EQUIPMENT
11 short cones
24 fuzzy balls
Optional: 2 playground balls
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Snowball Alley. In this game you are elves at the North Pole. Your goal is to get to your workshop without getting hit by a snowball from the Grinch (thrower).
INSTRUCTIONS
- Before the game begins, line up on the baseline shoulder-to-shoulder.
- I will begin as the Grinch. The Grinch cannot throw any snowballs past the boundary cones and cannot enter the alley to retrieve balls during a game.
- All snowballs must be thrown underhand.
- When I say, “GO!” run to the workshop without getting hit by a snowball.
- If you get to the cabin without getting hit, you are safe for the next round.
- If you get hit with a snowball from the shoulders or below or go out-of-bounds, you become a Grinch the next round.
- We will begin a new game when there is one elf left.
Game 1: Play as indicated above. Elves can have a “Three life Rule”. They can be hit up to three times before becoming an elf.
Game 2: Elves become Grinches after one hit.
Game 3: Divide students into two teams – elves and Grinches. Switch roles after each game.
Variation: Add playground balls as avalanches – these can only be rolled or thrown at elves feet.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach: If elves are staying too long at one end of the alley, consider using a 10-second countdown.
- Approach: If Grinches are arguing over elves being hit or not, consider adding a ‘throwers choice rule or Ro Sham Bo.
- Discussion: Ask students to share what was easy or hard about throwing underhand to hit the elves.