Kangaroo Catapult: Beanbag Foot Launch
Holding a beanbag between their feet, students jump and launch it forward, upward, or backward to land it in hoops at different distances. They practice two-foot jumps, coordinating the leg drive, and accuracy.
How to play
- Groups of 4 facing a lane with three hoops at 6, 10, and 13 feet from a start line. Each student has a beanbag.
- Upward (3 min): beanbag between the ankles, jump straight up, release it, and catch it with the hands. 5 tries.
- Forward (4 min): jump kicking the legs forward to send it into the hoops; near hoop 1 point, middle 2, far 3. Each student launches 3 times per turn.
- Backward (4 min): with your back to the line, jump kicking the heels to the seat to flip it overhead into a zone marked with cones.
- Group contest (5 min): each student gets 5 launches mixing the types; the group adds up points. Then switch lanes to try a new distance.
- Wrap-up (2 min): ask which launch needs more leg power and which needs more accuracy.
Rules
- No touching the beanbag with the hands until it lands.
- Safety: launch only when the lane is clear, and collect beanbags once everyone has finished the turn.
- Always start from behind the line.
- Land softly with bent knees.
Variations
Easier
Move the hoops closer (3, 6, and 10 feet) and use large hoops.
Standard
Upward, forward, and backward launches scored by hoop.
Harder
Launch upward and catch the beanbag after a jump with a half turn.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: seated, hold the beanbag between the feet or knees and launch it with a leg movement, or toss it by hand into the hoops.
- Visual impairment: a partner claps from the target hoop to guide the launch.
- Lower coordination: rest the beanbag on top of the feet instead of between the ankles.
Learning goals
- Coordinate a two-foot jump with releasing an object.
- Adjust jump power to the target distance.
- Choose the type of launch for the situation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 25
- hoops: 18
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Many students release the beanbag too early; teach them to squeeze the ankles and let go at the end of the motion. It also works great as a station in a circuit.
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