Kick the Can: Hide and Seek With a Rescue Kick

Spain's bote-bote is the same game as kick the can in the U.S. and the UK or bote pateado in Mexico and Chile: the seeker finds the hiders and «calls» them at the can, but anyone can free everyone by knocking it over. It works on reaction speed, strategy and fair play with each group refereeing itself.

How to play

1. Build hiding spots with mats stood up against benches. Three groups of 9-10, each with a «can» (a bottle with some water) inside a hoop (4 min).
2. Round 1: the seeker counts to 20 with one foot in the hoop; on spotting someone, they go back, touch the can and say «Can for [name]»: that person goes to jail next to the hoop (6 min).
3. If someone reaches the can without being called and knocks it over with a foot or hand shouting «Kick the can!», all prisoners are free and the seeker counts again (6 min).
4. Pairs round: two seekers at once, who can split guarding and searching (6 min).
5. Quick talk: which strategies worked and how disputes were settled (3 min).

Rules

• Knock the can over with a tap, not a hard kick: if it goes flying, the rescue doesn't count.
• The seeker can't camp at the can: they must go at least 5 meters away to search.
• Hiding spots are only the ones set up plus visible areas, never restrooms or hallways.
• Each game lasts 3 minutes max; then a new seeker takes over.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a wheelchair user can rescue by touching the hoop, and their jail is 2 meters from the can.
• Visual impairment: play with a guide, and the seeker calls names loudly and clearly.
• Social anxiety: be your group's timekeeper the first round, then join in.

Learning goals

• React and accelerate toward a target.
• Use strategies to hide, guard and rescue.
• Respect group decisions and play fair without a referee.

Equipment for a class of 25

• plastic bottles: 3
• mats: 9
• gym benches: 6
• hoops: 3

Teacher tip

Don't use real cans: a plastic bottle with water falls and makes noise without cutting anyone. Mark the play area clearly, since the real risk is someone hiding out of your sight.

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