There's a Ball in the Bucket

Skill: Dodge, Run
Time Required: 15
Activity Type: Physical
Group Size: Large Group, Medium Group, Pair, 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 play area.
Remind participants to be aware of their surroundings and to keep their head up.
Equipment: 1 football per pair (or group of 4).
Cones or rope to set up boundaries.
1 bucket/bin/box/hoop per group.
Pinnies or flags.
Objective:
For the participant with the football to get it in the bucket (or other object), and for the other participant(s) to take the pinnie (or flag) from the participant with the football.
Other Skills:
Agility
Speed
Set up:
Divide participants into pairs, or groups of 4.
For each group (or for every 2 groups), create a large circle using cones or rope. In the centre of the circle place a bucket/bin/box/hoop.
Give each participant 1 or 2 pinnies (or flags); they will tuck these into each side of their waistband.
Step by Step:
1. There will be two pairs going against each other in each circle.
2. One pair will start as offense and the other team will start as defense.
3. The two offensive participants will put one pinnie or flag on each side of their waist band.
4. The two offensive participants will start outside the circle, and the two defensive participants will start inside the circle.
5. One of the offensive players will start with the football.
6. When the leader says "Go", or a defensive participant says "Go", the two offensive players will run into the circle.
7. The goal for the offensive participants is to run with the ball and pass the ball to their partner and try to get it into the bucket.
8. Defenders are trying to prevent the offensive participants from running towards the bucket or passing the football.
9. Whenever an offensive participant has the football, the defensive participant tries to take their pinnies/flags. The defenders cannot take the pinnie from the offensive participant that does not have the football.
10. When a defender takes a pinnie, the offensive participant keeps on playing and trying to run or pass the ball.
11. If an offensive participant loses both pinnies, they can still play, but they cannot throw the football in the bucket, they can only run and pass.
12. If a defender intercepts the ball, then one of the offensive participants has to lose a pinnie.
13. The round is over when the football is in the bucket (offensive team gets a point) or both offensive participants lose both of their pinnies (defensive team gets a point).
14. The offensive and defensive participants switch roles.
15. Play until one pair has 3 points.
Variations:
Play one against one.
Play with no pinnies, and the defenders have to intercept the ball. If they do intercept the ball, then they become the offensive participants.
Play with a foam ball or tennis ball or frisbee.
Sources: Developed for the Leisure Information Network.