Air Mail Flag: The Flag Only Crosses by Pass

A capture-the-flag variation where the flag is a foam ball that can't be carried home: it has to cross the center line by a pass. It combines chasing, getting open and passing in one game.

How to play

1. Explanation: each team keeps its foam ball in a hoop at the back; anyone tagged on the enemy side goes to a two-hoop jail and counts to 15 (3 min).
2. Practice without defense: in groups, the carrier runs and passes to a teammate on the other side of the center line (3 min).
3. First half: to score, the stolen ball must be passed through the air to a teammate on your side who catches it (8 min).
4. Timeout: each team decides who stays back as receiver and how to fool the defenders (2 min).
5. Second half with a new rule: receivers must stand at least 5 m from the center line (7 min).
6. Wrap-up: what was harder, stealing the ball or passing it? (2 min).

Rules

• The ball carrier can be tagged and then drops the ball; a defender returns it to its hoop.
• No ripping the ball out of hands or slapping it.
• If the pass isn't caught, the ball goes back to its hoop.
• Receivers can't be tagged on their own side, but they can't cross into the other half either.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as a fixed receiver in a hoop on their side, and a catch after one bounce counts.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell, and the passer calls the receiver's name before throwing.
• Students unsure about passing: can hand the ball to a teammate at the line, who must make a short pass.

Learning goals

• Combine running, getting open and passing in a chase game.
• Decide when and to whom to pass.
• Work with receivers to secure the point.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 15
• cones: 16
• foam balls: 2
• hoops: 4

Teacher tip

Use foam or soft rubber balls; hard balls cause trouble on long passes. Common mistake: rushed long throws; count good passes rather than attempts.

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