Wall Bar Ball Pass Climbing Chain
Groups of four hang side by side on the wall bars, low to the ground, and must pass a soft ball from one end to the other without anyone stepping down or dropping it. Students practice grip strength, balance while climbing with one hand free, and teamwork.
How to play
- Setup (3 min): lay mats along the wall bars and mark the second rung as the highest the feet can go.
- Technique (4 min): each student practices letting go with one hand and holding on with three points of contact for 5 seconds, first left, then right.
- Groups of four climb onto four neighboring wall bar sections; the first climber holds the ball in the free hand.
- On the signal, the ball is handed from one climber to the next until the last one drops it into a box; the teacher times it.
- If the ball falls or anyone touches the floor, the group climbs down, rests 20 seconds, and starts over. Do four attempts with rests (8 min).
- Final round (5 min): the group designs a new rule, such as passing the ball behind the back, and tries it.
Rules
- Feet never go above the second rung.
- Hand the ball over; never throw it.
- Anyone who gets tired says "coming down" and climbs down under control; the group waits.
- Rest between attempts sitting on the mat, never hanging.
Variations
Easier
Students rest their feet on a gym bench in front of the wall bars.
Standard
Hand the ball along four climbers hanging with their feet on the wall bars.
Harder
The last climber sends the ball back for a round trip, or swap it for a hoop that must pass over each body.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student joins from the floor as the first or last link, handing off or receiving the ball.
- Autism: keep the student in the same spot in the chain and preview the start and stop signals.
- Fitness level: students with less strength take an end spot, where they only pass or receive once.
Learning goals
- Keep balance on the wall bars with three points of contact and one free hand.
- Build grip strength and hanging endurance.
- Cooperate in a challenge that depends on every group member.
Equipment for a class of 25
- wall bars: 12
- soft balls: 4
- mats: 10
Teacher tip
Use a light ball small enough to hold in one hand. Watch hanging times: more than a minute straight wears out students this age.
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