Walking Lunge Twist Partner Passes
Partners walk side by side; each student steps into a lunge, rotates toward their partner, and passes a light medicine ball. It mobilizes hips, ankles, and spine while activating the legs and core before the main part of the lesson.
How to play
- Form pairs with a 1 kg (2 lb) medicine ball and line them up at the start line, 3 yards apart from each other, moving side by side toward a row of cones 15 yards away.
- First trip (1 minute): down and back with long walking lunges and no ball, back knee near the floor and torso tall.
- Second trip: the student with the ball steps into a lunge, rotates toward their partner, and passes the ball with two hands at chest height.
- The partner catches as their lunge lands, rotates, and passes back; continue to the cones for 2 round trips (about 3 minutes).
- Third block (2 minutes): lateral lunges with an overhead pass, once toward each side.
- Finish (1 minute): easy jog down and back passing the ball with a one-hand toss, then return it to its spot.
Rules
- The front knee stays behind the toes and points forward.
- Passes are short and soft, 3 yards max; the medicine ball is never thrown straight up or dropped.
- Pairs move at the same pace so they don't end up one behind another.
- If a knee or back feels any discomfort, continue without the ball.
Variations
Easier
Swap the medicine ball for a basketball and take shorter lunges.
Standard
Long lunge, full rotation, and chest pass with a 1 kg (2 lb) ball.
Harder
Hold the low position for 2 seconds before passing and add a rotation to the other side.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the trunk rotation and pass seated or in a wheelchair while the partner moves alongside.
- Blind or low-vision students: the partner calls out before every pass, and a ball with bells is used if available.
- Lower fitness: alternate one lunge-and-pass with two regular walking steps.
Learning goals
- Mobilize hips, ankles, and spine through large, controlled movements.
- Gradually activate the leg and core muscles.
- Coordinate the lunge with the pass to keep the pair's rhythm.
Equipment for a class of 25
- 1 kg (2 lb) medicine balls: 13
- cones: 14
Teacher tip
Watch for knees caving inward; if you see it, ask for shorter lunges. Lay the medicine balls out on the start line before you begin so no one carries them while running.
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