Student Sports Warm-Up Fair
Each group preps a sport-specific warm-up for a sport they play outside school and sets it up like a booth at a fair; the other groups rotate through the booths, led by a host. Students learn to design sport-specific warm-ups and to teach them.
How to play
- In the previous class, form five groups of five based on the sports they play (soccer, basketball, dance, swimming, climbing...). Each group designs a 2-minute sport-specific warm-up with 3-4 exercises and any equipment needed.
- On arrival, each group sets up its booth in a coned area about 10 yards from the others, with a sign naming the sport.
- Each group picks a host who stays at the booth; the other four move to the next booth clockwise.
- The host explains in 20 seconds why each exercise matters in their sport and leads the warm-up for 2 minutes.
- On the whistle, groups rotate. The host changes at every rotation, so everyone leads at least once (5 rotations, about 11 min).
Rules
- Every booth must include mobility and at least one exercise that resembles the sport's key movement.
- The host keeps the intensity moderate: this is the start of class, not a practice.
- Safety: no contact drills and no heavy equipment without the teacher's okay.
Variations
Easier
Groups choose from a list of five school sports, and the teacher provides a handout with sample exercises.
Standard
Five booths for sports the students play, with rotating hosts.
Harder
Every booth must offer an easier and a harder version of each exercise, and the host decides which to give each classmate.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the group includes a seated version of each exercise, and the student can host using visual supports.
- Shy students: the host may lead from a cue card with a support partner beside them.
- Advanced athletes: ask them to coach classmates' technique at their booth.
Learning goals
- Design a sport-specific warm-up for a familiar sport.
- Explain how each exercise connects to the sport's movements.
- Lead a small group of peers independently.
Equipment for a class of 25
- assorted equipment
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
Review proposals in the previous class to screen out risky drills. If two groups pick the same sport, ask them to focus on different phases (mobility or sport skills).
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