PatioLab
Home › Activity library › Main activities for Middle School › Partner Rep Bank Challenge

Partner Rep Bank Challenge

In pairs, while one student runs a lap of the course, the other piles up reps of a strength exercise; when the runner returns, they high-five and switch. The pair must complete a total rep target. It combines endurance, strength and teamwork.

PhaseMain activitie
Duration20 min
Ages12–16
SpaceOutdoor yard
Equipmentcones, Task cards
IntensityHigh

How to play

  1. Mark a loop of about 100 m with cones around the work area. Give each pair a task card with the challenge: 150 jumping jacks, 100 squats, 80 mountain climbers and 50 push-ups (3 min).
  2. A starts running the lap while B does reps of the first exercise, counting out loud.
  3. When A returns, they high-five: B goes to run and A keeps adding reps of the same exercise until the pair reaches the total.
  4. Once an exercise is done, they move to the next one on the card. Reps only count while the partner is running.
  5. There's a 14-minute time cap. Pairs who finish early keep adding extra laps until time is up.
  6. Wrap-up: each pair shares their time or how far they got and what pacing strategy they used (3 min).

Rules

Variations

Easier

Shorten the loop to 60 m and cut the total reps in half.

Standard

A 100 m loop and a four-exercise card with a 14-minute cap.

Harder

A 150 m loop and a fifth exercise of 30 burpees.

Adaptations

Learning goals

Equipment for a class of 25

Teacher tip

When students rush, form falls apart: circulate in the work area and cheerfully cancel bad reps. Pair students of similar ability so neither waits too long for the other.

Add this activity to your lesson

PatioLab has "Partner Rep Bank Challenge" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School

1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River

⏱ 20 min👥 Ages 10–12📍 Field
Equipment: long rope, Light balls, cones

One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.

Striking Moderate intensity

1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball

⏱ 16 min👥 Ages 12–14📍 Outdoor yard
Equipment: Volleyball, long rope, cones

One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.

decision making Moderate intensity

1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels

⏱ 15 min👥 Ages 9–12📍 Outdoor yard
Equipment: Flat disc cones, Soccer balls

In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.

Agility High intensity

2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender

⏱ 15 min👥 Ages 12–14📍 Field
Equipment: basketball, cones, Basketball hoops

Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.

Speed High intensity

2-on-1 Through Three Defensive Zones

⏱ 18 min👥 Ages 12–14📍 Outdoor yard
Equipment: Team handball, cones, pinnies, goals

Pairs of attackers cross the court through three zones, each with a defender who cannot leave it, and finish with a shot on goal.

decision making High intensity

2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter

⏱ 20 min👥 Ages 10–12📍 Field
Equipment: long rope, Light balls, cones, pinnies

Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.

Cooperation Moderate intensity