Base Alarm: Run to the Shelter Called Out

Four teams, each with a colored base, respond to "alarms" that make them run, hide or patrol. It warms up the body and prepares the quick decision-making of big chase games.

How to play

1. Four teams; each sets up its base (a hoop surrounded by four cones) in a corner of the schoolyard. Free jogging in the middle (2 min).
2. Basic alarms: "Raid!" everyone to their own base; "Patrol!" jog side by side in pairs; "Ambush!" crouch and freeze (2 min).
3. Crossed alarms: "Red raid!" sends everyone to the red base, even if it's not theirs, and the first team to arrive complete wins (2 min).
4. Base mobility: after each arrival, the team does a mobility exercise chosen by that round's captain (2 min).
5. Final round with two chasers: they can tag on the way to the base, and anyone tagged does five scissor jumps and carries on (2 min).

Rules

• Always run looking ahead; slow down before stepping into the hoop.
• No tagging inside a base.
• The captain role rotates every alarm.
• If anyone collides or falls, call "Stop!" and everyone freezes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: each alarm has a gesture (arms up, clap, hand to the floor) the teacher shows at the same time.
• Limited mobility: their base is closer, and they call some of the alarms for the whole class.
• Students anxious about being chased: in the last round they can be a chaser or move with a partner.

Learning goals

• Respond quickly to verbal and visual signals.
• Gradually warm up joints and the cardiovascular system.
• Coordinate as a team to arrive together at a spot.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Rehearse the alarms before speeding up: if they aren't clear, kids crash in the middle. Bases in opposite corners force crossings and give more running.

More activities like this

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