Aim
We’ll improve our fitness – Strength through Parachute
Equipment Required
- Four cones for boundaries (same color).
- A large parachute with colored edges.
Play Area Set-Up
- Spread the parachute completely and lay it on the ground
- Have children hold the handles of the parachute or rolled up edges
Activity Description
It is widely known that many parachute activities can develop muscular
strength. This activity can be a great addition to a parachute lesson and incorporates upper body strength.
- Start with the parachute spread out on the floor. Has each student sat BEHIND a color wedge? The parachute serves as a visual attraction rather than a tool for this activity so make sure to reinforce not touching the parachute during this activity.
- Demonstrate the push-up position with your hands near the parachute but not touching (students should be facing the parachute in a push-up position behind their color wedge). Have the students model the same position?
- Then, give a number (1-4) and a direction (right or left). On “go” the students will move that number of wedges in that direction while maintaining the proper “up” modified push-up position (and not actually going “down”). You can incorporate right/left or clockwise/ counterclockwise.
- Then, instruct the students to rest (body on the ground) at their new color wedge. You can then incorporate stationary push-ups or go back the other way.
- Combine this with ‘parachute curl-ups’ and ‘parachute jumping jacks’ for a good warm-up to a parachute lesson.
DEBRIEFING & WRAP-UP
- Relax your arms, Rotate your hands
- Ask the students what the important cues are for the push-up. Ask the students what other activities strengthen the same muscles.
