Hunters Pass Tag

Hunters can only tag by touching a runner with the ball in their hands, and they cannot run with it, so they must pass to trap the other players. Every tagged runner joins the hunters. Students practice passing, teamwork, and dodging.

How to play

1. Mark a 20 x 20 yd square. Choose 4 hunters in pinnies and give them one foam ball; everyone else spreads out (1 min).
2. On the whistle, hunters pass the ball. The ball holder may take two steps at most and tags by touching a runner with the ball held, never throwing it.
3. Hunters without the ball get open and close gaps to receive passes near the runners.
4. A tagged runner puts on a pinnie and becomes a hunter. Once there are 10 hunters, add a second ball.
5. The round ends when 4 runners are left; they start the next round as hunters (about 3 minutes).
6. Play 4 rounds. Before the third, give hunters 1 minute to plan, such as trapping runners in a corner.

Rules

• Never throw the ball at anyone: a thrown tag does not count.
• If the ball drops, only a hunter may pick it up.
• Leaving the square to escape counts as being tagged.
• Pass at chest height and call your teammate's name.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student is a permanent hunter who may roll passes and tags with the ball from their wheelchair.
• Shyness or weak passing: join the hunters paired with a partner who always passes to them.
• Fitness level: runners get a hoop 'safe spot' where they can stop for 5 seconds.

Learning goals

• Pass and catch on the move to work together.
• Fill spaces to trap runners without colliding.
• Dodge by anticipating the ball's path.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 2
• pinnies: 25

Teacher tip

Hunters first try to run with the ball; remind them that passing wins faster. Use very soft balls and stop the game if anyone throws hard.

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