Game version
Field follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Bear Crawl Shapes Game
A home game that builds the strong flat back you need for tackling later, with no contact.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Bear crawl with your back flat and your eyes looking just ahead.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Mat or grass, cones
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Bear crawl with your back flat and your eyes looking just ahead.
- A parent calls a cone color; crawl to it.
- Freeze in a bear shape when they say "statue".
- Play 4 rounds of 1 minute with a rest between.
Coaching point
Flat back, head in line.
Safety: No contact with a person. Practice on soft ground or a mat, keep your eyes open and your head up and to the side. Stop if your neck hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
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 a scout exploring the field before the game.
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
Print it now, or save it free
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