Cooperative Relay Race Team Building
Run team relay races where the goal is to help your team finish, not to win alone — building sportsmanship and group spirit.
What You'll Need
- 1Cones or markers for stations
- 2Relay objects (balls, beanbags, or spoons with plastic eggs)
- 3Open outdoor space
What You'll Need
Cones or markers for relay stations
Relay objects — balls, beanbags, or spoons with plastic eggs
Open outdoor space (backyard or park)
How to Play
Divide players into two teams. Mix ages and abilities on each team.
Set up relay stations about 20 feet apart with clear start and turn-around points.
Explain the relay: run to the cone, come back, hand off the object to the next person.
Give teams a minute to pick a team name, plan their order, and practice a team cheer.
Race! Everyone cheers for their teammates as they run.
When it's over, both teams shake hands: "Good race! That was fun."
Shuffle teams and run again. Nobody stays on the same team, so there's no "winning team."
Why It Works
Relay races are inherently cooperative — you can't win alone, and dropping the baton affects everyone. Kids learn that their effort matters to the group, which builds a sense of belonging and responsibility. Shuffling teams after each race prevents the formation of winners and losers. The team-naming and cheering build group identity, and the handshake at the end establishes sportsmanship as a non-negotiable part of competition. These are the exact social skills kids need in team sports and group projects.
Tips
Use silly relay challenges: crab walk, hop on one foot, walk with a book on your head. This levels the playing field for different abilities.
If a child drops the relay object, the team cheers: "You got this! Pick it up!" not "You messed up!"
Mix ages on teams. Older kids naturally help and encourage younger ones.
End with a non-competitive relay where everyone crosses the finish line together.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 25 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: cones or markers for stations, relay objects (balls, beanbags, or spoons with plastic eggs), open outdoor space.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Does this need to be done outdoors?
This activity is best done outdoors where kids have space to move and explore.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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