Tails
Keep your tail away from the catchers, and if it goes, five star jumps and back in.
At a glance
- 20 by 20 grid. 2 catchers in yellow bibs, and everyone else tucks a bib into their shorts as a tail.
- Catchers try to pull a tail out. Everyone else runs anywhere and keeps their tail away.
- Tail pulled? The catcher drops it. Do five star jumps, tuck it back in and carry on.
- Swap catchers every minute or so.
- Progress 1: Add a ball each: everyone dribbles, and a pulled tail means five toe taps instead of star jumps.
- Progress 2: Everyone has a tail and a ball, and anyone can pull anyone's tail. No catchers.
If it's not working: Start with 1 catcher, then add a second.
- players with tails
- catchers
- run
- 1in this order
Everyone except the catchers has a bib tucked into their shorts as a tail and runs anywhere in the grid, keeping it away from the two catchers (yellow). Tail pulled? Five star jumps on the spot, tuck it back in and carry on. Swap catchers every minute or so.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 area.
- Pick 2 catchers (3 with 12 or more players). Everyone else tucks a bib into their shorts as a tail.
20 by 20 area. 2 catchers (3 with 12 or more players). Everyone else has a bib tucked into their shorts as a tail. Balls only for the harder steps.
How to play
- Catchers try to pull a tail out of someone's shorts. Everyone else runs around the grid and keeps their tail away from the catchers.
- Tail pulled? The catcher drops it. You do 5 star jumps, tuck it back in and continue playing. Once everyone has a ball (harder), it is 5 toe taps instead.
- Swap catchers every minute or so.
Keeping everyone moving
Caught means five star jumps (five toe taps once everyone has a ball) and straight back in. Nobody leaves the grid.
Make it easier
- Start with 1 catcher for the first round, then add a second.
- Spread the cones out to about 25 by 25 metres, giving runners more space to keep their tails.
Make it harder, step by step
- Add a ball for each player. If their tail gets pulled they do 5 toe taps, put their tail back in and continue to play.
- All players have a tail and a ball, and any player can pull any player's tail. If your tail is pulled, five toe taps, tail back in, carry on.
Three things to say
- Twist and turn to keep your tail.
- Change speed to lose the catcher.
- Small touches once you have a ball.
Colts habit
Work hard: keep moving until the whistle.
Both feet
Dribble away with the practice foot.
Heads up
Look over both shoulders for catchers.
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: Keep your tail all the way to the next swap.