Decoy Cones Capture the Flag
A capture-the-flag variation with hidden information: each team hides its flag under one of five large cones and the other team must guess which one to lift, while defenders try to throw them off. It combines running, dodging, and decisions about bluffing and reading opponents.
How to play
- Split the field in two; at the back of each half, five large cones in a marked zone, with the team's flag under one. Two teams of 12 in pinnies; the extra student keeps score and rotates (3 min).
- Before each round (1 min), each team hides its flag while the other team looks away and assigns roles: defenders, attackers, and a decoy or two guarding an empty cone.
- Round (4 min): an attacker tagged in the other half exits to the sideline, touches a side cone, and restarts from their own half.
- An attacker who reaches the cone zone lifts just one: if empty, they put it back and return home before trying again; if it hides the flag, they must carry it home untagged.
- Each flag brought home is a point; if the carrier is tagged, the defender re-hides it under any cone. Four rounds (about 20 min with planning).
Rules
- Defenders may not enter the cone zone or stand within 6 ft of it.
- Tags are two open hands on the back, with no pushing or grabbing.
- Lift only one cone per trip and put it back where it was.
Variations
Easier
Use three cones instead of five, and defenders tag with one hand.
Standard
Five cones, four rounds, and a return to your own half after each empty cone.
Harder
Hide two flags worth 1 and 3 points.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: defends within their own range or decides where to hide the flag.
- Visual impairment: plays holding hands with a guide on a smaller field.
- Fitness level: alternate between attacker and decoy, which runs less.
Learning goals
- Make decisions with incomplete information and bluff within the rules.
- Use fakes, changes of pace, and dodges to beat defenders.
- Respect tags and the rules of fair play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 18
- flags: 2
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
The scorekeeper makes sure nobody peeks during hiding. If one team always finds the flag, ask the other to use its defenders to mislead.
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