Zig Zag Dash

Name and Purpose

Zig Zag Dash is an outdoor obstacle course where runners dodge sponge throws while collecting points for each obstacle they pass.
Builds agility, strategy, and teamwork in a high-energy water game that works on hot days.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 10-17 | 8-24 players | 20-35 minutes | Outdoor open area approximately 50 feet long; flat surface preferred; pool deck or grass field both work

Materials

5-6 large obstacles (folding tables, hay bales, large crates, or pool noodle stanchions)
2 buckets of water (one per Soaker position)
10-15 small sponges per Soaker position (cut large car sponges into thirds)
Cones: start line, finish line, obstacle positions
Pinnies or coloured sashes for Soaker team
Water source nearby to refill buckets
Staff ratio: 1 staff at finish line, 1 staff supervising each Soaker position

Quick-Run Card

Mark a 50-foot course with a start line, finish line, and 5-6 obstacles in a zig-zag pattern.
Assign 2 players as Soakers; place one 10 feet past the finish line and one halfway.
Dashers run one at a time, collecting one point per obstacle they pass.
Soakers throw sponges; a landed hit means the Dasher pauses 10 seconds at the nearest obstacle before continuing.
Rotate Soaker roles every 3-4 Dashers; track total points per Dasher.

Setup and Boundaries

Walk the full course before play; remove any trip hazards between obstacles
Mark Soaker zones clearly with cones; Soakers stay in their zone
Signal: one whistle = next Dasher starts; two whistles = full stop, gather
The halfway Soaker may only throw at Dashers who have not yet passed them; they stop throwing once the Dasher passes
Finish line Soaker may throw only while the Dasher is within 10 feet of the finish

How to Play

Brief the group: Dashers run the obstacle course one at a time, zig-zagging between obstacles. Their goal is to reach as many obstacles as possible without being hit by a wet sponge.
Dashers collect one point for each obstacle they pass. Points are their score for that run.
Soakers stand in their assigned zones with a bucket and sponges. They throw sponges underarm only; no overhand throws.
When a Dasher is hit, they pause at the nearest obstacle for 10 seconds, then continue. The run is not ended by a hit.
After crossing the finish line, the Dasher collects their point total from the staff at the finish.
After every 3-4 Dashers, rotate two new players into Soaker roles. Former Soakers join the Dasher queue.
After everyone has had at least one Dasher run, tally scores. Celebrate the top three Dashers and the most accurate Soaker.
Optional: team format. Split into two teams. Alternate Dashers. Team with the highest combined point total after all Dashers have run wins.

I-OPt Options

Start:
- A (Active): Queue for the Dasher run; full sprint through the course
- S (Support): Volunteer for Soaker position; contributes to the game without running
- Q (Quiet): Walk the course at your own pace; points still count
- O (Observer): Watch the first two Dashers to study the best route, then join the queue
Mid:
- A (Active): Try a different zig-zag route to dodge sponges more effectively
- S (Support): Call out encouragement to Dashers from the sideline
- Q (Quiet): Take the Soaker role for a longer rotation; less running, more aim
- O (Observer): Track which route earns the most points; share your observation before the next round
Late:
- A (Active): Push for your personal best point total on your final run
- S (Support): Help refill Soaker buckets between Dasher turns
- Q (Quiet): Walk the last run and count your obstacles aloud as you pass each one
- O (Observer): Announce the scores as the finish-line staff calls them out
End:
- A (Active): Lead the cool-down walk around the course perimeter
- S (Support): Help collect sponges and drain buckets
- Q (Quiet): Count and sort sponges into the storage bag
- O (Observer): Name one Dasher move that impressed you

Inclusion Adaptations

Walk-pace option: Dashers who cannot run walk the course; all obstacle points count equally regardless of pace
Soaker role as primary: players who cannot run participate fully as Soakers for the whole session; rotate them through both Soaker positions
Adapted movement support: for players who cannot navigate independently, a staff member walks alongside them through the course; the player’s movement leads, staff supports
Wider obstacle spacing: increase distance between obstacles for players who need more room to manoeuvre

Stewardship Moment

Sponges are reusable; collect, rinse, and store them after play. They will last many sessions.
Prompt: “We chose cut sponges over water balloons. What difference does that make for cleanup and for the environment?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game, Soakers throw wet sponges toward Dashers. A hit pauses your run for 10 seconds, then you keep going. For those not comfortable being a sponge target, the Soaker role is a full and equal part of the game.”
Mid-game check: after the first rotation, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is the pace and the sponge intensity feeling?”
Opt-out/re-entry: signal to the finish-line staff to step to the sideline; re-enter the Dasher queue at any point

Risks and Mitigation

Sponges aimed at the head: underarm-only throwing rule enforced from the start; staff correct immediately if it happens
Wet ground around bucket zones: place buckets on a non-slip mat; warn players that Soaker zones will be wet
Player slips during course: walk the course for surface hazards before play; if wet grass is present, mark the safest path with cones
Water in ears or eyes: sponges thrown at body only; staff reinforce this verbally before and during play
Player frustration at being hit repeatedly: remind everyone a hit is a 10-second pause, not an end; reframe hits as part of the challenge, not a failure

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Zig Zag Walk”: everyone walks the obstacle course in sequence before play starts to learn the layout
“Sponge Aim Practice”: Soakers get 60 seconds to practise underarm throws at a cone target before any Dashers enter the course

Debrief Questions

What? “Which obstacle was the hardest to get past without being hit?”
So What? “What strategy worked best: speed, zig-zagging, or waiting for the Soaker to throw?”
Now What? “When do you use strategy to navigate something tricky in your day-to-day life?”

Cleanup and Reset