Bear Crawl Plate Balance Challenge
Bear crawl challenges with a flat cone resting on the lower back that must not fall off. Students work on trunk stability, shoulder strength, and arm-leg coordination in a small space.
How to play
- Pairs share one flat cone. Bear position: hands under shoulders, knees under hips and 2 inches off the floor, flat back (2 min).
- Static hold (2 min): A holds the bear position with the cone on their back for 20 seconds while B watches for wobbling; switch 3 times.
- Travel (4 min): forward 15 ft, backward 15 ft, and sideways 15 ft between two cones. If the cone falls, B puts it back and A continues from there.
- Slalom (3 min): a zigzag course of 6 cones about 3 ft apart, crawling out and walking back.
- Final relay in teams of 5 (3 min): 25 ft out and back in a bear crawl; every time the cone falls, stop and reset it.
- Quick wrist stretch and discussion: what helps keep the cone on? (1 min).
Rules
- Knees stay off the floor while moving, except to rest.
- Move opposite hand with opposite foot, without rushing.
- Look at the floor just ahead of your hands to avoid bumping anyone.
- Keep 6 ft between lanes.
Variations
Easier
No cone, with knee rests whenever needed.
Standard
Cone on the back for every movement.
Harder
Two stacked cones and the slalom done backward.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a plank hold on a mat, or balancing the cone on a forearm while seated.
- Visual impairment: a lane marked with a rope on the floor, and the partner calls out the cones.
- Lower fitness: 10-ft distances with rest between each movement.
Learning goals
- Keep the back stable while moving arms and legs.
- Coordinate opposite hand and foot.
- Help a partner with useful feedback.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flat cones: 25
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
If the cone keeps falling, the hips are usually swaying, so ask for shorter steps. Warm up the wrists first since they tire out quickest.
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