Game version
Story stretch: tell a short story as you open and close the book. Swap.
Book Opener Stretch
Lie on your side with knees bent and open your top arm like a book. Helps the upper back turn.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Lie on your side with knees bent and arms together in front.
Core: Medium. Gentle.
- Ages
- 9 to 14
- Time
- 6 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- Mat
- Level · skill
- Developing · Flexibility
The steps
How it works
- Lie on your side with knees bent and arms together in front.
- Open the top arm across to the other side, following it with your eyes.
- Breathe out as you open.
- Do 8 each side.
Coaching point
Knees stay together.
Safety: Move into a gentle stretch, never pain. Never bounce, and never let anyone push you deeper.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (small), Core (medium), More (hold a slow breath). Gentle.
Story
You are opening a giant storybook.
My best
Beat your own count
Gentle. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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