EQUIPMENT
12 beanbags
5 short cones
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Cops & Robbers. In this game, you are a gang of robbers that have just robbed a bank (baseline) and are trying to escape with bags full of cash (beanbags). Your goal is to escape with the cash and not get tagged by a cop.
INSTRUCTIONS
Before the game begins, I will select six students to be robbers. Robbers will begin on the baseline.
Everyone else will be a cop. Cops will begin on the end line.
The cops must use a two-finger butterfly tag.
When I say, “GO!” robbers must run from the bank with a bag of cash on their head and try to make it to the hide out (end line) without being tagged by a cop or letting the cash fall.
If you are tagged or if the cash falls off your head, you become a cop the next round.
We will begin a new game once all robbers have either been tagged or make it to the hide out.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Add obstacles, like short cones, for the robbers to maneuver around.
Variation: For increased difficulty, consider having cops walk. If they run, freeze them for 20 seconds.
TEACHING TIPS
Approach: Start with two capable defenders to challenge the rest of the students.
Approach: Depending on your class size, have more or less teams of squirrels.
Discussion: Ask students to share how pushing off their back foot allowed them to transition into a faster run. What was easy or hard for the squirrels to use standing starts to get the acorns?