Speedy Rabbit

Name and Purpose

Speedy Rabbit is a fast-reaction pose game where groups of three must work together the moment a pose is called.
Players practise quick coordination, listening, and joyful silliness in a standing circle format.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Open standing circle, indoor or outdoor

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Stand in a circle. Leader stands in the middle.
Leader teaches 4-6 poses, each using 3 people. Practise each one together.
Leader points at one player and calls a pose.
That player and the two players on either side make the pose together.
A wrong pose or moving at the wrong time means that player takes a turn as leader.

Setup and Boundaries

Even-spaced standing circle with the leader clearly visible in the centre.
Signal: one raised fist from the leader means pause; one clap means reset.
Check for hazards: tripping points or low ceiling clearance for poses that involve raised arms.

How to Play

Players stand in a circle, evenly spaced. The leader stands in the centre.
The leader teaches 4-6 poses, demonstrating with volunteers. Each pose uses 3 players: the pointed-at player and the two players directly beside them. Example poses:
- Speedy Rabbit: the two side players face outward to form the shape of ears; the centre player puts their hands out in front like paws.
- Rowing Crew: the two side players make rowing motions; the centre player shouts a word of their choice.
- Cookie Cottage: the two side players raise their arms up on a diagonal and lean inward; the centre player crouches down and says “Want a cookie?”
The group practises each pose together before the game starts.
Leader points at one player and calls a pose name. That player and their two neighbours must complete the pose before the leader counts to five.
A player who makes the wrong pose, moves when not pointed at, or is too slow takes the leader’s spot in the centre.
New poses can be added any time the group is ready.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): React quickly; try to be the fastest to complete each pose.
S (Support): Help neighbours who are still learning the poses; model each one clearly.
Q (Quiet): Participate in the poses at a low-energy level; smaller movements still count.
O (Observer): Watch from the edge of the circle; step in when a pose you know comes up.

Inclusion Adaptations

Seated players can still complete most poses from a chair; adapt the rowing or jumping poses to upper-body-only versions.
Players who are not comfortable in the centre leader role may co-lead with staff or pass to another volunteer.

Stewardship Moment

No materials, no cleanup.
Reflection: “You had to act fast and trust the people beside you. When else do you rely on the people beside you without thinking about it?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We are going to do quick poses together in groups of three. For those who would rather watch a round before jumping in, that is a great way to learn the poses. For those who would prefer to stay at the edge of the circle rather than in the centre, that works too.”
Mid-game check: After a few rounds, pause briefly. “How are we all doing? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players may step back to the edge of the circle at any time. Step back into the circle when ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Players bumping into each other when quickly leaning or reaching: ensure enough space between players before starting.
The centre leader role feeling too exposed: make it voluntary and have staff model it first.
One player repeatedly taking the centre: celebrate their leadership and invite others to try.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Mirror Me”: pairs face each other and mirror each other’s slow movements for 60 seconds.
“Pose Freeze”: the leader calls a random animal or object; everyone freezes in that shape for three seconds.

Debrief Questions

Cleanup and Reset