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Jockeys

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Girl on man's back piggy-back style as seen in energetic elimination game called Jockeys

Jockeys

Energetic elimination game to increase movement & excitement.

  • Very active
  • Lots of physicality
  • Sharpens listening skills
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

This energetic elimination game creates excitement and physical engagement for participants of all ages. Jockeys combines fast-paced action with partner coordination to deliver a high-energy experience that gets everyone moving. Perfect for physical education classes, youth groups and programs seeking a fun action game that promotes quick thinking and body awareness. The competitive nature of this energetic group game encourages active participation while developing coordination and reaction time.

Jockeys – Energetic Elimination Game
  1. Form pairs and create two concentric circles, with one person standing behind their partner, all facing into the centre.
  2. The person standing behind their partner is the ‘Jockey’ while the other is the ‘Horse.’
  3. Describe these three commands:
    – “JOCKEYS UP” – Jockey will jump onto the back of the Horse;
    – “JOCKEYS DOWN” – Jockey immediately dismounts Horse; and
    – “SWITCH” – Jockey and Horse switch positions (and therefore roles.)
  4. When you call “RACING,” each Jockey must run around the outside of the circle and return behind their partner as quickly as possible.
  5. Last Jockey to return to their Horse will eliminate that pair from the circle
  6. Note, Jockeys are only required to run if they are standing on the ground.
  7. Play continues until there is only one horse and jockey combination left in the race.

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Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (2)

  1. David Piang-Nee

    We play this quite regularly as a big icebreaker at the start of our groups camping experience. Use similar calls and very popular with the campers.

    Only variation here for us is that instead of participants jumping on other participants, the instruction is for the participant who would be the Jockey, lightly put their hands on the “Horse’s” shoulder and lift one knee.

    This allows everyone to participate without kids injuring their friends from jumping on others backs etc.. or being too physically close if they don’t know each other. Works great for us 🙂

    Reply
    • Mark Collard

      I agree, re your suggested variation instead of jumping on someone’s back. Another example of the benefit of an experienced facilitator making good judgements.

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