Storm the Castle Moat Tag

Attackers must cross a guarded moat, get into the castle, and carry out the treasure without being tagged. A strategic tag game where students learn to read open space, attack together, and defend an area.

How to play

1. Build two castles with cones: a 6 x 6 yd square inside a 14 x 14 yd square; the strip between them is the moat. Put a hoop with 8 beanbags in the center (3 min).
2. In each castle, 4 defenders in pinnies move only inside the moat; the other 8 or 9 students are attackers and start outside.
3. On the whistle, attackers cross the moat. Inside the castle they are safe: they grab one beanbag and must leave the big square to score.
4. If a defender tags an attacker in the moat, the attacker drops the beanbag in the castle, leaves, and circles an outer cone before trying again.
5. Each attack lasts 2 minutes. Count the beanbags, put them back, and send in 4 new defenders.
6. Play about 6 attacks so everyone defends, with 30 seconds between them to plan entering all at once.

Rules

• Tag with a light touch on the back or shoulders; no grabbing or pushing.
• Defenders may not enter the castle or leave the moat.
• One beanbag per trip, held visibly in your hand.
• Never jump the castle corners: slow down going in and out.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: defend with a pool noodle for extra reach, or attack through a shorter lane.
• Shyness: attack alongside a trusted partner the first few times.
• Fitness level: a student who needs a break is the lookout who counts beanbags and calls the time.

Learning goals

• Spot open spaces and good moments to attack.
• Coordinate simultaneous attacks with teammates.
• Defend a space by communicating with teammates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• hoops: 2
• beanbags: 16
• pinnies: 8

Teacher tip

At first attackers go one at a time and fail; ask what happens if five go in at once from different sides. Watch the corners, where most collisions happen.

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