Relay Shoot

Name and Purpose

Relay Shoot is a giggle-filled relay race that challenges players to score using an unexpected tool.
Players build patience, fine motor control, and team encouragement as they work through the relay.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-20 players (4-10 per team) | 10-20 minutes | Indoor or outdoor flat surface, min. 10m lane per team

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Teams line up behind the start line, 2-3m from their goal.
First player holds a craft stick in their hand, gets on hands and knees, and pushes the ball toward the goal.
When the ball passes through the goal markers, that player retrieves the ball and brings it back.
Tag the next player to start their turn.
First team to finish all turns earns the round.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark a start line with tape or cones, approx. 2-3m from each team’s goal.
Goals are two cones set about 30cm apart.
Check the floor for splinters, cracks, or slippery patches before kneeling play begins.
Signal: raised hand = pause; 2 claps = stop and gather (whistle optional indoors).
Players stay in their own lane; no reaching into another team’s lane.

How to Play

Teams line up behind the start line. The first player holds a craft stick (in their hand, not their mouth).
On the signal, the first player gets on hands and knees and uses the craft stick to push the ball toward the goal markers.
When the ball passes through the markers, the player picks up the ball, stands, and walks or runs back to tag the next player.
Repeat until all players have had a turn.
First team to finish all turns earns that round. Play multiple rounds so everyone gets more than one go.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Take your relay turn at full speed; cheer the team loudly.
S (Support): Count goals aloud, encourage teammates, hand the ball to the next player.
Q (Quiet): Take your turn at a calm pace; focus on steering the ball accurately.
O (Observer): Watch the first round, cheer from the sideline, take a relay turn in the second round.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot kneel on hands and knees may sit on a low stool and use the craft stick at floor level or push the ball along with a pool noodle from a standing position.
Use a larger, softer ball for players who need a bigger target.
Shorten the distance from start line to goal for players who need a quicker success path.

Stewardship Moment

Craft sticks are reusable. Collect every stick after play, wipe down, and return to the craft supplies bin.
Reflection: “How could you reuse these craft sticks for another activity? What other materials could we use instead?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This relay involves kneeling on the ground to push a ball. For those not comfortable with floor-level play, a standing variation with a longer stick or pool noodle is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first round, pause. “Is the distance and pace working for everyone? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the sideline and raise a hand. Rejoin at the next round start.

Risks and Mitigation

Knee discomfort on hard floors: allow players to use a folded towel or foam pad under their knees.
Craft stick splinters: check sticks before handing them out; replace any with rough edges.
Competitive intensity causing rushing: remind players that a clean goal counts the same whether it takes 5 seconds or 30.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Pencil Roll”: players lie on their side and roll a small ball along the floor using a pencil or craft stick, just for fun.
“Steady Hands”: balance a craft stick on one finger for as long as possible.

Debrief Questions

What? “What was trickier than you expected about using the craft stick?”
So What? “How did your team keep each other going when it was tricky?”
Now What? “What does it feel like to cheer someone through a challenge, rather than just competing against them?”

Cleanup and Reset