Biathlon Activity

Biathlon Activity

Suggestions on how to organize a 'biathlon' activity in a small area.

  • 6+ years
  • Group size: 4+
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Competitive game
  • Alternative physical activities
  • Relay
  • Snow / ice
  • Skis
  • Hula hoop

When space is limited, and trail options are restricted to roadsides, small clearings, small park areas, etc., simple setups must be used. The activity described here is based on such a simple circular course.

The circular course starts and finishes on a sports field. We assume that the short side of the field has a fence to stop the throws. The biathlon activity can then be adapted in several ways, all with minimal preparation.

The targets can, for example, be hula hoops attached to the mesh fence.

As throwing implements, children can:

  • use their own poles and throw each pole twice (four throws per round at the shooting range)
  • use one shared throwing stick per person: a slightly heavier bamboo stick with foam padding at the tip and a string attached to the handle, so the stick can be retrieved after each throw
  • use tennis balls or small gymnastic balls

If poles are used as throwing implements, the targets must hang with good distance between them for safety reasons. When using balls, there must be a system for retrieving them after the children have made their three throws – this is easily forgotten in their enthusiasm.

Set up the shooting range so that several children can 'shoot' at the same target simultaneously.

For example, if you have a class of 30 students, there should be six targets. The amount of equipment should be sufficient for two children to throw at each target simultaneously – then 12 students can be at the shooting range at the same time.

Relay Race Variant

The setup is also well-suited as a relay race. To maximize activity, there should be no more than three participants per team.

Suggestions for implementation:

  • each child completes one lap
  • throws at the target (with associated penalty laps according to standard biathlon rules)
  • completes one more lap
  • tags the next teammate

In a relay, the laps ('loops') can be short, for example, about 200 meters. The relay can then consist of three rounds, and each child tags off three times before the anchor person crosses the finish line.