Shared Dowel: Partner Shoulder and Trunk Stretches
Pairs face each other holding two dowels by the ends and do a series of mirrored shoulder and trunk stretches. The dowel acts as a guide and shares the support, so each student controls their own range without pulling the other.
How to play
- Pairs of similar height face each other 3 feet apart; each holds the end of a different dowel in each hand (1 min).
- Mirrored side bends: arms go up and both lean to the same side, keeping the dowels parallel, 3 per side with a 15-second hold (2 min).
- Trunk rotations: both turn toward the same side of the space at once, following with the dowels, 3 per side (2 min).
- Chest opener: stand side by side, hold a dowel with the outside hand at shoulder height and gently turn the body away, 20 s per side (2 min).
- Each pair invents one more dowel stretch and teaches it to the pair next to them (1 min).
Rules
- No pulling on the dowels: keep tension minimal and each student controls their own posture.
- Dowels stay below the partner's head height during side movements and never point at anyone's face.
- Pairs stay at least 6 feet from other pairs.
- Anyone who feels shoulder pain lets go of the dowel and stretches alone.
Variations
Easier
Use a single dowel held with both hands by both students.
Standard
Three mirrored stretches with two dowels plus one invented stretch.
Harder
Link the stretches into a 2-minute continuous sequence without talking, guided only by the dowels.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: do all stretches seated, with the partner sitting in a chair opposite.
- Visual impairment: the dowel serves as a tactile guide and the partner describes each movement before doing it.
- Shoulder injury: do only the trunk rotations with arms crossed over the chest.
Learning goals
- Improve shoulder and spine mobility after exercise.
- Coordinate with a partner while respecting each person's range.
- Apply safety rules when sharing equipment.
Equipment for a class of 25
- dowels: 30
Teacher tip
Ideal after throwing or racket sports. Check that nobody locks the elbows or shrugs the shoulders toward the ears.
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