Game version
Shadow shots: practice the level change and step of a shot on the air while a partner gives a thumbs-up for a low, balanced level. No contact. Swap.
Use a setup like a fake or arm drag to open a shot, all at drill speed.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start in stance facing your partner.
Core: Steady. Beat your own best out of 10 balanced shots.
The steps
Coaching point
Move them, then shoot.
Safety: Finish on the mat by driving to the side, never by picking a partner up. Drill speed, partner of similar size and age, coach watching. Skin check first: no partner work with a rash, sore or cold sore until a doctor clears it. Clean the mat before you start and shower after.
Make it fun
Game version
Shadow shots: practice the level change and step of a shot on the air while a partner gives a thumbs-up for a low, balanced level. No contact. Swap.
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (steady), More (a quick reset). Beat your own best out of 10 balanced shots.
Story
You are a ninja practicing in the quiet dojo.
My best
Beat your own best out of 10 balanced shots. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Free for families and teams
Sign up and the free wrestling week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.