Spud with a Foam Ball
A foam ball is tossed in the air while a number is called; the student with that number catches it and shouts Spud! to try to hit someone with a soft throw. It combines escaping, stopping, and accurate throwing without knocking anyone out.
How to play
- Form 3 groups of 8 or 9 students, each in a 50 × 50 ft area with a foam ball. Each student gets a number from 1 to 9.
- Warm up for 2 minutes: the group passes the ball around a circle, calling the number of the receiver, while everyone jogs in place.
- One student tosses the ball straight up in the middle and calls a number. Everyone runs away, and the student with that number runs to catch the ball.
- On the catch, they shout Spud!: everyone freezes. The catcher may take up to 3 steps and gently throw the ball to hit someone below the waist.
- On a hit, the student who was hit tosses the next ball; on a miss, the thrower does. Anyone hit 3 times does 5 jumps and keeps playing.
- Play for about 7 minutes. Reassign numbers every few plays so no one is left out.
Rules
- Throws are always soft and below the waist.
- On Spud!, no one moves, but you may duck or twist without moving your feet.
- Toss the ball high and straight up in the middle of the area.
- Use only soft foam balls.
Variations
Easier
The catcher doesn't throw: they shout Spud! and everyone races to touch a line.
Standard
Up to 3 steps, throws below the waist, and no one is out.
Harder
Call two numbers at once, and the catcher may pass to the other before throwing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair gets 3 pushes, and a classmate may catch for them and hand them the ball.
- Hearing impairment: the number is also shown with fingers when the ball is tossed.
- Fitness level: a student who is struggling gets two numbers to take part more without as much running.
Learning goals
- React to the number by running to the ball or away from it.
- Stop and hold position on a signal.
- Throw accurately with controlled force.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam ball: 3
Teacher tip
Remind students throws must be soft and below the waist; if someone throws hard, they switch to their non-dominant hand. Small groups make sure everyone gets frequent turns.
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