Game version
Shadow positions: practice the body positions and hand placement on the air while a partner reads out the steps. No contact. Swap.
Half Nelson on a Dummy
Learn the half nelson: your hand goes under the arm and onto the back of the shoulder.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Lie beside a rolled blanket on your knees.
Core: Steady. Beat your own cleanest sequence.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Small room
- Bring
- Mat, rolled blanket or dummy
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Pinning
The steps
How it works
- Lie beside a rolled blanket on your knees.
- Slide your hand under the near arm and onto the far shoulder blade.
- Lift the arm and walk your hips out to the side.
- Do 20 slow reps.
Coaching point
Hand deep, hips out.
Safety: Never pull, crank or twist the head or neck. Keep holds on the arm and body.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (steady), More (a quick reset). Beat your own cleanest sequence.
Story
You are a chess player planning moves on the board.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own cleanest sequence. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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