Opposite Corners Chase
Two runners start from opposite corners of a cone square and run in the same direction, trying to catch each other before completing two laps. Students work on speed on a course with 90-degree turns, pacing their effort and competing evenly.
How to play
- Set up 6 squares, 8 x 8 yards, with a cone at each corner. Groups of 4 per square: two run while two wait outside and judge (2 min).
- The two runners stand at opposite corners, one wearing a pinny. On the whistle, both run clockwise around the outside of the cones.
- If one tags the other's back before two full laps, they score 2 points; if nobody catches anyone, the runner who closed the most ground, as the judges see it, scores 1.
- After each race, the waiting pair runs; rest at least one minute. Everyone races 4 times against different opponents in the group (8 min).
- Phase two: halfway through a race the whistle blows and both runners reverse direction, so the chased becomes the chaser (3 min).
- To finish, each group talks about how the fastest runners handled the corners (2 min).
Rules
- Always run outside the cones; cutting inside cancels the race.
- Tag the back with an open hand, no pushing.
- Safety: slow down before reversing direction and keep squares 5 yards apart.
- Judges stay outside the square.
Variations
Easier
Use a 6-yard square and one lap.
Standard
Eight-yard square, two laps and a direction change in phase two.
Harder
Add a lap and require touching every cone with a hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use a bigger square for wheelchair turns and a half-side head start.
- Autism or shyness: always race the same person and announce the direction change ahead of time.
- Lower fitness: give a one-cone head start when chasing a faster opponent.
Learning goals
- Keep speed through a course with tight turns.
- Pace effort during a short chase.
- Judge a race result fairly and objectively.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 24
- pinnies: 6
Teacher tip
Pair students by speed so there is a real chase; if one always wins by a lot, give them a one-corner handicap. Check the surface at the corners, since that is where students slip.
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