Quadball: Seekers vs. the Flag Runner

A chase duel inspired by the end of a quadball game, when seekers try to pull the flag from the neutral flag runner. It works on fakes, changes of pace and managing short, very intense efforts.

How to play

1. Explanation: the runner wears the flag hanging from the back of the waist; seekers, mounted on their brooms, have to pull it cleanly (2 min).
2. 1 vs 1 duels in an 8 x 8 m square: 20 seconds of chasing and 40 seconds of walking recovery; switch roles each duel (6 min).
3. Two seekers from rival teams against one runner in a 12 x 12 m square: they compete with each other but can't touch each other (6 min).
4. Quick tournament: a runner who lasts 30 seconds scores one point; a seeker who pulls the flag scores three (4 min).
5. Everyone writes one sentence on which fake worked best and how the effort felt (2 min).

Rules

• Seekers can't touch the runner's body: only the flag.
• Runners can't hold or cover the flag with their hands.
• Stepping out of the square counts as losing the flag.
• If two players are about to collide, both stop and the duel restarts.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: the flag hangs from the side of the chair and the square is larger to allow turning room.
• Students with asthma: 15-second duels with 60 seconds of rest, inhaler close by.
• Students who don't want to chase serve as timer and flag judge in the first round.

Learning goals

• Improve fakes and changes of direction.
• Manage short max efforts with active recovery.
• Understand the seeker and flag runner roles in quadball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pvc poles: 12
• flag belts: 6
• cones: 16
• stopwatch: 3

Teacher tip

If you don't have flag belts, tuck a ribbon or pinnie into the waistband of the shorts. Typical mistake: the seeker lunges without a fake and the runner escapes with a simple change of pace.

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