Partner Massage
Calm cool-down where partners take turns giving each other a gentle back massage with a tennis ball — always with permission.
How to play
- Pair students up; one lies face down or sits, the other kneels beside them.
- Ask permission first and agree on a stop signal.
- Roll the tennis ball slowly in circles on the shoulders and on each side of the back, never on the spine.
- Switch roles after 2–3 minutes and finish with a shared deep breath.
Rules
- Permission first; anyone can say stop at any time.
- Gentle pressure, never on the spine or neck.
- Stay quiet and calm.
Variations
Easier
Self-massage on legs and arms.
Standard
Partner massage on shoulders and back.
Harder
Add a "weather story" (rain, wind, sunshine) told with the ball.
Adaptations
- Students who prefer no contact: self-massage.
- Sensory sensitivities: lighter pressure or no ball.
Learning goals
- Relax after exercise.
- Practice respect and care for others.
PatioLab has "Partner Massage" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More cool-downs for Elementary
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8 to calm the group.
5-Senses Mindfulness
5-senses mindfulness: students notice 5 things they see, 4 they hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they smell and 1 they taste.
Back Drawing with Partner
In pairs, one student uses a finger to draw a shape, letter or number on a partner's back, and the partner has to guess it.
Balloon Belly Breathing
Balloon belly breathing: students imagine a balloon in their belly that fills when they breathe in and empties when they breathe out.
Balloon Stretching
Balloon stretching: a cool-down with balloons — gentle stretches while keeping the balloon in the air or holding it with different body parts.
Body Journal
Body journal: students note how their body feels after class (energy, tiredness, mood).