Sloth Hang: Rope Traverse
A thick rope is stretched horizontally between two sets of wall bars about 3 feet off the floor, and students travel along it hanging underneath with hands and crossed legs, like a sloth. They build hanging skill, arm-leg coordination, and grip strength at a very low height.
How to play
- Setup (3 min): the teacher ties a long, thick rope tight between facing wall bars, or between wall bars and a post, at about 3 feet, and covers the floor below with mats. Two or three ropes; groups of 8.
- Hang (2 min): grip the rope with both hands, swing the legs up, and cross the ankles over it. Hold for 5 seconds and put the feet down.
- Traverse (4 min): travel headfirst toward the wall bars moving one hand, then the other, and sliding the legs along. Go to a bandana tied at the middle of the rope and get down.
- Full traverse (4 min): travel the whole rope; the waiting partner walks alongside as a spotter and doesn't touch unless asked.
- Sloth challenge (2 min): go to the bandana and back without putting the feet down.
- Wrap-up (1 min): ask which got more tired, hands or legs, and why the ankles are crossed.
Rules
- Only one student hanging on each rope.
- Safety: the rope never goes above 3 feet and there are always mats underneath; to get down, feet first.
- Nobody swings or shakes the rope while someone is hanging.
- The spotter walks alongside, never underneath.
Variations
Easier
Go only to the bandana, or hang with the feet resting on a bench at times.
Standard
A full traverse hanging by hands and legs with a spotter alongside.
Harder
Travel back feet first, facing away from the direction of travel.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lie on a scooter board under the rope and pull hand over hand.
- Visual impairment: the rope itself is the guide; the spotter calls out how many grips are left.
- Lower strength: practice only hanging and holding, with rests.
Learning goals
- Hold a hang using hands and legs.
- Coordinate the limbs to travel while hanging.
- Follow safety rules in climbing activities.
Equipment for a class of 25
- long rope: 3
- wall bars: 6
- mats: 12
Teacher tip
Check the tension and knots yourself before each group: the rope sags under weight and must not touch the mat. Students who aren't strong often love this one.
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