Parachute-to-Parachute Toss
Two groups, each with its own parachute, launch a foam ball from one parachute to the other, and the receiving group catches it in the fabric before it hits the floor. Students work on group timing, tracking the ball's path, and communication.
How to play
- Make two groups of 12 or 13 and spread out the parachutes with their centers about 15 feet apart, marked with cones (2 min).
- Each group practices launching the ball straight up and catching it in its own parachute: dip down, snap up together, and absorb the catch (3 min).
- Group A launches the ball toward Group B, which walks together to catch it in the fabric; then B sends it back (5 min).
- Each catch earns a point for the whole class; the goal is to beat the record for catches in a row in 2-minute rounds (5 min).
- Each group picks a captain who calls the launch count out loud; switch captains every round (2 min).
- Move the parachutes to about 20 feet apart once a group strings together five catches (3 min).
Rules
- Groups walk while holding the parachute and never run backward.
- Launch only when the receiving captain calls "Ready!"
- Nobody ducks under the fabric to reach the ball.
- If the ball drops, only one person from the receiving group picks it up.
Variations
Easier
Move the parachutes to about 10 feet apart and use a big, light ball.
Standard
Parachutes 15 feet apart, a foam ball, and a catch record in 2-minute rounds.
Harder
Use two balls at once, one per parachute, launched at the same time so they cross in the air.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs: hold the edge from the chair on the side closest to the other group, where there is less moving.
- Shy students or students with autism: may take the role of counting catches out loud instead of being captain.
- Students with lower fitness: stand on the far side from the launch, which takes less effort.
Learning goals
- Time the launch and the catch with the whole group.
- Predict the ball's path to move the parachute under it.
- Communicate with clear signals before every launch.
Equipment for a class of 25
- play parachute: 2
- foam balls: 2
- cones: 4
Teacher tip
The key is for the whole group to dip the parachute before snapping it up together; practice a "down, up" count. If you only have one parachute, use a large bedsheet for the second group.
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