Thanks, Base: Back Massage With a Ball

In pairs, whoever was the flyer pays back the base with a gentle back and shoulder massage using a tennis ball. It loosens the muscles that worked hardest and builds a habit of looking out for each other.

How to play

1. Explain: the ball rolls over the shoulders, upper back and alongside the spine, never on the spine or the neck. The receiver says "Softer" or "That's good" (1 min).
2. The base sits cross-legged or lies face down; the flyer rolls the ball in slow circles over the shoulders and shoulder blades (3 min).
3. Switch roles: the flyer also gets a shoulder and forearm massage (3 min).
4. Each pair thanks each other with one sentence about something the other did well in class (1 min).

Rules

• Nobody gets a massage if they don't want one: they can roll the ball against the wall themselves.
• Keep the ball off the spine, neck and lower back.
• Gentle pressure; the receiver is in charge.
• Pairs chosen by the teacher or by preference, always with consent.

Variations

Adaptations

• Uncomfortable with contact: standing self-massage against the wall or with the ball under the foot.
• Wheelchair user: receives the massage seated in their chair, on shoulders and forearms.
• Visual impairment: the partner guides the areas by voice, and the teacher checks at the start that the ball stays off the spine.

Learning goals

• Relax the shoulders and back after the effort of basing.
• Practice caring for and listening to another person.
• End class with thanks between classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis balls: 15

Teacher tip

No tennis balls? Small rubber balls or rolled-up socks work. Always ask first who prefers self-massage and make it normal: nobody should have to explain themselves.

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