Balance Relay

Students will develop balance, speed, teamwork, and competitive sportsmanship by racing through a relay course that includes Balance It pose stations at each checkpoint.

Balance It app or printed balance cards Cones to mark relay lanes and checkpoints Batons or beanbags for relay handoffs Timer or stopwatch Optional: Music for energy

Warm-Up (5 minutes) Jog, high knees, and short sprints to prepare for the relay. Include quick balance checks (hold a pose for 5 seconds on the whistle). Relay Setup (5 minutes) Set up 3–4 relay lanes, each with 3 balance checkpoints spaced evenly along the course. Place a different Balance It card at each checkpoint. Balance Relay Races (20 minutes) Divide the class into equal teams (3–5 per team). On “Go!”, the first runner sprints to Checkpoint 1, performs the displayed balance pose, and holds it for 5 seconds. A teacher or assigned judge gives the thumbs up when the pose is held correctly. The runner then sprints to Checkpoint 2 and Checkpoint 3, repeating the process at each. After the final checkpoint, the runner sprints back and hands off the baton to the next teammate. The first team to have all members complete the course wins the round. Change the Balance It cards at each checkpoint between rounds for variety. Bonus Round: Mystery Relay (5 minutes) Cards at each checkpoint are placed face-down. Runners flip the card when they arrive, adding an element of surprise. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes) Stretching and discussion: How did you balance speed with accuracy? What did your team do to encourage each other? Was it harder to balance after sprinting? Why?

Observe students’ ability to maintain balance accuracy while under time pressure. Assess teamwork, sportsmanship, and ability to perform poses correctly even when fatigued from running. Note which students demonstrate control versus those who rush through poses.

Add fitness tasks between checkpoints (e.g., 5 burpees then balance) Increase hold times at checkpoints for a harder challenge Include partner balance poses at one checkpoint Time each team and track improvement across sessions