Fox and Hens

In groups of five, a hen with arms spread wide protects her chicks, lined up holding each other's waists, while the fox tries to grab the flag from the last chick. Students build cooperation, side-to-side movement, and reaction skills.

How to play

1. Form groups of 5 spread around the court, about 15 ft apart. Each group has one fox, one hen, and three chicks in a line holding waists.
2. The last chick tucks a handkerchief into the waistband of their shorts.
3. Warm up for 1 minute first: each line walks and then jogs without letting go, following the hen.
4. On the whistle, the fox tries to grab the flag; the hen shuffles sideways with arms out to block, and the line swings to protect itself.
5. When the fox grabs the flag or 45 seconds pass, rotate: the fox becomes the hen, the hen becomes the first chick, and the last chick becomes the fox.
6. Play until everyone has been the fox, about 5 turns with a 10-second break between them.

Rules

• The hen blocks with her body, with no pushing or grabbing the fox.
• The fox may touch only the flag, never pull clothes or arms.
• If the line breaks, stop, reconnect, and keep going.
• Each group stays in its own area so groups don't collide.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays fox with a pool noodle or is the timekeeper for the 45 seconds.
• Shyness: build groups that include at least one trusted friend and start the student as a chick.
• Fitness level: a tired student can be the first chick, the spot that moves the least.

Learning goals

• Coordinate group movement to protect a teammate.
• Warm up the legs with side shuffles and changes of direction.
• Rotate through every role and accept each one.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handkerchief: 5

Teacher tip

If the chicks keep letting go, let them hold shoulders instead. Watch that the line doesn't swing so fast that the last chick gets whipped off.

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