Team Mat and Bench Carry

In groups, students learn to lift, carry, and set down mats and gym benches safely and in sync while moving through a short cone course. It builds posture awareness when handling loads and teamwork through clear communication.

How to play

1. Demonstrate the technique with one group: feet apart, knees bent, back straight, firm grip, and everyone lifts together on the count of three (4 min).
2. Form 5 groups of 5; each group has a mat and shares a gym bench with another group.
3. First, four students carry the mat in a zigzag through 4 cones to the other side of the gym and lower it together; the fifth student guides and calls the count (5 min).
4. Next, in pairs or groups of three, students carry the bench along the same course, holding it by the ends and walking sideways (5 min).
5. Rotate the guide role every trip; the guide watches teammates' posture and gives one correction on arrival.
6. Finish with 3 minutes of setting up equipment together the way it will be needed next lesson, and 3 minutes discussing which loads at home can be moved the same way.

Rules

• No one lifts or drags a mat or bench alone.
• Always lift and lower on the guide's count, all together.
• Walk, never run, with equipment and always look where you are going.
• If anyone feels back discomfort, the group sets the load down and tells the teacher.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student can be the permanent guide, calling the count and checking the group's posture.
• Hearing impairment: the guide holds up three fingers visibly while calling the count.
• Fitness level: adjust the number of carriers so the load per person always stays light.

Learning goals

• Use correct technique to lift and carry loads.
• Coordinate as a group using signals and verbal cues.
• Take responsibility for setting up and putting away equipment safely.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 5
• gym benches: 3
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Choose lightweight mats and check the benches for splinters beforehand. This lesson saves a lot of time later in the year because students learn to set up the gym safely.

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