FundamentalsFootwork

Stance and Start Drill

A good stance is the foundation for every position on the field — this drill teaches the basic three-point stance and the explosive first step out of it.

Age RangeAges 7+
Duration8 minutes
Group Size4+ players
SportFootball

Equipment Needed

  • Cones to mark start/finish

Mark the start and finish

Cones make it easy to mark a consistent start and finish line so every player's get-off can be compared fairly.

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Setup

  • Players line up in a row, each with 5 yards of open space ahead.
  • Coach demonstrates the stance before the first rep.
Stance and Start DrillP3-pt stanceexplode 5 ydsFeet shoulder-width, one hand down, back flat, eyes upShort, quick first two steps before rising to full speed

Instructions

  1. Player sets a stance with feet shoulder-width apart, one hand down, back flat, eyes up.
  2. On the coach's signal, explode forward out of the stance for 5 yards.
  3. Focus on a quick, low first two steps rather than standing up immediately.
  4. Walk back and repeat 5–6 times.
Coaching Points
  • Weight should be balanced, not falling forward onto the down hand before the signal.
  • The first step out of the stance should be short and quick, not a long lunging stride.
  • Stay low through the first several steps before rising up to full speed.
  • This stance and start pattern applies to nearly every position — it's worth the extra repetition.

Variation

Add a random-direction call (left, right, straight) to react to after the stance, or time the 5-yard sprint for a fun personal-best challenge.