Track and field games, fun and movement for everyone

Athletics games are a fun way to be active while developing sports skills. Whether you're a beginner or already have experience, these games are for everyone. In this blog, you'll read about the most fun athletics games for young and old. 

Examples of athletics games

There are many different types of athletics games. We've compiled the most fun ones for you: 

Relay race

A classic athletics game that revolves around speed and cooperation. Participants are divided into teams, and each team must pass a baton to the next runner. The goal is to be the first team to reach the finish. This game can be adapted with obstacles or extra tasks to make it more challenging. 

• Equipment needed: batons (relay sticks), pylons or cones to mark out the course. 

• Team size: 3-5 people per team. 

• Maximum number of players: 20 people (4 teams of 5 people). 

• Duration: 10-20 minutes (depending on the number of rounds). 

High jumping with obstacles

In this game, the aim is to jump over an elastic band or low bar without touching it. The height can gradually be increased as participants gain more confidence. This game helps improve jumping technique and strength. 

• Equipment needed: elastic band or low jumping bar, stands to set elastic/bar at different heights, soft mats to land on. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2. 

• Maximum number of players: 10-15 people. 

• Duration: 15-30 minutes. 

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Javelin throwing with soft throwing objects

Instead of a real javelin, you use soft throwing objects, such as rubber javelins or sandbags. The goal is to throw as far as possible while using the correct throwing technique. This game is safe and suitable for all ages. 

• Required materials: soft throwing objects, measuring tape to measure the distance. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2-3. 

• Maximum number of players: 15-20 people. 

• Duration: 15-20 minutes. 

Long jump competition

In this game, participants jump as far as possible from a running start into a sandbox or marked spot. The distance is measured from the starting point to where the participant lands. This game can be played individually or in teams. 

• Required materials: sandbox or marked landing spot (for example mats or grass), measuring tape to measure the jumps. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2-4. 

• Maximum number of players: 10-15 people. 

• Duration: 20-30 minutes. 

Sprint circuit

Participants cover a short distance as quickly as possible, for example 20 or 50 meters. This can be combined with multiple rounds to test endurance. You can also add a relay element by playing in teams. 

• Required materials: pylons or cones to mark the start and finish line, stopwatch for time recording. 

• Team size: 2-5 people per team. 

• Maximum number of players: 20 people (4 teams of 5). 

• Duration: 15-20 minutes. 

Hurdle course

A fun variation on the classic hurdle running. Set up low obstacles or pylons and have participants jump over them. This game can be played for speed or as technique training. 

• Required materials: low hurdles, pylons or other obstacles, stopwatch for time recording. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2-3. 

• Maximum number of players: 10-15 people. 

• Duration: 15-25 minutes. 

Ball throwing for precision

Participants try to throw a ball into a target, for example a hoop or a bucket. This game improves throwing skills and aiming. It can also be played in teams to earn points.  

• Requirements: balls (soft or foam balls), targets (hoops, buckets or other markers), scorecard to keep track of points. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2-4. 

• Maximum number of players: 20 people. 

• Duration: 15-20 minutes. 

Slalom course

Participants run a course where they zigzag between pylons or other obstacles. This improves coordination and speed. You can use a timer to add competition or play in teams where the fastest time wins. 

• Requirements: pylons or cones to set up the course, stopwatch for time recording. 

• Team size: 2-4 people per team. 

• Maximum number of players: 20 people. 

• Duration: 10-15 minutes. 

Weight throwing

Participants try to throw a weight bag (such as a medicine ball or sandbag) as far as possible. Strength and technique are important elements involved in this game. You can create different categories based on weight. 

• Requirements: heavy balls or sandbags, measuring tape to measure distances. 

• Team size: individual or in teams of 2-3. 

• Maximum number of players: 15-20 people. 

• Duration: 15-25 minutes. 

Athletics games for children

To ensure that athletics games are suitable for children, we have a few tips to make the games fun for them: 

• Make it interactive: add game elements, such as scoring points or small prizes to win. 

• Keep it short: children are often quickly distracted and can only focus their attention on one activity for a short time, so make sure each game doesn't last too long. 

• Provide variety: alternate between different types of games to maintain interest. 

• Form teams: children enjoy working together in teams. 

Athletics games for adults

It's also important that athletics games for adults are challenging enough. We also have a few tips for this: 

• Bootcamp-style circuits: combine running, jumping and throwing in circuit training. 

• Competitions: organize a tournament with different athletics games. 

• Recreational training: use athletics games as part of recreational sports training.

Ready to play an athletics game?

Athletics games have all the elements, from movement to competition, to be actively in motion. They are suitable for all ages and can easily be adapted adapted to different levels.  

Do these activities sound like music to your ears? Then consider starting with athletics and improve yourself in all areas!