Game version
Gear shifts: a partner calls first, second or third gear and you change speed smoothly. Swap the caller.
Gradual Build-Up Runs
Build smoothly from a jog to fast running over 40 yards, staying relaxed. Teaches speed without straining.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Mark 40 yards.
Core: Three. Aim for relaxed shoulders.
- Ages
- 10 to 14
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones
- Level · skill
- Developing · Stance & Motion
The steps
How it works
- Mark 40 yards.
- Jog the first 10, run steady the next 10, run fast the last 20.
- Keep your face, hands and shoulders loose.
- Walk back; do 4 to 6 runs.
Coaching point
Fast and loose, not tight and hard.
Safety: Warm up first. Take a full walk-back rest between runs; fast running when tired is how pulls happen. Stop if anything hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Choose your gears: Less (two), Core (three), More (a smooth fourth). Aim for relaxed shoulders.
Story
You are a train building steam as it leaves the station.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for relaxed shoulders. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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