Balance Twister

Set Up:

• Place coloured flat markers in a grid arrangement 4 x 4 or larger with approximately 30cm between each marker (set-up a number of grids if you have a large group)
• Children begin by standing around the outside of the grid

Description:

Children move around without touching markers using different locomotor commands such as hopping, jumping etc.

When the coach blows the whistle, children freeze.

Coach then calls out specific directions:

• Put one hand on a red marker
• Stand with one foot on a yellow marker
• Jump over a blue marker
• Place two hands and a foot on different coloured markers
• Balance on 1 arm and 1 leg on a green marker
• Make a bridge only touching yellow markers
• Balance on your bottom only on a red marker

Variations:

• If children know their left and right, you can play this more like a game of twister e.g. place left hand on red, right foot on red. You could make your own twister spinner
• Keep going until everyone is twisted up and then have the children gallop around the area until you start again
• Incorporate partner balances e.g. 4 feet all on a blue marker

Teaching Points:

• Keep body still and tight
• Head and eyes look ahead