Stuck in the Mud
A tag game where tagged children stand "stuck" with legs apart and get freed when a friend crawls through. Constant movement, nobody sits out.
Overview
You need
No equipment neededOptional: Cones or markersOptional: Scarves
Skills developed
- Locomotor: dodging, changing direction
- Teamwork: freeing others
- Agility: crawling, ducking
NEL Framework: Motor Skills Development.
Set up
1Step 1
Mark the area with cones. Bigger group, bigger area, but keep it small enough to stay busy.
2Step 2
Pick two taggers. Give each one a scarf to hold up as they run, so every child can see at a glance who is chasing. Without it, younger children lose track and stop running. A coloured bib works just as well.
ChildTagger / team BCoachHoopSpotConeBallBeanbagRope or lineMarked areaWhere they move
How to play
- Taggers chase. A tagged child is "stuck in the mud": stands still, legs wide apart, arms out.
- Any free child can rescue them by crawling between their legs. Then both run again.
- Swap taggers every minute or two. Everyone gets a turn to be "it".
Tips for explaining
"Look up, not down." Runners who watch the floor collide. Eyes forward.
"Shout your name if you are stuck." Children get stuck at the edges and nobody notices. Their own name is easier to shout than "help".
Make it easier / harder
EasierOne tagger. Rescue by a high-five instead of crawling through.
HarderThree taggers. Rescuers must crawl through, then do one star jump before running.
Safety
No tagging on the head or pushing: "gentle tap on the shoulder or back". Stop the game if the space gets crowded.
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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.