Rarajipari: Raramuri Kick-Ball Race
A traditional race of the Raramuri people of northern Mexico in which each team moves a ball forward by flicking it with the foot while running a course. It builds foot dribbling, endurance and teamwork on the move.
How to play
- Share the origin: the Raramuri, famous long-distance runners, hold races covering many miles while kicking a wooden ball. Mark a loop of about 400 feet with cones around the field.
- Make 5 teams of 5 in pinnies, with one small foam ball per team. All teams start at the same time from different points on the course.
- The ball moves only with the foot: slip the toe under it and flick it forward, or push it with taps. Whoever is closest may touch it, in no fixed order.
- The whole team runs with its ball, and no one may be more than 30 feet from it. Each full lap earns a point, which the team records when passing its starting cone.
- Play 3 bouts of 4 minutes with 2 minutes of walking recovery. In the second bout, a different teammate must touch the ball each time.
- At the end, count each team's laps and talk about how they shared the work.
Rules
- Safety: pass other teams on the outside of the course without bumping.
- Push or lift the ball slightly; never kick it hard toward anyone.
- If the ball leaves the course, bring it back in at the same spot.
Variations
Easier
A 250-foot loop and a large foam ball.
Standard
A 400-foot loop and three 4-minute bouts.
Harder
Two balls per team that must reach the starting cone together to count the lap.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: move the ball with a pole or by hand on a shorter inside lane, and their laps count the same.
- Autism or shyness: always run with the same partner inside the team and walk the course before starting.
- Fitness: walking is allowed on one marked stretch of the course to pace the effort.
Learning goals
- Dribble a ball with the foot at running speed.
- Sustain effort by sharing the work with the team.
- Learn about the running culture of the Raramuri people of Mexico.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam balls: 5
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
Telling students that some Raramuri races last for days is very motivating.
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