Group Hiking Pace Practice
In groups of five, students walk a course that simulates a mountain trail, with bench step-ups and flat sections, looking for a pace everyone can keep while talking. Students practice pacing their effort, single-file hiking and looking after the group.
How to play
- Set up a course of about 330 yards with cones: flat sections, a step-up zone on gym benches to simulate a climb and a zigzag downhill section.
- Make 5 groups of 5 in single file. Explain the talk test: the pace is right if you can speak in full sentences without gasping.
- Each group walks for 4 minutes with a leader up front setting the pace and a sweep at the back who calls out if anyone falls behind.
- When the time is up, each member points to their effort on the RPE scale. If ratings differ by more than 3 points, the group adjusts the pace.
- Repeat 3 blocks of 4 minutes with 1-minute breaks, rotating leader and sweep. In the last block, the leader calls 20-second stops to drink or adjust gear.
- Finish with a 3-minute discussion: which pace worked best and why the leader should not always be the fastest hiker.
Rules
- The group never stretches more than 5 yards from first to last.
- The leader matches the pace to the member who is working hardest, without pressuring them.
- Step up onto the bench with your whole foot and step down without jumping.
- If anyone feels dizzy or hurt, the group stops and tells the teacher.
Variations
Easier
Remove the bench section and use 3-minute blocks.
Standard
Use the course with bench step-ups and 3 blocks of 4 minutes.
Harder
Add lightly loaded backpacks or a fourth block with a longer uphill section.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: replace the step-ups with a ramp section and let the student set the group's pace.
- Visual impairment: walk holding the shoulder of the person in front or a short rope.
- Asthma or lower fitness: make the student the leader so they control their own pace, and have their inhaler on hand.
Learning goals
- Keep a sustainable hiking pace using the talk test.
- Rate perceived effort for yourself and your teammates.
- Take on leader and sweep roles to look after the group on a trail.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 20
- gym benches: 2
- printed RPE scales: 5
Teacher tip
Explain that on a real hike the group moves at the pace of the slowest member and the sweep never passes anyone. Set benches on a non-slip surface and check that they do not shift.
PatioLab has "Group Hiking Pace Practice" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Middle School
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.
4v3 Soccer Counterattack Game
Four attackers try to score on a goal guarded by three defenders, who counterattack toward two small cone goals if they win the ball.
4x50 Relay: Blind Handoff in the Exchange Zone
Teams of four learn to pass the baton without looking inside an exchange zone marked with cones, with the receiver taking off at speed so no time is lost.
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring.
Acrosport Flow: Linked Stunt Transitions
Groups of four link three simple acrosport stunts, moving from one to the next without fully coming down, with safe builds and dismounts.
Acrosport in Groups of 4
Partner and group stunts (acrosport) in groups of 4: building simple human pyramids and balances with bases, flyers and spotters while following safety rules.