Tarzan Swing to the Mat Island

Students step off a gym bench holding a hanging rope, swing across, and let go to land on their feet on a mat island. They practice hanging, controlling the swing, timing the release, and landing safely.

How to play

1. Setup (3 min): at each rope, place a gym bench 5 feet from the resting rope as the launch point and a crash mat on the other side as the island, surrounded by mats. Groups of 5 per rope.
2. Technique (3 min): grip the rope at forehead height, step off the bench pulling the knees up, and let go when the feet are over the island.
3. Phase 1 (4 min): swing out and back to the bench without letting go to feel the pendulum. 2 tries per turn.
4. Phase 2 (5 min): swing and release onto the island, landing on both feet with bent knees, then freezing for 2 seconds like a gymnast.
5. Phase 3 (4 min): mark three color zones on the island (near 1 point, middle 2, far 3); each group adds up points, and only standing, frozen landings count.
6. Wrap-up (1 min): ask when the best moment to let go is and why.

Rules

• One student on the rope and one waiting on the bench; everyone else stays behind the cone.
• Safety: let go only when your feet are over the island; if in doubt, swing back to the bench.
• Nobody crosses the swing zone while the rope is moving.
• The next student grabs the rope only once the island is clear.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a seated swing on a hoop tied low on the rope with teacher help, or serve as landing judge.
• Visual impairment: a partner gives a loud clap when it is time to let go, and the mats form a tactile pathway.
• Lower strength: hang with the feet on a large knot in the rope so the arms are not doing all the work.

Learning goals

• Control the body while hanging and swinging.
• Decide the right moment to release based on body position.
• Land on both feet with a soft, stable landing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• climbing ropes: 4
• gym bench: 4
• crash mat: 4
• mats: 12

Teacher tip

Test the distances yourself before class: the most common mistake is letting go too early. Hand the rope to each student yourself for the first few turns.

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