Marro: Only the Later Runner Can Tag

Marro is a traditional Spanish chase game with very old roots: two teams leave facing home bases, and you can only tag an opponent who left their base before you did. It forces players to decide when to leave, whom to chase and when to go home to «recharge».

How to play

1. Mark two home bases at the ends of the court and a jail next to each. Two mixed teams, one in pinnies (3 min).
2. Explain with a slow demo: A leaves, B leaves after; B can tag A, but A can't tag B. If A touches home, A gets a «fresh start» and can now tag B (4 min).
3. Play at a fast walk to learn the rule, no running (4 min).
4. Real game: tagged players go to the opponents' jail and get out after one minute or when a teammate touches their hand (8 min).
5. Final round with score: each tag is a point; the team with the most in 4 minutes wins, then talk about which decisions worked (6 min).

Rules

• Tag the shoulder, arm or back; no grabbing or pushing.
• If it's unclear who left first, the tag doesn't count.
• Nobody may stay home more than 10 seconds.
• Shout «Marro!» when you leave so opponents know who's out.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a wheelchair user tags with a pool noodle and has a home base closer to the center.
• Hearing impairment: the «Marro!» call is paired with a raised arm.
• Trouble with the rules: play the first round paired with someone who quietly explains who can tag you.

Learning goals

• Make decisions based on position and departure time.
• Follow a complex rule without a referee.
• Play an old traditional Spanish game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 15
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

The who-left-first rule causes arguments, which is why «when in doubt, it doesn't count». Do the slow demo with four volunteers; it saves a lot of time.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School