Shadow Tag
Tag by stepping on someone's shadow. No touching at all, so it suits a group that gets too rough with normal tag. Needs sunshine.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Cones or markers
Skills developed
- Agility: dodging, quick changes of direction
- Spatial awareness: judging where a shadow falls
- Self-control: no-contact play
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Find a sunny, open spot and mark the corners with cones.
2Step 2
Choose two taggers. Show everyone where their own shadow is.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Taggers try to stand on another child's shadow. Tagged children become taggers too.
- Play until only two are left, then those two start the next round.
- Fast rounds work best: two to three minutes each.
Tips for explaining
"Where is your shadow?" Turning so your shadow points away from the tagger is the trick.
"No hands." Feet on shadows only.
Make it easier / harder
EasierOne tagger, smaller area.
HarderTagged children freeze; they are freed when a free player steps on their shadow.
Safety
Children watching shadows do not watch each other: keep the group small and the area open.
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Rather we ran it for you?
This is one of the games our coaches run in pre-schools every week, with our own equipment. Weekly enrichment, sports days, or a whole holiday programme for your centre, planned in one message.