Four-Corner Steal the Bacon
A Steal the Bacon twist where four teams line up on the sides of a square and four players run out at once. Whoever grabs the handkerchief has three chasers and must choose an escape route. Students practice reaction time, speed, faking, and decision-making.
How to play
- Mark a 16 x 16 yd square with a center cone. Four teams of 6, one per side, numbered 1 to 6. The extra student holds the handkerchief in the middle (2 min).
- The holder calls a number and the four players with that number run out.
- The player who grabs the handkerchief must get back to their own side without being tagged by any of the other three; if they do, their team scores.
- If a chaser tags the carrier first, the point goes to the tagger's team. No one may tag until the handkerchief is grabbed.
- Every 5 plays, teams rotate one side clockwise and a new student holds the handkerchief.
- Play 2 games of 6 minutes; in the second, you may call two numbers at once with two handkerchiefs.
Rules
- Tag with a hand on the back or arm; no grabbing, pushing, or tripping.
- Stepping into the 1-yard center circle too early gives every other team a point.
- Only the carrier may be chased; no one may block.
- After grabbing the handkerchief, look around before taking off to avoid collisions.
Variations
Easier
Only two facing teams play, switching every 3 plays.
Standard
Four teams, four players per call, and three chasers.
Harder
The carrier may run to any side except their own and scores two points.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: start from a closer cone and score just by touching the handkerchief first.
- Hearing impairment: the number is called out and shown with fingers.
- Fitness level or shyness: number players so that students of similar ability face each other.
Learning goals
- React quickly to a signal.
- Decide whether to grab, wait, or chase based on opponents.
- Enjoy a traditional game with a new setup.
Equipment for a class of 25
- handkerchief: 2
- cones: 9
Teacher tip
With four players in the middle, collisions are more likely than in regular Steal the Bacon: require players to slow down at the circle. If one team always wins, match the numbers by speed.
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