Sprint Map Symbols on the Move: ISSprOM Legend Warm-Up

A running warm-up where each symbol from the sprint map legend (ISSprOM) triggers a different movement. It gets students moving and puts the legend fresh in their heads right before an urban race.

How to play

1. Easy jog around the schoolyard. The teacher holds up a card and the group responds: olive green (out of bounds) = stop and shuffle around it; thick black line (uncrossable wall) = turn around; stairs = high knees; open paved area = long strides (3 min).
2. Pairs with three cards each: one shows a symbol, the other names it and does the matching move while jogging. Switch every 30 s (3 min).
3. Cards face down under 12 cones: jog to a cone, flip the card, jog back and explain to your partner what a runner would do at that symbol (2 min).
4. 20 m build-ups: if the teacher calls an uncrossable symbol midway, brake in three steps and change direction (2 min).

Rules

• Everyone jogs in the same direction to avoid collisions.
• Brake in three steps, never stop dead.
• If you are unsure about a symbol, ask: mistakes cost nothing here.
• Cards go back face down under their cone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: half-letter-size, high-contrast cards, with a partner describing the symbol aloud or by touch.
• Hearing impairment: the teacher shows the card and adds a clear arm signal for direction changes.
• Limited mobility: takes the teacher/checker role in the pair phase and does an arms-only version of each move.

Learning goals

• Recognize key sprint map symbols instantly.
• Prime the braking and cutting movements used in urban sprint.
• Link each symbol to a real race decision.

Equipment for a class of 25

• symbol cards: 30
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

The IOF posts the ISSprOM standard as a free PDF: cut out the symbols and laminate them. The classic mistake is reading olive green as vegetation; drill that it means out of bounds.

More activities like this

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