Five-Bound Challenge

From a standing start, students link five long bounds, alternating right and left legs, and land on both feet; the total distance is measured and compared with their own mark. They build power, stride length and arm-leg coordination.

How to play

1. On grass or a track, mark 5 lanes with a chalk start line and cones every meter from 6 to 14 m; measure with the measuring tape (3 min, can be set up before class).
2. Lead-up drills by lane: 2 passes of big skips and 2 of exaggerated strides "like jumping over puddles," walking back (4 min).
3. Teach the five-bound: start with feet together, take four alternating bounds and finish with a two-footed landing; the arms drive every bound (2 min).
4. Groups of 5 per lane: each student takes 3 tries; one partner chalks the back heel and another reads the nearest cone (6 min).
5. Each student chalks their best mark on the ground next to the lane and compares it with a prediction made before starting (1 min).
6. Group challenge: the group adds up its best marks and tries to beat that total with one last try each (2 min).

Rules

• Start from a standstill with feet together behind the line.
• Only one student jumps per lane; everyone else waits behind the start.
• Jump on grass or a dry track; if the ground is slippery, move to another area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: count how many pushes it takes to cover 10 meters in a wheelchair or walking, and try to lower that number.
• Shy students: let them take their tries at the end of the group and record their mark privately.
• Lower fitness: reduce to three tries of a three-bound jump with rest between each.

Learning goals

• Link long alternating bounds while keeping the rhythm.
• Coordinate the arm swing with each leg drive.
• Compare their own mark with a prediction and recognize improvement.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 45
• measuring tape: 1
• chalk: 5

Teacher tip

Ask for each bound to be "long and low," not high; that gains distance and reduces impact. If a student loses the rhythm, have them count out loud "one, two, three, four, land."

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary