Obstacle Course

Skill: Catch, Hop, Jump, Kick, Run, Skip, Strike, Throw
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Individual, Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs, 13+ yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Remove any safety hazards and obstacles from the play area.
Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their head up.
Be sure participants are spread out when doing the obstacle.
Ensure it is age appropriate for the participants.
Equipment: Hoops
Pylons
Sport equipment (soccer ball, football, basketball, nets, tennis ball, hockey stick etc.)
Any other equipment to use for the obstacle course
Objective:
For participants to go through the obstacle course performing the proper movements for each section.
Set up:
Set up an obstacle course that is appropriate, yet challenging for the participants. Be sure that the different sections are not too close to each other.
See attached document as an example of the obstacles to set up.
Use pylons, hoops and other equipment to create the obstacles (rope, skipping rope, benches, balls...).
Have all participants standing on one end.
Step by Step:
1. Explain to participants how to go through the obstacle course, and what to do at each section.
2. For example, if the obstacle course is set up like the attached document, the leader will go through each station to show participants what to do at each one.
3. First, they have to run and weave around the pylons, then run to the set of hoops.
4. For the first three hoops they have to hop on their left foot, then one foot in each for the set of two hoops. Then hop only on their right foot through the 3 hoops at the end.
5. Run over the set of pylons and jump over them and then the other set.
6. Then they will go to the other set of hoops, and using quick feet, they run through the hoops as quick as possible (one foot in each hoop).
7. Once they are through the hoops, they will run to the pylon and taking off from that pylon, they will jump as far as they can (long jump).
8. Then they will do another obstacle or a sport inspired task/skill to finish off the obstacle course.
9. Then they will run around the obstacle course and go to the end of the line to do it again.
10. When a participant starts the second section, then the next participant in line can start.
11. Of course, this is just an example of an obstacle course. Choose what equipment to use, how to set it up, make it longer or shorter, have it targeted to a specific sport or skill and whatever is best for the participants.
12. Have fun and obstacle away!
Variations:
Use different equipment.
Have it themed to a sport or skill.
If it was soccer, participants have to dribble the ball around the pylons, then kick it into a net, do a throw in to an area etc.
Set up an area between two pylons, and participants have to grape vine from one to the other, or skip, side shuffle, do lunges etc.

Adaptations (General):
Try to develop an obstacle course that challenges but which accommodates participants with disabilities. Explain the course clearly and provide additional support to those participants with disabilities who may need it.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.
Attachments: Download