Indiaca Keep-Up Trek in Threes

In groups of three, students travel across the playground from one line to another keeping the indiaca in the air with palm hits so it never touches the ground. It works on continuous striking, moving together, and communication in a small group.

How to play

1. Form groups of three and use cones to mark a start line and a finish line about 65 ft apart; each group has its own lane about 13 ft wide.
2. Warm-up in place (2 min): each group stands in a triangle, keeps the indiaca up, and counts its best streak out loud.
3. Explain the challenge: reach the finish line without the indiaca touching the ground; no one may hit it twice in a row or walk while holding it.
4. First trek (4 min): if the indiaca drops, the group backs up 3 steps and continues from there. When they reach the finish, they trek back to the start the same way.
5. Second trek (5 min): now groups count how many hits they need to get across; the goal is the fewest hits possible, which calls for longer, more accurate hits.
6. Wrap-up (2 min): each group shares its record and explains which word or signal helped them avoid bumping into each other.

Rules

• Say the name of the receiver before you hit.
• No player hits twice in a row.
• Always look ahead and stay in your own lane so you do not collide with other groups.
• If the indiaca drops, nobody blames anyone; pick it up and keep going.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair stays in the middle of the group and teammates adjust their speed; that student's hits count double.
• Hearing impairment: replace calling names with an agreed gesture, such as pointing an open hand at the receiver.
• Lower fitness: shorten the lane to 40 ft and allow walking instead of jogging.

Learning goals

• Keep the indiaca in the air with palm hits while moving forward.
• Coordinate movement with two teammates through communication.
• Value each group member's contribution to a shared challenge.

Equipment for a class of 25

• indiacas: 9
• cones: 18

Teacher tip

Groups often rush and lose the indiaca; remind them that the goal is to arrive, not to be fastest. Mix groups so each one has a range of skill levels.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary