Sudoku Jog: Fill the Grid by Relay

A long-duration game where each team solves a 4x4 sudoku by carrying cards one at a time from a distant base to their hula hoop grid. It builds endurance through intermittent running and team decision-making.

How to play

1. Explain 4x4 sudoku: every row, column and 2x2 box holds 1, 2, 3 and 4 with no repeats. Teams of 5 get a 16-hoop grid with some cards already placed (4 min).
2. First game: the card base is about 25 m away. One runner goes at a time, grabs a card and places it, or moves one already placed. The team thinks in the meantime (8 min).
3. Short stop to check grids and talk strategy: who thinks, who runs (2 min).
4. Second game with a harder sudoku and the base at 35 m. Now each runner can make only one move per trip (9 min).
5. Easy jog to pick up cards and hoops together (2 min).

Rules

• One card per trip, carried while running, never thrown.
• Talk only with teammates at the grid; don't shout answers at the runner.
• Don't touch the base or other teams' grids.
• Finishing first earns no points: a team that finishes helps check another grid by running.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: put the base on smooth ground and carry the card on the lap or in a bag.
• Visual impairment: big cards with raised numbers made from clay or tape; runs with a guide.
• Students who freeze up with numbers: their main role is runner and the team tells them where to place it.

Learning goals

• Keep up intermittent effort for a long time.
• Make team decisions while tired.
• Share roles so everyone both runs and thinks.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hula hoops: 80
• cones: 20
• numbered cards: 80

Teacher tip

Make the sudokus on cards before class and keep the answer key. Short on hoops? Draw the grid in chalk and use poly spots or flat cones.

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