Story Sprint

Name and Purpose

Story Sprint builds listening, suspense, and quick reactions through an improvised storytelling format.
Players practise sustained attention and fast decision-making in a physically active game.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Large field or gymnasium, minimum 15 metres of running space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Mark a goal line with cones about 10 metres from the starting arc.
Players form a loose arc at the start, backs to the goal line.
“It” stands at the centre and tells a story.
When “It” says the agreed key phrase, everyone runs for the goal.
First player tagged before the goal becomes the new “It.” Current “It” joins the running group.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the goal line clearly with cones
Set the starting arc with cones or chalk; players stay behind it until the phrase is called
Signal: staff whistle means stop all movement immediately
Check the running surface for holes, wet patches, or debris before play

How to Play

Mark a goal line with cones across the field or gym, about 10 metres from the arc.
Players stand in a loose arc behind the start cones, backs to the goal.
One player starts as “It” and stands at the centre of the arc.
“It” begins telling a story, either made up or familiar. Players listen and wait.
At any point, “It” says the agreed key phrase (default: “and the boiler burst!” or a phrase the group chooses together).
On the key phrase, everyone runs toward the goal line. “It” chases and tries to tag a runner.
Runners who reach the goal line are safe.
The first runner tagged before reaching the line becomes the new “It.” The previous “It” joins the running group.
If no one is tagged, “It” starts a new story for another round.
After 3 rounds as “It” without a tag, rotate the role to a new volunteer to keep the energy moving.

I-OPt Options

Start: A (Active) – Stand ready in the arc; S (Support) – Help count players and confirm everyone is in position; Q (Quiet) – Stand at the edge of the arc and listen; O (Observer) – Watch the first round to learn the pattern
Mid: A – Sprint at full speed toward the goal; S – Encourage runners near you; Q – Walk or jog to the goal; O – Track how quickly “It” decides to call the phrase
Late: A – Volunteer to be “It”; S – Help “It” brainstorm story ideas; Q – Walk the arc and listen from a relaxed position; O – Share a guess about when “It” will call the phrase
End: A – Suggest a new key phrase for the next round; S – Help collect cones; Q – Catch your breath and give a thumbs up; O – Share one moment that surprised them

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to run can walk-sprint to the goal; the game works at any pace
“It” can be a pair (two players sharing the storytelling and chasing roles) for players who want company in the centre

Stewardship Moment

Collect and reuse all cones after play
Reflection: “The only thing we used was our voices and our feet. What did that make possible?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running when a phrase is called. For those not comfortable with running or chasing, walking to the goal and taking a support role on the sideline are both valid options.”
Mid-game check: After two rounds, check in with a thumbs signal. Adjust the goal distance or tagging rules if needed.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the side of the arc and walk the round. They re-enter the arc whenever they are ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Collision during the run: remind players to run forward toward the goal, not sideways into others
“It” uses the phrase too quickly, not allowing enough story build-up: staff coach “It” to tell at least 5-6 sentences first
Same player is tagged repeatedly: rotate “It” after each successful tag and give the previous “It” a rest round
Slippery or uneven surface: check before play; walk the first round if conditions are borderline

Warm-Up Suggestions

Walk the distance from the arc to the goal once together before playing
Have “It” tell a short practice story with the phrase at the end so everyone knows what to listen for

Debrief Questions

What? “What made you decide to start running when you did?”
So What? “How did the story affect how you were listening compared to just waiting for the signal?”
Now What? “Where in life do you need to stay calm and alert at the same time, waiting for the right moment to act?”

Cleanup and Reset