Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Junior Practice with Purpose badge requirements.
Info Needed for Badge Requirements:
Drills help scouts improve specific skills in their chosen sport or activity. Practicing drills regularly builds strength, coordination, and confidence over time.
Items Needed:
- “Four Skill Drill Card” handout (one card per station)
- “Month-Long Practice Plan Tracker” handout
- Pencils
- Open space for movement
Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 15 minutes)
- Introduction (2 minutes)
- The leader explains that a skill drill is a short, focused exercise that improves a specific movement. Examples include: high knee sprints (speed), body twists (core control), fast feet challenge (agility), step count drill (rhythm)
- Scouts will learn about several drills and pick one to practice regularly
- Skill Drill Review (9–10 minutes)
- Option A: Station Rotation
- Scouts break into teams of 3–4 and rotate through 4 stations (one card per station)
- At each station, they read the card and try the movement 1–2 times
- The leader walks around to answer questions and encourage safe movement
- Option B: Group Demo
- The leader shows each drill card to the full group
- Scouts mimic the movement while staying in their own space
- Practice each drill for about 30 seconds before switching to the next
- Option A: Station Rotation
- Drill Selection & Recording (3–4 minutes)
- Each scout selects one drill to include in their Month-Long Practice Plan Tracker
- Scouts write down:
- The name of the drill
- Why they chose it
- How they’ll know they’re improving (based on the card tips)
Four Skill Drill Cards
Card 1: High Knee Sprint Drill
Skill: Cardiovascular endurance and coordination
How to Do It:
- Jog in place while lifting knees as high as possible
- Pump arms while moving for full-body coordination
- Go for 20–30 seconds, then pause and repeat
Why It Helps:
Improves stamina and form used in running and game play
How to Track Progress:
- Lift knees higher over time
- Sprint faster with better rhythm
Card 2: Fast Feet Challenge
Skill: Speed and agility
How to Do It:
- Stand tall and jog in place as fast as possible for 20 seconds
- Rest, then try again up to 3 times
- Focus on quick foot movements and keeping balance
Why It Helps:
Builds reaction time and quickness for tag, soccer, or other fast-paced games
How to Track Progress:
- Increase speed or step count each round
- Maintain faster pace with smoother movement
Card 3: Body Twist Control
Skill: Core strength and movement control
How to Do It:
- Stand with feet apart, arms out
- Slowly twist side to side with full control
- Keep hips facing forward, only move upper body
Why It Helps:
Builds trunk strength and flexibility useful for sports, dance, and coordination
How to Track Progress:
- Twist smoothly without wobbling
- Feel more flexible with each session
Card 4: Step Count Drill
Skill: Rhythm and stamina
How to Do It:
- Step side-to-side in a repeated pattern (left-right-left, then right-left-right)
- Count each step until reaching 50 or set a timer
- Add arm swings or claps for rhythm
Why It Helps:
Enhances coordination and endurance while staying active
How to Track Progress:
- Keep pattern smooth and steady
- Do more steps or last longer with energy
Month-Long Practice Plan Tracker
Name: _____________________ Start Date: _____________________
My Practice Plan
Fill in what you will do for each area. Be specific!
- 5 Min Endurance Activity (e.g., dance, jogging, biking):
- Strength Exercises (choose 3):
- 5 Min Skill Drill (e.g., throwing accuracy, jump rope timing):
| Week | Endurance (✓) | Strength (✓) | Skill Drill (✓) | Notes or Reflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | |
| Week 2 | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | |
| Week 3 | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | |
| Week 4 | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ | ☐ ☐ |
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