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Dry-Land Hands-Up Defense

A dry-land drill for a room at home. Sit on a chair doing eggbeater circles while one arm stays straight up, the way a defender blocks a passing lane.

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

Set up

Sit on the edge of a chair, knees wide.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Small room
Bring
Chair
Level · skill
Beginner · Defense

The steps

How it works

  1. Sit on the edge of a chair, knees wide.
  2. Do eggbeater circles with your feet.
  3. Hold one arm straight up for 10 seconds, then switch.
  4. Do 6 rounds.

Coaching point

Legs busy, arm tall.

Safety: Clear a small space with nothing to trip on or knock over. Stop if anything hurts.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Pool follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time, with a lifeguard or coach watching.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are an explorer crossing the pool like an ocean.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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