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Ride to Turn Chain

Break a partner down, ride them flat, then move to a turn, all at drill speed.

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

Set up

Start on top.

Core: 5. Beat your own steadiest base.

Ages
14 and up
Time
15 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Gym or court
Bring
Mat, partner
Level · skill
Advanced · Riding & Control

The steps

How it works

  1. Start on top.
  2. Break your partner down to their belly.
  3. Ride them flat, then set a half nelson to turn.
  4. Do 8 chains each, then switch.

Coaching point

Break, ride, turn.

Safety: Never pull, crank or twist the head or neck. Keep holds on the arm and body. Pair with a partner of similar size and age. Skin check first: no partner work with a rash, sore or cold sore until a doctor clears it. Clean the mat before you start and shower after.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Strong-base game: hold a low, balanced base on all fours while a partner counts slowly. No contact. Swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (hold 3 seconds), Core (5), More (8). Beat your own steadiest base.

Story

You are a turtle with a strong shell.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own steadiest base. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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