a distance, as in many ball games, they should be plainly marked. On a
gymnasium floor black paint for permanent diagrams is the best. For
out of doors white linen tape may be had, with wooden staples and pins
for fastening to the ground, costing from $3.50 to $6 per set for a
court the size of a tennis diagram. A liquid mark may be made of
whitewash, and a dry mark by mixing two parts of sand with one of
whiting. Marble dust or slaked lime also make good dry marks. Roller
markers for placing either wet or dry marks in lines of even width may
be had at from $1 to $5 each.
BEAN BAG AND OAT SACK GAMES
BAG PILE
_10 to 100 players._
_Gymnasium; playground; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; oat sacks._
The players are divided into two or more equal parties which line up
in ranks. Near the front end of each rank is a pile of from ten to
fifteen bean bags or oat sacks, which are to be passed down the line.
At a signal the first player in each rank takes a bag and passes it
down the line, sending the others in succession as rapidly as
possible. The last player in the line when he receives the bean bag
lays it on the floor in front of him; and as each bean bag reaches
him, he piles it on the first one, making a stack. Only the first bag
must touch the floor. The stack must be able to stand without
assistance, and the player who stacks the bags must have no help in
his task. Should the bags fall over at any time, the player who
stacked them must pick them up and pile them over again. The line
scores one which first succeeds in getting all of its bags stacked.
The last player, the one who stacked the bags, then carries them up to
the front of the line and becomes the first passer for the next round
of the game.
The line wins which first scores five or ten, as may be decided
beforehand. The play should be very rapid.
BEAN BAG AND BASKET RELAY
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
Each player is provided with a bean bag. A waste-paper basket or a box
is placed on the floor near the blackboard in front of each aisle. In
line horizontally with the forward edge of each front desk, a chalk
line is drawn on the floor at the end of each aisle, which serves as a
throwing line, from which players throw their bean bags into the
baskets.
The game is a competition of skill rather than of speed. At a signal
from the teacher, the first pupil in each row stands, places his toe
even with the throwing line, and tosses his bean bag toward the
basket. If the bag goes into the basket, it scores five. Should it
lodge on the edge of the basket, it scores three. Should it fall
outside, there is no score.
As soon as these first players have thrown they return to their seats
and the second row across the room steps forward and throws. This is
continued until each player has thrown, and the line wins which has
the highest score. There should be one score keeper for the entire
game, who should draw a diagram on the board in which to write the
score.
BEAN BAG BOARD
(Faba Gaba)
_2 to 30 or more players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
This game consists in throwing bean bags through holes in an inclined
board. The board should be preferably eighteen inches wide by three
feet long. Near the lower end of it should be cut a square hole about
the size of the bean bags. Higher up in the board a second hole about
three inches larger should be cut. The board should be slanted by
resting it against a wall or fence, or bracing one end of it in some
other way, so that it is at an angle of about forty-five degrees.
The players stand at a throwing line from ten to fifteen feet from the
board. Each player has five bags--or five may be used for the entire
group of players, the bags being recovered for each thrower in turn. A
bag thrown into the larger hole counts five; into the smaller hole
ten. The player wins who first scores one hundred.
Where there are a large number of players, it is desirable to have
more than one board, so that the players may be divided into several
groups and make the game more rapid.
BEAN BAG BOX
_2 to 20 or more players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
A small box measuring not less than six inches square should be
fastened inside of one about twice the size and that in a third,
leaving at least six inches margin between the boxes. This is set up
on a slight incline with a stone or other object under its further
end, or tipped up against the wall. From ten to twenty feet away from
this a throwing line is drawn. Each player is provided with five bean
bags and takes his place in turn on the throwing line, throwing all
five bags at each turn. A bag thrown into the smallest box scores five
points, one into the middle box ten points, and into the outside box
fifteen points. The player who first scores one hundred wins.
This is a very popular game, and the paraphernalia for it may be
easily improvised.
BEAN BAG CIRCLE TOSS
_10 to 30 or more players._
_Gymnasium; playground; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; balls._
There should be a bean bag for each of the players except one. All of
the players form a circle, separated from each other by a small space.
At a signal from a leader, each player turns toward his right-hand
neighbor and tosses his bean bag to him, turning at once to receive
the bag which is coming to him from the left. The game should move
rapidly, but of course this is a matter of skill and may have to be
acquired. With very little children it may be advisable to first play
the game with a fewer number of bean bags, till they grow accustomed
to tossing and turning quickly to catch. Balls may be used instead of
bean bags if desired.
When the tossing has gone once or twice around the circle to the
right, the direction should be changed to the left. It is well to have
one of the bean bags of a different color from the others, so as to
know when the circle has been completed. Any player failing to catch a
bag must pick it up and toss it regularly to his neighbor.
BEAN BAG RING THROW
_10 to 60 or more players._
_Playground; seashore; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; blocks of wood; stones; shells._
This game may be played with bean bags, or when out of doors,
especially at the seashore, with small blocks of wood, stones or
shells. The players should be divided into groups of equal numbers,
which compete against each other. A small ring should be drawn on the
ground or floor measuring from twelve to eighteen inches in diameter,
one ring opposite each group of players, who should be lined up in
single file. The leader of each row should toe a starting line drawn
across the ground at from ten to fifteen feet from the row of circles.
Each row should be provided with six bean bags or other objects for
throwing, as indicated above.
At a signal, the leader of each row throws each of his bags in
succession toward the circle, and scores one point for each bag that
lands within the circle. Any bag that touches the line does not count.
The player then takes up his bags and runs back to the rear of the
line, giving the bags as he passes to the front player of his row, who
should have moved up to the starting line. These second players, in
turn, all begin throwing on a signal. The line wins which has the
highest score when all have thrown.
It is advisable to have some one to act as scorer for all of the
lines; though it is practicable for the first player in each line to
act as scorer for his line.
IN THE SCHOOLROOM.--When this game is played in the schoolroom a
circle should be drawn on the floor near the front blackboard opposite
each aisle; across the end of each aisle, and even with the front row
of desks, should be drawn a throwing line. The game should start with
the six bean bags on each front desk. At a signal the front pupil in
each row steps forward to the throwing line and throws the six bags in
succession for his circle. Each bag that lands fully within the circle
scores one point for him. No score is made for a bag that touches a
line. He then steps to the blackboard in front of his aisle, and
writes down his score; then gathers up the bags, places them on the
front desk, and takes his seat. When he is seated the player next
behind him steps forward to the throwing line and repeats the play;
or, if desired, the next row of players across the room may wait for
the teacher's signal for doing this, as the game is played for a score
and not on time limits.
The row wins which has the highest score when each of its players has
thrown.
CATCH BASKET
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
_Bean bags; gas ball._
The class stands in a circle around the room, each half constituting a
team with a leader at one end. On a desk in the center of the room is
placed a waste-paper basket. The game consists in throwing a bean bag
or a ball (large, light gas ball preferable) into the basket, the
teams alternating their turns. There is no interference, but an umpire
stands in the center who returns the ball to the next player after
each throw. The leaders throw first and each player in turn
thereafter. Each time the ball lodges in the basket it scores one for
the team throwing. A bean bag lodged on the edge of the basket scores
as a goal. A player may throw but once at each turn. The game may be
limited by time, the team winning which has the highest score at the
end of ten or fifteen minutes; or it may end when each player has had
a turn. The former method leads to quicker and more expert play, which
should be encouraged.
CRISS-CROSS GOAL
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
The class is divided into two teams. Each team is divided into two
lines, which stand facing each other, as shown in the diagram.
A waste basket is placed on the teacher's desk or hung higher if
possible in the front of the room. Each team has one bean bag.
Player No. 1 holds the bean bag in each team.
At a signal each No. 1 tosses his bag to No. 2, No. 2 to No. 3, and so
it continues to pass in a zigzag line till it reaches No. 14. No. 14,
on receiving the bag, tries to throw it into the basket. If he misses,
he runs forward, picks up the bag, runs back to his place, and tries
again; he continues trying until he or his opponent gets a bag in,
which event finishes the inning.
The team in which No. 14 first receives the bag, scores three points;
and the team making the goal first scores one; so one team may score
four, or one three, and the other one, point. The team wins which has
the highest score at the end of the playing time.
[Illustration: Diagram: CRISS-CROSS GOAL]
If the distance from the basket seems too long, No. 14 may come
forward a given distance to a chalk line and throw from that.
In order to pass around the privilege of throwing goal, the goal
thrower in one game passes down to the other end of the line, the line
moves up one place, and the next player in order throws for the goal
in the next game. When every one in one line has thrown for goal, the
privilege passes to the other line.
Sometimes it is necessary to have umpires to watch for fouls, such as
skipping a player in passing the bag.
This game was originated by Dr. J. Anna Norris and received
honorable mention in a competition for schoolroom games
conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic
League of New York City in 1906. It is here published by kind
permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch, and of
Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, publishers of the handbook
in which the game first appeared.
DESK RELAY
_20 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
_Bean bags._
The pupils sit on their desks facing the rear of the room and with the
toes caught under the seats. The rear player on each line holds a bean
bag. At a signal, the bag is passed over the head backward to the next
player, who in turn passes it, and so on until it reaches the player
at the front, who jumps down from the desk and hops on one foot to the
rear of the room. As soon as this player has reached the rear seat,
all the players in the line stand and move forward one desk. The rear
player takes the desk thus vacated and starts the bean bag again.
The line wins whose bean bag first reaches the front of the room after
the pupils have all changed seats until original places are resumed.
The teacher should indicate which foot is to be used in hopping, so
that in successive playing of the game, each pupil will hop
alternately on the right and left foot.
This game was originated by Mr. James J. Jardine of New York
City, and received honorable mention in a competition for
schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public
Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. It is here
published by kind permission of the author, and of the Girls'
Branch, and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, publishers of
the handbook in which the game first appeared.
FETCH AND CARRY
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom; playground._
_Bean bags._
Each pupil is provided with a bean bag. A circle about fifteen inches
in diameter is drawn with chalk on the floor directly in front of each
aisle and close up to the front blackboard. At a signal from the
teacher the first pupil in each row of seats runs forward, places his
bean bag in the circle in front of his aisle, and runs back to his
seat. As soon as he is in his seat, the pupil back of him runs
forward, places his bean bag in the circle, and returns to his seat.
This is continued until every pupil in the row has deposited his bean
bag, the signal for each player to start being the seating of the
player in front. The row which gets all of its bags first into the
circle wins, and scores one.
[Illustration Diagram: FETCH AND CARRY RELAY]
The play is then reversed. The last player in each row runs forward,
picks up a bean bag, and returns to his seat. As he sits, he touches
the player in front on the shoulder, who then starts forward, but must
wait for this signal. The row which first gets back to its seats, each
player with a bean bag, wins and scores one.
As in all schoolroom games in which the players run through the
aisles, those who are seated must be very careful to keep their feet
under their desks, and never to start before the proper signal is
given for their turn.
HAND OVER HEAD BEAN BAG
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
This is a relay passing race, the different rows of pupils competing
with each other in passing bean bags backward over the head.
The players should all be seated, there being the same number in each
row of seats. On each front desk a bean bag should be laid. At a
signal the first player in each row lifts the bean bag over his head
and drops it (it should not be thrown) toward the desk behind him,
immediately clasping his hands on his own desk. The next player
catches or picks up the bean bag from his desk and passes it backward
in the same manner. It is thus passed quickly to the rear of the line.
When the last pupil receives it, he runs forward at once to the front
of the line. As soon as he reaches the front desk, the entire row of
players move backward one seat, and the player who ran forward takes
the front seat, immediately passing the bag backward to the player
next behind him.
The play thus continues until the original occupant of the front seat
has again returned to it. Immediately that he is seated, he should
hold the bean bag up with outstretched arm, as a signal that his row
has finished. The row wins whose leader first does this.
JUMP THE BEAN BAG
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
The class is divided into two equal divisions or teams. The teams
stand in opposite outside aisles and face the center of the room. The
game consists in a contest between the two divisions as to which shall
finish first in the following relay, here described for one team.
The leader at the head or front of the line, having the bean bag in
his hand, runs down the first aisle toward the rear, places the bean
bag on the center seat of the row to his left (second row from
standing line), vaults over the seat, and runs up the next aisle to
the front of the room and so to the head of his division. He tags the
player standing at the head of the line and passes behind the line to
the rear, taking his place at the foot.
The player who has been tagged at the head of the line immediately
runs down the first aisle, takes the bean bag from the seat, vaults
over the seat, and passes down the next aisle to the rear of the room,
and so to the foot of his line. He hands the bean bag to the player
next to him, who passes it to his neighbor, and so it is passed up to
the head of the line.
The player at the head of the line, immediately upon receiving the
bean bag, runs down the first aisle, places it on the seat, vaults
over the seat to the next aisle, and so to the head of his line, where
he tags the player who has moved up to his place.
The game thus consists in an alternate placing and taking of the bag
from the seat. The player who places the bag returns to the head of
the line to tag the player standing there, and then passes behind the
line to the foot; the player taking the bean bag returns to the rear
of his line and passes the bean bag up the line.
The division whose original leader first gets back to his starting
place wins the game.
This game was originated by Miss Alice R. Young of Brooklyn,
N.Y., and received honorable mention in a competition for
schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public
Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. It is here
published by the kind permission of the author, and of the
Girls' Branch, and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers,
publishers of the handbook in which the game first appeared.
PASSING RELAYS
There are several forms of this game, some of which are suited only to
young children; others may be full of sport and interest for adults.
The games may be adapted to comparatively small numbers or very large
numbers. Several passing races will be found among the ball games. For
bean bags, see:--
Bag Pile.
Passing Race.
Pass and Toss Relay (single line).
Pass and Toss Relay (double line).
PASSING RACE
_10 to 100 players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; dumb-bells._
The players stand in ranks, and bags are passed from one to another
player down each line, starting on a signal for the first bag. Each
rank should have about ten bags. The line wins which finishes first;
that is, passes all of its bags to the end of the line.
The game may be varied by having each player pass the bags from one
hand to the other before handing it to his neighbor, or by raising the
bags overhead, or touching them to the floor, first with one hand,
then with the other, before passing.
This makes an especially interesting game when dumb-bells are used
instead of bean bags, as they are harder to pass.
PASS AND TOSS RELAY (SINGLE LINE)
_16 to 60 players._
_Gymnasium; playground; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; oat sacks._
[Illustration diagram: PASS AND TOSS RELAY (Single Line)]
The players stand in two or more even ranks, facing sideways. The
players at either end step one long pace forward of the ranks, to the
points marked 1 and 10 respectively, as they are to catch the bag
tossed from some other player. Player Number One has a bag and at the
signal for starting runs toward the rear, and as he runs tosses the
bag to Number Ten. The line immediately moves forward one place,
Number Two stepping into the place vacated by Number One. As soon as
Number Ten has caught the bag, he takes his place in line with the
rank and passes the bag to his next neighbor, Number Nine. The bag is
then passed rapidly up the line until it is received by Number Three,
who tosses it to Number Two. Number Two, in his turn, as soon as he
receives the bag, dashes for the rear, tossing the bag as he goes to
the player standing at 10, who in this instance will be Number One.
The line again moves up, Number Three now stepping out to the place
marked 1.
This play is continued until Number One is back in his original
position. The rank which first gets the bag around to Number One after
he returns to his original position wins the game. Number One should
hold the bag up at arm's length as soon as he gets it as a signal that
his rank has completed its play. As this feature adds much to the
facility with which an umpire may judge of the winning rank, it may
well be a required part of the play, the rank winning whose Number One
is first to raise aloft his bag.
It adds much to the interest of the game to have a general
umpire and scorekeeper who shall decide which is the winning
line, and post the score where the players may see it.
PASS AND TOSS RELAY (DOUBLE LINE)
_16 to 60 players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; oat sacks._
The players are divided into two equal groups which compete against
each other. Each group is divided into two lines or ranks which stand
facing each other. There should be from ten to twenty feet of space
between the two ranks.
[Illustration diagram: PASS AND TOSS RELAY (Double Line)]
The game consists of passing a bean bag up one of these lines to the
end, when the last player runs across to the opposite line, tossing
the bag as he goes to the end man in that line, who catches it and
passes it down the line. The same play is performed at the other end,
the last player running across to the opposite line, tossing the bag
as he goes to the last player there. The lines move up or down one
place each time a player runs across to the opposite rank. The game in
detail will be as follows:--
Number One has a bag, and at a signal passes it down the line to
Number Eight, who runs across toward Number Nine, tossing the bag to
Number Nine as he does so. It must be tossed before he has gone
halfway across the space between. Number Nine immediately passes the
bag to Number Ten, and so on up the line to the last player, Number
Sixteen. The moment that he receives the bag, he runs across toward
Number One in the opposite rank, making a running toss as he does so.
At the same time the entire line from Nine to Fifteen moves up one
place to make room for Number Eight, who should take his place at the
foot of the line next to Number Nine. As soon as Number One receives
the bag, he passes it down the line to his neighbor, Number Two, and
so on till it reaches the end of the line, which at the same time
should be moving down one place to make room for Number Sixteen, who
should take his place at the head of the line next beyond Number One.
This play is repeated until Number One reaches his original position
again, and the bag is passed to him there. Immediately on receiving
it, he should lift it high, as a signal that the play is completed in
his group. The group wins whose first player is first to do this.
The game may be made a little more definite by Number One having some
distinguishing mark, as a handkerchief, tied on his arm.
When players have some proficiency in the game, as prescribed, they
may play with two bags instead of one, keeping both in play at once.
In this form of the game the diagonal opposites start each a bag at
the same time, that is, Number One and Number Nine. The game becomes
thus just twice as rapid. The team wins whose Numbers One and Nine
first succeed in both returning to their original positions, where
they should hold the bags aloft.
A score should be kept, each team scoring two points for winning a
game and one point for every time that its opponents' bags touch the
floor, either through poor throwing or bad catching.
The writer is indebted to Mr. Chesley's _Indoor and Outdoor
Gymnastic Games_ for several points of description or of play
for this game. Mr. Chesley has found it a very interesting
gymnasium game, with possibilities for much sport and skill.
TARGET TOSS
_10 to 60 players._
_Playground; seashore; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Bean bags; stones; shells._