Coach Paws Says

Set up

• 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.

How to play

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

Coach cues

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

Early Years 3–5

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

KS1 5–7

Increase reaction speed and add rugby actions: passing shape, ball presentation position, side-step, squat, jump and land.

Safety

• Leave enough room between children.
• No high-speed collisions.