Indiaca Keep-Up Circle Challenge

A cooperative challenge in circles of five where the group hits an indiaca upward with an open palm and tries to beat its own record of hits in a row. Students practice one-handed striking, judging flight paths, and helping teammates.

How to play

1. Form 5 circles of 5 with one indiaca each, a cone marking the center; circles stay at least 12 feet apart (2 min).
2. Round 1 (3 min): hit with an open palm and a straight arm, from low to high; count consecutive hits out loud, and nobody hits twice in a row.
3. Round 2 (3 min): before hitting, say the name of the teammate you are sending it to.
4. Round 3 (3 min): all five must touch it before anyone repeats; if the indiaca drops, the count starts over.
5. Final challenge (4 min): each circle announces its target number and gets three tries to reach it; celebrate goals that are met, not the highest number (1-min wrap-up).

Rules

• Hit the indiaca with one open hand; never catch it.
• If it drops, the closest player picks it up and restarts from the center.
• Each circle only chases its own record; no competing with other groups.
• Safety: call "Mine!" before going for the indiaca to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: stays in a fixed spot in the circle, and the group sends the indiaca gently.
• Hearing impairment: point at the receiver before hitting instead of calling a name.
• Lower skill level: may catch and toss it once per round without breaking the count.

Learning goals

• Strike the indiaca with an open palm toward a teammate.
• Judge its flight to get there in time to hit it.
• Work together to improve a group record.

Equipment for a class of 25

• indiacas: 5
• cones: 5

Teacher tip

Remind students to hit the base of the indiaca, never the feathers, so it doesn't get damaged. If a circle gets frustrated, lower the target and point out how much they improved since the first try.

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