Tumbang Preso: Filipino Knock Down the Can
A Philippine street game whose name means 'knock down the prisoner': players throw their flip-flops to topple a can watched by a guard. In class, students use beanbags and a bottle. They must knock it over and get their beanbag back without being tagged. Students work on throwing, decision making, and speed.
How to play
- Make 3 groups of 8-9. Each group sets a bottle inside a hoop 5 yards from a cone line. One student is the guard, next to the bottle; everyone else has a beanbag (2 min).
- Taking turns from behind the line, each player throws their beanbag to knock down the bottle.
- After throwing, the player must fetch their beanbag and get back behind the line. While the bottle is standing, the guard may tag anyone who is past the line.
- If someone knocks the bottle over, the guard must stand it back up in the hoop before tagging anyone: that is the moment to grab beanbags.
- A tagged player becomes the guard and the old guard joins the throwers. Play for 15 minutes, rotating groups every 5.
Rules
- Always aim at the bottle and below the guard's waist; never throw at people.
- Behind the line you are safe.
- The guard may not stand within 1 yard of the bottle to protect it.
- Tag with a hand on the arm or back, without pushing.
Variations
Easier
Move the line to 3 yards, and the guard counts to 3 before tagging.
Standard
Line at 5 yards and the bottle inside the hoop.
Harder
Move the line to 7 yards and set the bottle on top of a cone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws from a closer line, and a partner fetches their beanbag and cannot be tagged.
- Visual impairment: tap the bottle before each throw so the player can aim by sound.
- Shyness or skill level: a student who does not want to guard alone can share the role with a partner.
Learning goals
- Throw accurately at a small target.
- Decide when to go for the beanbag based on where the guard is.
- Learn about a traditional game from the Philippines.
Equipment for a class of 25
- recycled bottles: 3
- beanbags: 25
- hoops: 3
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
In the Philippines it is played with flip-flops (tsinelas) and an empty milk can; students love hearing that. Set the three fields side by side so no one throws toward another group.
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