Capture the flag
Use this team game to challenge players' footwork, tracking and evasion
There’s alot of variations for Capture the Flag. Here’s how I run the activity and some adaptations for you to try.
Setting up the game
Set up a playing area that looks similar to the picture above
Create a large box and place a dividing line across the middle
Using cones, create two smaller boxes instead each half and place the ‘flag’ (a rugby ball)
Split players into two teams
Team aim to steal their opponent’s flag and place it in their home box
If the a player who is stealing the flag is touch tackled, they must drop the flag where they were touched and return to their side of the playing area
The flag must remain where it was dropped (the defenders cannot pick it up and place it back in their home box)
Adaptations to try
Add in some hiding places using tackle columns (see above picture)
Players can pass the ball before the touch tackle, if they’re touch tackled they must still place the ball on the ground and move back to their half of the playing area
Players can grubber kick before the touch tackle. Limited the kick type to grubber kicks means players practice kicking the ball through a crowded space and stops the ball being punted far across the playing area
If players are struggling to win the game, you can allow teammates to act as blockers to help limit the defenders. This makes it easier for any attackers and increases the rate of success.
Create additional flags. You could set up the playing area similar to this, or with more boxes. Any cones they steal are worth 1 point, any bibs are worth 3 points and the rugby ball is worth 5. Place the high value points further away from the opposition team. It’s high risk and high reward.
Place multiple balls in the boxes. Players can carry more than one ball at a time, but if they get touch tackled carrying 2 or more balls, the opposition team win the game
Why play this game?
You can use this game as a warm up or small skills game. It provides opportunities for players to practice evasion and footwork.
Players in defence can work on their tracking, which is the first phase of the tackle.
Teams must work on strategy to decide how to attack and defend at the same time.
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