Two Balls in the Circle: Don't Let One Catch the Other

Two circles of 12-15 students pass two balls at once in the same direction: the trailing ball tries to catch the leading one. It warms up arms, legs and focus with quick passes.

How to play

1. Circles of 12-15 jogging in place. One ball goes around with chest passes to the right (2 min).
2. Two different-colored balls start on opposite sides and travel the same way: the back ball chases the front one (3 min).
3. On the whistle, reverse direction: the chaser becomes the chased (2 min).
4. One ball must be bounce-passed and the other passed overhead; after passing, do a jump in place before receiving again (2 min).
5. Final mobility: everyone moves the ball around their waist and knees before handing it on (1 min).

Rules

• No skipping anyone: the ball goes through every player.
• If a ball drops, the passer picks it up and carries on from there.
• Chest-height passes, not too hard at short range.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: the classmate to their left says their name before passing and uses a ball with a bell.
• Wheelchair users: catch and pass from their spot; the circle widens a bit next to them.
• Students afraid of the ball: use rolled or bounce passes, which give more time to catch.

Learning goals

• Improve passing accuracy and speed.
• Get the body ready with shared focus.
• Work together so the ball isn't lost.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 6

Teacher tip

Use soft balls in clearly different colors. Students tend to throw hard when rushing: remind them a good pass is one that can be caught.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Middle School