Human Chain Ball Transport Challenge

Grade 5 · Gym/PE · 35 minutes · Outdoor

Objective

Students will practice cooperation, communication, and coordination while moving as a connected team

Equipment

• foam balls
• cones

Setup

Set up 4 cone stations in a large square about 30 feet apart. Divide class into teams of 6-8 students who must hold hands throughout the entire activity.

How to Play

1. Teams start at one cone station while holding hands in a line.
2. Place one foam ball at the opposite cone station that each team must retrieve.
3. Teams must move together as a connected human chain to collect their ball and return to start.
4. Once back, teams rotate to the next cone station and repeat the challenge.
5. If the chain breaks, the team must stop, reconnect, and continue from that spot.
6. Teams complete all four stations, with the focus on helping each other move smoothly together.
7. After each round, teams can strategize together on how to move more effectively as a unit.

Variations

• Add multiple balls per station that teams must collect in separate trips
• Create obstacle courses between stations that chains must navigate around
• Have teams carry the ball without using hands while maintaining their chain

Safety Notes

Remind students to communicate when changing direction and move at the pace of the slowest team member to prevent falls.

Cool Down

Have teams sit in circles while still holding hands and practice slow, deep breathing together as a connected group.

Differentiation

Support: Allow students with mobility challenges to be anchors at stations or use shorter chain segments of 4-5 students

Extension: Challenge advanced teams to move in specific formations like zigzags or have them transport multiple balls simultaneously