Sports Steal the Bacon: Number and Ball Decide

A version of Steal the Bacon with three different balls in the center (handball, soccer and basketball). The teacher calls numbers and a sport; the players with that number run out, and whoever gets the ball tries to score in the goal or basket at the opposing end under that sport's rules while the rival defends. Nobody is eliminated.

How to play

1. Dynamic mobility and jogging with changes of pace (2 min).
2. Two teams on the end lines, numbered 1 to 14; in the center, a hoop with three balls. Each team has a goal behind it and a basket nearby (1 min).
3. Call “5, handball!”: both number 5s run out; whoever gets the handball attacks the opposing goal under handball rules and the other defends without contact. One point per goal (3 min).
4. Call two numbers at once to play 2v2 with the called sport (3 min).
5. Tally the points and discuss which decisions worked in the duels (1 min).

Rules

• Defenders may not grab, push or slide tackle.
• Each duel lasts 10 seconds at most; then the ball goes back to the hoop.
• Pick up the ball by hand or foot according to the sport, never diving to the floor.
• Players waiting stay behind the end line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: has their own number and the ball is placed within reach; the rival defends with a no-touch rule for 3 seconds.
• Hearing impairment: numbers and the sport are shown on cards as well as called out.
• Autism: gets a prior gesture when their number is about to be called.

Learning goals

• Make quick decisions based on the sport and the opponent's position.
• Raise warm-up intensity with short duels.
• Compete fairly and accept the outcome of each duel.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 3
• cones: 6
• goals: 2

Teacher tip

Call numbers so that everyone goes at least three times; keep track on a whiteboard so you don't keep calling the same ones.

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