Warm-Up Exercise Dominoes
Each group gets domino tiles where each half shows a move for one body area, and they have to link them by matching areas to build their warm-up. Then they do it in that order with a different leader for each tile, working on planning and general activation.
How to play
- For each group of four, prepare twelve cardstock domino tiles; each half shows a move and a picture of its body area: ankles, knees, hips, trunk, shoulders, or full body.
- Each group deals the tiles, three per student, and starts by laying down the tile with ankles on one end.
- Taking turns, each student adds a tile whose half matches the body area on an open end; if they can't, they pass. This phase lasts no more than 2 minutes.
- Once the chain is built, the group does the moves in order, 30 seconds each, led by whoever placed that tile.
- If the chain has fewer than eight tiles, the group fills the remaining time by repeating the full-body tiles; practice lasts about 6 minutes.
- At the end, each group checks whether their chain covered every body area and talks about which one got missed.
Rules
- Tiles only connect if the body areas match.
- Whoever placed a tile explains and leads that move.
- While the chain is being built, everyone else jogs lightly around the cones.
- Safety: full-body moves, which are more intense, never go before the third spot in the chain.
Variations
Easier
Tiles with large pictures and only three body areas.
Standard
Twelve tiles, six body areas, and a chain of at least eight tiles.
Harder
Tiles can branch off in a cross like classic dominoes, and the group decides which branch to do first.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: some tiles have a seated-version symbol and can be used as wild cards.
- Visual impairment: mark the body areas with a texture or raised outline too, and a partner reads the move.
- Fitness level: each tile lists a minimum and maximum number of reps.
Learning goals
- Organize a warm-up sequence by body area.
- Lead a move they chose themselves.
- Check that a warm-up covers the whole body.
Equipment for a class of 25
- domino tiles: 72
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
Print each set of tiles in a different color so sets don't get mixed up between groups. Keep the building phase quick; if it drags, lay down the first half of the chain yourself.
PatioLab has "Warm-Up Exercise Dominoes" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More warm-ups for Middle School
2v2 Plus One Keep-Away Grids
A short keep-away game in 10 x 10 yard grids: two pairs compete for the ball while a neutral player always plays with the team in possession.
30-Second Partner Passing Record
In pairs, students count how many good passes they complete in 30 seconds using different basketball passes and try to beat their own record on every attempt.
4v1 Warm-up Rondo
4v1 rondo in an 8×8-meter square: four players keep possession with passes along the ground while one player in the middle tries to win the ball.
5-10-5 Pro Agility Reaction Duel
In pairs, on three cones 5 m apart, one student reacts to a partner's signal, sprints to the side shown, touches the line, crosses 10 m to the far side and returns to…
5-4-3-2-1 Shake-Out
A quick drama and creative movement warm-up in which the group shakes arms and legs while counting down out loud from 5 to 1, faster each time.
5v2 Technical Warm-up Rondo
A 5v2 rondo (keep-away) to warm up with the ball: five players around the outside of a square keep possession while two in the middle try to win it.