Group Hang: Adding Up Our Seconds

Each group adds up the seconds its members hang from the wall bars, each at the level they choose. The score belongs to the group, never to an individual, and it improves through shared strategy.

How to play

1. Explain the levels: feet on the low rung, one foot down, or feet a few inches off the floor, always with straight arms (3 min).
2. Round 1: groups of five; each student hangs at their level and the group adds up the seconds (5 min).
3. Strategy break: the group discusses grip, shaking out beforehand, choosing a level and cheering (3 min).
4. Round 2: try to beat your own group's total (5 min).
5. Add up the whole class total and record it to compare with another lesson (4 min).

Rules

• Grip at a height where your feet stay a few inches above the floor or a rung.
• To finish, put your feet down; don't drop suddenly.
• Groups only compare with themselves.
• A mat under everyone hanging.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: from a wheelchair, holding a rung at face height with straight arms, takes some of the upper body's weight.
• Hand or wrist injury: runs the stopwatch and keeps the group's count.
• Students with less strength: feet-down level; their seconds count just as much as anyone's.

Learning goals

• Improve grip endurance.
• Cooperate toward a shared result.
• Learn strategies for pacing strength.

Equipment for a class of 25

• wall bars: 6
• mats: 12
• stopwatches: 6

Teacher tip

The teacher's phone or a wall clock works if you're short on stopwatches. Common mistake: hanging with bent arms to "last longer"; straight arms last longer.

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