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Log Rolls and Rocking Chairs

Roll and rock in tight shapes, the first steps of tumbling.

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

Set up

Lie long and log roll across the mat, legs together.

Core: Your usual skill. Move up only with your coach’s OK.

Ages
7 and up
Time
6 min
Players
Just you
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Soft mat
Level · skill
Beginner · Tumbling

The steps

How it works

  1. Lie long and log roll across the mat, legs together.
  2. Sit in a tuck and rock back to your shoulders and up to your feet.
  3. Keep your chin tucked when you rock.
  4. Do 5 of each.

Coaching point

Tight body, chin tucked.

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

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.

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

Print it now, or save it free

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