Choreographed Games Japanese Crab Race
( Choreographed, Physical Contest, Running )If there be but few players for this game it may be played as a simple race without the relay feature as here described. For large numbers the relay idea will be advisable.
The players are lined up behind a starting line in from two to five single files each containing the same number. Opposite each file at a distance of from twenty-five to forty feet there should be drawn a circle about three feet in diameter. The game consists in a race run backward on feet and hands (or “all fours”) to the circles. To start the first player in each file gets in position with his heels on the starting line and his back to the circle for which he is to run and all start together at a signal the player who first reaches his circle scoring one point for his team. Others follow in turn.
Until one has tried this it would be difficult to realize how thoroughly the sense of direction and the power to guide ones movements are lost while running in such a position.