Crossing Diagonals: Running Drills Without Collisions

Four lines start from the corners of a square and cross in the middle while doing running drills. Students warm up with gradual running and train their awareness of space.

How to play

1. A 20 m square with a cone at each corner and groups of six or seven at each. Walk, then jog, the diagonal; the next runner goes when the one ahead reaches the center (2 min).
2. Low high-knees and butt kicks along the diagonal; jog back along the side of the square (2 min).
3. Side shuffles always facing the center, then long strides (2 min).
4. Build-ups: start at a jog and speed up to 70% in the second half of the diagonal (2 min).
5. Two opposite corners go at the same time: cross in the middle without slowing or colliding (2 min).

Rules

• In the middle, always pass keeping the other runner on your right.
• No one starts until the runner ahead passes the center.
• Build-ups stay at or under 70% of top speed.
• Return along the outside of the square, never down the diagonal.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: they run the diagonal holding a partner guide's hand and start when the center is clear.
• Students back from a sprained ankle: they walk the diagonal with knee lifts, no build-ups.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the teacher signals each drill change with a colored card.

Learning goals

• Improve running technique.
• Warm up with gradually rising intensity.
• Manage space to avoid collisions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Start with a single crossing so students see the keep-right rule. A common mistake is looking at the ground during high knees: ask them to look at the cone ahead.

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