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Springy Ankle Pogo Series

Small, quick, springy hops using stiff ankles. Builds the bounce in running and jumping.

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

Set up

Stand tall with soft knees and arms relaxed.

Core: 15. Stay springy and light.

Ages
10 to 14
Time
6 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Soft ground or mat
Level · skill
Developing · Hitting

The steps

How it works

  1. Stand tall with soft knees and arms relaxed.
  2. Hop on the balls of your feet with quick, small bounces.
  3. Keep the knees almost still; the ankles do the work.
  4. Do 3 sets of 10 hops with rest.

Coaching point

Hot ground, quick bounce.

Safety: Land softly on grass or a mat, knees over toes, never caving in. Keep the number of jumps low. Stop if knees, shins or ankles hurt.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Pogo parade: hop in place to a rhythm your partner claps. Change the beat each round and swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (10 hops), Core (15), More (20). Stay springy and light.

Story

You are a pogo stick with a smile.

My best

Beat your own count

Stay springy and light. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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