Ball Explorer Body Guess
In pairs, one student lies face down with eyes closed while the partner slowly rolls a tennis ball over one part of their body; the student lying down must guess which area it is. The massage relaxes the muscles while building body awareness and sense of touch.
How to play
- Set up pairs with one yoga mat and one tennis ball; one partner lies face down, forehead resting on hands, eyes closed (1 min).
- The partner picks an allowed area (shoulder, shoulder blade, arm, back, calf, sole of the foot) and rolls the ball over it in gentle circles for 10 seconds.
- The student lying down quietly says which body part they think it is and whether it's the right or left side; a correct guess earns the pair a point.
- Do 6 different areas, then switch roles (3 min per student).
- To finish, the last student massaged stays lying down for 30 seconds breathing, then both partners sit up slowly (1 min).
Rules
- Never roll the ball over the head, neck or directly on the spine; stay to the sides.
- Keep pressure gentle and adjust it to what your partner asks.
- Use quiet voices so you don't disturb other pairs.
- The student lying down keeps eyes closed to sharpen their sense of touch.
Variations
Easier
Use only 4 big areas (back, arms, legs and feet) and skip naming the side.
Standard
Explore 6 areas and name both the body part and the side.
Harder
The partner traces a shape with the ball (circle, line, X) on the area, and the student guesses both the area and the shape.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student receives the massage seated in a wheelchair, on the arms, shoulders and upper back.
- Touch sensitivity or autism: the student may choose to give the massage only, or limit it to arms and hands.
- Age level: younger students can point to the area instead of naming it.
Learning goals
- Identify and name body parts and left/right sides.
- Relax the muscles with a gentle partner massage.
- Respect a partner's body and control pressure.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tennis balls: 13
- yoga mats: 13
Teacher tip
Before starting, point to the allowed and off-limits areas on your own body. If pairs get silly, play soft music and ask for total silence between areas.
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