Twist and Pass: Partner Trunk Mobility with a Ball

Partners pass a ball using trunk twists, bends and extensions. It mobilizes the spine and shoulders in a controlled way before harder work.

How to play

1. Partners back to back, half a meter apart. Pass the ball by twisting to one side and receive it on the other; switch direction every five laps (2 min).
2. Pass the ball overhead and then between the legs, making a figure eight (2 min).
3. Sit back to back, legs crossed: slow twists to hand off and receive the ball on each side (2 min).
4. Standing three meters apart, side-on: each twists the trunk and throws the ball with two hands from the hip (2 min).

Rules

• Twist slowly, no bouncing.
• Hips face forward; turn the trunk, not the feet.
• Side throws are gentle and at your partner's chest height.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: do side passes and seated twists with a partner standing or sitting on a bench.
• Students with low back pain: reduce the twist range and skip the overhead pass.
• Students with visual impairments: the partner says 'coming!' before each handoff and touches their arm with the ball.

Learning goals

• Mobilize the spine in its different planes.
• Prepare the shoulders and trunk for throwing or striking.
• Match the passing rhythm with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 15

Teacher tip

Works well before team handball, volleyball or racket sports. Students often turn their feet to avoid twisting: tell them to keep their feet planted.

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