Instruct students to take a resting heart rate before beginning the activity. Tell them that during the
activity, they will stop for a moment to take their active heart rate.
Formation: Set up two goals divided by a double line, which represents the river. Hula-hoops on each side
of the river are used as "prisons." Each team has their own prison, or prisons. Preparation time is about
5 minutes. The game may run for 10 to 15 minutes.
When players cross the river (double line), they are in enemy territory and may be tagged. The player making
the tag takes the tagged player to prison where he/she must stay until rescued by a fellow team member who was
able to get to the prison without being tagged. If the previously tagged player is rescued, she/he and their
fellow teammate may return to their home territory without being tagged provided they return with hands joined.
Safety Considerations: Keep running speed in control. Keep eyes up, and keep the appropriate space between
players. Students should tag using a "touch" not a push or a shove. Soft-foam balls may be used as a tagging
object. Discuss the need for good cardiovascular health and development in all Olympic sports training.
Have students modify or create a new activity and compare the varying effects on heart rate and pulse measurements.
