Cooperative Game: Pass Without Touching the Floor

Cooperative challenge where each group crosses an area stepping only inside hoops that get passed forward like islands. Students work on cooperation, communication, balance and planning a shared strategy.

How to play

1. Form 4 groups of 6 and give each group 4 hoops; mark a start line and a finish line about 40 feet apart (1 min).
2. Explain the challenge: everyone must reach the other side without touching the ground outside the hoops, passing hoops from back to front (1 min).
3. First open attempt: if anyone steps outside, the group moves back one hoop (2 min).
4. One-minute huddle for each group to discuss what worked and choose a strategy (1 min).
5. Second attempt with the chosen strategy; the challenge is won by every group that arrives together, not by the fastest (2 min).
6. Quick debrief on how the group communicated and who made the decisions (1 min).

Rules

• No touching the ground outside the hoops; if it happens, the group moves back one hoop.
• Hoops are handed from person to person, never thrown.
• Safety: no pushing and no climbing on classmates' shoulders.
• Every group member must help move the hoops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student acts as guide and coordinates hoop passing from their wheelchair, or moves along a lane beside the group.
• Shy students: give them a specific job, such as passing the hoops or counting teammates.
• Balance issues or low fitness: bigger hoops and permission to hold a teammate's shoulder.

Learning goals

• Cooperate with a group to solve a movement challenge.
• Communicate and plan a shared strategy.
• Improve balance in tight spaces.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 16

Teacher tip

Don't let one student run the whole show: on the second attempt, ask someone else to lead. Keep the debrief short so students don't cool down during the warm-up.

More warm-ups for High School