Team Distance Chain: Jumps and Throws
Each team moves down the field by chaining jumps and throws: every student starts from where the previous teammate landed or where the object fell. Students build leg and arm power and see how each effort adds to the group's total.
How to play
- Make 5 teams of 5 in parallel lines behind a start line, 3 m between lines.
- Event 1, frog jumps (6 min): the first student does a standing broad jump, a beanbag marks the heel, and the next jumps from there; do two team rounds.
- Event 2, beanbag throw (6 min): each student throws from where the last beanbag landed.
- Event 3, 1 kg medicine ball (6 min): a two-handed chest push from standing, chained the same way.
- After each event the team measures with the tape or counts the 5 m cones and records total meters (1 min per event).
- Finish (4 min): add up the whole class's meters and compare with the goal set at the start, such as 150 m.
Rules
- Throw only when the measuring partner is off to the side and out of the path.
- The medicine ball is pushed from the chest, never thrown overhead.
- Land jumps with soft, bent knees.
- Measure honestly: the mark is where the heel or object lands.
Variations
Easier
Use only jumps and beanbags, allowing one step before jumping.
Standard
Three chained events adding up to a class total.
Harder
Add a standing triple jump and a backward overhead toss with the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: throws from a seated position and their meters count double.
- Hearing impairment: start each turn with a raised-hand visual signal.
- Lower fitness: choose a beanbag instead of the medicine ball.
Learning goals
- Build leg power in horizontal jumps.
- Use a safe throwing technique.
- Understand that each effort adds to the shared goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 15
- beanbags: 10
- 1 kg (2 lb) medicine balls: 5
- tape measures: 2
Teacher tip
Space the lines well and stagger the throws so nobody is in the path. Set the class goal after the first event so it is realistic.
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