Chain Tag
Dribble across the grid past a chain of linked catchers that grows as players are caught.
At a glance
- 20 by 20 grid. 2 catchers hold hands on the middle line, and everyone else starts at one end with a ball each.
- On Go, dribble to the far line. Catchers tag the player, not the ball, and must keep holding hands.
- Tagged? Leave your ball at the side and join the catchers. Catchers hold hands in links of 2, 3 or 4.
- Play a set number of runs, then pick 2 new catchers and start again.
- Progress 1: Finish every run by stopping the ball on the far line with your sole.
- Progress 2: Keep the sole stop, and start with two chains of 2 catchers, 4 in all.
If it's not working: Play it without the ball first.
- dribblers
- catchers
- run
- dribble
- 1in this order
Two catchers (yellow) hold hands on the middle line: the short line between them is the link. Everyone else starts at one end with a ball each and on Go dribbles to the far end. The chain can only tag the player, not the ball, and must stay linked. Tagged? Join the chain (chains stay in 2s, 3s or 4s). Play a set number of runs, then pick new catchers and start again.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 grid.
- 2 catchers hold hands on the middle line. All other players stand on one end line with a ball each.
20 by 20 grid. 2 catchers in the middle, all other players on a line with a ball each.
How to play
- Players with a ball dribble from one end line to the other without getting caught by the catchers.
- The catchers start on the middle line and must stay holding hands when they try to catch a player (not the ball).
- A caught player leaves their ball at the side and joins the catchers. Catchers always hold hands in links of 2, 3 or 4.
- Play for a set number of runs, then pick 2 new catchers and start again.
Keeping everyone moving
The booklet plays until one player is left. At Colts, play a fixed number of runs and reset, so being caught is a role change, not being out.
Make it easier
- Play the game without the ball.
Make it harder, step by step
- Dribblers must finish each run by stopping the ball on the far line with their sole.
- Keep the sole stop, and start with two chains of 2 catchers instead of one.
Three things to say
- Keep the ball close and under control.
- Head up to see where the catchers are.
- Decide when to dribble and when to run with the ball.
Colts habit
Be brave: go for the gap, not the corner.
Both feet
Cross with the practice foot.
Heads up
Find the gap in the chain before you go.
Safety: Catchers stay linked and tag gently. No grabbing. Keep the grid clear.
Keeping score: Find the gap in the chain on every run.