Let's get active and play Base Race!
This fun activity is suitable for children in Early learning and childcare (ELC) or Primary 1 (Early level Curriculum for Excellence).
Watch this
Learn how to play Base Race with help from primary school teacher, Danny Denholm.
DANNY Hey. I'm Danny and welcome to Let's Do This, where we will get active together.
This activity is called base race. It's all about developing stamina, control and speed. You need to partner up for this one. So I've asked Louis to come along and give me some help.
LOUIS Hello.
DANNY Step one.
You will need quite a bit of space for this game. Lay out two hoops two big steps away from each other. These are the bases.Each player stands in or next to one of the bases.
Step two.
Player one rainbow throws the ball away from the bases and then runs back and forward between the bases, counting how many times they do it.
Every time they reach a base, they get a point.
Two, three, four.
Step three.
Player two fetches a ball and returns it to their base as quickly as they can.
When they do, Player one stops running and stops getting more points.
Step four.
Swap roles so this time, player two throws the ball and runs between the bases while Player one fetches the ball.
LOUIS COUNTS
NARRATOR Too tough?
DANNY Finding it a bit hard?
No problem.
To make it easier, place the bases closer together so you don't need to run as far.
Or instead of throwing the ball, try rolling along the ground.
Do at your own pace and move in a way that feels comfortable to you.
Give it a go.
NARRATOR Go up a notch?
DANNY Want to go up a level?
Here are a couple of things you can try out.
If it's safe and there's plenty of space, player one could try using a striking implement like a hockey stick or tennis racket. This is great for improving your timing and coordination, but always be mindful of your surroundings when using a bat.
Great effort, now you give it a try.
NARRATOR Danny’s Challenge
DANNY Play the game continuously.
Get someone to time you for one minute each and see how many points you can score.
Record your scores on a whiteboard or pen and paper.
What will your best score be?
NARRATOR Final thoughts
DANNY This is one of my favourite games. It is so much fun and it is a great way to practice your counting. Can you think of any other games where counting is important?
NARRATOR Let’s do this!
What we will learn:
This activity can help young children develop their speed and stamina.
It is a great activity to help children learn to throw a ball or sprint for short bursts in sport or daily life.
What you need:
| Equipment | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| A ball | An object that you can safely throw, like balled-up socks or a balloon |
| Two cones | Objects that can be used as bases to run between, like hoops or flat mats |
Try it yourself
Follow these step-by-step instructions and give it a go!
Image caption, Set up
Lay out two cones, or other markers, two big steps away from each other. These are the bases. Each player stands in or next to one of the bases.
1 of 4
Playing on your own
Set up two bases and try running back and forwards for a set number of times. For example, you might choose to run between the bases 10 times before taking a rest.
You can move the bases further apart so you have further!
Make it easier or harder
We are all unique and have different strengths and skills. Some of us may find some skills easier than others but we can all develop and improve.
You can adapt Base Race to make it easier or harder. The most important things are giving it a go and having fun!
Make it easier
Try these tips to make the activity a bit easier.
- Place the cones closer together so you don't need to run as far.
- Instead of throwing the ball, try rolling it along the ground.
- Do it at your own pace and move in a way that feels comfortable to you.
Make it harder
Try these tips to make this activity more challenging.
Place the cones further apart so you need to run further for each point.
If it’s safe and there’s plenty of space, Player 1 could try using a striking implement, like a hockey stick or a tennis racket. Remember, be mindful of your surroundings when using a bat!
Danny's challenge
Play the game continuously.
- Ask someone to time you for one minute each and see how many points you can score.
- Record your scores on a whiteboard or pen and paper, what will your best score be?
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