Kids' Guts with a Soft Disc

A school version of Guts, a classic flying disc game where two teams face each other in lines, throw the disc across, and try to catch it with one hand. It builds catching, an accurate backhand throw, and reaction time in a game with simple scoring.

How to play

1. Mark two parallel lines 26 ft apart with chalk or cones. Each team of four stands on its line, 3 ft apart, and the scoring zone runs from knee height to head height and arm's reach to the sides.
2. Practice the backhand (3 min) in pairs 20 ft apart: release the disc flat at chest height and catch with one hand or a pancake catch.
3. Game rule: one team throws the disc toward the other line, trying to get it through the scoring zone. The receiving team tries to catch it cleanly with one hand.
4. Points: if the disc drops or is caught with two hands, the throwing team scores 1 point. A one-hand catch means no point and the receiving team throws next. A throw outside the zone gives the receiving team the point.
5. The player who caught the disc, or the one closest to where it dropped, always throws next so everyone gets involved.
6. Games go to 7 points (about 4 min); then teams switch opponents. Play 3 games.

Rules

• Always use a soft disc and throw backhand only, with no overhead throws.
• Nobody crosses their line to throw; keep one foot on it.
• No throwing at heads; a disc that sails over the receiver's head is a point for the receiver.
• Cheer for great catches by the other team; this game is all about sportsmanship.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair plays at the end of the line with a scoring zone sized to their seated reach.
• Shyness: start as a thrower in pairs rather than a receiver to build confidence.
• Lower skill: give that team a larger disc and a shorter distance.

Learning goals

• Catch a flying disc with one hand at different heights.
• Choose the throwing spot that is hardest for the receiver.
• Apply the scoring rules with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Soft flying discs: 7
• cones: 12
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

Many students throw hard but off target; remind them that a throw outside the zone gives away the point. Soft discs keep it safe, but insist on never aiming at heads.

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