Skill: Fitness
Drill: Jump Ladder Jacks
Equipment needed: 1 agility ladder or makeshift ladder (per line)
Instructors needed: 1 per Line
Description: In this drill the students are going to practice their jumping jacks while using a ladder.
Teaching SKILLZ:
HEALTHY COMPETITION – On the final round, after the students has had two rounds of practice, the instructor can see which line can finish the fastest while doing the correct motions. The instructor can give the lines silly names, like “hamburgers vs. hot dogs” in order to motivate the students to be the fastest and win as a team, as well as keep the students engaged.
Brain SKILLZ:
WORKING MEMORY – The students have to be able to remember the pattern of “jump forward, clap, jump forward, slap” as they do this drill. Students at this stage of development can do jumping jacks, but when there is an extra step added of jumping forward in between the clap and slap motion, it becomes harder. This drill works on the ability to hold onto information while doing a task.
Step 1
Divide your students into several equal lines.
Step 2 – Setting Up the Drill:
Set up a ladder in front of each line.
Step 3 – Explain the Rules:
  • The first student in each line will begin by standing in the first square with their feet together and their hands by their side. They will then jump and land their feet on the outside of the square while clapping their hands above their head.
  • Next, they will jump into the next square and continue the process all the way down the ladder.
  • Repeat the drill until each student has two “practice” rounds.
Step 4 – Takeaways:
  • Coorindate jumping and and out of the ladder
  • Perform proper jumping jacks as you move down the ladder
  • Work on doing jumping jacks with speed
Step 5
  • On the third round, make it a relay race.
 
How To Video