Before they block anyone, kids need to feel what it means to keep their hands in front. This drill is like a mirror drill where one kid moves and the other follows, both keeping their hands ready.
What you need: Open grass or field. No equipment needed.
Setup: Pair the kids up. They stand facing each other about 3 feet apart.
How to run it:
- Cue: Plant, Punch, Drive, Finish. Today we’re focusing on Punch: hands into the chest.
- Kid A starts with hands up, palms open, in front of their chest at shoulder height.
- Kid B holds their ground. Kid A reaches out slowly and touches Kid B’s chest with the palm of the hand. Then brings the hands back.
- Do 10 reps. Then switch. Kid B touches Kid A’s chest.
- After 10 reps each way, move to the next round: same thing but a little faster. Still controlled.
What to watch: Are the hands going out to the side or coming straight out in front? Straight out is right. Side to side means they’re not squaring up.
If they’re struggling: Start closer, just 2 feet apart. Go slower. Let them get comfortable with the motion first.
If they’ve got it: Have them step into it. As they punch with their hands, they take a small step forward. That’s the beginning of Drive.