Stop on a Dime: Free Speed & Agility Challenge for Ages 7–12

STEP 1 / THE CHALLENGE

Stop on a Dime

SET IT UP

Mark a box about 3 feet wide with 4 cones. Player starts 10 yards away (8U: 7 yards), runs fast and must stop inside the box. Full rest between reps.

HOW TO SCORE

Count a perfect stop only if both feet stop inside the box and the player holds balance for 2 seconds — no stepping out, no falling forward.

STEP 2 / THE ONE FIX · 5 MINUTES

Braking under control prevents slips and sets up the next baseball move.

THE CUE“Short steps to stop.”

THE DRILL

Jog 5 yards to a cone, use short deceleration steps and hold balance; repeat 6 reps on clear level surface.

8U: Keep movement playful and short: three-step starts, short shuffles and easy stops with long rests.
10U: Add a few reaction cues and change-of-direction patterns only while movement stays balanced.
12U: Use randomized baseball-like cues and controlled first-step angles; finish while movement quality is still high.

STEP 3 / THE RETEST

Say the cue out loud once — “Short steps to stop.” — then run Stop on a Dime again exactly like the first time.

Safe practice: Warm up and use a clear, dry, non-slip surface. No pain or exhaustion challenges; avoid hard sprint repeats without recovery.