Dodge Ball consists of 2 teams, each of which consists of players between 6 and 10. While one team makes a circle, the other team is positioned in the middle of the circle. The players inside the circle run around trying to avoid being hit by the ball being thrown by the other team. Players that get hit join the other team to try to hit the remaining opposing team players. A hit to the head does not count and players inside the circle are not allowed to catch the ball. Another version allows for the players in the middle to try to catch the ball and throw it back at the throwers where if they hit the thrower the swap places.

French Cricket requires cricket balls and a tennis ball to play. Players stand in a circle and defend their stumps represented by their legs. The players try to hit the ball away from them and are only allowed to move if they hit the ball without missing. If one hits the ball then he or she is allowed to turn and defend his or her legs, again without moving.

Piggy in the Middle works well with 3 -5 players. The players use a 10m by 10m square that is bordered by use of cones or other objects. Players are positioned on each corner of the square and one (or more) player stands in the middle. The goal is to have the players on the corners pass the ball among themselves while the middle player tries to intercept the ball. If one of the players tries to pass the ball to the people in the corner and it gets intercepted, the player becomes the new piggy and has to stand in the middle and try to do likewise. The game teaches one passing and catching skills. These skills are essential in a many games. More importantly, it’s great fun!

Tags: activities, ball games, dogeball, french cricket, games, outdoor, piggy in the middle