Up and Down the River Throwing Duels
Partner throwing duels on six ranked lanes: the winner of each duel moves up a lane and the loser moves down, so everyone ends up competing against someone at a similar level. Students practice the javelin, discus, and shot put and learn to accept the result.
How to play
- Six lanes in a row numbered 1 to 6 (champions' lane), 30 ft apart; each lane has equipment for one event (javelin, discus, and shot put, twice each).
- Put 4 students in each lane (two duels taking turns); each duel is 2 throws per student and the best mark wins (3 min to explain).
- On the whistle (every 3 min), duel winners move up a lane and losers move down; the winner stays in lane 6 and the loser stays in lane 1.
- Because each lane has a different event, moving up or down means switching throws; play 6 rounds (18 min).
- Ties are settled with rock-paper-scissors to keep things moving.
- Wrap-up (3 min): each student records their final lane and their best throw.
Rules
- In each lane only one student throws at a time while the opponent watches from behind the line.
- All lanes throw in the same direction, and equipment is collected on the retrieve whistle.
- Students judge their own duels: the opponent marks the landing with a cone and the call is accepted without arguing.
- The shot is pushed from the neck and the javelin is thrown overhand.
Variations
Easier
Use a single event in every lane (foam javelin) to focus on the competition.
Standard
Three alternating events across six lanes, moving up or down every 3 min.
Harder
Each duel is best of three throws, and lane 6 throws with the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student competes seated in every lane with an agreed distance bonus.
- Shyness: the ladder format means the student loses only to classmates at their level, and no one announces who is in lane 1.
- Advanced students: anyone who wins in lane 6 twice in a row serves as that lane's judge for one round.
Learning goals
- Perform javelin, discus, and shot put throws in a competitive setting.
- Accept winning and losing with good sportsmanship.
- Mark an opponent's throw honestly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam javelins: 4
- rubber discuses: 4
- medicine balls: 4
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
This format sorts out ability levels on its own within two or three rounds, so there's no need to set groups ahead of time. Lane 1 isn't a punishment: present it as the starting lane.
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