Bridge Race

Yay Celebration Reach

A quick cooperative game that promotes physical strength, teamwork and coordination, as children support one another in maintaining the bridge position while others crawl under as fast as they can. 

Set up

Split children into small groups of 4 – 10 (depending on numbers). You will need at least two groups. No equipment is required for this game but each group will need a small space on grass or carpet surface (not concrete). 

How to play
Step 1: 
  • Children line up in their teams, next to each other in a front support/bridge position using their hands and feet (see skill teaching description). 
Step 2: 
  • On ‘go’, the first person in the line crawls under the whole ‘bridge’ while their teammates hold their front support/bridge positions. 
  • When the get to the end of the line, they make a front support/bridge and the next person has their turn. 
Step 3:
  • Continue until all players have had a turn at crawling under the ‘bridge’.
  • Winning team is the first team to have all team members crawl under their team bridge. 
  • For an extra challenge, have children form a rear support or side support position instead! 
Variations
Make it easier
  • Allow children to relax from the front support/bridge position once the player has safely crawled underneath them.
Make it harder
  • Ask children to form a rear support or side support position.
Activity information
Age: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 10 +
Duration: 5 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Balancing
Skill teaching

Front Support 

  • Shoulders directly above the hands.
  • Arms straight. 
  • Tighten your core to help with balance.
  • Hips lifted and straight, back flat. 
  • Legs straight and feet together.
  • Keep your head in line with your back.

Rear Support 

  • Lift your hips high: Imagine you’re trying to make a straight line from your head to your toes.
  • Hands under shoulders, flat on the floor. 
  • Stretch your legs out straight and point your toes. 
  • Keep your body straight. 'Stay tall and strong like a bridge, with no bending'. 

Side Support

  • One hand under the shoulder, feet stacked.
  • Lift hips to form a straight line from head to toes.
  • Tighten your core and keep your body straight.
  • Keep your head aligned with your body.
Physical literacy tips
  • Time groups and encourage teams to better their personal best time each new round.