Throw and Chase: Partner Disc Run
Partners travel a large loop by throwing a flying disc ahead and running to get it, never stopping, and try to finish the lap in as few throws as possible. It builds aerobic endurance through play along with throwing and catching skills.
How to play
- Mark a loop of about 500 m around the field with 8 cone gates, each 3 m wide, that must be passed through. Pair students up with one disc (2 min).
- How it works: one partner throws the disc ahead, both run to it, and the other picks it up or catches it and makes the next throw. The disc must go through each gate in order.
- Block one: 5 min. Each pair counts how many throws it takes to complete one lap. No walking: you run between throws.
- One-minute break: pairs compare throw counts and talk about how to throw farther and straighter.
- Block two: 5 min. If the disc is caught in the air, the next throw is made on the move, in stride, and that throw does not count.
- Block three: 4 min against the clock, scored as laps completed minus throws that land outside the loop. One-minute wrap-up.
Rules
- Before throwing, check that no one is in the flight path.
- Pairs start at different gates so they stay spread out.
- If the disc lands near another pair, wait for them to finish their throw.
Variations
Easier
Shorten the loop to 300 m and allow walking to pick up the disc.
Standard
Travel a 500 m loop in pairs, throwing and running nonstop for three blocks.
Harder
Play in groups of three with one disc and require every pass to be caught in the air to count.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: use a paved loop and throw from the wheelchair; the partner retrieves discs that land far away.
- Visual impairment: use a large ball with bells instead of a disc and a partner who calls out the direction.
- Lower fitness: allow short, accurate throws to cut down the running between throws.
Learning goals
- Keep running continuously through play for 14 minutes.
- Improve accuracy and distance on the backhand throw.
- Work with a partner to complete the loop efficiently.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flying discs: 13
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Pairs tend to stop and chat after every throw, so remind them they run between throws.
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