No-Hands Big Ball Carry

First in pairs and then in groups of four, students carry a large ball and then the earth ball through a cone course, holding it only between their bodies with no hands. Students work on cooperation, matching a partner's steps, and problem solving.

How to play

1. Set up four parallel courses with five cones in a zigzag about six feet apart and a hoop at the end (2 min).
2. In pairs, carry the large ball back to back to the hoop and back; then side to side (3 min).
3. Try other ways the pairs come up with: front to front, shoulder to shoulder, or between foreheads, and share the best one (3 min).
4. Combine two pairs: the group of four carries the earth ball with backs, shoulders, or hips along the same course (3 min).
5. Team relay: each group goes down and back and hands the ball to the next group without using hands; the team with the fewest drops wins (3 min).
6. Quick debrief: which way was easiest and why (1 min).

Rules

• If the ball falls, put it back with your hands and continue from that same cone.
• Walk, never run, especially when moving backward.
• Nobody pushes a partner to go faster.
• Respect the space: each group stays in its own course.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who use wheelchairs: carry the ball between their arm and the side of the chair with a standing partner next to them.
• Shy students: start with a partner of their choice and then join a familiar group.
• Students with more skill: carry the ball between partners' knees or with eyes closed while guided by voice.

Learning goals

• Cooperate with a partner by matching speed and steps.
• Find and compare different ways to carry an object.
• Follow the rules when the ball drops.

Equipment for a class of 25

• large balls: 6
• earth ball: 1
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

The key is for partners to talk and say "Step" as they move. With the earth ball, have groups agree on who sets the pace before they start.

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