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Associated sport: Gymnastics
Indoor-friendly: Yes
Pool-friendly: No

Game description

Pairs hold hands and run randomly around the room, then on a call from the coach, perform a specified balance position.

What you need (setting up)

• 1 x scatter mat per pair or a soft grassed area.

What to do

• On ‘GO!’, pairs move freely around the room holding hands until they hear a call from the coach.
• Coach calls combinations including any of the following:  backs, bottoms, elbows, feet, hands, heads, knees, shoulders,.
• Players find a mat and assume the position called, e.g. ‘3 hands, 2 feet!’ - pairs form a balance with only these body parts touching the ground.
• Players hold the position for a set time, e.g. 10 seconds.
• Players must always be in contact with one another to maintain balance.

Change it

• Balance with a partner who is a different size.
• Introduce equipment such as hoops, balls and bean bags that must also be used in the balance.

Safety

• Perform positions on a mat or soft grass.
• Players cannot used their heads to balance on.
• Brace hand grips must be used, e.g. the monkey grip or Roman grip.

• Players must be appropriately matched.
• Players must control their exits from balance positions.

Ask the players

• Is it easier to balance closer to the ground or further away?
• How many body parts do you need to have in contact with the floor to feel balanced?