Game version
Skill-card game: pick a card with a skill you already know and show it with your coach nearby. The pair collects five clean skills together.
Forward Roll Basics
Roll forward smoothly, the first step in any tumbling pass.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Squat at the end of the mat with your hands flat in front of you.
Core: Your usual skill. Move up only with your coach’s OK.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Soft mat
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Tumbling
The steps
How it works
- Squat at the end of the mat with your hands flat in front of you.
- Tuck your chin to your chest.
- Push with your legs and roll over the back of your shoulders.
- Come up to your feet with arms forward. Do 8 rolls.
Coaching point
Chin tucked, round like a ball.
Safety: Do this on a soft mat with a clear space around you. Tuck your chin and stop if your neck hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (a shape or roll), Core (your usual skill), More (a clean skill with a stuck landing). Move up only with your coach’s OK.
Story
You are a circus star performing your favorite act.
My best
Beat your own count
Move up only with your coach’s OK. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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