(Captain Ball—V)
20 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball.
This game differs from any other form of Captain Ball in the fact that the players progress after each score from base to base. Each player thus completes the round of outer bases in his own field, then becomes captain for his team, then a fielder, and then starts on the round as guard for each base, in turn, in the opposite field. The use of progression in this game was originated by Miss Cora B. Clark of New York. It is obviously best adapted to older players,—of high school age,—but once understood, the progression is simple and well within the ability of younger players.This form of the game as to grounds and rules may be played without the progression if desired.
This game differs from any other form of Captain Ball in the fact that the players progress after each score from base to base. Each player thus completes the round of outer bases in his own field, then becomes captain for his team, then a fielder, and then starts on the round as guard for each base, in turn, in the opposite field. The use of progression in this game was originated by Miss Cora B. Clark of New York. It is obviously best adapted to older players,—of high school age,—but once understood, the progression is simple and well within the ability of younger players.
This form of the game as to grounds and rules may be played without the progression if desired.
diagram: Progressive Captain BallProgressive Captain Ball
GROUND.—The ground is divided into two equal parts, with a line through the center. In the center of each of the two fields a circle is drawn for the captain's base, four feet in diameter. At equal distances around this a series of small circles for bases is drawn, the series outlining the arc of a large circle open to the center or dividing line. The small bases (circles) should be each threefeet in diameter. Their number will depend upon the number of players, but they should not be closer than six feet to each other and ten feet from the center base.
Each base in the accompanying diagram is lettered to make clearer the order of progression, but when this order is once understood, it is not necessary to number the bases on the ground.
TEAMS.—The players are divided into two even teams, each consisting of a captain, two fielders, and a number of basemen, one for each of the small outer circles or bases. In addition, there should be a guard for each baseman and one for the captain.
The players are disposed as follows: The captain stands in the center base, with a guard outside the base. Each of the basemen stands in one of the smaller outer bases, with a guard outside his base. The fielders, at the opening of the game, face each other at the center of the dividing line.
OBJECTS OF THE GAME.—The objects of the game are (1) to send the ball in a complete circuit of the outer bases; and (2) to throw the ball from a baseman to the captain on his side of the field.
START.—The game is started by the referee throwing the ball up between the fielders, who jump for it and try to bat it toward their own captain and basemen. Whenever a score is made, the ball is put in play again as at first.
RULES.—The captain may not step outside his base. A ball caught in this way does not score, but the misstep is not a foul unless with both feet. The outer basemen may put one foot outside their bases when trying to catch the ball. A guard must stay within three feet of the base he guards, and may not step within it. Guards, of course, try to prevent the basemen from getting the ball or to prevent its being thrown to the captain, and to intercept it as it makes the round of the circle. They also try to get the ball to throw to the basemen on their own side. The fielders, aside from jumping for the ball when it is put into play, may move anywhere in the field. Their chief office is to get the balls which go out of bounds, no one else being allowed to do this. Fielders may play the ball if it comes their way, but they must not interfere with guards. A ball thrown from a guard or fielder does not score.
PROGRESSION.—The distinctive feature of this game is the methodof progression. To make this plainer, the players in the diagram are designated by numbers as well as by teams. Thus, "X" indicates all players on one team, and "O" all players on the other team, each player carrying a number,X-1,X-2,X-3, etc. The method of progression is as follows:—
After the ball has scored a point, the two fielders,X-13andO-13, move to baseA.O-13, as he is now crossing to his home side of the field, goes inside of baseAas baseman, andX-13becomes his guard; the other two fielders,X-14andO-14, go to baseF, the home man,X-14, going inside the base, andO-14becoming his guard. It will thus be seen that the two fielders bearing the lower number (13) go to the first base,A, and those bearing the higher number (14) go to the base bearing the highest letter,F. At the same time that the fielders make this change, each baseman and his attendant guard move one base farther up; that is, basemanO-1and guardX-7move from baseAto baseB; basemanO-2and his guardX-8move from baseBto baseC; and so on. The last baseman on this side,O-5, and his guard,X-11, move to the center or captain's base, the previous captain and his guard taking the place of the fielders who stood nearest baseE. On the other side of the field the progression is made in the same way, so that the order of progression is always from basesA,B,C,D, andEto the captain's base, and from the captain's base to fielders. When a player has made the complete circuit of one side, he progresses from fielder's position to the opposite side; that is, after the players who started in baseA(basemenO-1and guardX-7) become fielders, they progress by going to baseF, instead of back to baseA. This change comes easily if the captain from the base occupied at first byX-6always takes his place as fielder nearest baseA; the fielders nearestAalways going toA, and the other fielders toF.
FOULS.—(1) Touching the ball when it is in another player's hands; (2) walking or running with the ball; (3) stepping out of his base by the captain to catch the ball; (4) stepping out of the bases with both feet by the basemen; (5) moving by a guard more than three feet from the base he guards; (6) stepping over the center line into the opponents' territory; (7) two fielders from the same side going after the ball at once when it goes out of bounds.
PENALTY FOR FOULS.—No score is made on fouls, the penalty being the loss of the ball to the opposite side. The ball under these circumstances goes to the player on the other side, who stands in a corresponding position to the one who made the foul.
SCORE.—A ball thrown from a baseman to his captain scores one point. A ball completing a circuit of the outer basemen scores two points. The side wins which has the highest score when time is called. The game may be played in from thirty to sixty minutes' time.
10 to 60 players.
Gas ball.
diagram: Schoolroom Captain BallSchoolroom Captain Ball
The class is divided into two teams, with a center captain and five bases on each side. The remaining players of each company serve as guards, and are placed on the opposite side from their captains and bases to prevent opponents from catching the ball.
The teacher or umpire tosses the ball alternately to the guards, the first time to team one, the second time to team two.
The guards, in turn, toss it to their bases, who try to get it to their captains, the opposite guards opposing by guarding with the arms and jumping to catch the ball. The game continues until one captain catches the ball from astraight throw(not a bound) from a base (not a guard). The sidecatching the ball scores a point, and the umpire then tosses the ball to the guards of the opposite team, etc.
The game is played in time limits, the side having the highest score at the end of ten or fifteen minutes winning the game.
Fouls are—Holding the ball longer than five seconds.Snatching the ball.Knocking the ball out of an opponent's hand.
In case of a foul the ball is given to the opposite team.
Any number may play the game, provided the sides are even.
This schoolroom adaptation of Captain Ball was made by Miss Mabel L. Pray of Toledo, Ohio, and was submitted in a competition for schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. This game was one that received honorable mention, and is here published by the kind permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, who publish the handbook in which the game first appeared.
This schoolroom adaptation of Captain Ball was made by Miss Mabel L. Pray of Toledo, Ohio, and was submitted in a competition for schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. This game was one that received honorable mention, and is here published by the kind permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, who publish the handbook in which the game first appeared.
10 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Hand ball; basket ball.
All of the players but one form a circle, with considerable space between each two. The odd player stands in the center, holding the ball. He tosses it to any player in the circle, and immediately runs away outside the circle. The player to whom the ball is thrown must catch it, place it on the ground in the center of the circle, and at once chase the one who threw it. The one who threw the ball tries to get back to the center of the circle and touch the ball before he can be tagged. Should he succeed in this, he joins the circle, and the other player throws the ball. If the first center player is tagged before returning to the ball, he throws again, and the one who chased him returns to the circle.
This game is very popular with children.
10 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Hand ball; basket ball; bean bag.
I. Simple form for little children.
All of the players but one stand in a circle, with two or three feet distance between players. The odd player stands in the center of the circle and tries to catch the ball, which is tossed rapidly from one circle player to another. Should he be successful, the one who last touched the ball changes places with him.
II. Advanced form for skillful players.
This differs from the preceding in the greater distance between players and also in the much greater range and resourcefulness of play.
The players stand in a circle with from six to eight feet between each two, and with one player in the center. The circle players throw a ball from one to another, the object of the game being for the center player to catch the ball or knock it to the floor. The circle players may throw the ball over the heads of one another or across the circle, or make sudden feints of throwing it in one direction, turn suddenly and throw it in another, etc., to deceive the center player.
Any player in the circle who last touched the ball, changes places with the center player whenever the latter touches or catches the ball.
(See alsoLine Club Bowls (Single);Line Club Bowls (Double);Circle Club Bowls.)
10 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Hand ball; bean bag.
diagram: Center Club BowlsCenter Club Bowls
The players join in a large circle and number by twos or consecutively. The odd numbers form one team and the even numbers (alternate players) another. Three Indian clubs are placed at thepoints of a small triangle, measuring about twelve inches in the center of the circle. Each player, in turn, bowls at the clubs with a hand ball or bean bag. Each club bowled over scores one for the bowler's team. The team wins which has the highest score when each player has bowled twice, or more times, as may be agreed on at the opening of the game. Each player must secure his ball or bag after bowling and replace the overturned clubs. One ball or bag may be used and passed around the circle, but the play is quicker if each player has his own.
10 to 60 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom.
Hand ball; basket ball; bean bag.
The players stand in a circle with from three to five feet between each two. The game consists of merely tossing the ball rapidly from one player to another, but not in regular order. The sport comes from the unexpectedness with which the ball may be thrown across the ring, or reverse the direction in which it is circling the ring, or in any other way taking the players unaware. A leader or teacher should see that this element of sport is put into the game, or else it may be very dull and useless.
Any player failing to catch the ball should sit down, the player winning who remains standing the longest.
When all are seated, the same game may be played in a sitting position.
For a more advanced form of this game, see Round Ball.
For very little children, the spaces between players should be less and the tossing done in regular order from one player to the next, working up gradually to the more varied modes of playsuggested above. Several balls or bags may be used, following each other in quick succession. The number of these may be increased until there is but one (or two) balls or bean bags less than the number of players.
(See alsoLine Club Bowls (Single);Line Club Bowls (Double);Center Club Bowls.)
6 to 60 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball; football; Indian clubs.
The players divide into two parties and take their places in one large circle, the players of one party alternating with those of the other. There should be five or six feet of space between each two players. Each player is provided with an Indian club.
diagram: Circle Club BowlsCircle Club Bowls
The players of one party distinguish themselves and their clubs in some way, as by tying a handkerchief around the arm and club.
The players, having taken their places in the circle, place each his own club on the floor behind him at a distance of two or three feet. The object of the game is to knock over the opponents' clubs by rolling the ball on the floor, and naturally to protect one's own clubs. Any player may start the game.
While the main form of play for the ball is to roll it, it is permissible to bound the ball from one player to another, and also permissible to knock over a club with a ball that bounds instead of rolling. It is not permissible to toss a ball from one player to another, or to dislodge a club by a toss unless the ball should hit the floor and bound before it hits the club.
Whenever a club is dislodged, the owner of the club must setit up again at once; if he also has the ball, he must set up the club before putting the ball again into play.
A point is scored by one party whenever one of the opponents' clubs is dislodged, whether it be knocked over by a ball or by its owner. The side wins which first makes a score of forty-nine points.
The game may also be played with two balls at once, and this is always desirable for as many as twenty players.
(SeeDodge Ball.)
plate: CIRCLE STRIDE BALLCIRCLE STRIDE BALL
10 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Foot ball; basket ball.
All but one of the players form a circle, standing in stride position with feet touching those of the next players to make a barricade for the ball.
The odd player stands in the center and tries to throw the ball outside of the circle between the feet of the players. Those in the circle try to prevent the passage of the ball, using only their hands for this. This play is continued until the center player succeeds in sending the ball through the circle, when he changes places with the player between whose feet or on whose right side it passed out. If a circle player moves his feet in any way, he must change places with the center.
The center player will aid his object by using considerable finesse, appearing to intend sending the ball in one direction, turning suddenly and sending it in another, etc.
When the ball has been sent out of the circle, the players turn, facing outward, and the odd man tries to send it back inside according to the same rules.
(SeeZigzag Games.)
Four forms of this game are given in this volume in alphabetic order. Two are in line formation and two in circle formation, as follows:—1.Line Club Bowls.—(Single) (Relay formation, one club bowled over.)2.Line Club Bowls.—(Double) (Relay formation, ball or bag bowled between two clubs.)3.Circle Club Bowls.—(Ring formation, clubs outside of ring.)4.Center Club Bowls.—(Ring formation, three clubs in center.)See alsoBattle BallandBombardment.
Four forms of this game are given in this volume in alphabetic order. Two are in line formation and two in circle formation, as follows:—
1.Line Club Bowls.—(Single) (Relay formation, one club bowled over.)
2.Line Club Bowls.—(Double) (Relay formation, ball or bag bowled between two clubs.)
3.Circle Club Bowls.—(Ring formation, clubs outside of ring.)
4.Center Club Bowls.—(Ring formation, three clubs in center.)
See alsoBattle BallandBombardment.
(See alsoDouble Corner Ball.)
10 to 30 or more players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball; volley ball.
diagram: Corner BallCorner Ball
GROUND.—The ground is marked off into a space measuring at least twenty-five by thirty feet. This is divided across the center by a straight line. In the further corners of each half so made, a small square goal is marked out, there being two such goals in each court.
PLAYERS.—The players are divided into two even parties, each of which takes position on one side of the ground and stations a goal man in each of the goals at the rear of the opposite side.
OBJECT.—The object of the game is to throw the ball over the heads of the opposing party to one's own goal men, who are at the rear of the opponents' court.
RULES AND POINTS OF PLAY.—The players on each side are not bound to any special territory within their own court, but will naturally see that each of the goals at their rear is well protected, and will try to intercept the ball before it can reach these goals. They will also, of course, try to throw the ball over the opposing party to their own goal men in the opposite court. No player maycross the line which divides the two halves of the ground. The goal men may not step outside of their goals. Any ball caught in this way fails to score. No opponent may step inside of a goal. When a goal man catches a ball, he must at once throw it back, trying of course to get it to his own party over the heads of the opponents, who try to intercept it.
SCORE.—Every ball caught by a goal man scores one for the party throwing. The side first scoring twenty points wins the game.
10 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom.
Balls; bean bags.
The players are divided into four groups, one group stationed in each corner called North, South, East, and West.
Four captains stand in the center, each with a bean bag, facing his corner of players, who stand in a row. The captain throws the bean bag to each player in turn in his group, who throws it back at once to the captain, and so on until the last player is reached. As the captain throws to his last player he calls "Corner Spry!" and runs to the head of the row, the last player becoming captain. The group that first succeeds in having all of its players in the captain's place wins the game.
This game was originated by Miss Amy A. Young of Cleveland, Ohio, and received honorable mention in a competition for schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. It is here published by the kind permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch, and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, publishers of the handbook in which the game first appeared.
This game was originated by Miss Amy A. Young of Cleveland, Ohio, and received honorable mention in a competition for schoolroom games conducted by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League of New York City in 1906. It is here published by the kind permission of the author, and of the Girls' Branch, and of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Brothers, publishers of the handbook in which the game first appeared.
10 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Soft hand ball.
The players scatter over the playground, trying to get as far away as possible from the one who has the ball. He throws it at one of the players, trying to hit him with it, at the same time calling"Crackabout!" All of the players make a rush for the ball, the one who succeeds in getting it being the next thrower. The other players scatter immediately that one has secured it, the ball man at once throwing at some other player, naturally trying to hit the nearest. As soon as the players hear his call of "Crackabout!" they rush together again in the direction of the ball to try and secure it, and so on indefinitely. The game is thus a rapid succession of running away from the ball man and scrimmages to secure the ball. It is one of the strenuous and popular games enjoyed by boys of almost any age, and affords some lively exercise and sport in a few minutes.
10 to 100 players.
Gymnasium; playground.
Basket ball; volley ball.
This is one of the most interesting ball games and is adaptable to many conditions. For instance, where a curtain cannot be conveniently hung, the game may be played over a high fence or hedge.
The game consists in throwing a ball backward and forward over a curtain which conceals the opposing players from each other. As the ball should not be allowed to touch the ground, scoring for the opponents whenever it does so, the players have to be very alert, and there is opportunity for much sport in the game. For a very large number of players, more than one ball may be used.
GROUND.—No outside boundaries are necessary for this game. The ground should be divided into two approximately equal parts by an opaque curtain eight feet in height, strung on a rope or wire carried across from side supports. This should touch the ground, so that there is no means of seeing the position of the opposing players on the other side. As stated above, the game may be played across a high fence or hedge instead of over a curtain.
PLAYERS.—The players are divided into two parties of equal number. There is no regular formation or disposition of the players over the ground. Each party should select an umpire, whose dutyit is to stand at one end of the curtain on the opponents' side, where he can watch the opponents and keep score.
RULES.—The ball is thrown back and forth from one side to the other over the curtain, and should be caught before it can touch the floor. Players will try to deceive their opponents as to the point where the ball is to cross the curtain, and the more rapid the play is the more alert the players will have to be. The great sport of the game consists in the unexpectedness with which the ball may appear at any given point.
SCORE.—Opponents score one point whenever the ball touches the ground. The side wins which first scores twenty-one points.
This game was originated by Dr. Dudley A. Sargent.
This game was originated by Dr. Dudley A. Sargent.
10 to 60 players.
Schoolroom.
Gas ball; bean bags.
This game may be played with balls or bean bags. If with balls, a light gas ball is preferable, as for all schoolroom games. From one to three balls or bags will be needed for the game. If the class is a large one, only half the pupils should play at a time; if a small class, all may play at once. The players stand in the aisles or between the seats and desks, and should be scattered around the schoolroom.
The teacher puts the balls in play by tossing them one at a time upward, so they will land in different directions in the room. The players, as opportunity avails, without leaving their places on the floor, try to catch a ball and toss it in the same way to some other player. It is not permissible to throw the ball at another player; it must always be tossed in the air. Any player who does not catch the ball, but instead is touched by it, is "dead" (out of the game), and must sit down. Each player tosses the ball upward in some new direction as soon as he receives it. This play continues until only one player remains standing, who is considered the winner.
This is one of the most popular gymnasium or playground games. It is here described first for an informal game; then in three forms for an athletic contest, the latter as developed by Mr. William A. Stecher; and lastly, for use in the schoolroom. Forms II, III, and IV are for match games.
This is one of the most popular gymnasium or playground games. It is here described first for an informal game; then in three forms for an athletic contest, the latter as developed by Mr. William A. Stecher; and lastly, for use in the schoolroom. Forms II, III, and IV are for match games.
(Informal)
10 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball.
This game is a very popular gymnasium or playground game. An informal mode of play is here described. For match games between competing teams more strict athletic procedure is necessary, and three such forms of the game follow.
This game is a very popular gymnasium or playground game. An informal mode of play is here described. For match games between competing teams more strict athletic procedure is necessary, and three such forms of the game follow.
The players are divided into two even groups. One group forms a circle (this need not be marked on the ground). The larger the circle the more sport in the game. The other group stands within the circle, scattered promiscuously. The object of the game is for the circle men to hit the center men with a basket ball, the center men dodging to evade this. They may jump, stoop, or resort to any means of dodging except leaving the ring. Any player hit on any part of his person at once joins the circle men. The last player to remain in the center is considered the winner. The groups as originally constituted then change places for the next game, the center men becoming circle players and the circle men going to the center.
There is no retaliatory play of the ball by the center players; they merely dodge it. The ball is returned to the circle either by a toss from a center man or by a circle man stepping in for it if it should not roll or bound within reach. When two center menare hit by one throw of the ball, only the first one hit leaves the center.
10 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball.
GROUND.—A circle is drawn on the ground. For practice play, a temporary marking may most quickly be made by the players forming a circle, dropping hands, and each player then marking the arc of the circle in front of himself, joining it to those of the adjacent players. For match games the circle should be marked in advance and should be accurate, and measure thirty-five feet in diameter.
TEAMS.—Any number of players may take part. They are divided into two equal teams, one of which stands around and outside of the circle; the other team is grouped promiscuously within the circle. There are no officers of the teams, but for match games a referee is necessary, who should also act as score keeper.
OBJECT OF GAME.—The object of the game is for the outer or circle team to hit the players of the inner team with a basket ball, any player so hit being "out" and having to leave the game. With one slight exception, explained farther on, only the inner players score, and this on the basis of the number of players left in the circle when time limits are called. There is no retaliatory play from the inner team.
START.—The game starts on a signal from the referee with the ball in the hands of the outer circle. The referee blows his whistle for play to cease whenever an inner player is fairly touched with the ball, and again for play to resume. He also signals for time limits explained under "Score."
RULES AND POINTS OF PLAY.—The players in the outer team must not step within the circle when throwing. A center player hit by such a throw is not out.
A ball that does not hit a center player is usually recovered by the outer circle by rolling or otherwise making its own way to the opposite side of the circle. If a ball remains in the circle or rebounds into it, one of the outer team may run in to get it. He maythrow it while within the circle to one of his teamsmen who is in place outside the circle; or he may return with it to his own place and throw from there; but he may not throw at one of the inner players while himself within the circle.
The inner team does not play the ball: it only dodges the ball. Any tactics may be used for this except leaving the ring. The dodging may be done by stepping quickly in one direction or another, by twisting, stooping, jumping, or any other methods that suggest themselves.
A player of the inner team hit on any part of his person or clothing by a ball is out. This may be either from the ball on the fly or on a bounce, or rolling. Only one player may be put out for one throw of the ball. Should two players be hit by one throw of the ball, the first one touched by the ball is the one to go out. When a player is hit, the referee blows his whistle, the play ceases, and the player hit quickly leaves the circle. The referee blows his whistle again for the play to resume; but should the hit player not then have left the circle so that he may be hit a second time, such a second hit scores one point for the opponents.
SCORE.—The game is played in two halves of ten minutes each, the teams changing places at the end of the first half. The main scoring is done by the inner team, which scores one point for each player left within the circle at the end of its half. The only other scoring is by the outer team whenever a player is hit a second time before leaving the circle, each such hit scoring one point for the throwing party.
The team wins which at the end of the second half has the highest score from these two sources together.
The game as here given was developed by Mr. William A. Stecher.
The game as here given was developed by Mr. William A. Stecher.
20 to 60 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball.
The game is played by two opposing teams in a three-court field, instead of by three teams in such a field as in ProgressiveDodgeball. One team takes its place in the center court, and the opposing team is equally divided, one half going to each of the end courts. The teams must be of equal numbers, and for match games have sixteen players on each.
The game is played in two halves of ten minutes or less each. At the end of the first half the teams change courts.
The rules for play are exactly the same as for Progressive Dodgeball. The main difference in the games is in the smaller number of opponents in the end courts.
This game was devised by Mr. William A. Stecher
This game was devised by Mr. William A. Stecher
15 to 100 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Basket ball.
GROUND.—The ground is divided into three equal courts, each 30 × 30 feet. The end courts may be shorter if full space be not available.
diagram: Progressive DodgeballProgressive Dodgeball
TEAMS.—The players are divided into three equal teams, which for convenience may be designated by colors, Red, White, and Blue. There are no officers for the teams, but one referee for the game, who should also act as score keeper, is desirable, and for match games necessary. At the opening of the game the two outer teams line up, each on its inner boundary line, each player standing with one foot on the line. The center team is grouped promiscuously near the middle of the center court. The teams change courtsat the end of each inning, and the formation or line-up just described is resumed at the opening of each inning.
OBJECT OF THE GAME.—The game consists in hitting players with a flying ball (not a bounce), any player so hit being out and leaving the field. For this purpose the two end teams play against the center team (but not against each other); and the center team also plays the ball in a retaliatory or aggressive game, trying to hit players on either of the end teams.
START.—The game is played in three innings, each of five or more minutes' duration. Each inning begins with the teams in the formation shown in the diagram and described under "Teams," except that the different teams will be in different courts for each inning.
The referee puts the ball in play by tossing it to the center team (say the Whites, as shown in the diagram), and at the same time blows his whistle as a signal for the game to open. The referee also blows his whistle whenever a player is hit so as to be out (i.e.hit by a ball "on the fly," not on a bounce). The hit player at once leaves the field, and play is resumed by the referee's whistle and tossing of the ball to the center team as at the beginning. The referee also calls time for the close of innings. After the ball has been put regularly in play, teams may only secure the ball when it is "dead,"i.e.when it has not just been played by an opponent, but has stopped, rolled, or bounced into its own court.
RULES AND POINTS OF PLAY.—After the referee has put the ball in play by tossing it to the center team, the player catching it runs to either the left or right boundary line of his field and throws the ball at one of the opposing players (Red or Blue). These players, meanwhile, immediately upon hearing the whistle to start, should have run toward the rear of their respective courts to lessen the chances of being hit. Should the White player succeed in hitting a player on the Red or Blue team, the referee's whistle is blown, the hit player leaves the field, and the game starts over again as at the beginning. Should the White player fail to hit one of the opponents, the latter try, in turn, to secure the ball before it rebounds or rolls back into the center court. The player who gets it either runs up to the boundary line and throws at the Whites, or passes the ball to some other player of his own team who does this. The Whites naturally scatter to the farther boundary line of their court to avoidbeing hit. Should the ball fail to hit a White player, it is most likely to go entirely across to the Blue court, where one of the Blue team should catch it, and in turn try to hit the Whites.
diagram: Score Card for Progressive DodgeballScore Card for Progressive DodgeballWhite Team Wins
The end teams (in this case Red and Blue) play against the center (White), but not against each other. The center team plays against both end teams. Thus, a player in either of the end teams may be hit by a player on the center team, but it is not a part of the game for these end teams to try to hit each other. A ball thrown by either end team across the center court may be caught, however, by a player on the opposite end.
A player is not out if hit by a ball that rebounds, whether from the floor, another player, a wall, or any other object.
A player is not out if the thrower of the ball overstepped the boundary lines while throwing.
The only kind of a hit that puts a player out is one from a ball "on the fly" thrown from behind a boundary line.
Players may dodge in any way they choose, but a hit from a flying ball on any part of the person or clothing puts a player out.
At the close of each inning (of five or more minutes) the teams progress or change courts in regular order, from right to left. That is, the Blue team moves to the center, the White team to the left court, and the Red team to the right court. For the third inning another change is made in the same direction, the Reds going to the center, the Blues to the left court, and the Whites to the right court. Thus, in the three innings each team will have played in each court.
When a new inning is started and the teams change courts, all players who have been hit and are out return to their teams. Each inning begins, therefore, with full teams.
SCORE.—A score is made for each team for each of the three innings, and consists of a count of the players who have been hit(put "out") during the inning. The team wins which at the close of the three innings has the smallest score; that is, has had the smallest number of players hit.
It adds much to the interest of a game to have the score posted on a bulletin in sight of the players. But whether on a bulletin or card, the accompanying form is desirable.
This game was devised and developed by Mr. William A. Stecher.
This game was devised and developed by Mr. William A. Stecher.
10 to 60 players.
Gas Ball.
The players are evenly divided into two teams. One team takes its place around the outer edge of the room; the players of the other team scatter through the aisles or seats, which latter should be turned up if possible. The outer team tries to hit the inner team with the ball, any player so hit taking his place in the outer team and joining in its play. The player who remains longest in the center is considered to have won.
Only a hit from a ball on the fly counts. A hit from a bounce does not put a player out. If a ball touches any part of the clothing or person, it is considered a hit. If two players are hit by the same throw, only the first one hit is considered out. Players may dodge the ball in any way. The ball is returned to the circle players by a toss from one of the inner team, should it be out of reach of any player of the circle team.
If desired, the hit players may leave the game instead of joining the outer circle. This leaves the teams intact, and each then keeps a separate score.
If successive games be played, the teams change places, the inner players going to the circle, andvice versa. The game may then be played in innings if desired, each team to be given three minutes in the circle. One point is then scored against a team while in the center for every player hit, and the team wins which has the smallest score at the end.
14 to 100 players.
Gymnasium; playground.
2 basket balls.
This game is one of the comparatively few in which a large number of players may be kept actively engaged at the same time. The game was developed by Miss Caroline M. Wollaston of New York City, through whose kindness it is here given. There are practically two games going on at once, in which each player participates in rotation.
This game is one of the comparatively few in which a large number of players may be kept actively engaged at the same time. The game was developed by Miss Caroline M. Wollaston of New York City, through whose kindness it is here given. There are practically two games going on at once, in which each player participates in rotation.
GROUND.—The ground for this game should be outlined in a square measuring about forty by forty feet. In each corner is marked a small goal, the two goals at one end belonging to one team, say the Blues, and the two goals at the other end belonging to the opposing, or Red, team. Near the center are marked two small circular goals for the throwers of the different teams. The thrower for the Red team stands in the center goal farthest removed from the red corners; the thrower for the Blue team in the goal farthest removed from the Blue corners.
Two basket balls are needed for the game.
TEAMS.—Any number of players, from fourteen to one hundred, may play. These are divided into two teams. While it is advisable to have the two teams even in numbers, an odd player may be assigned to either team.
Each team chooses its own captain. Each captain selects two goal keepers, players who can jump and catch well being best for this position. These two goal keepers are assigned to goals at the same end of the ground, each being guarded by guards from the opposite team. If desired, a halt may be called during the game, and the goal keepers changed for others designated by the captain. This is sometimes desirable to rest players filling this arduous position, and sometimes for the purpose of distributing among the players opportunities for this kind of play.
The remaining players are guards, and are divided by the captain into two parties, one for each of the opponents' corner goals. The following method has been found to work quickly and well for thispurpose: The captain lines up his players and numbers them, taking any number that he chooses for himself. Those having odd numbers are sent to guard one goal, and those having even numbers to guard the other goal. Each guard should remember well his number, as there is a constant rotation of players according to number.