Flag Game with a Command Post: The General Stays Put

Capture the flag in which each team has a general who may not enter the field: the general watches from a command post on the sideline with a whiteboard map and passes orders through two messengers. The game works on leadership, clear communication and the gap between planning and execution.

How to play

1. Set up two halves with a flag zone and a return zone, plus a command post with a whiteboard on each team's sideline (3 min).
2. Each team chooses a general and two messengers, and the general sketches an opening plan on the whiteboard with named areas (left, center, right) (4 min).
3. Round 1: only messengers may run between the command post and the field to deliver specific orders (for example, three attack down the right on the signal); tagged players return to their end line (8 min).
4. Switch general and messengers; the new general reviews with the team which orders arrived wrong or late (3 min).
5. Round 2 with a restriction: each messenger may pass on orders of at most seven words (8 min).
6. Final discussion: which kinds of orders worked best and what gets lost between plan and action (4 min).

Rules

• Field players may not talk to the general directly: only through the messengers.
• Tag with an open hand on the shoulder or back, without pushing.
• Messengers can only be tagged on the opponents' side.
• The general stays respectful: orders are given without shouting or put-downs.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: makes an ideal general, since the role demands vision and communication but no running.
• Hearing impairment: orders are passed on with written cards or pre-agreed gestures.
• Autism: may act as a messenger carrying a written order to reduce the need to improvise.

Learning goals

• Lead clearly and respectfully.
• Pass on precise, brief tactical orders.
• Analyze the gap between planning and execution in the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 24
• pinnies: 28
• bandanas: 2
• whiteboard: 2
• markers: 2

Teacher tip

Rotate the general role among different personalities, not just the most talkative students. The seven-word limit usually improves the quality of orders a lot.

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