Jump the Stick Relay

A classic partner relay where two teammates carry a stick close to the ground and the rest of their line jumps it, then carry it back overhead while everyone ducks. Students practice reactive two-foot jumps, partner coordination, and paying attention.

How to play

1. Form teams of 6 to 8 in single file, one meter apart, and place a cone 10 m in front of each line (2 min).
2. The first pair holds a stick by its ends, runs around the cone, and comes back (1 min demo).
3. On arrival, the pair sweeps the stick about 4 in off the ground from the front to the back of the line; each student jumps with both feet as it reaches them (3 min practice for all teams).
4. From the back, the pair carries the stick forward at chest height over everyone's heads while they duck, hands it to the next pair, and joins the end of the line (6 min relay).
5. When every pair has gone, the team sits down; first place earns 3 points, second 2, the rest 1, and any team that never dropped the stick gets a bonus point (2 min).
6. Run a second round with new pairs so everyone is both a carrier and a jumper (1 min final tally).

Rules

• The stick stays low and level, never at knee height.
• Carriers call out "Jump!" and "Duck!" before reaching each teammate.
• Students in line stay in their spot except to jump or duck.
• If the stick is dropped, the pair goes back to the cone and restarts that leg.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: act as a carrier with a partner, or stand at the end of the line and lift their feet or arms as the stick passes instead of jumping.
• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: add a shoulder tap from the teammate in front to signal the jump.
• Fitness or skill level: faster students carry the stick slightly higher; students who need more time may take a small step before jumping.

Learning goals

• Jump with both feet in reaction to a nearby cue.
• Match running speed with a partner.
• Follow safety rules when handling long equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• poles: 4
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Make carriers lower the stick before they reach the line and slow down as they pass. Use light plastic poles and leave two meters between lines.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary