GAME OF THE MONTH
The Passing Game
Passing is a skill that requires lots of practice, especially for less experienced student-athletes. This game, while simple, can be a great way to help your team feel comfortable with passing and communication on race day.
Where: Open space
Objective: Vision and Communication
101 Skills: Braking, Bike-Body Separation, Cornering
201 Skills: Cornering
Setup: Divide your team into pairs of relatively equal ability. Create a short course loop. Rules: Teams ride the loop alternating passing each other; both riders must use appropriate communication and safe passing skills.
Progression: Can be played as a race. Can be completed as a “Swedish mile.” Have your group form a single-file line. The person at the back of the line identifies a safe place to pass the group and announces their pass, then sprints past the whole group. This continues with the next rider at the back of the line until everyone has had a chance to pass the group. The group should be instructed to ride at a reasonable pace to allow riders in the back to pass the whole group.
Reflection question: How did you support others when you found the activity difficult?
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This resource is intended for use by licensed NICA coaches.
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Click to see more NICA games at The Trailhead!
In addition to our growing library of games here on The Trailhead, NICA’s entire collection of on- and off-the-bike games are available in full PDF form in the NICA Coach Resources. To access the coach resources, log into Pit Zone and click the “Courses, Resources, & Benefits” button. Use the resource links on the dashboard, or the search function at the top of the screen.