Guided Dynamic Stretching
Teacher-led dynamic stretches that prepare the muscles while moving across the width of the field.
How to play
- Group lines up on one side of the field.
- Down: long lunges with a trunk twist.
- Back: walking butt kicks.
- Down: alternating knee-to-chest pulls.
- Back: straight-leg kicks touching the opposite hand.
Rules
- Keep moving smoothly with no sharp bouncing.
- Keep the back straight.
Variations
Easier
Smaller range and slower travel.
Standard
Four exercises down and back.
Harder
Add side lunges and Frankenstein walks with an easy jog between exercises.
Adaptations
- Injuries: students choose the exercise that doesn't hurt.
- Balance: do them in place instead of traveling.
Learning goals
- Prepare the muscles for intense efforts.
- Improve dynamic mobility.
PatioLab has "Guided Dynamic Stretching" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More warm-ups for Middle School
4v1 Warm-up Rondo
4v1 rondo: four players keep possession inside a square while one player tries to win the ball.
5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo
5v2 rondo to warm up with the ball: five keep possession while two try to win it.
Activation Ball Relays
Ball relays in which each runner completes a course dribbling with the hand, dribbling with the feet or passing, depending on the round.
Activation with Agility Ladder
Agility ladder warm-up: footwork patterns of increasing difficulty to coordinate and activate.
Active Chain Stretching
Linked active stretches from feet to head, holding each position for just a few seconds with smooth movement.
Active Corners
Active corners: each corner of the area has an exercise; students run to the corner called and do that exercise.
