Chase the Rabbit Partner Sprint
In pairs, the rabbit starts two meters ahead and the hound tries to tag the rabbit's back before the rabbit crosses a finish line 20 meters away. The head start changes after every race, so students build reaction speed and acceleration in races that stay close.
How to play
- Pair students of similar speed in lanes 2 m wide; mark the hound's start line and the finish line 20 m away with cones (2 min).
- The rabbit stands on a flat disc cone 2 m in front of the hound; both stand facing the finish (1 min).
- On the whistle both go: if the hound tags the rabbit's back before the finish, the hound scores 1 point; if not, the rabbit scores.
- After each race partners switch roles and adjust the head start: a rabbit who wins twice in a row moves the disc half a meter closer (4 min).
- Part 2: start on a called number; on one the rabbit goes first, on two both go together (4 min).
- Rotate one spot to a new partner and play 4 more minutes; each student keeps a running point total.
Rules
- Tag with an open hand on the back; pushing or grabbing does not count and gives the point to the other runner.
- Neither runner may leave the lane during the race.
- Slow down in a straight line past the finish and walk back along the side.
Variations
Easier
Give a 3-meter head start and shorten the race to 15 meters.
Standard
The rabbit gets a 2-meter head start and the finish is 20 meters away.
Harder
Both start sitting and facing backward, and the rabbit gets only a 1-meter head start.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can be the rabbit or the hound in a wheelchair, with the head start set so the race stays even.
- Visual impairment: the student runs along a guide rope held in one hand, and the tag is replaced by crossing the line first.
- Lower fitness: move the finish to 12 meters and allow longer rests between races.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a starting signal.
- Accelerate at full speed over short distances.
- Adjust strategy depending on whether chasing or being chased.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 28
- flat disc cones: 13
Teacher tip
Pair students by similar speed and let the head start adjust itself so everyone has a chance. Watch for hounds diving at the end; tagging on the run is safer than lunging.
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