Coach Paws Says

Learning

Listening, reaction, movement control and body awareness.

Equipment

No kit needed

Best group

Whole class as one group

Space / set up

Children spread facing the coach.

Duration

5 minutes

Skills

Movement, Try scoring, Reaction, Jumping & landing

• Children spread around the coaching area, facing the coach.
• Coach stands at the front and centre so every child can see and hear.
• Leave an arm's length plus between children.

1. 1Explain the rule: only do the action if the coach starts with “Coach Paws says…”.
2. 2Call actions: “Coach Paws says touch your toes.”
3. 3“Coach Paws says jump like a Pup.” / “Coach Paws says balance on one foot.”
4. 4“Coach Paws says run on the spot.”
5. 5Occasionally give an instruction without saying “Coach Paws says” — children try to stay still.
6. 6Do not eliminate children; laugh, reset and keep everyone involved.

• “Listening ears!”
• “Ready paws!”
• “Can you control your body?”

This activity is suitable for ages 3–7. Choose a stage to see the coaching guidance for that group.

Avoid elimination entirely. If a child moves at the wrong moment, laugh and carry on. Use simple whole-body actions.

• Works well as one large group.
• Teacher or assistant demonstrates from the opposite side if visibility is poor.
• Keep instructions short so the back of the group keeps up.

Make it easier: Only use “Coach Paws says” instructions.

Level it up: Increase speed and combine two movements in one instruction.

• Rugby actions

  Passing shape, ball presentation, side-step, jump and land.

• Double action

  Two movements to remember in one call.

P: listen hard and react • S: control your body in your own space