Inside-Outside Circle Passing

The class forms two circles, one inside the other, and each student passes an object with the partner facing them; on every signal the outer circle rotates, so partners and objects change. It works on throwing and catching different objects and connecting with the whole class.

How to play

1. Mark an inner circle of 12 spots with flat disc cones. Twelve students stand there facing out and, 6 feet (2 m) away, another 12 form the outer circle facing in, each across from a partner; an extra student joins a pair (2 minutes).
2. Each student in the inner circle holds an object: a bean bag, a foam ball, or a scarf, handed out in alternating order.
3. On the signal, partners pass the object back and forth for 1 minute using the pass you call: underhand, chest, bounce, or high toss.
4. On the whistle, whoever has the object keeps it and the outer circle walks one spot to the right. That means a new partner and often a new object.
5. Each pair counts consecutive catches and tells their next partner the number so they can try to beat it. Do about 8 rotations.
6. In the last 3 minutes, each pair gets two objects to toss at the same time, and the outer circle now rotates to the left.

Rules

• Only pass to the partner directly across from you.
• Rotate only on the whistle, and walk.
• No hard throws: the goal is for your partner to catch it.
• If the object drops, pick it up and keep going, no frustration.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair stays in the inner circle, which doesn't move.
• Autism or shyness: show with your fingers how many rotations are left, and let the student start next to a familiar classmate.
• Skill level: swap a pair's object for an easier or harder one as needed.

Learning goals

• Throw and catch objects of different weights and shapes.
• Adjust the pass for each partner.
• Connect with every classmate in the group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bean bags: 10
• foam balls: 10
• scarves: 10
• flat disc cones: 12

Teacher tip

The disc cones keep the circle from drifting out of shape as it rotates. This format is great for getting everyone to play with everyone without picking partners.

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