Yard Game Champions Teacher Guide
Cooperative Outdoor PE
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS
Teacher Guide
Lesson Blueprint
A highly engaging outdoor relay combining gross motor control, yard sports, and cooperative coordination. Teams work in pairs or groups to navigate string balance mazes and score points across multiple yard game targets.
• Grades: 3 - 9 (Adaptable)
• Equipment: Balls & Yard Games
• Setting: Grass Field / Turf
• Pacing: Slow, Cooperative
Skill Outcomes
- Balance Maze Navigation
- Toss Accuracies & Holds
- Cooperative Partner Signals
Yard Equipment & Setup List (Per Team Lane)
Station 1: String Balance
- • Ground string/chalk maze
- • 1 Pickleball paddle
- • 2 Pickleballs or footballs
- • 4 Low lawn stakes
Station 2: Target Pitch
- • 1 Cornhole board & bags
- • 3 Large red pong cups
- • 2 Horseshoes & stakes
- • 1 Low stable table
Station 3: Spike & Bounce
- • 1 Spikeball net & ball
- • 1 Basketball or Playground ball
- • Cones for transition zones
Yard Layout & Course Architecture
Organize lanes across a flat grassy expanse. Keep paths extra wide to comfortably support sensory buffers and assistive mobility aids.
START
➔
STATION 1 String Balance Circuit Paddle/Ball navigation
➔
STATION 2 Cooperative Target Pitch Cornhole/Cups/Horseshoes
➔
FINISH Spike ball/Bounce
String Setup: Run strings at 1.5 ft height between poles to create a clear, visually structured balance hallway.
Accessibility Pathways: Leave at least 6 feet of completely open, flat grass beside strings for wheels/support loops.
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS RELAY • TEACHER GUIDE PAGE 1 OF 2
Cooperative Outdoor PE
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS
Gameplay & Inclusion
Play Flow & Team Coordination Rules
Teams work collectively. High speeds are deprioritized; instead, accuracy, steady hands, and clear partner handovers win the championship.
1. The String Navigation
Student A balances a pickleball on a paddle, weaving through the low string-circuit. If the ball drops, they pause for 3 seconds, reset it, and continue (no backward penalties!).
2. Yard Pitch & Catch Hand-off
At Station 2, Partner B and Partner C stand 8 feet apart. Partner B pitches 3 cornhole bags or horseshoes. Partner C coordinates visually to spot, count, or capture throws inside the large cups.
The Team Coordination Cue: Teammates cannot start the next task until they make a physical high-five or exchange a designated, clear verbal cue (e.g., "LOCKED!" / "GO CHAMP!").
Mobility-Friendly Adaptation Playbook
Physical Adjustments
- Maze Alternatives: Students with physical aids navigate alongside the string corridor, balancing a larger, soft-textured ball (like a mini basketball) directly on their lap or in both hands.
- Target Adaptations: Bring Cornhole boards or Large Pong Cups onto tables so students who struggle to bend over can pitch and sort targets at a comfortable waist level.
- Target Distances: Establish multi-tiered throwing lines (3 ft, 6 ft, 10 ft) with bright markers so players choose their own comfortable challenge.
Sensory & Cognitive Support
- Visual Path Guides: Use brightly colored ropes/yarns for the balance circuits so boundaries are highly visible to students with partial visual fields.
- Cooperative Spotting: Assign teammates to stand as "Safety Spotters" who guide peers verbally through the string maze (e.g., "Two steps left, straight ahead!").
- Modified Spikeball: Instead of high-impact spiking, students can cooperatively drop the ball onto the net or bounce a large playground ball once to achieve their goal.
Debriefing Circle & Assessment Rubric
Key Debrief Questions
- How did you control your walking pace to balance the ball while weaving through strings?
- How did you communicate with your toss partner to adjust throw angles or distance?
- What was our strategy to ensure every team member had a highly accessible role?
| Indicator | Target (3 pts) | Developing (1 pt) |
|---|
| Motor Control | Maintained consistent paddle control; clear footwork. | Rushed through circuit; dropped items without resetting. |
| Cooperation | Constructively adjusted targets; supported partner pitches. | Disengaged from partner support; ignored physical cues. |
| Communication | Active visual cues, verbal checks prior to transitions. | Moved forward with relay before partner made safe contact. |
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS RELAY • TEACHER GUIDE PAGE 2 OF 2
Yard Game Champions Team Scorecard
Cooperative Outdoor PE
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS
Team Scorecard
🌟 Team Name:
📅 Date & Period:
👥 Team Champions (List all members):
Station Mastery Log
STN 1
String Maze Navigation (Paddle & Ball Balance)
Champion:
Weaved through string corridor
Kept ball balanced safely
STN 2
Cooperative Target Pitch (Cornhole & Large Cups)
Champion:
Scored a pitch into target board
Coordinated distance with partner
STN 3
Spike & Bounce Handover (Spikeball or Ball Bounce)
Champion:
Cooperative net/ground bounce
Made eye contact prior to pass
Communication & Coordination Plan
How did your team coordinate during transition turn-overs? Did you use eye contact, a specific verbal callout (like saying "LOCKED!"), or a physical high-five?
Teamwork Self-Rating
Color in the stars that best reflect your team's support and kind encouragement today!
What was our biggest win?
YARD GAME CHAMPIONS RELAY • TEAM SCORECARD PAGE 1 OF 1
