Hand-Size Portions Memory Relay

A memory relay where teams match foods with the hand measure for a portion (palm, fist, cupped hand, or thumb) and build plates for training days. It builds practical sports nutrition, memory, and teamwork.

How to play

1. Show the four measures: palm for protein, fist for vegetables, cupped hand for carbs, and thumb for fats (2 min).
2. Teams of 5. Each team has a board 15 m away with 16 face-down cards: 8 food-and-measure pairs. A hoop sits at each team's start (2 min).
3. Relay style, the runner flips two cards: if they match, like "cooked rice" and "cupped hand," they bring them to the hoop; if not, they flip them back in place.
4. The next runner goes after a high five, and teammates may call hints from the start. Play until the board is clear (8 min).
5. Using their pairs, each team builds a game-day plate and a rest-day plate in the hoop, adjusting carbs, and explains it in 30 seconds (5 min).
6. Wrap-up (1 min): portions are a guide that adapts to activity, appetite, and variety, with no calorie counting.

Rules

• Only one runner per team on the course.
• Two cards per trip, returned exactly to their spot.
• Safety: run in your lane and return along the outside.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: shorter distance in a wheelchair, or builds and presents the plates.
• Visual impairment: large-print, high-contrast cards with a teammate guide.
• Fitness level: relays jogging or speed walking.

Learning goals

• Learn a practical way to estimate portions by hand.
• Adjust eating to training and rest days.
• Work as a team using memory and communication.

Equipment for a class of 25

• food cards: 80
• cones: 10
• hoops: 5

Teacher tip

Laminate the boards and keep a spare. Keep it positive: the method is a guide, not a way to restrict food.

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