the idea of a target. Their size will depend somewhat on the skill of
the players, but for the youngest players the inner circle should be
not more than two feet in diameter and the outer circle six feet in
diameter. For those more skilled, smaller circles may be used. From
ten to thirty feet from the outer rim of the largest circle a
straight line is drawn on the ground, to serve as a throwing line.
Where there is a small number of players, all may use one target.
Where there is a large number, several targets should be drawn and the
players divided into as many groups. Each group has three bean bags,
or if out of doors, small blocks of wood, stones, or shells may be
used. Each player throws in turn, throwing each of the three bags or
other objects at each turn. The thrower stands with his toe on the
throwing line and tosses a bag toward the target. If the bag stops
within the center circle, it scores fifteen points; if between the
center circle and the next larger one, it scores ten points; and if
between the middle circle and the largest or outer one, it scores five
points. For very little children a bag that lands on a line may score
for the larger circle which it touches. For more expert players, a bag
landing on a line does not score at all. The player wins who has the
highest score in five rounds of the game.
TEACHER AND CLASS
_5 to 60 players._
_Playground; gymnasium; class room._
_Bean bags; balls._
This game may be played with either bean bags or balls, and is one of
the simplest and earliest tossing games, being generally used when
pupils are first acquiring skill in handling a ball. With very rapid
play and greater distance between the "teacher" and the "class," it
may become very interesting, however, for older players.
One player is chosen for the "teacher." The others stand in a line
side by side, facing her, at an interval of from five to twenty feet.
Where there are many players, there should be several groups of this
kind, with a distinct interval between groups to avoid mistakes or
confusion. It is desirable to have from six to ten players for each
"teacher."
The teacher starts the game by tossing the ball to each pupil in turn,
and it is immediately tossed back to her. Each pupil missing goes to
the foot of the line. If the teacher misses, the player at the head of
the line takes her place, the teacher going to the foot. The action
should be as rapid as possible.
VAULTING RELAY
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
_Bean Bags._
[Illustration diagram: VAULTING RELAY]
The players stand in line in the aisles between the desks, all facing
to the right or left (facing open windows preferred). The first player
at the front of each line will hold a bean bag in his right hand, if
facing left, or in his left hand, if facing right. At the command
"Start!" the bean bag must be passed toward the rear to each player,
in turn, until the player at the end of the line receives it. Each
player, after passing the bean bag, must place one hand on his desk
and the other on the back of his chair, jump over his chair, turn,
jump back again, and take his position in the aisle by the next seat,
moving back one seat toward the rear of the line each time the bean
bag has been passed, and so on until he returns to his place in line.
The player receiving the bean bag at the end of the line must run to
the head of the line, as shown in the diagram, and pass the bag to the
next player. This continues until each player returns to his place in
line. The line wins whose original leader first gets back to his own
place.
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 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.
BALL GAMES SUITABLE FOR BEAN BAGS
All run
Arch Ball
Ball Chase
Ball Puss
Ball Tag
Call Ball
Center Catch Ball
Circle Ball
Club Bowls
Center Club Bowls
Circle Club Bowls
Line Club Bowls (Single)
Line Club Bowls (Double)
Corner Spry
Dead Ball
Dodge Ball
Home Run
Line Ball
Over and Under Relay
Overtake
Pig in a Hole
Ring Call Ball
Roley Poley
Round Ball
Russian Hole Ball
Schoolroom Dodge Ball
Spud
Stride Ball
Toss Ball
Tree Ball
Zigzag Games
Circle Zigzag
Line Zigzag I, II, III
Zigzag Overhead Toss
BALL GAMES
BALL GAMES
ALL RUN
_10 to 30 or more players._
_Playground; gymnasium._
_Hand ball; bean bag._
This game is played with a hand ball or basket ball and is a gymnasium
adaptation of the wall ball game known as "Burley Whush" or "Ball
Stand."
A square is drawn on the ground or floor. All of the players gather
within this, including one who holds the ball. The ball man throws the
ball in the air, whereupon all of the other players run in any
direction as far as they can. The thrower remains on his place,
catches the ball, and as he does so cries "Hold!" Upon hearing this,
all of the others must instantly stop running. The thrower then aims
his ball at one of these other players, and if he succeeds in hitting
him, the player hit must change places with the thrower. Should he
miss, all of the players return to the square and the same thrower
takes another trial. Should he miss hitting a player a second time, he
must be "court-martialed," _i.e._ stand twenty feet from the square
with his back turned to the players congregated there, who pelt him
with their balls, each one having one throw.
ARCH BALL
_10 to 100 players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Basket ball; bean bag; oat sack; any substitute._
This game is very similar to Pass Ball, but is here described under
another name, as it differs from Pass Ball in (1) not having the run
to a goal line; (2) admitting of variations, as in the passing of
several articles; (3) being comparatively informal without the scoring
of fouls and other strict observance of rules that class Pass Ball
with athletic events.
[Illustration diagram: ARCH BALL]
The players line up in two or more single files, which compete with
each other, and must therefore contain an equal number of players. The
captain or leader of each file toes a line drawn across the ground and
holds a basket ball (a bean bag or other object may be used). At a
given signal he passes the ball backward over his head to the player
next behind, who in turn passes it backward as rapidly as possible,
and so on until it reaches the last player in the line. He at once
runs forward, carrying the ball to the front of the line, which moves
backward one place to make room for him. He toes the line and passes
the ball backward over his head. The play continues until the captain
reaches the end of the line, and runs forward with the ball to his
original place at the head of the file. As he takes his place there,
he holds the ball aloft as a signal that he has finished. The file
wins whose captain is the first to return to his place.
The game may be made very enlivening by passing several articles in
rapid succession, each of a different and contrasting character, such
as a basket ball, tennis ball, Indian club, heavy medicine ball, bean
bag, light dumb-bell, three-or five-pound iron dumb-bell, etc. In this
form of the game the last player must accumulate all of the articles
before running forward with them, or the score may be made on the
arrival of the last article at the rear of the line.
FOR THE SCHOOLROOM.--See also _Hand over head bean bag_, in which the
entire class plays at once.
The players raise their seats where this is possible, and stand
between the desk and the seat. Where the seats cannot be raised, the
players may sit in the seats or on the desks. An even number of
players should be in each line, and only alternate lines play
simultaneously, so as to leave clear the necessary aisle space for
running. Those at the front of the lines should hold a ball or any
substitute for passing backward over the head, such as a bean bag,
eraser, foot rule, or book. At a given signal the object is passed
backward over the head to the next player in the rear, who in turn
passes it backward, and so on down the line until the last player
receives it. He runs forward on the _right_-hand side of his desk to
the first seat. At the same time the other players in his row step
into the aisle at the _left_ of the desks and move backward one place.
The line wins whose original leader first gets back to the front.
As in all games in the schoolroom in which part of the players are
seated while others run, care should be taken that there are no feet
in the aisle over which the runners might trip.
ARCH GOAL BALL
_10 to 60 players._
_Playground; gymnasium._
_Basket ball._
The players are divided into groups, and line up in single file in two
or more lines facing a basket ball goal or any substitute. Each line
has a basket ball. At a signal each leader passes the ball backward
overhead, the next player catches it and passes it in the same way,
and so on to the end of the line. When the last player receives the
ball, he runs forward and tries to throw it into the basket, standing
on a line marked from five to ten feet from the goal. He is allowed
but one throw, when he quickly takes his place at the front of his
line (which moves backward one place to make room for him), and at
once passes the ball backward overhead. The last player, in turn, runs
forward, throws for goal, etc. This is repeated until each player in a
line has thrown for the goal. Each goal made scores two points for the
team. The team wins which has the highest score when all of the
players have thrown.
This may also be played on time. Then each player throws until he
succeeds in getting the ball into the basket. The team wins whose last
man finishes first.
BALL CHASE
_4 to 20 players._
_Playground; gymnasium._
_Hand ball or substitute._
A row of caps is set against a wall or fence, or a series of holes dug
in the ground. At a point ten or twenty feet from these all of the
players stand, and one selected as thrower throws a ball into one of
the caps or holes. Any substitute may be used for a ball, such as a
small block of wood or a stone. Should he miss, he repeats the throw
until he succeeds. As soon as a ball lands in a cap, the owner of the
cap runs away, and all of the others chase him until caught.
It will be seen that this game may best be played where there is
opportunity for considerable dodging around and behind obstacles. The
player being chased is exempt if he can get back to his own cap before
being caught by the others. If caught, however, he becomes thrower for
the next round; otherwise the first thrower continues in that
position.
In a gymnasium a series of circles may be drawn on the floor in place
of the holes or caps, and a bean bag tossed into them.
BALL DRILL
(See _Hand Ball Drill_ and _Wall Ball Drill_.)
BALLOON BALL
_10 to 60 players._
_Schoolroom._
_Inflated balloon._
There are two goals, each consisting of a string stretched on opposite
sides of the room from front to rear, at a height of six feet. There
may be any number of players, who are divided into two teams.
The teams are seated in alternate rows. The A's represent the players
on one team, the B's the players on the opposing team. The balloon is
thrown in the air in the center by the teacher, and the players of
both teams strike it with open hand.
Object.--The players of team A try to bat the balloon over goal A; the
players of team B try to send it over goal B.
Fouls.--Fouls are called for the following:--
Standing more than half erect.
Leaving seat entirely.
Raising desk (if movable).
Striking ball with clinched hand.
Score.--Each goal made counts two points. One point is also awarded to
the opposing team for each foul.
This game may be varied by having a goal keeper for each team whose
duty shall be to prevent the balloon from crossing his or her goal
line. This goal keeper should stand, and should have a free use of the
aisle in front of the goal.
This game was originated by Mr. Henry J. Silverman of New York
City, and submitted in a competition for schoolroom games
conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic
League of New York City in 1906. This game was one that
received honorable mention, and is here published by the kind
permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch, and of
Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, who published the handbook
in which the game first appeared.
BALLOON GOAL
_10 to 100 players._
_Schoolroom; parlor; gymnasium._
_Inflated balloon._
[Illustration diagram: BALLOON GOAL]
The game is played with two toy balloons, preferably twelve inches in
diameter, one red and one blue, which are struck with the open hand
only. When the gas of the balloon is exhausted, the rubber bag may be
refilled with the breath, when it will be found still to float
sufficiently in the air for the purposes of the game.
The class is divided into two teams, preferably designated by colors
corresponding to the balls, worn on the arm or otherwise. The teams
are assigned by rows across the room from side to side, the first row
of pupils belonging to the red team, the second to the blue, the third
to the red, etc. Four goals are formed by stretching a tape diagonally
across each of the four corners of the room about five feet from the
floor, the goals in the diagonally opposite corners having the same
colors, two of red and two of blue. The game consists in hitting the
balloon with the open hand so that it will float down behind a goal
tape, the red balloon scoring when it enters the red goals, and the
blue balloon when it enters the blue goals. There are no goal guards,
but it is the object of all players belonging to the red team to get
the red balloon into the red goals, and of the blue team to keep it
out. Similarly, the object of the blue team is to get the blue balloon
into the blue goals and of the red team to keep it out.
The game starts by the teacher putting the balloons in play by
tossing them up in the center of the room, when each side immediately
begins to play for them. It has been found that with two balloons and
four goals, and the interference offered by fixed seats and desks, it
is unnecessary to limit the players to any given area. This, however,
may be done should play become rough.
A score keeper scores one for each team making a goal with its
balloon, but the game continues without interruption, the balloon
being at once put in play again by the teacher.
A fifteen-minute game should be divided into at least three periods,
the teacher signaling for a rest at the end of each five minutes.
This game is admirable for the parlor, and may also be played in the
gymnasium or playground.
This game was originated by Mr. Max Liebgold of New York City,
and received the prize offered by Mrs. Henry Siegel in the
competition for schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch
of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906.
The game is here published by the kind permission of the
author, and of the Girls' Branch, and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding
& Brothers, who publish the handbook in which the game first
appeared.
BALL PUSS
_3 to 30 or more players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Gas ball; basket ball; hand ball; bean bag._
This is a form of ball tag. In it each player chooses a home or
corner, as in Puss in the Corner, or Home Tag. When played out of
doors, trees may be used for this purpose; in a gymnasium, pillars or
different pieces of apparatus; in the schoolroom, the corners of the
room, the front and rear corner desks, the teacher's desk, the
radiator, or any other objective points. The players who are so
stationed beckon to each other to exchange places, and as they run
from one place to another the one who is It tries to hit them with the
ball. Any one so hit changes places with the one who is It.
As in all ball-tag games, either a ball or bean bag may be used. If
played in the schoolroom, a light gas ball should be used; elsewhere,
anything from a light-weight hand ball to a basket ball would be
suitable. Hard balls should be avoided.
Where there are many playing, it is advisable to have two or three
who take the part of thrower or Puss (It), in which case there will be
two or three balls or bean bags in play at the same time, and the game
is made more rapid.
BALL STAND
(Burley Whush)
_5 to 20 players._
_Out of doors; gymnasium._
_Hand ball; tennis ball._
This game is started by tossing a ball against a wall or on the roof
of a house from which it may roll back. The players all stand in a
group or row, from ten to twenty feet from the wall. One of the number
is chosen as thrower and tosses the ball as indicated, at the same
moment calling the name of one of the other players. This player must
dash forward and catch the ball before it strikes the ground, while at
the same moment all of the other players run as far away as possible.
Should the one called succeed in catching the ball, the players come
back and the thrower throws again, calling the name of some other
player. Should the one whose name is called fail, however, to catch
the ball, he calls out "Stand!" upon which the others must stop in
their flight. The ball man then picks up the ball, and from where he
stands throws it in his turn at one of the players. Any player so hit
calls out "Hit!" and becomes at once the ball man. The other players
immediately run again without returning to the wall, but stop as soon
as the one hit calls "Stand!" which he must do upon picking up the
ball.
This is continued until the ball fails to hit one of the players, when
all return to the original starting place, where the last thrower of
the ball throws it against the wall and the game begins again.
The players in their flight, the object of which of course is to
diminish the chances of being hit by the ball, may run behind any
obstacle, such as a bush or around the corner of a house, but in any
such case must extend a hand so it shall be visible beyond this
obstacle, that the ball man may still have an opportunity to hit
them.
BALL TAG
_3 to 60 players._
_Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom._
_Gas ball; bean bag; basket ball; hand ball._
There are several forms of ball tag, each quite distinctive,
and all interesting and making good games. A soft ball or bean
bag should be used in all of these games, or with older players
a basket ball or other large, comparatively light-weight ball.
The players scatter promiscuously. One player, who is It, tries to hit
one of the other players with a ball or bean bag. Any player thus hit
becomes It and must try to tag others in the same way. When a player
fails to hit one for whom he aims, the thrower must pick up his own
ball or bag, except in the schoolroom, where the seats and desks
interfere with this. There any adjacent player may pick up the ball
and throw it back to the one who is It. Players may dodge in any way,
as by stooping, jumping, or the usual sideways movements.
Where there are many playing, it is advisable to have two or three who
take the part of thrower or It, in which case there will be two or
three balls or bean bags in play at the same time, and the game is
much more rapid.
If played in the schoolroom, a light gas ball or bean bag should be
used. Elsewhere, anything from a light-weight hand ball to a basket
ball would be suitable. Hard balls should be avoided.
BASKET BALL DISTANCE THROW
_10 to 30 or more players._
_Playground; gymnasium._
_Basket ball._
This is an interesting and simple athletic event, as well as a
good game. It is especially useful for players drilling on the
handling of the basket ball or shotput, and is a good
substitute for shotput for girls.
A full circle six feet in diameter is drawn on the ground. A heavy
line is drawn across its center, which serves as a throwing line. The
player stands in the circle and throws the basket ball from this
throwing line toward other lines drawn in the throwing space as
specified below, the ball scoring according to its landing in relation
to these other lines.
[Illustration diagram: BASKET BALL DISTANCE THROW]
The lines drawn across the throwing space must be parallel with the
throwing line in the circle. For players below the seventh year of the
elementary school course (below twelve years of age) these three lines
should be respectively twelve, eighteen, and twenty-seven feet from
the forward edge of the circle. For players from the seventh and
eighth year of the school course (that is, thirteen and fourteen years
of age) these three lines should be respectively fifteen, twenty-one,
and thirty-one feet from the forward edge of the circle. These
measurements are for girls. For boys the longer distance given between
lines will be found generally advisable, and they may even be
increased.
The players are divided into competing teams, the players of each team
throwing in rapid succession. Each player has but one turn, unless the
ball should strike some obstacle before touching the ground, when
another trial is allowed. A thrower must at the start stand in the
circle and toe the throwing line, drawn across the center of the
circle; in completing the throw he must not fall or step forward over
the outer line of the circle in front of him. If at any part of the
throw, from its start to finish, the thrower be out of the circle, it
is considered a foul and does not score, the number of players in the
team being counted as one less when the total or average is figured.
The best form for throwing is that described for Battle Ball.
For each throw to the first line (the twelve or fifteen foot line) or
any point between it and the next line, a team scores one point. For
each throw to the second line (the eighteen or twenty-one foot line),
or between it and the next line, a team scores three points. For each
throw to or beyond the third line (the twenty-seven or thirty-one foot
line) a team scores five points. The team averaging or adding the
largest score wins first place in the event. If the number of players
be not even, the score is decided by an average instead of by adding.
Where several groups or teams are competing, if there be a judge for
each team and floor space for more than one diagram, two or more teams
should throw at once.
BATTLE BALL
_6 to 12 players._
_Playground; gymnasium._
_Basket ball; Indian clubs._
This is one of the best and most interesting of the simpler
team games. Briefly stated, it consists in trying to dislodge
Indian clubs or tenpins placed at the rear of the enemies'
territory. Players should be trained to coöperate and to
understand the importance of each doing well his particular
part. Playing into the hands of each other when necessary, as
in passing the ball to good throwers, is one of the most
important features of team work.
GROUND.--A ground measuring about fifty feet long by twenty-five wide
should be divided into two equal parts by a line across the center.
The rear boundary of each half is the goal or club line on which the
Indian clubs are placed. Above these club lines a cord or rope is
stretched seven feet from the ground. This cord may be fastened to
posts on either side of the ground, or jump standards may be used to
support it. If desired, back stops may be placed across the ground at
a distance of five feet beyond the club line and extending beyond the
boundaries of the court on either side.
Indian clubs or tenpins weighing two or three pounds are placed on the
club line, there being one pair for each club guard. One pair of these
clubs should be placed in the center of the line and one at each end
of it three feet from the posts that hold the cord. The clubs of each
pair should be separated by a distance of eighteen inches.
TEAMS AND OFFICIALS.--The teams consist of from three to six players
on each side, though five on a side is the most desirable number. The
description of this game and the diagram assume five players to a
team. Each team chooses a captain, who settles disputes (unless other
officers be appointed for this purpose, as hereinafter stated), and
who assigns places for the other players as he sees fit. He himself
occupies any place he desires.
[Illustration diagram: BATTLE BALL]
Each team is divided into club guards and forwards. For five players
there should be three club guards, each standing before a pair of
clubs, and two forwards or throwers, who stand near the dividing line.
In the placing of players it is desirable to place the best catchers
as club guards and the best throwers as forwards. In addition to the
team players, it is desirable to have a referee, two judges, and one
or two scorers, though all these offices may be filled by the same
person.
The referee should keep time, should start the game, should announce
scores and settle disputes. The judges, one for each side, should
watch for fouls and report points made by their respective sides to
their scorers.
OBJECTS.--The objects of the game are (1) to knock over the opponents'
clubs with the ball; (2) to make a goal by passing the ball beyond the
opponents' club line under the string but not hitting the clubs.
START.--The sides toss up for the ball or choose by drawing cuts (see
chapter on "Counting out and Choosing Sides.")