Pass and Tag

A team of taggers can only tag by touching a runner with a foam ball held in their hands, and they can't run with it, so they have to pass. It warms up with running, passing, and catching while building teamwork.

How to play

1. Split the class into 5 teams of 5, each in one pinnie color, and mark a 65 × 65 ft area. The first tagging team gets a foam ball; everyone else runs.
2. First, 1 minute of passing among the taggers while everyone else jogs freely, to get comfortable with the ball.
3. On the whistle, taggers tag by touching someone with the ball in their hands, never by throwing it.
4. The player with the ball can't move: they pivot on one foot and pass. The other taggers run to receive the ball near the runners.
5. Each tag scores a point for the taggers, and the tagged player keeps playing. If the ball drops, any tagger can pick it up.
6. Switch the tagging team every 90 seconds. Play 5 rounds, one per team; the team with the most points wins.

Rules

• Tag by touching with the ball in hand, below the shoulders.
• No throwing the ball at runners.
• With the ball in your hands, keep one foot planted.
• Runners may not steal or intercept the ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can carry the ball on their lap and move 6 ft before passing.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with bells, and teammates call the student's name before passing.
• Fitness level: a student who needs less running can be a fixed passer in the middle of the area.

Learning goals

• Pass and catch accurately on the move.
• Work with the team to get the ball close to a target.
• Dodge taggers by reading where the pass is going.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 2
• pinnies: 25

Teacher tip

At first students forget not to run with the ball: pause briefly and repeat the planted-foot rule. Make sure the balls are soft and light.

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