Team Fetch

Skill: Run, Throw
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Small Group
Age Group: 6 - 9yrs, 9 - 12yrs, 13+ yrs
Play area: Gymnasium (large indoor space), Outdoor - Field
Safety Considerations: Remove any safety hazards and obstacles from the activity area.
Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their head up.
Ensure the groups are spread out.
Equipment: Tennis Balls/Beanbags
Pylons or rope (optional)
Objective:
Half the participants on each team will be fetching the objects that the other team throws, while the other half of the participants are throwing the objects for the other team.
Other Skills:
Coordination
Set up:
Divide participants into two equal teams.
Set up a throwing line using pylons, rope or lines in a gym and be sure there is a lot of room in front of the line.
Step by Step:
1. Half of the participants on each team will be throwers and the other half will be the fetchers.
2. Team A's throwers will be with team B's fetchers, and team B's throwers will be with team A's fetchers.
3. All participants will start behind the throwing line.
4. Team A's throwers will stand in a line, and right next to them will be a line of team B's fetchers.
5. Team B's throwers will stand in a line with team A's fetchers in a line next to them.
6. The first thrower for each team will have a tennis ball or beanbag. It's up to the leader on what objects participants will be throwing.
7. When the activity begins, the first team A thrower and team B thrower will throw the tennis ball (or beanbag) as far as they can in front of them.
8. As soon as they throw the ball, the first fetcher in line will run to get the ball.
9. When they get to the ball, they will pick it up and run it back to the next thrower in line.
10. As soon as the next thrower has the ball, they will throw it and the next fetcher will run to get the ball.
11. To ensure that the throwers throw the ball as soon as they get it, have a rule that if they don't throw the ball right away (2-3 seconds after getting the ball), the rest of the throwers have to throw the ball underhand, have to throw with their non-dominant hand, or the team is disqualified.
12. The first fetching team to get through their line two or three times is the winner.
13. Switch the throwers and the fetchers.
Variations:
Participants throw footballs or frisbees instead.
Each thrower has a ball/beanbag, and when one fetcher returns and places their ball/beanbag in the hoop next to them, the next thrower will throw their ball/beanbag.
Teams will throw for their own team's fetchers, however, there will be a line set up that participants have to throw the ball over. If it doesn't go over, then they will have to throw again for the same fetcher.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.