Stretch Figures: Partner Poses That Stretch

Pairs turn stretches into small, still, symmetrical acrosport figures held as if for a photo. They stretch the muscles they used while reviewing how the figure looks.

How to play

1. "Roof" figure: back to back, both lean their trunks to one side and join hands overhead, stretching the side. 20 seconds each way (2 min).
2. "Door" figure: facing each other with a wrist grip, both lean back to stretch the shoulders and upper back (2 min).
3. "Seated mirror" figure: sitting face to face with the soles of the feet together, holding hands; one leans back while the other folds forward, slowly (2 min).
4. Challenge: each pair invents a figure that stretches the wrists or forearms and shows it to the next pair (2 min).

Rules

• Stretch without pain and without bouncing.
• Whoever pulls does it gently and stops when the partner says "Enough."
• The figure is symmetrical: both stretch the same.
• No talking during the 20-second holds.

Variations

Adaptations

• Shoulder injury: does the roof figure without joining hands, just leaning the trunk.
• Limited mobility: chair-based figures with the partner standing facing them.
• Uncomfortable with contact: use a stick or a scarf to link hands.

Learning goals

• Stretch the muscles worked in acrosport.
• Hold a shared pose with control and symmetry.
• Create your own figure with a stretching purpose.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym mats: 14

Teacher tip

Ask them to freeze as if for a photo: the quiet comes on its own and the pace drops. The usual mistake is pulling too hard in the door figure; remind them the person stretching is in charge.

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