Gallop Like Horses
Children are horses. Trot, gallop and stop on your call, then a gallop round the paddock. Most children cannot gallop until someone shows them, so this is worth teaching properly.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Cones or markers
Skills developed
- Locomotor: galloping (leading foot), sliding step
- Rhythm: uneven step pattern
- Coordination: leading with one foot then the other
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Mark a paddock: a big rectangle with cones at the corners.
2Step 2
Horses stand on one long side. Coach demonstrates a gallop: one foot always in front, the back foot chasing it.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- "Trot": small quick steps. "Gallop": front foot leads, back foot catches. "Whoa": stop and stamp.
- Gallop across the paddock and back. Then change the leading foot.
- Finish with a gallop lap round the outside of the cones.
Tips for explaining
"Same foot in front." Front foot leads the whole way; do not let it become a run.
"Chase it, chase it." Back foot chases the front one.
Make it easier / harder
EasierHold the coach's hand and gallop together.
HarderGallop sideways (a slide). Change lead foot on a whistle.
Safety
Enough room to stop after the far line. Galloping children look forward, keep the space clear.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.