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Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by HS marching on 10/14/2026, 9:35 am

Need help with kids taking uneven steps to get to their sets. They generally use good technique and take the right pathways. On any move longer than 8 counts they like to take larger than needed steps at the start of the move and they shorten them as they arrive to their set. On moves shorter than 8 counts or with extended step sizes the first few steps are too short then they try to catch up at the end.

I know I need to start emphasizing halfway points more often...are there any key words or phrases I can keep using other than that to help?

Is there a simple basics exercise that will address this specific issue?

Thanks!

Re: Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by Frodo on 10/23/2026, 10:28 am, in reply to "Help with uneven step sizes"

In addition to what's been said below - we frequently march the sub-set. Point to your halfway, maybe even drop a poker chip at halfway. March to the halfway, freeze on the right foot. Look around, make sure the form makes sense on the transition, be halfway between two people, guide the line, etc; then march the second half. Go back and march the full set.

Re: Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by older than dirt on 10/20/2026, 1:04 pm, in reply to "Help with uneven step sizes"

Gandalf covered part, the sub sets in movement help. I also try to incorporate perspective of form transition? what will the form look like at halfway? what should the form look like a fourth of the way and three fourths of the way? So not only are they thinking step size, but they are also thinking the shape "morphing" in a fluid transition.

Re: Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by Gandalf's older sibling on 10/15/2026, 2:27 pm, in reply to "Help with uneven step sizes"

"Okay band. How many counts until your next set?" (kids) "8"
"Okay. Point to your next set. That's 8. Point to halfway. 4. Half of that. 2. Half of that. 1. Take 1 step so you can feel the size step you need to take."

This worked pretty well for me. Give them a minute or so to practice within sections or sets. Then run it. Remind them of it regularly.
Best of luck to you.

Re: Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by 100% on 10/20/2026, 10:08 am, in reply to "Re: Help with uneven step sizes"

"Okay band. How many counts until your next set?" (kids) "8"
"Okay. Point to your next set. That's 8. Point to halfway. 4. Half of that. 2. Half of that. 1. Take 1 step so you can feel the size step you need to take."

This is the way.

Re: Help with uneven step sizes

Posted by DesertJazz on 10/14/2026, 11:55 am, in reply to "Help with uneven step sizes"

Across the fields with varying step sizes? This time of year we’ll play the problem parts of the show and mix that up sometime. You can break it down to 1/4 sets sometimes too.

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