Twin Hurdles: Land Together

Two students run side-by-side lanes of low hurdles and try to clear each hurdle and land at the same moment. It works on rhythm between hurdles cooperatively, with no racing against each other.

How to play

1. Warm-up with jogging, high-knees and walking over hurdles (5 min).
2. In pairs in parallel lanes, walking and calling the rhythm out loud: "one, two, three, hurdle" (5 min).
3. Same rhythm at a jog, trying to land together after each hurdle (5 min).
4. At running pace; another pair watches and gives a point for every hurdle in sync (6 min).
5. Final challenge in threes: three lanes, three people in unison (4 min).

Rules

• Hurdles are poles on cones that fall when touched.
• Parallel lanes at least 2 m apart.
• Points are for being in sync, not for finishing first.
• If a pole falls, stop, reset it and go again.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: the partner calls the rhythm and they run close together, with poles on the ground.
• Wheelchair users: a cone lane with pushes synchronized with their partner.
• Hesitant students: choose their partner and a shorter lane with three hurdles.

Learning goals

• Keep a steady rhythm between hurdles.
• Match their running to someone else's.
• Cooperate toward a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones with holes: 40
• poles: 20

Teacher tip

Pair students by similar rhythm, not by friendship, and switch partners halfway. Common mistake: one runner sprints the end to "win"; remind them the point is landing together.

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