Partner Log Roll Race | Friends

Quick Intro

Partner Log Roll Race is the playground roll turned into a race. Two partners lie flat on their backs at a start line, side by side in their own lanes, arms stretched overhead and feet together. On the signal, both roll sideways along the lane toward the finish. The first person whose whole body is past the finish line wins.

It is low-skill and a little ridiculous, which is part of the appeal. It still asks for real core control, because the roll has to come from the trunk turning the body as one straight piece. That movement is taught at Log Roll. This guide covers the race: the lanes, a fair roll, the finish and dizziness.

What You’ll Need

Soft, flat ground: grass, a gym mat strip or several mats laid end to end.
Two lanes next to each other along the same start line. Since you lie across your lane, each one needs to be wider than you are tall with the arms overhead, about two and a half metres, with a metre of clear space between the two.
Something to mark the start and finish lines, five to ten metres apart.
A third person to call the start and judge the finish, if available.

How to Play

Agree the distance and any shortened course before starting.
Both partners lie on their backs at the start line, each in their own lane, arms overhead, legs together and the body straight along the line.
On “go”, both start rolling toward the finish.
Keep rolling until your whole body has crossed the finish line.
Sit up slowly, wait for any dizziness to pass, then walk back.
Play best of three, with a few minutes of rest between races.

What Counts

A straight-body roll. The arms stay overhead and the legs stay together, and the trunk turns the body over. Pushing off the ground with the hands or feet to speed up is not allowed.
Rolling in a line. If a roll drifts out of the lane, stop, straighten up inside the lane at the same point and carry on.
The whole body across. A head or arm over the line is not a finish. The feet must be past it too.
No contact. Stay in your own lane. Rolling into the other partner, or into their lane to block them, loses the race.

Rolling Straight

Most races are decided by who rolls straight. When the shoulders lead and the hips lag, or the reverse, the body turns into an arc and veers out of the lane. Keep the arms long and close to the ears and the legs squeezed together, and turn the shoulders and hips at the same moment. A slightly slower straight roll beats a fast one that needs correcting.

Dizziness

Rolling over and over is disorienting, more for some people than others, and this has little to do with fitness. Anyone who tends to get motion sickness or vertigo should sit this game out, or try a short version of just two or three rolls first.

A shorter course is also the handicap. A partner who gets dizzy or rolls more slowly can start from a line moved closer to the finish, agreed beforehand. Training With a Friend covers this kind of head start in more detail.

Staying Safe

Soft ground only. Grass or mats spare the shoulders and hips, which take a small knock on every roll.
Clear the lanes. No stones, equipment or edges of mats that a body could catch on.
Space between lanes. A drifting roll should not reach the other person.
Sit up slowly. Stand only once the head is clear.

Common Mistakes

Bending at the hips. The body folds, and the roll curves off course.
Dropping the arms. They act like brakes.
Pushing with a hand or foot. It is against the rules and usually sends the roll sideways anyway.
Racing too far. Past ten metres, dizziness takes over the result.

Fitting It Into a Session

The log roll race is short and light on effort. It makes a cheerful warm-up game, a break between harder exercises or a playful cool-down. A few races is enough. Ideas for placing it in a session are in Building a Partner Session.

Getting Better Over Time

Time a solo roll over the course now and then. As the roll gets straighter and more controlled, the time drops. When both partners finish close together, try a slightly longer course.

Wheelbarrow Race is another classic playground race for two.
Three-Legged Race races as a tied pair.
Bear Crawl Tag keeps the fun on the floor with a chase.
Ankle-Tied Bear Crawl Race races on hands and feet.

FAQ

Can we roll on a hard floor?

It is not a good idea. A thin mat at least makes a difference, and grass is better.

Which way should we roll?

Both partners roll the same way, toward the finish line. Lanes side by side with a gap between keep the two of you apart.

What if I veer out of my lane?

Stop, line up straight inside your lane at the same point and continue. It costs a second or two.

Related to Log Roll, Wheelbarrow Race and Three-Legged Race.