Over and Under Partner Bridges
In pairs, one student makes a bridge with the body and the other gets past it by crawling or army-crawling under, or by jumping over when it is low. Partners cross the gym taking turns, building crawling skills, core strength and trust.
How to play
- Pair students of similar size and lay out a strip of mats across the gym, about 40 feet.
- Teach the bridges (3 min): tabletop (hands and knees), high bridge (hands and feet, hips up) and low rock (tucked ball on the floor).
- Crossing 1 (4 min): A makes a tabletop and B crawls under; B sets up a yard ahead in tabletop and A crawls under. Keep going to the end.
- Crossing 2 (4 min): high bridge and army crawl underneath.
- Crossing 3 (3 min): the partner curls into a rock and the other jumps over it with feet together, from the side and carefully.
- Free challenge (2 min): the pair combines their three favorite bridges in a final crossing.
Rules
- The bridge holds still until the partner has completely passed.
- Jump only over the rock, never over a tabletop or high bridge.
- Pass underneath without touching or pushing the bridge.
- Pairs stay in their own lane and do not cross others.
Variations
Easier
Use only tabletops and crawling, with shorter crossings.
Standard
Three bridges with crawling, army crawling and rock jumps.
Harder
Tummy-up bridges (crab) and army-crawling through on the back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student makes a doorway with the arms from a wheelchair, or passes through bridges made by standing classmates.
- Autism or shy students: pair with a trusted classmate and give notice before each bridge change.
- Fitness level: tired students hold the high bridge on their knees instead of their feet.
Learning goals
- Hold stable support positions on hands and feet.
- Pass under obstacles by adjusting the body.
- Trust and look after a partner during play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 12
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Pair by size so bridges leave enough space. Watch the rock jump: it must be from the side over the legs, never over the head.
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