Racket Waiter Tag
A tag game where every student moves around carrying a ball on the racket face, like a waiter with a tray, while a few taggers try to tag them. Students build control of an object while moving and get comfortable with the racket in a very active way.
How to play
- Mark an area about 65 x 65 ft with cones. Each student has a racket and a ball; three taggers wear pinnies and also carry a ball on their racket (2 min).
- Practice: everyone walks, then jogs, around the area with the ball resting on the racket face, changing direction on the whistle (3 min).
- Game: taggers try to tag others with their free hand; if you're tagged or your ball drops, freeze and do 5 taps up with the racket before you continue (3 min).
- Rescue: a free player can save you before you finish your taps by gently tapping rackets with you and saying 'served' (3 min).
- Switch taggers every 90 seconds and play several rounds (3 min).
Rules
- Tag only with a hand on the shoulder or back.
- No holding the ball with a hand while moving.
- Safety: keep rackets at waist height at all times and never use them to tag another player.
Variations
Easier
Carry a beanbag or cloth ball instead of a tennis ball.
Standard
Tennis ball on the racket, with a 5-tap penalty and rescues.
Harder
Players must keep tapping the ball upward while moving instead of carrying it still.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student serves as a 'safe zone' from a wheelchair; anyone next to them can't be tagged for 5 seconds.
- Hearing impairment: signal round changes by raising a colored cone instead of using the whistle.
- Lower fitness: play at a fast walk, and taggers walk too.
Learning goals
- Control an object on the racket while running and dodging.
- Adjust movement speed to stay in control.
- Help classmates through the rescue system.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 25
- tennis balls: 25
- pinnies: 3
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
Have students choke up on the racket, near the head, for more control. Keep the pace high with few taggers and short rounds.
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