Lying Centipede Giant Ball Pass
Students lie on their backs in a line on mats, head to head, and pass the earth ball from one to the next with raised feet and hands, like a centipede carrying it along. Students work on body control, core strength, and moving in sync with the group.
How to play
- Lay out a row of mats and make two lines of 12 or 13 students lying on their backs, with their heads near the head of the person across from them (2 min).
- Practice the position: arms reaching up and knees bent ready to lift, with the lower back flat (1 min).
- The first student takes the ball on their feet and passes it to the hands of the next two; the ball travels over the line without touching the floor (3 min).
- Once the ball passes a student, they get up, jog to the end of the line, and lie down again, so the centipede moves across the gym (4 min).
- Count how many mats the class covers in 90 seconds and try to beat it on a second try (3 min).
- Finish by passing the ball with feet only down the whole line without moving forward (2 min).
Rules
- The ball is carried, never thrown or kicked.
- When getting up to move to the end, exit to the side without stepping on anyone.
- Keep the lower back flat when lifting your legs.
Variations
Easier
Sit in a line instead of lying down and pass the ball with hands only.
Standard
Lying line, passing with feet and hands, and the centipede travels as students move to the end.
Harder
Pass the ball with feet only for the whole route and add a turn of the line at a cone.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: sit at the end of the line to receive the ball with their hands and send it back to the group on the next try.
- Students with autism or who avoid contact: take a spot at one end with only one neighbor.
- Students with less core strength: use only their arms to pass the ball while their legs rest on the mat.
Learning goals
- Control the ball with different body parts while lying down.
- Keep the core stable while lifting legs and arms.
- Time the moves to the end so the group keeps going.
Equipment for a class of 25
- earth ball: 1
- mats: 12
Teacher tip
Ask students to line up with heads slightly offset rather than directly facing, to avoid bumps. If the earth ball is very firm, let a little air out so it is easier to grip.
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