Pool Noodle Jump Ladder

A series of continuous two-foot jumps over pool noodles resting on cones at increasing heights, like the rungs of a ladder. Students work on rebound jumping, arm and leg coordination, and the confidence to clear soft obstacles that do not hurt.

How to play

1. Set up 4 ladders of 5 pool noodles each, 80 cm (about 2.5 ft) apart: the first on the ground and the rest resting on cones at 4, 6, 8, and 10 in (3 min).
2. Demo: feet together, both arms swing up at once, knees up, and a soft landing that flows into the next jump with no extra steps (2 min).
3. Groups of 6 per ladder: each student jumps all 5 noodles and walks back along the side; anyone who finishes without touching a noodle earns a point for the group (4 min).
4. Then each student chooses to stay on the regular ladder or move up to the "golden ladder," with higher noodles at the 2 final spots, worth double (4 min).
5. Group round: the whole group goes through in a row, one noodle apart, and adds up the clean runs (1 min).
6. Tally the points and put the noodles away (1 min).

Rules

• Jump with both feet together, with no steps between noodles.
• If a noodle falls, the jumper who knocked it puts it back.
• Exit the ladder from the side, never in front of the next jumper.
• Wait until your teammate clears the third noodle before starting.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: use a parallel ladder with noodles on the ground, crossing with their usual support and earning the same points.
• Fear or shyness: may start by stepping over and raise the height when they are ready.
• Fitness or skill level: strong jumpers may space the noodles 1 m apart; students who tire become noodle setters.

Learning goals

• Link two-foot jumps together with a quick rebound.
• Coordinate the arm swing with leg drive.
• Clear soft obstacles with confidence.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 20
• cones: 32

Teacher tip

Noodles do not hurt if touched, so encourage students to go for the height. Watch for stiff-legged landings: the landing should sound soft.

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