Deck Runner

Name and Purpose

Deck Runner builds listening skills, quick reactions, and aerobic movement.
Players practise following fast instructions, spatial memory, and having fun with silly movement.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Set three lines roughly 5-8 metres apart, parallel to each other.
Label them clearly: Upper Deck (far left or far right), Middle Deck (centre), Lower Deck (opposite end).
Signal: 1 whistle from staff = pause and freeze; 2 whistles = stop and gather.
Check the surface for rocks, roots, or debris before play, especially if players will be dropping to the ground.

How to Play

All players start standing on the Middle Deck.
The Caller stands in front and announces any of the three deck names.
Everyone runs to the named line.
The Caller may call “Hit the Deck” at any time , all players drop to their stomachs as fast as they can.
The last player to reach the correct line or to drop becomes the Caller’s co-pilot: they stand beside the Caller and get to suggest the next call.
No one leaves the game. Everyone plays every round.
Rotate the Caller role every 2-3 minutes so everyone gets a turn.

I-OPt Options

Start
A (Active): Run to each line at full speed
S (Support): Help the Caller track who arrives last and nominate them as co-pilot
Q (Quiet): Walk briskly rather than run
O (Observer): Watch one round, then join when comfortable
Mid
A (Active): Sprint between lines, drop to the ground on cue
S (Support): Take on the co-pilot role beside the Caller
Q (Quiet): Jog at a comfortable pace, lower to a crouch instead of full drop
O (Observer): Count how many times “Hit the Deck” is called in one minute
Late
A (Active): Volunteer to be the next Caller
S (Support): Help the current Caller think of fun combinations to call
Q (Quiet): Walk the lines and participate at lower intensity
O (Observer): Step to the side, watch, and re-enter next round
End
A (Active): Race to clean up cones first
S (Support): Help gather any gear
Q (Quiet): Sit and wait for debrief
O (Observer): Share what they noticed about the group’s reaction times

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot drop to the ground can do a two-hand-reach-to-the-floor gesture instead of dropping to their stomachs.
Players using mobility aids can tap the line with their hand or stick rather than running to it.

Stewardship Moment

Cones are reused for many games. After play, wipe them down and stack them neatly.
Reflection: “We used three simple markers and made a whole game. What else could we make from what we already have?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running and dropping to the ground. For those not comfortable dropping all the way down, touching the ground with your hands is another option.”
Mid-game check: After 3-4 rounds, pause. “Is the pace working? Any adjustments before we keep going?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step off the lines and become a scorekeeper or time-keeper, then re-enter at the start of the next Caller rotation.

Risks and Mitigation

Players colliding when running to the same line: remind players to watch their lane and space out
Falls when dropping to the ground: check surface first, walk through the “Hit the Deck” motion before full-speed play
Caller calling too fast, causing confusion: pace the calls with a beat of 3-4 seconds between each one

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Line Tag”: everyone walks along the lines for 60 seconds, practising staying on the lines
“Freeze Pose”: on a clap, everyone freezes in whatever position they’re in , preview of the reaction mechanic

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the hardest call to react to? What made it tricky?”
So What? “What does it take to stay focused when instructions are coming fast?”
Now What? “When in real life do you need to react quickly and stay focused under pressure?”

Cleanup and Reset