SPUD

Get ready

1. Give every kid a number, starting at 1. Make sure they remember it.
2. Gather everyone in a tight group in the middle of an open space.

How to play

1. One kid throws the ball straight up and calls out a number.
2. Everyone runs away, except the kid whose number was called. That kid runs to get the ball.
3. When they grab it, they yell 'SPUD!' and everyone has to freeze.
4. The kid with the ball can take three big steps toward someone, then gently throws the ball to try to hit them below the shoulders.
5. If they hit the person, that person gets a letter (S, then P, then U, then D). If they miss, the thrower gets the letter.
6. Whoever got the letter tosses the ball up and calls the next number. Spell all of SPUD and you sit out the next round.

Tips & variations

• Soft foam ball only, and no hitting above the shoulders.
• The frozen target can't move their feet, but they're allowed to twist and duck.
• For younger kids, skip the letters and just keep tossing and calling numbers.