# Big Ups

Pairs coordinate timing and mechanical advantage by resting forearms together so one partner jumps with downward push while the other presses upward. Partners switch roles to explore mutual physical support.

**Time:** 8 minutes. Extended from under 5 minutes to 8 minutes to include clear consent, alignment instruction, role swaps, and debrief.
**People:** 4 to 24. Pairs of similar height and weight; odd participant serves as coach or timer.

## Choose this exercise

**Purpose:** Coordinate physical timing and counter-force between two people through a shared jumping action.
**Use it when:** Use as a high-energy physical warm-up or movement break when participants have room to move safely and want an active coordination exercise.
**Skip it when:** Skip when participants have joint, back, or balance concerns, when professional attire restricts jumping, or when close physical contact is inappropriate for the room.

## Materials and tools

- Non-slip flooring with clear overhead clearance
- Timer or stopwatch

## Before participants arrive

1. Clear an open area with at least 2 meters of clear space around each pair.
2. Check that the floor is dry and non-slip, and ensure ceiling clearance allows jumping.

## Say this to open

We are going to try a partner coordination game called Big Ups. This involves gripping forearms and jumping together to generate lift. You will partner with someone of similar height. Physical contact and jumping are optional; you can also participate as a spotter and coach. Check in with your partner before beginning to make sure both of you are comfortable.

## How to run it

### 1. Form pairs and check consent (2 minutes)

Ask participants to find a partner of similar height and build. If there is an odd number, have one person pair with the facilitator or act as a safety observer and timekeeper. Pairs stand facing each other at arm's length. Each person explicitly confirms they want to do a jumping exercise together. Anyone who prefers not to jump steps into an observer or timekeeper role.

### 2. Set posture and test mechanical advantage (2 minutes)

Designate Partner A and Partner B. Partner A bends elbows to 90 degrees at their sides with palms facing up. Partner B bends elbows similarly with palms facing down, placing their forearms and hands directly onto Partner A's forearms to grip. Give a neutral example: Partner A should keep a stable athletic stance with bent knees rather than locking their joints. Have pairs do a gentle static press without jumping to test each other's base.

### 3. Execute synchronized jumps and switch (3 minutes)

Partner B counts 'one, two, three' and jumps vertically while pressing down on Partner A's forearms. Partner A bends knees and pushes firmly upward into Partner B's forearms to assist. Practice three to five small jumps. At 90 seconds, call switch. Partner A now places palms down, grips on top, and jumps with downward force, while Partner B places palms up and braces to push upward. Practice three to five jumps.

### 4. Debrief timing and support (1 minutes)

Bring the full group together. Ask 2 or 3 participants to answer one of the debrief questions regarding physical coordination, timing, or how effort was shared.


## Debrief questions

- What adjustment in timing made the jump feel lighter or smoother?
- How did the base partner have to brace to provide useful upward support without losing balance?

**Finished output:** Every participating pair completes coordinated jumps in both roles or completes the observer checklist.

## Remote

This activity requires direct physical contact and cannot be done across a video call as written. For an online physical energizer, run a solo vertical jump calibration instead: participants stand in personal clear space, perform three self-timed vertical hops, and post their preferred rhythmic cadence (such as '1 hop per second' or 'slow and steady') into the chat.

## Hybrid

Do not combine remote and in-person attendees into physical pairs. In-person attendees pair up within view of the room camera. Remote attendees follow the solo hopping cadence on personal cameras or post their timing counts to chat. The facilitator calls shared 90-second work blocks so both cohorts stay on the same schedule.

## Access and participation choices

- Participants can opt out of jumping or contact without explanation and serve as count-in coaches or form observers.
- Pairs may substitute a grounded static push-and-pull resistance exercise with hands up without leaving the floor.

## If the session gets stuck

**One partner pushes forward instead of straight down, causing both to stumble.**

Remind jumping partners to jump straight up and push directly downward into the base partner's forearms rather than leaning.

**A significant height or weight disparity makes jumping awkward or unsafe.**

Rearrange pairs across the room so partners are close in physical scale, or offer the static resistance option.


## Terms used here

- Athletic stance: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and core braced for stability.

## Sources and adaptation

Observed on Playmeo, where it is listed as Big Ups and attributed to Mark Collard.

Retained the forearm grip mechanic, jumping role, and upward/downward force exchange from Playmeo. Added explicit consent checks, safety posture guidance, pairing recommendations for height and weight balance, role switch instructions for both roles, and a structured debrief.

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/energizer-warm-up-games/big-ups/)

[Playmeo](https://www.playmeo.com/activities/energizer-warm-up-games/big-ups)

Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/thrilling-partner-warm-up-game-that-builds-trust-big-ups/