Exploring the Trail

Set up

• Scatter cones around a roughly 20 x 20 area.
• Build several coloured gates — two cones of the same colour, about a metre apart.
• Include some red cones laid out as low markers the children can jump over.
• Keep clear landing space beyond every jump point.
• Children start spread around the area, with or without a ball depending on stage.

How to play

1. Movement Trail: children explore the area, moving into space.
2. They move through the coloured gates.
3. They jump safely over the designated low red markers.
4. Coach calls a colour and children find that gate.
5. Then choose one of the trail variations below — same setup, new challenge.

Coach cues

• “Eyes up.”
• “Find the space.”
• “Soft knees.”
• “Two hands on the ball.”

Early Years 3–5

More free exploration using colours and imagination. Allow carrying before adding any passing. Small jumps only — “Land quietly like a Pup.”

KS1 5–7

More purposeful scanning — the coach calls gates, and passing is added to the movement. Add a direction change on landing and carry a ball through the jump.

Safety

• Leave enough distance between gates.
• Children jump only low, safe markers — never over children.
• Ensure every landing area is clear before the jump.
• Avoid congestion — call children into empty space.