Bobsled Relay

Name and Purpose

• Bobsled Relay is a cooperative floor-sliding game that builds teamwork, physical coordination, and laughter.
• Teams work together as a connected unit, which means everyone has to move at the same pace and communicate constantly.

a.k.a.

• Floor Relay, Sled Push Race

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 12-30 players (teams of 4-6) | 10-20 minutes | Smooth indoor floor (gym) or flat, firm outdoor ground. A clear straight path of at least 4-5 metres per team is needed.

Materials

• Masking tape or rope to mark the start and finish lines
• Smooth floor or firm flat grass (check for pebbles, splinters, or wet patches)
• Optional: thin gym mats or towels for comfort on hard floors

Quick-Run Card

1. Divide into teams of 4-6. Mark a start line and a finish line 4-5 metres apart.
2. Each team sits in a line on the floor. Players wrap their legs around the person in front and hold the waist or hips of the person ahead.
3. On “Go!” teams use only their hands (placed flat on the floor) to propel the whole team forward.
4. If the chain breaks, the team stops and reconnects before moving again.
5. First team to cross the finish line with everyone still connected wins the round.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark a clear start and finish line with tape or rope.
• Leave at least 1 metre of clear space on each side of each team’s lane to prevent teams sliding into each other.
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 whistles = round over.
• Staff safety check: scan the floor for grit, water, or obstacles before play. If outdoors, check for stones and uneven ground.

How to Play

1. Teams of 4-6 line up behind the start line, sitting on the floor.
2. Each player wraps their legs around the waist or hips of the person directly in front of them.
3. On “Go!” teams place both hands flat on the floor and push to slide their whole chain forward.
4. No feet may touch the floor for propulsion. Hands only.
5. If the chain breaks (players separate), the team pauses and reconnects before continuing.
6. The front player of each team calls out “One, two, three!” to coordinate pushes.
7. First team to cross the finish line with all players connected wins.
8. Run 2-3 rounds. Rotate the front player each round.

I-OPt Options

Start:

• A (Active): Join a team and sit in the chain.
• S (Support): Volunteer as the front caller who sets the rhythm for the team.
• Q (Quiet): Join a team and participate at your own pace.
• O (Observer): Watch round one from the sideline and join a team for round two.

Mid:

• A (Active): Drive the team’s push with full effort.
• S (Support): Coordinate timing and call out encouragement.
• Q (Quiet): Hold the chain steady and let others lead the pushing.
• O (Observer): Cheer from the sideline and step in for round two.

Late:

• A (Active): Sprint-push to the finish line.
• S (Support): Keep the chain from breaking in the final push.
• Q (Quiet): Stay connected and let momentum carry the group.
• O (Observer): Watch the finish and celebrate with the teams.

End:

• A (Active): Participate in the debrief and share a strategy tip.
• S (Support): Help remove tape and reset the space.
• Q (Quiet): Share one observation during debrief.
• O (Observer): Listen in and join if comfortable.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players with limited lower-body flexibility may hold the waist of the person in front rather than wrapping legs fully. The chain still works.
• Teams can use a rope looped through everyone’s hands as an alternative to the leg-wrap, giving a looser physical connection while keeping the team unit intact.
• Note: this activity involves floor contact and some physical closeness. Staff will already be aware of campers who need positioning accommodations.

Stewardship Moment

• Masking tape: remove all tape from the floor after play. Collect it for disposal rather than leaving strips around the space.
• If playing outdoors, leave the ground as found. Check for tape or loose materials before leaving.

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves sitting close together and wrapping your legs around the person in front of you. For those not comfortable with that level of contact, holding the waist or hips of the person ahead, or using a rope connection, is another option.”
• Mid-game check: after round one, pause. “Was the contact level okay for everyone? Any adjustments for round two?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: any player may step out to watch at any time. They can re-enter any team at the start of the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

• Floor abrasion on hands and arms: check the floor surface before play. Gym mats or towels can cushion harder floors.
• Shoulder or wrist strain from pushing: brief players to push with flat palms, not wrists, and to stop if they feel discomfort.
• Chain breaking and players falling backward: brief players not to lean back hard when the chain separates. The “stop and reconnect” rule gives everyone time to reset safely.
• Teams sliding into each other: maintain lane spacing of at least 1 metre between teams.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Floor Sit Stretch”: whole group sits on the floor and does a 60-second hamstring stretch together. Warms up the lower body and gets everyone comfortable being on the floor.
• “Pair Push”: partners sit back-to-back and push against each other gently for 10 seconds. Introduces coordinated physical effort before the team game.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What happened when someone in your chain moved differently from everyone else?”
• So What? “What did it take to keep the chain from breaking? What did your team do to find a rhythm?”
• Now What? “Where else do you need everyone in a group moving at the same pace to get somewhere together?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Remove all tape from the floor.
• Check the space for any dropped items.
• Return gym mats or towels if used.