Lying Wheel Overhead Ball Pass
Groups of eight lie face up in a wheel with heads toward the center and pass a soft ball from side to side with arms stretched overhead. Each pass stretches the shoulders and sides, and the slow pace, tied to breathing, helps bring heart rates down.
How to play
- Students form groups of eight and lie face up with heads toward the center like the spokes of a wheel, so that with arms overhead their hands nearly touch their neighbors' hands (1 min).
- With knees bent and feet flat, everyone reaches toward the center and takes two long breaths, feeling the shoulder stretch (0.5 min).
- The teacher gives each group a soft ball: the student holding it brings it to the chest while breathing out, then raises it back overhead while breathing in (1 min).
- They then pass it to the neighbor on the right by sliding it overhead, never throwing; the receiver repeats the chest-and-breath move before passing (2 min).
- After a full lap, the ball changes direction and a second ball starts from the opposite side of the wheel (1.5 min).
- Final lap with eyes closed: the passer quietly says the receiver's name; then everyone stays lying still for ten seconds before getting up slowly (1 min).
Rules
- The ball is handed off, never thrown.
- Wait until you breathe out before passing the ball.
- Safety: leave enough space between heads so no one gets bumped when reaching overhead.
Variations
Easier
Pass only one ball in one direction without the breathing move.
Standard
One ball goes around in both directions with a breath on every pass.
Harder
Two balls at once and the last lap with eyes closed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: if lying down isn't possible, the student sits on a chair in the center and receives and hands the ball to two nearby classmates.
- Autism: give a heads-up before the ball arrives and keep the same spot in the wheel every time.
- Fitness level: students with tight shoulders can pass with elbows slightly bent.
Learning goals
- Stretch the shoulders and sides through slow, controlled passes.
- Sync movement with breathing.
- Cooperate with the group at a calm pace.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 6
- yoga mats: 25
Teacher tip
Set the mats in a wheel before starting to save time. If the ball moves too fast, stop the group and have them count one full breath per pass.
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