Ghosts and Dot Collectors Line Tag

A tag game where everyone may only move along the painted court lines, just like in a classic ghost-chasing arcade game. Dot collectors gather 'dots' on the lines while ghosts try to tag them. Students practice dodging, spatial awareness, and anticipation.

How to play

1. On a court with painted lines, spread 30 flat disc cones (the 'dots') on top of the lines (2 min).
2. Choose 4 ghosts in pinnies, each holding a foam ball: they tag by touching with the ball, never throwing it. Everyone else is a dot collector.
3. On the whistle, everyone jogs, always stepping on a line. Players switch lines only at intersections, never by jumping.
4. Dot collectors pick up dots (no more than 3 in hand) and drop them in the center circle, their scoring bank.
5. A tagged player drops their dots on the line, squats for 5 seconds, and keeps playing.
6. Rounds last 3 minutes or until the lines are empty: count the bank, reset the dots, and switch ghosts. Play 4 rounds.

Rules

• Stepping off a line or jumping between lines counts as being tagged.
• The foam ball is never thrown: ghosts tag by touching.
• If two players meet head-on, one turns around; no pushing.
• Slow down and look at intersections to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use the wider outer lines, and ghosts walk when approaching.
• Visual impairment: play holding hands with a sighted guide and mark the main lines with thick chalk.
• Fitness level: students with less endurance can stay ghosts longer, since ghosts move less.

Learning goals

• Anticipate the ghosts' paths and choose safe routes.
• Control speed and changes of direction in tight spaces.
• Accept being tagged and follow movement rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 4
• foam balls: 4
• flat disc cones: 30

Teacher tip

Do a walk-through first so students find the intersections and dead ends. If the court has lines in several colors, decide which ones are in play.

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