Partner Tank Roll
A classic partner acrobatics skill: one partner lies down, the other stands, they grip each other's ankles and roll forward together like a tank tread. Students work on coordination, a forward roll under light load and mutual trust.
How to play
- Pairs of similar size on a runway of 4 mats in a row. Three-minute review of the forward roll with the chin tucked.
- Starting position (2 minutes): A lies face up and B stands with feet next to A's ears. Each partner grips the other's ankles.
- First slow roll (4 minutes): A lifts the legs and B places A's feet on the floor in front; B forward-rolls with the chin tucked while A rises to standing. The roles flip.
- Move forward two or three rolls in a row and stop when either partner calls "Stop."
- Continuous rhythm (5 minutes): travel the whole runway without pausing and walk back along the side to repeat.
- Three-minute wrap-up: pairs who have it down show it and explain the grip trick.
Rules
- Never let go of the ankles in the middle of a roll.
- The roller tucks the chin and lands on the back of the neck, not the head.
- Always go slowly; this is not a race.
- Only one pair per runway at a time.
Variations
Easier
Practice only the first half roll and return to the starting position.
Standard
Travel the 4-mat runway with continuous rolls.
Harder
Try one backward tank roll to return to the start, always with the teacher next to the pair.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: be the runway guide and give the start and stop signals.
- Visual impairment: count each phase of the roll out loud in an agreed way.
- Students without a solid forward roll: stay with the starting position and the half roll.
Learning goals
- Coordinate a partner rolling skill with a classmate.
- Perform a forward roll while keeping a grip.
- Trust a partner and communicate clearly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 16
Teacher tip
Prerequisite: a safe forward roll. The hardest part is placing the partner's feet on the floor; demonstrate it very slowly with a student before starting.
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