Partner Curl-Up Ball Pass

In pairs lying face to face, partners curl up at the same time and pass a soft ball at the top of the movement. It builds abdominal strength with safe technique and coordination with a partner.

How to play

1. Set out yoga mats in facing pairs so the partners' feet touch with knees bent. Each pair has one soft ball.
2. Demonstrate the technique for 3 minutes: arms reaching forward, curl up until the shoulders lift, look at your partner and lower slowly without flopping back.
3. Round 1: both curl up together, A hands the ball to B and both lower; on the next curl-up B hands it back. Count passes in 40 seconds, then rest 40 seconds.
4. Rounds 2 to 4 use a new pass each time: a short toss, a pass with a trunk twist to one side and an overhead pass while lying down. Each round is 40 seconds of work and 40 of rest.
5. Rounds 5 and 6: the pair tries to beat its round 1 record.
6. To finish, two pairs join in a square and pass the ball across for 2 minutes without dropping it.

Rules

• Hands never pull on the neck.
• Curl up and down slowly, without bouncing off your back.
• If the ball drops, pick it up and keep counting where you left off.
• If your back bothers you, switch to a short crunch or a plank.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated in a wheelchair, the student leans the trunk forward to pass the ball to a partner.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside, and the partner says "now" before passing.
• Different fitness levels: each pair decides whether to do a full curl-up or a short crunch.

Learning goals

• Perform a curl-up with technique that protects the back.
• Improve muscular endurance of the core.
• Match work rhythm with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• yoga mats: 25
• soft balls: 13

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is yanking the head or jerking up; keep cueing "look at your partner" to keep the neck aligned. Pair students of similar height.

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