Stuck in the Mud
Catchers tag, stuck players stand legs apart, and rescuers free them with a pass through the legs.
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 grid.
- Pick 2 to 4 catchers and 2 to 4 rescuers. The rest of the players are runners.
Balls, bibs and cones. 20 by 20 grid. 2 to 4 catchers and 2 to 4 rescuers, the rest are runners.
How to play
- The catchers try to catch the runners by tipping them on the arm. When caught, they stand still with their legs open and hands in the air.
- The rescuers' job is to pass the ball through their legs to set them free. The rescuers cannot be caught and the pass cannot be blocked.
- If nobody has come by the time you have counted to five, do five toe taps and you are free.
- Rotate the catchers and rescuers every 1 to 2 minutes.
Keeping everyone moving
Added the self-release: count to five, then five toe taps frees you, so nobody waits. Use the everyone-has-a-ball version for the youngest.
Make it easier
Make it harder
- Play without a ball: players crawl through the legs to free the player.
- Rescuers roll the ball through the player's legs.
- Rescuers work in pairs and the pass through has to go to your partner.
- No rescuers: everyone but the catchers has a ball and anyone can free anyone by passing a ball through their legs.
Three things to say
- Spatial awareness.
- Running, stopping, change of direction and speed, backwards and sideways movement.
- Dribbling: keeping the ball close, soft touches.
Colts habit
Lift each other: every rescue gets named out loud.
Both feet
Rescue passes with the practice foot.
Heads up
Look for who needs rescuing.
The Colts change: Added the self-release: count to five, then five toe taps frees you, so nobody waits. Use the everyone-has-a-ball version for the youngest.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.
Keeping score: Tell a partner who you rescued tonight. Nothing counted, nothing compared.