Bounding Combos by Card Draw
Groups draw cards that show the type of landing (left foot, right foot, or both feet) and link them into a five-jump bounding sequence that they learn, perform, and then teach to another group. Students build footwork coordination, reactive strength, and motor memory.
How to play
- Make a deck of 30 cards with symbols: L (left foot), R (right foot), and B (both feet); groups of 4, each with a 50-ft lane between cones.
- Each group draws 5 cards and arranges them however they like to create a sequence, for example L-L-R-B-B (3 min).
- Groups practice in their lane, first slowly with hoops on the ground as a guide and then without hoops, covering as much distance as possible (5 min).
- Group test (3 min): each member performs the sequence twice; the group adds up the distance of the best attempts, measured in steps.
- Swap (6 min): each group teaches its sequence to another group by demonstration only, without writing it down, and both try it; one point per student who does it cleanly.
- Finish (3 min): the class votes for the hardest sequence and everyone tries it once.
Rules
- Students jump only in their own lane and wait until the previous jumper finishes the sequence.
- Land softly on the balls of the feet with bent knees.
- A sequence may not have more than three jumps in a row on the same foot.
- If an ankle or knee hurts, stop and tell the teacher.
Variations
Easier
3-card sequences with the hoops left on the ground the whole time.
Standard
5-card sequences, first with hoops and then without.
Harder
7-card sequences plus a turn card that requires a 180-degree turn and one backward jump.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student performs the sequence with wheelchair pushes or by tapping the legs according to the symbols.
- Autism: the group lays the cards on the ground beside the lane so the sequence is always visible.
- Lower fitness: the student takes one walking step between jumps.
Learning goals
- Link jumps on different feet while staying balanced.
- Create and memorize a movement sequence as a group.
- Teach a sequence to others by demonstrating it.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 30
- cones: 14
- hoops: 28
Teacher tip
Watch for stiff-legged landings, especially on single-leg hops. Do this after a solid warm-up on a non-slip surface, and avoid very hard concrete if there is another option.
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