Pup Traffic

Learning

Reaction, movement awareness, stopping under control and changing speed or direction.

Equipment

Cones

Best group

Whole class in one square, or two zones

Space / set up

Coned square, children moving inside, coach on the edge.

Duration

5–7 minutes

Skills

Movement, Evasion, Reaction

• Cone out a safe square big enough for everyone to move without touching.
• Children start spread inside the square.
• Coach stands on an edge where every child can hear the call.

1. 1Call GO — children move around the area.
2. 2Call SLOW — movement slows right down.
3. 3Call STOP / PAWS — freeze under control.
4. 4Call TURN — change direction.
5. 5Call ROUNDABOUT — turn once under control, then continue.
6. 6Vary the travelling movement: walk, jog, skip, side-step.

• “Eyes up!”
• “Find the space!”
• “Stop under control!”

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

Use only 2–3 commands to begin with and demonstrate every one before you use it.

• Make the square large enough that children are never shoulder to shoulder.
• If it feels crowded, split into two traffic zones with teacher support.
• Keep both zones using the same calls so children can swap.

Make it easier: Reduce the number of commands.

Level it up: Children carry a rugby ball while responding to the calls.

• Ball traffic

  Every child carries a ball in two hands.

• Two zones

  Split the square and run a zone each with the teacher.

P: react to every call • S: stop under control, eyes up, find the space