Guards and Ninjas

Tag Games

STORYLINE
Today we are playing Guards and Ninjas. In this game, the objective is for the ninjas to capture all of the treasure and for the guards to protect the treasure and catch as many ninjas as possible

INSTRUCTIONS

• Two players are designated as the “guards” on one side of the field, the rest of the players are “ninjas” on the other side.
• The role of the guards is to protect their “treasure” and capture the ninjas.
• The role of the ninjas is to try to secretly capture the treasure and bring it back safely to their “territory” or side of the field without being tagged. 
• At the word “GO!” the guards have 15 seconds to move their treasure to any part of their territory, before standing still with eyes completely closed.
• When the guards close their eyes, the ninjas have 10 seconds to move in and try to capture the treasure.
• When the words “ALARM! ALARM! ALARM!” are announced after 10 seconds, the guards can open their eyes and try to catch (tag) any of the ninjas before they get back to their own territory.
• Guards must use a one hand or two-finger tag when tagging ninjas
• A ninja may only capture one piece of treasure at a time
• If a ninja is tagged before getting back into their own territory, they become a guard
• If a ninja is tagged and is in possession of treasure, they must return the treasure to the guard territory
• The round ends when:
  • The ninjas capture all of the treasure.
  • All of the ninjas are captured.
• When the ninjas return to their territory, the guards may reposition the remaining treasure

TEACHING TIPS

• Approach: Choose capable guards and ninjas for the first round.  
• Approach: Depending on class size, add more ninjas or guards.