Banyoka: Zambian Snake Race

A traditional game from Zambia whose name means 'the snakes': each group sits in a line, linked at the ankles, and scoots along a course like a snake. Students work on group coordination, arm and leg strength, and communication.

How to play

1. Make 5 groups of 5. Each group sits in a line at the start: each student sits between the legs of the player behind and holds that player's ankles (2 min).
2. Practice moving: on the head's call ('one, two!'), everyone plants hands or feet and scoots their bottom forward at the same time (2 min).
3. First race: an 8-yard straight course. If the snake breaks, it stops, reconnects, and keeps going. The first snake to cross the finish in one piece wins (2 min).
4. Second race: a slalom through 4 cones set 2 yards apart. The head and the tail switch places (3 min).
5. Third race: the snake circles a cone 6 yards away and returns to the start; a different student leads each time (3 min).
6. Final: all snakes race at once, then talk about which words or rhythms helped them move together (3 min).

Rules

• No one lets go of the ankles while the snake is moving.
• Move while seated; standing up or kneeling is not allowed.
• The head calls the rhythm out loud and everyone else repeats it.
• Play on a smooth gym floor in clothes that cover the legs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student who cannot sit on the floor leads in a wheelchair with the next player holding the chair, or serves as course judge.
• Autism: always use the same rhythm ('one, two') and give notice before changing places in the line.
• Fitness level: students with less strength sit in the middle of the snake, where those in front and behind help them along.

Learning goals

• Sync movement with the group using spoken cues.
• Use arm and leg strength to move while seated.
• Learn about a traditional game from Zambia and what its name means.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 25

Teacher tip

Snakes break apart when everyone moves at their own pace: have the head count out loud. Check that the floor is clean and no one has anything in their pockets.

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