Speed Bumps
A road with ropes laid across it as speed bumps. Cars drive along and must jump every bump. Great for a group that needs to move in one direction.
Overview
You need
RopesOptional: Cones or markers
Skills developed
- Locomotor: running with jumps
- Rhythm: timing a jump on the move
- Spatial awareness: keeping a lane
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Lay four or five ropes across the floor as speed bumps, about two metres apart. You need roughly ten metres of clear run, so this one wants a hall or an outdoor space. In a smaller room use two or three bumps instead.
2Step 2
Children line up at one end of the road, two or three abreast.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Drive down the road and jump each bump with two feet. Then run back round the outside.
- Second lap: hop the bumps. Third lap: leap the bumps one foot to the other.
- Add a "police car" (coach) who checks landings: wobbly landing, three bounces on the spot.
Tips for explaining
"Look at the bump, then jump." Timing comes from looking ahead.
"Bounce and go." Keep moving after each landing.
Make it easier / harder
EasierStep over the bumps. Bumps further apart.
HarderBumps closer. Add a ball to carry.
Safety
Ropes must lie flat. Replace with cones if the floor is slippery.
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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.