Five Alive

Written By Lee Hartley

Set-Up

Players:

  • There are five players: three fielders (1, 2, 3), one pitcher (4), and one kicker/batter (5).

Equipment:

  • A ball (could be a soccer ball, baseball, basketball, dodgeball, tennis ball, etc.)

  • Five cones arranged in a diamond shape, with one in the center and one at each corner.

Objective

The kicker/batter earns points by running around the cones, while the fielders work together to get the kicker/batter out by touching the ball and returning it to the pitcher.

When the kicker/ batter hits the ball, it MUST bounce once inside the square.

ALL the outfielders MUST touch the ball before getting the ball/object back to the pitcher.

Rules

Starting the Game:

The game begins with one of the fielders playing the ball to the kicker/batter.

Kicking and Running:

The kicker/batter hits the ball and starts running around the cones either to the right or left of them. The ball MUST bounce once inside the area.

Fielding:

All fielders (Players 1, 2, and 3) must work together to retrieve the ball.

To get the kicker/batter out, each fielder must touch the ball at least once and then get the ball back to the pitcher. They can throw or pass the ball among themselves.

Scoring Points:

The kicker earns one point for each cone they successfully run around and return to the middle.

Getting Out:

The kicker is out when all the fielders touch the ball and return it to the pitcher.

Winning the Game:

  • The game can be played for a set amount of time or until each player has had a turn as the kicker.

  • The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

This game combines kicking, throwing, catching, running, and teamwork elements, making it a fun and active way to develop coordination and collaboration skills.

Rotate the players clockwise as shown.

Variations

You can use various types of balls or objects to play this game. The kicker can dribble a soccer ball around the cones after kicking it, or dribble a basketball. Alternatively, you can use a baseball bat and ball.

The Game Encourages

  • Participation & Team Work

  • Physical Activity

  • Movement, agility, and reaction        

  • Throwing, catching, kicking, hitting

  • Ball-eye coordination

Set-Up & Equipment

  • 5+ students

  • Cones

  • Ball

 
Lee Hartley
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