Cone Flip Frenzy
Two teams compete with no contact: one flips cones upside down and the other turns them right side up, as fast as they can. It is a very high-energy warm-up that builds agility, squatting, and running with changes of direction.
How to play
- Spread about 30 cones around the court, half standing and half upside down. Split the class into two teams: Ups and Downs.
- First, 1 minute of jogging among the cones without touching them and, on each clap, squatting to touch the floor next to one.
- On the whistle, the Ups turn flipped cones right side up and the Downs flip standing cones over. Play 45-second rounds.
- On the final whistle, everyone stops and the cones are counted: the team with more cones in its position wins.
- Between rounds, take 30 seconds of walking rest. Play 4 or 5 rounds, switching team roles each time.
Rules
- Touch only one cone at a time, with your hand.
- No guarding a cone with your body or holding it down.
- You can't touch the same cone twice in a row.
- Bend your knees to reach the cone and look around before standing up.
Variations
Easier
Use fewer cones and play at a power walk.
Standard
Thirty cones, two teams, and 45-second rounds.
Harder
After each cone, players must touch a sideline before going to the next one.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: cones for a student using a wheelchair are placed on benches or chairs at hand height.
- Autism: show each round's length with a visible countdown and announce the role switch ahead of time.
- Fitness level: a student who needs less intensity works in only one half of the court.
Learning goals
- Reach high activation with short sprints and squats.
- Move with agility while changing direction.
- Follow fair-play rules with no contact.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 30
Teacher tip
Head bumps when bending down are the main risk: stress looking before going down. Use soft cones or large disc cones, which flip easily and don't hurt.
PatioLab has "Cone Flip Frenzy" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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