Indoor Track Meet: Cotton Ball, Paper Plate, and Straw
An indoor track meet using light objects that can't hurt anyone: cotton ball shot put, paper plate discus, straw javelin, and standing long jump. Students learn basic technique for each event, measure their marks, and work on personal improvement.
How to play
- Tape 4 zones, each with a start line and a measuring tape taped to the floor. Make 4 groups of 6 (one of 7) and give each student a sheet to record marks (3 min).
- Shot put: rest the cotton ball against the neck and push it forward and up. Discus: throw the plate sideways and flat after a hip turn.
- Javelin: hold the straw in the middle above the shoulder and throw with a high elbow. Jump: feet together, swing the arms, and land with bent knees.
- Each group spends 5 minutes per station: 3 attempts per student, recording the best. One measures, one retrieves, one watches the line; roles rotate. Change stations on the whistle (20 min).
- Wrap-up: students compare their first and last attempts and share which event improved most (2 min).
Rules
- Nobody enters the landing area until the last thrower is done.
- Throw from behind the line; stepping on it is a foul.
- Land jumps away from desks and walls.
Variations
Easier
Any technique, scored by taped zones (1, 2, and 3 points).
Standard
Basic technique, 3 attempts, measured in inches or centimeters.
Harder
Full technique (a turn for discus, two steps for javelin) and a last attempt with the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: throw from a chair and replace the jump with a backward overhead cotton ball toss.
- Visual impairment: a partner claps in the throwing direction and guides the student to the line.
- Fitness: more challenge with 3 linked jumps; less by jumping without arm swing.
Learning goals
- Learn basic throwing and jumping technique.
- Measure and record their own marks.
- Set a goal and check their own improvement.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Cotton balls: 25
- Paper plates: 25
- Paper straws: 25
- Measuring tapes: 4
- Rolls of masking tape: 2
Teacher tip
Light objects demand good technique: if the plate doesn't spin, it drops right away. Cover the measuring tapes with clear tape so they stay put.
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