Rock Paper Scissors Relay or Roshambo Relay

  1. Readiness Games

  • Large Group (10 and up)

  • Grades 1-2

  • None

  • Less Than 10 minutes

Development Goal

To develop listening skills.

Before You Start

  • Divide into two groups; each group in a single file line.
  • Each line of players starts at the ends of the “U”.
  • Review how to play Rock Paper Scissors (also called Roshambo).
  • Make sure everyone know where to go when they win and when they don’t.

Set Up

Set out a semi circle (U shaped) path using cones or other markers. You can also use half of a basketball court.

How to Play

  • The goal of the game is for a player from one line to make it to the start of the opposite team’s line.
  • The game begins on a signal from the leader.
  • The first players in each line begin walking (or skipping, hopping or running) on the path towards each other.
  • When the first two players from opposite teams encounter each other on the path, they stop and Roshambo until one player wins.
  • The winner continues walking on the path in the same direction, while the other side allows their next player to start walking on the path.
  • Again when the players encounter each other, they do Roshambo until one player wins.
  • The game continues until one player makes it all the way to the other side. Then that player rejoins her/his line and two new players begin.

Variations

  • Make the path longer or shorter.
  • Play in a straight line instead of a U.
  • Add obstacles to the path.
  • Tally scores by giving a point to the team whose player makes it from one side to the other.
  • Give players a category to name one thing from as they meet in the middle. For example, each side has to yell out the name of a fruit or a vegetable, a natural environment, a State, etc. before they Roshambo. This variation is great for teachers who want to reinforce class learning in an active way.