Gameplay
4+ Players (pairs) 👥
5-8 Minutes ⏱️
What You’ll Need
A folding gym mat, bed sheet, comforter, or large towel per team
A start line and a finish line about 20–30 feet apart
Open floor (carpet or hard surface both work)
Setup
Lay each team’s mat or sheet at the start line.
One player stands on it (the jumper). The other holds the front edge (the puller).
Mark a clear finish line.
How to Play
Jump!
The jumper hops straight up.Pull!
While they’re in the air, the puller yanks the mat forward a foot or two.Land on it.
The jumper has to land on the mat. Touch the floor and the team goes back to the start (or loses a step).First across wins.
Repeat jump-pull-land until the mat crosses the finish line.
Say Something Like
“Jumpers, your feet never touch the floor. Pullers, every time your partner is in the air, drag that mat forward. Land on the floor and you’re back at the start. First team across the line wins!”
Variations
Swap at Halfway: Jumper and puller trade places at the midpoint.
Towel Edition: Use a bath towel for a smaller landing zone and a tougher challenge.
There and Back: Turn around at the far line and race home.
Discipleship Teaching Points
The jumper is completely dependent on the puller getting the mat there in time. Use it to talk about faith that steps out before the ground is visible. Reference: Hebrews 11:1.
Secular Teaching Points
Timing, trust, and communication between partners, plus a lot of laughs when the landing goes sideways.
This game idea was published by the team at Dig the Games.
Want access to another FREE newsletter? This one features a hub of online resources for pastors, church leaders and ministry workers–tips and tools! Check it out below!
Keywords: relay game, gym mat game, partner game, PE game, field day, youth group game
Transparency: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site.