: Usual. Beat your own softest landing.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Sand pit, grass runway
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Jumps
The steps
How it works
- Start with a walk-in hop, step and jump on grass.
- Say "same, other, both" for each landing.
- Move to a short run into the pit with your coach.
- Do 6 short-run jumps.
Coaching point
Flat and even, then up.
Safety: Only with a coach, on a full-size landing mat or a raked sand pit. Land on your feet or seat, never your head. If you fall and hit your head, stop and see a doctor. For ages 11 and up, where your association requires it; younger athletes play hurdle and hop games instead.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (a short approach), Core (usual), More (your full approach with your coach watching). Beat your own softest landing.
Story
You are a kangaroo hopping across the plain.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own softest landing. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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