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Animal Crawls Against the Clock

Bear crawl and crab walk across the room to build tumbling arms, racing only your own time.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Bear crawl across the room on hands and feet.

Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Ages
7 and up
Time
6 min
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Open floor
Level · skill
Beginner · Tumbling

The steps

How it works

  1. Bear crawl across the room on hands and feet.
  2. Crab walk back, belly up.
  3. A parent times you.
  4. Do 3 rounds and try to beat your first time.

Coaching point

Strong arms, steady pace.

Safety: Keep the path clear and rest between rounds.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Gym follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.

Story

You are an explorer crossing the gym like a jungle.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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