Orbit

Name and Purpose

Orbit is a cooperative challenge where two groups work together using different body parts to keep a giant ball moving.
Players practise trust, coordination, and communication without competition.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open flat space, indoors or outdoors. Gym floor or smooth grass preferred.

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Split into two groups: inner circle lies on their backs, heads toward centre, feet raised. Outer circle stands around them.
Inner circle: feet only. Outer circle: hands only.
Gently start the Earth Ball moving between groups.
Goal: keep it in the air together as long as possible. Count each successful touch.
After a few minutes, swap positions and try to beat your count.

Setup and Boundaries

Clear a flat open space with no trip hazards or sharp edges nearby.
Inner circle players remove shoes before lying down.
Signal: one short whistle = pause; two whistles = swap positions or end activity.
Staff sweep the floor/grass for anything that could cause discomfort when lying down.

How to Play

Divide into two groups of roughly equal size.
Inner group: lie on their backs in a circle, heads pointing toward the centre, feet raised in the air.
Outer group: stand in a circle around the inner group, facing inward.
Gently introduce the Earth Ball between the two circles.
Inner group may only use their feet and legs. Outer group may only use their hands and arms.
Together, work to keep the ball in the air. Count each successful touch out loud.
After three to five minutes, the counsellor calls a swap. Inner group stands and outer group lies down.
Try to beat the first group’s rally count. Celebrate improvement, not just the total.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Inner circle, using feet to redirect the ball with energy and precision.
S (Support): Outer circle, hands ready, calling out where the ball is heading.
Q (Quiet): Outer circle, focusing on calm, controlled touches rather than big swings.
O (Observer): Count the rally out loud, track the score, cheer on both groups, join the next round.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot lie on the ground can join the outer circle for both rounds or sit in a chair at the circle’s edge and participate with hands.
Players with foot or ankle concerns can join the outer circle for both rounds without comment.
A lighter beach ball can be used if the Earth Ball is too heavy or fast-moving for some players.

Stewardship Moment

Earth Balls and beach balls are durable and reusable. Store carefully in a mesh bag after play.
Reflection: “This ball is called an Earth Ball. What does it make you think about when we all work together to keep it up?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “The inner group will lie on the ground with feet up. For those not comfortable lying on the ground, the outer circle with hands is another option and equally part of the game.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, pause. “How did that feel? Outer circle, inner circle: which would you like to try next?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the side and count the rally aloud. Raise a hand to swap into the outer circle at any time.

Risks and Mitigation

Earth Ball lands on inner circle: start with gentle, low touches. Remind outer circle to keep pushes soft.
Inner circle players kicking too hard: coach for controlled foot pushes rather than full kicks.
Players feeling uncomfortable on the ground: outer circle is always a valid choice, no explanation needed.
Collision between inner circle feet: players should keep their legs roughly shoulder-width apart and not swing laterally.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Feet First”: in pairs, sit facing each other and pass a smaller ball back and forth using only feet. Builds comfort with foot-based play.
“Slow Catch”: everyone in the outer circle passes the ball around the ring as slowly as possible before lying the inner group down.

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when both groups figured out a rhythm together?”
So What? “What did it feel like to rely on someone else’s feet to keep the ball moving?”
Now What? “Where in your life do you need to trust that someone else is doing their part?”

Cleanup and Reset