Co-ordination, Agility and Stamina Challenge
The challenges are a way of testing your children’s hand-eye coordination, agility and ability to keep going whilst performing skills and physical challenges. There are three skill challenges to carry out:
Throwing
Throw and Catch Challenge which requires good hand / eye co-ordination and some muscular endurance
Jumping
Jumping challenge that requires rhythm, physical co-ordination and power
Running
Running which requires agility and cardio-vascular endurance
The challenges are set at three different levels of difficulty to suit your child’s physical development, these are;
-
Challenges designed for children aged 5, 6 & 7yrs.
Tasks are repeated over 1 minute. -
Challenges designed for children aged 8 & 9yrs.
Tasks are repeated over 1 minute 30 seconds. -
Challenges designed for children aged 10 years and above (suitable for adults too).
Tasks are repeated over 2 minutes.
BE SAFE - (Health & Safety recommendations)
We recommend that you set up your physical activity area before the start of the challenge so that you can focus your full attention observing your child/ren and keeping track of their scores/achievements. To prevent injuries make sure the floor is clear, dry, and any obstacles that could cause harm are removed.
To maintain safety we advise
- your child/ren warm up sufficiently before partaking in any of the challenges
- a responsible adult is present to ensure the challenges are completed as per challenge description.
- Your child/ren wears appropriate clothing
- Your child/ren wears suitable footwear
- Your child/ren wears no jewellery
- Your child/ren wears their hair tied back
Add the points scored for each individual challenge to make a grand total. Record this total for each child and submit it on the website
Throwing and Catching Challenges
Throw and Catch Challenge which requires good hand / eye co-ordination and some muscular endurance
5, 6 & 7yrs |
Two handed bounce and catchUsing 2 hands and a medium sized ball, bounce the ball on the floor and catch the ball whilst standing on one spot as many times as you can (throw/catch doesn’t count if you don’t catch the ball with two hands) |
Each throw and catch counts as one point |
8 & 9yrs |
Chest to wall throw and catch challengeStand 2 metres from the wall, throw a large ball (i.e. football size) against a wall and catch it using a two handed throwing and catching technique from your chest. |
Each throw and catch counts as one point |
10 years and above (suitable for adults too) |
Alternate hand throw and catch challengeStand 1.5 metres from the wall, throw a small ball (i.e. tennis ball) against the wall with your right hand and catch it in your left and then throw with the left and catch it with the right, and so on. |
Each throw and catch counts as one point |
Jumping Co-ordination Challenges
Jumping challenge that requires rhythm, physical co-ordination and power
5, 6 & 7yrs |
Star Jump ChallengeStart with legs together and arms by your side then jump so both legs and arms go out sideways together (making the shape of a star) before jumping back to your starting shape again, see how many star jumps you can do. |
Each jump out and back in counts as 1 point Tasks are repeated over 1 minute. |
8 & 9yrs |
Two footed co-ordination jump challengeUsing two footed jumps, jump in each numbered square of the grid starting at number 1 and finishing in square 4. Repeat for 1 minute and 30 seconds.![]() |
Each completed circuit counts as 1 point. |
10 years and above (suitable for adults too) |
Two footed bench hop challengeUsing a standard bench or chair, start with both hands holding onto the bench and both legs to the left hand side. See how many two footed jumps over the bench/chair you can do in 2 minutes. |
Each complete bench hop scores 1 point. |
Agility Run Challenges
Running which requires agility and cardio-vascular endurance
5, 6 & 7yrs |
Shuttle Running ChallengeRun between 2 cones / lines set 6 metres apart, each completed length earns 1 point. |
You get one point each time you reach and touch a cone |
8 & 9yrs |
Slalom Running ChallengeRun between 2 cones / lines (A & B) set 6 metres apart, see how many lengths you can do whilst running in an out of the cones between![]() |
You get 1 point each time you reach and touch a cone (A & B) and a bonus point for each five you complete Tasks are repeated over 1 minute 30 seconds. *Please note that if space is a restriction we recommend reducing the distance. However, please then divide your score in line with the reduction, ie. if it is now 3 metres you then divide your total score by 2. |
10 years and above (suitable for adults too) |
Star Running ChallengeRun from the centre cone to each numbered cone/spot (1.5 metres) and back again in sequence (centre spot to 1 and back, centre spot to 2 and back, and so on).![]() |
For every circuit you complete you score 1 point |
Ages 5, 6 & 7yrs Challenges
Designed for children aged 5, 6 and 7 years.
Tasks are repeated over 1 minute.
Preparing for the Challenges
We recommend that you set up your physical activity area before the start of the challenge so that you can focus your full attention observing your child/ren and keeping track of their scores/achievements. To prevent injuries make sure the floor is clear, dry, and any obstacles that could cause harm are removed.
To maintain safety we advise
- your child/ren warm up sufficiently before partaking in any of the challenges
- a responsible adult is present to ensure the challenges are completed as per challenge description.
- Your child/ren wears appropriate clothing
- Your child/ren wears suitable footwear
- Your child/ren wears no jewellery
- Your child/ren wears their hair tied back
Two handed bouncing and catching
Using 2 hands and a medium sized ball, bounce and catch the ball whilst standing on one spot. To complete the challenge:
- You must throw the ball from waist height to the floor and catch the ball again with two
- Every time you bounce the ball and catch it you will score 1 point
- Your teacher / coach will tell you when to start and stop
Star Jumping Challenge
Complete as many star jumps as you can in one minute.
- Start with your feet together and arms down by your sides.
- Jump from this position to finish in a star position, landing with your feet apart and arms at shoulder level. Your legs and arms need to move at the same time.
- Then jump to return to the starting position.
- Your teacher will tell you when to start and finish
You will be awarded 1 point for each completed star jump.
Shuttle Runs
Running between 2 cones 6m apart, complete as many shuttle runs as you can in 1 minute. To complete a run you will need to:
- You get one point each time you reach and touch a cone.
*Please note that if space is a restriction we recommend reducing the distance. However, please then divide your score in line with the reduction, ie. if it is now 3 metres you then divide your total score by 2.
Ages 8 & 9yrs Challenges
Designed for children aged 8 and 9 years.
Tasks are repeated over 1 minute 30 seconds.
Preparing for the Challenges
We recommend that you set up your physical activity area before the start of the challenge so that you can focus your full attention observing your child/ren and keeping track of their scores/achievements. To prevent injuries make sure the floor is clear, dry, and any obstacles that could cause harm are removed.
To maintain safety we advise
- your child/ren warm up sufficiently before partaking in any of the challenges
- a responsible adult is present to ensure the challenges are completed as per challenge description.
- Your child/ren wears appropriate clothing
- Your child/ren wears suitable footwear
- Your child/ren wears no jewellery
- Your child/ren wears their hair tied back
Chest to wall throwing and catching challenge
Throw a large ball against a wall and catch it again using a two handed throwing and catching technique from your chest. Complete as many throws and catches of a ball in the time given.
- Stand behind a line that is 2m away from a wall to throw the ball against
- Use a large ball that bounces well
- Throw the ball using 2 hands from your chest against the wall and catch it again with 2 hands
- Your teacher will tell you when to start and finish
You will be awarded 1 point for every successful throw and catch
Co-ordination Jumping Challenge
Using two footed jumps, jump in each numbered square of the grid starting at number 1 and finishing in square 4. Repeat for 1minute and 30 seconds.
Complete as many agility jumping circuits as you can in 1 minute and 30 seconds
- Jump round a circuit in a 1m² square divided into 4 equal sections
- You must start with both your feet in square number 1
- You then jump with two feet together from square 1 to 2 to 3 to 4 and back to 1 again
- To go as fast as you can you will be jumping forward to square 1 to 2, backwards from 2 to 3 and forwards again from 3 to 4.
- You have completed the circuit when you get to square 4
- See how many circuits you can complete in 1 minute and 30 seconds.
You will score 1 point for each circuit completed
Slalom Running Challenge
Running between 2 cones (A & B) / lines set 6 metres apart, see how many lengths you can do whilst running in an out of the cones between
Run in and out of 4 cones set out evenly between cones A & B set 6m apart. Complete as many slalom runs as you can in 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- run from cone A to cone B dodging in and out of the 4 cones between them
- when you reach cone B touch it with your hand and you will score 1 point
- run back to cone A dodging in an out again and touch it with your hand for another point
You score 1 point every time you touch one of the cones at either end of the slalom course
*Please note that if space is a restriction we recommend reducing the distance. However, please then divide your score in line with the reduction, ie. if it is now 3 metres you then divide your total score by 2.
Ages 10 years and above (suitable for adults too)
Designed for children aged 10 years and above (suitable for adults too).
Tasks are repeated over 2 minutes.
Preparing for the Challenges
We recommend that you set up your physical activity area before the start of the challenge so that you can focus your full attention observing your child/ren and keeping track of their scores/achievements. To prevent injuries make sure the floor is clear, dry, and any obstacles that could cause harm are removed.
To maintain safety we advise
- your child/ren warm up sufficiently before partaking in any of the challenges
- a responsible adult is present to ensure the challenges are completed as per challenge description.
- Your child/ren wears appropriate clothing
- Your child/ren wears suitable footwear
- Your child/ren wears no jewellery
- Your child/ren wears their hair tied back
Alternate hand throwing and catching challenge
Use a small ball stand 1.5 metres from a wall, throw the ball with your right hand and catch it in your left and then throw with your left and catch it with your right, and so on.
Complete as many alternate hand throws and catches as you can in 2 minutes.
- You must throw the ball using one hand against a wall and catch it with the other (e.g. right hand throw to left hand catch)
- Repeat throwing and catching action with the other hands (e.g. left hand throw to right hand catch)
- You should use a small ball (like a tennis ball) that bounces
- You must stand behind a line 1.5m from the wall when you throw
- Your teacher will let you know when to start and finish
You will be awarded 1 point for every successful throw and catch you make
Bench Hopping Challenge
Using a standard bench or chair, start with both hands holding onto the bench and both legs to the left hand side. See how many two footed jumps over the bench/chair you can do in 2 minutes.
Complete as many bench hops as you can in 2 minutes.
- Start with both your hands holding onto a bench or a chair and both feet together on the floor on the left hand side of the bench/chair
- Keeping your hands holding onto the bench jump with two feet together over the bench/chair so that you land on the other side of the bench
- Then jump back to your starting position
You will be awarded 1 point for each time you jump over the bench / chair
Star Running Challenge
Run from the centre cone to each numbered cone/spot (1.5metres) and back again in sequence, see how many completed circuits you can do.
Complete as many circuits as you can in 2 minutes
- run from the cone in the centre to cone 1 and back, then to cone 2 and back, then 3 and back and then 4 and back (one circuit)
- touch each cone with your hand as you reach it
For every circuit you complete you score 1 point. (Count how many circuits you complete and multiply by 2 to get your score)
Disability & Adaptations Information
Two handed bounce and catch
Using 2 hands and a medium sized ball, bounce the ball on the floor and catch the ball whilst standing on one spot as many times as you can (throw/catch doesn’t count if you don’t catch the ball with two hands)
Chest to wall throw and catch challenge
Stand 2 metres from the wall, throw a large ball (i.e. football size) against a wall and catch it using a two handed throwing and catching technique from your chest.
Alternate hand throw and catch challenge
Stand 1.5 metres from the wall, throw a small ball (i.e. tennis ball) against the wall with your right hand and catch it in your left and then throw with the left and catch it with the right, and so on.
Adapting the challenges
If your child has a disability that makes the challenge difficult to take on then you can adapt it to suit their ability. For example:
- The two-handed bounce and catch may be inappropriate for a child in a wheelchair if there is not sufficient access to the ground. In this case, the child could throw the ball above head height and then catch with 2 hands
- If there is insufficient strength to complete and chest to wall throw, then ensure the child has a partner to whom the ball can be thrown and returned.
- If coordination is insufficient to complete the alternate hand throw and catch then use a two-handed underarm throw.
- If your child is unable to throw but can propel a ball with their feet, for example, then adjust the challenge so that the feet are used instead
Star Jump Challenge
Start with legs together and arms by your side then jump so both legs and arms go out sideways together (making the shape of a star) before jumping back to your starting shape again, see how many star jumps you can do.
Two footed co-ordination jump challenge
Using two footed jumps, jump in each numbered square of the grid starting at number 1 and finishing in square 4. Repeat for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Two footed bench hop challenge
Using a standard bench or chair, start with both hands holding onto the bench and both legs to the left hand side. See how many two footed jumps over the bench/chair you can do in 2 minutes.
Adapting the challenges
If your child is in a wheelchair or has severe balance and coordination challenges related to standing, running and jumping then you can adapt the challenges to suit their ability. For example:
- The star jump could be changed to a resisted arm pull by starting with the arms above the head or in the lap, and then widening them to the maximum and returning them to the start position. This could be made harder by stretching an elastic exercise strap to increase the workload.
- Alternatively, your child could simply manoeuvre their wheelchair side to side so that the front wheels go back and forward between two points about 2 feet apart. The wheelchair could also be used to follow the same pattern as for the coordination jump challenge.
- If the two footed bench hop is too difficult then a two-footed jump across and line marked on the ground will be more accessible for some children.
Shuttle Running Challenge
Run between 2 cones / lines set 6 metres apart, each completed length earns 1 point.
Slalom Running Challenge
Run between 2 cones / lines (A & B) set 6 metres apart, see how many lengths you can do whilst running in an out of the cones between
Star Running Challenge
Run from the centre cone to each numbered cone/spot (1.5 metres) and back again in sequence (centre spot to 1 and back, centre spot to 2 and back, and so on).
- All the running challenges can be adapted so that they are wheelchair accessible. You may need to adjust the distances a little to help but the same patterns can be followed.
- Use other forms of travelling if these suit your child’s skill set. For example bottom shuffling, hopping or walking.
For children who tire quickly, then complete the challenge in four equal time quarters with a rest in between.