The stride stop is a fantastic move in the paint. For those unfamiliar, a stride stop occurs when a player attacks the paint and then stops by planting their outside foot first, then their inside foot.

It gives players:

• better balance

• more strength

• better pivoting options when playing in traffic

Unfortunately, it can be hard to teach. It’s especially hard for young players to learn.

I’ve tried teaching it to youth players for 8 years, with mixed results. On the right side, I’ve told them to land on their right foot then left foot (and vice versa on the left side).

Many players struggle to follow that instruction. Why?  Not because it’s wrong, but rather because it’s not visual and memorable.

I recently learned a new way to teach stride stops from Wisconsin State Championship Coach Dave Lepisto. You might call it the “squash the bug” method.

Instead of focusing players on right and left, it gives players an external cue. Even better, it’s one they are familiar with.

I tried it recently with a group of 3rd-6th graders, and the results were astonishing. Within 7 minutes, every player was stride stopping correctly.

That had never happened before. Check it out below. Then try it with your team and see if you get similar results!

For more great constraints-led approach concepts & drills, check out Youth CLA Drills With Dave Lepisto.

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