Mirror Start: React to Your Partner's First Move

In pairs facing each other, the leader breaks toward a cone and the partner copies the start as fast as possible. It warms up and trains reaction to a moving visual cue.

How to play

1. Jog and shuffle freely around the space (2 min).
2. Mirror in place: facing each other 2 m apart, the leader moves their feet and the partner copies (2 min).
3. Start to a cone 5 m to the left or right of each player; the partner reacts and runs to theirs (2 min).
4. Add backward starts and allow one fake before going (2 min).
5. Switch leaders, five starts each, counting how often you arrive at the same time (2 min).

Rules

• Each pair has its own lane with two cones; no one cuts into the next lane.
• Backward starts are jogged, never at full speed.
• Only one fake per start.
• Walk back to the start position after each rep.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: the partner stands closer and wears a bright pinnie.
• Students with limited mobility: react with a short wheelchair push or by touching a nearby cone.
• Students with a lower-body injury: lead with arm signals the partner has to read.

Learning goals

• React to a moving visual stimulus.
• Accelerate in different directions.
• Raise intensity progressively.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 30

Teacher tip

Set pairs in rows 3 m apart so they don't cross paths. Common mistake: the follower guesses and goes early; leaving before the leader counts as a miss.

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