Sleeping Giant

Learning

Reacting to a signal, collecting a ball and returning home under control.

Equipment

Rugby balls, Cones

Best group

Whole class, 1–2 Giants

Space / set up

Giant in the middle with the balls, children behind a home line.

Duration

6–8 minutes

Skills

Reaction, Movement

• Place rugby balls in a loose pile around and near the Sleeping Giant in the middle.
• Coach begins as the Giant.
• Children start behind a safe home line marked with cones.
• For big groups, set two ball piles with space between them.

1. 1The Giant pretends to sleep.
2. 2Children creep forward quietly and try to collect a rugby ball.
3. 3The Giant suddenly wakes.
4. 4Children react — use PAWS/READY as the cue.
5. 5Children return safely home with the ball.
6. 6Reset the balls and play again.

• “Quiet paws!”
• “Can you collect the treasure?”
• “Eyes up!”
• “Back home!”

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

The coach wakes dramatically but moves slowly. Children simply return home.

• Use multiple ball piles, or two Giants where adult support allows.
• Avoid every child swarming one pile.
• Give each half of the class its own home line.

Make it easier

Place the balls closer to the children.

Variations

• Two Giants

  Coach and teacher each guard a pile.

• Gentle tag Giant

  The Giant makes a safe tag as children escape.

Level it up

Children carry the ball in two hands and evade a gentle tag on the way home.

P: quiet paws and a brave approach • S: no diving, no collisions around the Giant