Leapfrog Snake
The traditional leapfrog game, organized in lines that move forward like a snake toward a finish line. Students work on vaulting with hand support, leg power and trust in each other while using a safe crouched position.
How to play
- Before starting, teach the low frog position: on knees and hands, head tucked to the chest and back flat and firm (2 min). Teach the leap: hands on the partner's back, legs wide, land on both feet.
- Make lines of 5 students about 10 ft apart, with mats underneath if the floor is hard. Mark the finish with cones 65 ft away.
- Everyone gets into the low frog position about 5 ft apart. The last player in line leaps over each teammate and then gets down in position at the front.
- As soon as they're down, the new last player starts leaping. The line moves forward like a snake until everyone crosses the finish line.
- Do 3 trips down and back. Time each trip and have the group try to beat its own time, not race other groups.
- Final trip (3 min): alternate leaps with crawling under a tunnel when the teammate makes a bridge on hands and feet.
Rules
- The frog position is always low, on the knees: never standing or with the head up.
- Leap with hands on the back, never on the head or neck.
- If you don't want to leap over someone, run around them with no penalty.
- Safety: wait until your partner is set and says "ready" before you leap.
Variations
Easier
Leap over a partner lying face down on a mat, using a sideways jump.
Standard
Low kneeling frogs, 5 ft spacing and a 65 ft course.
Harder
Increase spacing to 6–7 ft so students link leaps with a run-up and controlled landing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student slaloms through the crouched teammates and keeps the group's time.
- Visual impairment: a partner guides the student by the hand to each frog and says "jump" once their hands touch the back.
- Lower strength or higher body weight: allow passing to the side with one hand on the partner's back.
Learning goals
- Vault with hand support and land with control.
- Hold a firm, safe position to support others.
- Trust the group and cooperate to improve the shared time.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 10
- mats: 10
Teacher tip
Safety depends on the frog position, so check every line before anyone leaps. Group students of similar height so nobody has to leap over someone much bigger.
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