Constraint Card Warm-Up Design Challenge
Each group draws two constraint cards, such as no equipment, everything in pairs, or no talking, and has 3 minutes to design a 3-minute warm-up that meets them. Then they lead it for another group, building creativity, planning, and problem-solving.
How to play
- Make six groups of four and take 1 minute to explain the required structure: mobility, general activation, and one higher-intensity move at the end.
- Each group draws two challenge cards, for example: no talking, everything with a partner, only one cone, don't step on the lines, always stay connected, or stay inside a 5-yard square.
- Groups have 3 minutes on the stopwatch to design and rehearse their warm-up.
- Pair up the groups: group A leads its warm-up for group B for 3 minutes.
- Switch roles, and group B leads its warm-up for group A for another 3 minutes.
- Each group guesses the other group's two constraints; if they get both, both groups earn a point on the class whiteboard.
Rules
- The warm-up must follow the structure and both constraints.
- Every group member leads at least one move.
- If a constraint can't be met safely, swap it for another card.
- Safety: connected moves use hands or forearms only, never necks or clothing.
Variations
Easier
One constraint card plus a list of backup exercises.
Standard
Two constraint cards and 3 minutes to design.
Harder
Three constraint cards, and the other group can't ask any questions during the explanation.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the group must include versions their teammate can do, which becomes one more constraint.
- Hearing impairment: the no-talking card plays to this group's strengths, and clear hand signals are agreed on at the start.
- Fitness level: the final move is offered at two intensity levels.
Learning goals
- Create a structured warm-up that fits given conditions.
- Make group decisions under time pressure.
- Lead and follow classmates' ideas respectfully.
Equipment for a class of 25
- challenge cards: 18
- cones: 12
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
Make cards that are doable for everyone: avoid constraints that involve carrying people or closing eyes. Fast groups can draw a third card.
PatioLab has "Constraint Card Warm-Up Design Challenge" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More warm-ups for High School
2v2 Plus One Keep-Away Grids
A short keep-away game in 10 x 10 yard grids: two pairs compete for the ball while a neutral player always plays with the team in possession.
30-Second Partner Passing Record
In pairs, students count how many good passes they complete in 30 seconds using different basketball passes and try to beat their own record on every attempt.
4v1 Warm-up Rondo
4v1 rondo in an 8×8-meter square: four players keep possession with passes along the ground while one player in the middle tries to win the ball.
5-10-5 Pro Agility Reaction Duel
In pairs, on three cones 5 m apart, one student reacts to a partner's signal, sprints to the side shown, touches the line, crosses 10 m to the far side and returns to…
5-4-3-2-1 Shake-Out
A quick drama and creative movement warm-up in which the group shakes arms and legs while counting down out loud from 5 to 1, faster each time.
5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo
A 5v2 rondo (keep-away) to warm up with the ball: five players around the outside of a square keep possession while two in the middle try to win it.