Overtake

Name and Purpose

Overtake builds speed, endurance, and the thrill of simultaneous chase and escape.
Players experience the fun of a moving target in a continuous, energetic relay format.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 20-50 players (minimum 5 teams of 4) | 15-25 minutes | Large open outdoor space or gym with room for a wide cone circle

Materials

Cones: one per team, placed in a large circle (the bigger the circle, the more fun)
Whistle for start/stop signals
Optional: coloured bibs or pinnies to identify teams

Quick-Run Card

Place cones in a large circle, one per team. Teams line up single-file behind their cone.
First player steps to the outside of the circle and waits.
Counsellor blows the whistle. Runners go around the full circle in the same direction.
After one full lap, the runner tags the next teammate in line. That teammate becomes the next runner.
If a runner is tagged by the person chasing them from behind, they continue their lap and tag their next teammate normally. The chaser earns a point for their team.
Play until time is called. The team with the most “catch” points wins, but celebrate every lap completed.

Setup and Boundaries

Space cones evenly in a large circle. The wider the circle, the more running and strategy involved.
Mark a small start/finish spot behind each cone so runners know where to begin and end their lap.
Signal: one short whistle = next runner starts; two whistles = pause all; three short whistles = game over, gather.
Check the running surface for wet patches, holes, or loose gravel.

How to Play

Teams of four or more players line up single-file behind their assigned cone.
The first player from each team steps to the outer edge of the cone circle.
On the start whistle, all first runners begin jogging around the full circle in the same direction.
Each runner is chasing the person in front of them and being chased by the person behind.
After completing one full lap (back to their own cone), the runner tags the next teammate in line. That teammate steps to the outside and runs when the counsellor signals.
If a runner is tagged by the player chasing from behind before completing their lap, that chasing player’s team earns a point. The tagged runner still finishes their lap and tags their next teammate as normal. No one sits down.
Play continues until every player has run at least one lap or time is called.
Count catch-points. Celebrate the fastest teams, the best chasers, and most importantly, everyone who ran.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Run full-speed, trying to catch the person ahead and stay ahead of the person behind.
S (Support): Cheer, count laps, track your team’s points, encourage teammates.
Q (Quiet): Walk or jog the lap at your own pace. The chase is still live, and effort at any speed counts.
O (Observer): Watch and count laps for your team. Join the rotation when ready.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to run can walk their lap. The game continues around them naturally.
Adjust the circle size so faster runners have a longer route and slower runners have a shorter inner path if needed.
Teams can be structured so players of similar pacing run in sequence, reducing pressure.

Stewardship Moment

Collect all cones after play and stack them for easy storage.
Reflection: “How did the size of the circle change how fast or careful you had to be?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves running and being chased. For those not comfortable with full-speed running or being chased closely, a walking lap is another option, and your team still benefits from your lap.”
Mid-game check: After two or three rounds, pause. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. Is the pace feeling okay?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step aside and cheer for your team. Raise a hand to join the rotation at any time.

Risks and Mitigation

Runners colliding on the circle path: all runners go in the same direction. Passing is allowed, but overtaking should be done with care on the outside.
Tagging too aggressively: remind players that a tag is a gentle touch on the shoulder. Shoving or grabbing is not a tag.
Players feeling unsafe being chased closely: the walk option removes that pressure without removing participation.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Lap Preview”: everyone jogs one slow lap around the cone circle together before the game starts. Establishes the route and warms up the legs.
“Shadow Walk”: pairs walk around the circle together, one behind the other, matching each other’s pace exactly.

Debrief Questions

What? “What did it feel like to be chased and chasing at the same time?”
So What? “What did you notice about your pacing? Did you start fast and slow down, or pace yourself?”
Now What? “When do you need to manage both something you’re working toward and something pressing from behind?”

Cleanup and Reset