Stuck in the Mud
Catchers tag, stuck players stand legs apart, and rescuers free them with a pass through the legs.
At a glance
- 20 by 20 grid with 2 catchers in yellow bibs and 2 rescuers (R) with a ball each. Everyone else runs.
- Catchers tag runners on the arm. A tagged runner is stuck (S): stand still, legs apart, hands up.
- A rescuer passes the ball through a stuck player's legs to free them. Rescuers can't be tagged.
- No rescuer by the time you count to five? Five toe taps and you are free. Swap roles every minute or two.
- Progress 1: Rescuers work in pairs: the pass through the legs must go to your rescuer partner on the other side.
- Progress 2: Rescuers can be tagged too. A tagged rescuer puts the ball down and stands stuck, legs apart.
If it's not working: Catchers walk while everyone else jogs.
- runners
- catchers
- Sstuck player
- Rrescuer
- run
- pass
- 1in this order
Catchers (yellow) chase the runners and tag them on the arm. A tagged runner is stuck (S): stand still with legs apart and hands up. A rescuer (R, with a ball) passes the ball through the stuck player's legs and they are free to run again. Rescuers cannot be tagged. No rescuer by the time you count to five? Five toe taps and you are free.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 grid.
- Pick 2 catchers in yellow bibs and 2 rescuers, who each have a ball. Everyone else is a runner. With 12 or more players, use 3 catchers and 3 rescuers.
20 by 20 grid. 2 catchers and 2 rescuers to start (3 of each with 12 or more players), the rest are runners.
How to play
- The catchers try to catch the runners by tipping them on the arm. A caught runner is stuck: stand still with legs open and hands in the air.
- A rescuer passes the ball through a stuck player's legs to set them free. 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.
- Swap 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
- Catchers walk while everyone else jogs, which gives runners time to dodge.
- Use just 2 catchers and up to 4 rescuers, so stuck players are freed quickly.
Make it harder, step by step
- Rescuers work in pairs: the pass through the stuck player's legs has to go to your rescuer partner.
- Rescuers can be tagged too. A tagged rescuer puts the ball down and stands stuck, legs apart, until another rescuer frees them.
- No rescuers: everyone except the catchers has a ball, and anyone can free anyone by passing a ball through their legs.
Three things to say
- Look for space before you run.
- Change direction to dodge the catcher.
- Rescuers: a soft pass through the legs.
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.
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.