Buroinjin: Aboriginal Australian Ball Game
A traditional game of the Kabi Kabi Aboriginal people of Australia where players run with the ball to cross the other team's line and, once tagged, must pass within three seconds. Students practice passing, getting open, decision making and teamwork.
How to play
- Use cones to mark 2 fields of 100 × 65 ft with an end line at each side. Teams of 6 in pinnies; two teams per field and the rest rotate in each game.
- Start each game in the middle with a backward pass. The ball carrier may run in any direction.
- If a defender tags the carrier with a hand, the carrier must pass within 3 seconds. Passes can go in any direction.
- A team scores a point by running the ball across the opponents' end line. If the ball hits the ground or is intercepted, possession changes.
- Games last 5 minutes. After each game, the waiting team replaces the team that has played the longest.
- Play 4 games in 20 minutes. Between games, give teams 1 minute to plan how to support the ball carrier.
Rules
- Tag with a hand, no grabbing, pushing or tackling.
- After a tag, the carrier must pass within 3 seconds or possession changes.
- Nobody may pull the ball out of the carrier's hands.
- Safety: use a soft ball and don't run backward.
Variations
Easier
The carrier gets 5 seconds after a tag, and each team plays with a neutral player who is always on offense.
Standard
Tag and pass within 3 seconds, a point for crossing the end line.
Harder
At least three different teammates must touch the ball before a score counts.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays as a fixed support in a 10 ft safe zone by the line, where they can't be tagged, and their passes count as assists.
- Hearing impairment: the teacher counts the 3 seconds with fingers held up.
- Lower skill level: a completed pass to this student earns the team a bonus point.
Learning goals
- Pass and catch on the move under time pressure.
- Get open to support the ball carrier.
- Learn a traditional game from Australia's Aboriginal peoples.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 2
- pinnies: 12
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Share that buroinjin was originally played with a kangaroo-skin ball stuffed with grass. Keep tags gentle: that's what keeps the game no-contact.
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