Bench to Mat: Shape in the Air and Stick the Landing

Jumps from a gym bench to a crash mat showing a shape in the air (tuck, straddle, half turn) and landing "stuck" without moving. It works on two-foot takeoff, air control and safe landings.

How to play

1. Landing technique on the floor: small jumps landing with bent knees, arms forward, quietly (4 min).
2. From the bench: straight jump and stuck landing held for 2 seconds (5 min).
3. Shape in the air from the station card: tuck, straddle or half turn (8 min).
4. Three-step run, step up onto the bench and jump with a chosen shape (5 min).
5. Friendly contest: partners score the stuck landing 1 to 3 to find the group's best (3 min).

Rules

• Jump when the mat is clear and your partner says "go".
• Always land on both feet on the crash mat.
• Benches stay pushed against the mat so they don't slide.
• No jumping backward.

Variations

Adaptations

• Ankle or knee injury: shows the shape sitting on the bench and judges.
• Low vision: bench with a marked edge and a partner's clap to jump.
• Hesitant students: jump from the floor onto a thin mat first.

Learning goals

• Take off with both feet from the bench.
• Show a clear shape in the air.
• Land stable and safe.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym benches: 4
• crash mats: 4
• body-shape cards: 4
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Place benches crosswise and pushed against the crash mat so they don't slip. Typical mistake: landing with straight legs; cue "land like a cat".

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