Pass-Back Line Jog

In lines of five jogging around a course, a foam ball is passed from front to back; when the last student gets it, they run past the whole line and become the new leader. Students work on easy continuous running, changes of pace, and group coordination.

How to play

1. Make lines of 5 with one foam ball per line and set up a large cone course around the blacktop (1 min).
2. Lines jog easily around the course, about three feet apart, without passing other lines (1 min).
3. The leader passes the ball back over their head to the second student, who passes to the third, and so on to the last, without anyone stopping.
4. When the last student gets the ball, they speed up along the outside of the line, move to the front, and start the pass back again; repeat until everyone has led several times (4 min).
5. Pass change: alternate overhead and side passes; between-the-legs passes are done only at a walk (2 min).

Rules

• Always pass the line on the outside and call "On your left!"
• The line jogs at a pace where everyone can still talk.
• If the ball drops, whoever dropped it picks it up while the line jogs in place.
• Keep at least 5 yards between lines.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: join a walking line and replace passing the line with a long pass to the leader.
• Visual impairment: travel with a hand on the shoulder of the student in front and get a verbal cue before each pass.
• Fitness level: passing the line can be a sprint for students who want more intensity or a slightly faster jog for others.

Learning goals

• Keep up easy continuous running with changes of pace.
• Pass and receive without turning around, in rhythm with the line.
• Control speed to keep the group together.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Foam balls: 5
• Cones: 8

Teacher tip

Keep the line at a talking pace so it stays a warm-up and not a race. Group students of similar ability in each line so no one has to slow down too much.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Elementary