Control Capture: Team Territory Battle
Four teams compete to capture the control flags on the map by clipping on clothespins in their color, and they can take back flags held by other teams. Students practice navigating at speed, team strategy and fair-play decision making.
How to play
- Place 16 flags, each with a cord for clipping clothespins. On the map, each flag shows its value: 1 point nearby, 2 mid-range and 3 far away.
- Form 4 teams in colored pinnies; each gets 20 clothespins in its color and 4 maps. Explain for 3 minutes and give 3 more for planning.
- On the signal, teams go out in pairs carrying 2 clothespins max. At a flag, clip on your own pin if it's empty, or swap one rival pin for yours.
- Rival pins that are removed go to the teacher at the start area, where pairs also reload.
- Play 2 rounds of 7 minutes with a 2-minute break to adjust strategy. After each round, add up each team's flag points.
- Finish with 3 minutes on which strategy worked best.
Rules
- No guarding flags: you can't stay within 5 meters (about 15 feet) of one for more than 5 seconds.
- Swap pins one at a time and without touching anyone.
- Run with the map folded and eyes forward; walk in tight spaces.
- Partners always stay together.
Variations
Easier
No removing rival pins: the team on the most different flags wins.
Standard
Four teams, 16 flags with point values, and rival pins can be swapped.
Harder
To capture a flag, the pair must bring the code from another flag listed on the map.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the pair handles nearby flags, which count double for their team.
- Shyness or autism: the student can be the strategist at the start area with a big map, after seeing a demo.
- Fitness level: far flags are worth more, so students with more endurance take them on.
Learning goals
- Navigate at speed to reach the chosen flags.
- Create and adjust a team strategy as the game changes.
- Follow fair-play rules in a competitive game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- control flags: 16
- maps: 16
- clothespins: 80
- colored pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
Use clothespins in very different colors and count them before you start. Stand in a central spot where you can see the flags; the 5-meter rule is key to preventing grabbing.
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