Hoop and Pole: Native American Target Game
A game played by many Native peoples of North America, such as the Lakota and the Apache: one player rolls a hoop and the others throw poles to send them through it as it moves. In class, students throw beanbags. Students work on tracking moving objects, accuracy, and timing.
How to play
- Make 5 groups of 5. Each group uses cones to mark a 10-yard rolling lane and a throwing line 3 yards from it (2 min).
- One student rolls the hoop down the lane from one end; the other four stand on the line with a beanbag each and throw as the hoop passes in front of them.
- A beanbag through the hoop is 2 points; one that touches it is 1. A teammate catches the hoop at the end of the lane and rolls it back (5 min).
- Change roller every 5 rolls. Once the group has the timing, move the throwers back to 4 yards (5 min).
- Final: the roller sends the hoop and the others run alongside outside the lane and throw on the move, as in the traditional version (4 min).
Rules
- No one steps into the lane until the hoop has stopped.
- Throw underhand and only at the hoop, never toward the roller.
- Throwers take turns collecting their beanbags.
- All groups throw in the same direction.
Variations
Easier
Roll the hoop slowly, with throwers 2 yards away.
Standard
Hoop rolling at medium speed and throws from 3 yards.
Harder
Use a small hoop, and only clean throws through it score.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws seated from the line; in the final round, a partner pushes the wheelchair or they throw from a stop.
- Visual impairment: the roller calls 'now!' and bells are tied to the hoop.
- Skill level: a student who struggles may throw at a still hoop held upright by a partner.
Learning goals
- Time a throw at a moving target.
- Adjust the force and direction of the throw.
- Learn about a traditional game of Native peoples of North America.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 5
- beanbags: 20
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
It was a training game for hunting and is still played in some communities; present it with respect and no costumes. Teach students to roll the hoop straight first: if it wobbles, the game does not work.
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