The players are divided into groups, and line up in single file in two or more lines facing a basket ball goal or any substitute. Each line has a basket ball. At a signal each leader passes the ball backward overhead, the next player catches it and passes it in the same way, and so on to the end of the line. When the last player receives the ball, he runs forward and tries to throw it into the basket, standing on a line marked from five to ten feet from the goal. He is allowed but one throw, when he quickly takes his place at the front of his line (which moves backward one place to make room for him), and at once passes the ball backward overhead. The last player, in turn, runs forward, throws for goal, etc. This is repeated until each player in a line has thrown for the goal. Each goal made scores two points for the team. The team wins which has the highest score when all of the players have thrown.
This may also be played on time. Then each player throws until he succeeds in getting the ball into the basket. The team wins whose last man finishes first.
BALL CHASE
4 to 20 players.
Playground; gymnasium.
Hand ball or substitute.
A row of caps is set against a wall or fence, or a series of holes dug in the ground. At a point ten or twenty feet from these all of the players stand, and one selected as thrower throws a ball into one of the caps or holes. Any substitute may be used for a ball, such as a small block of wood or a stone. Should he miss, he repeats the throw until he succeeds. As soon as a ball lands in a cap, the owner of the cap runs away, and all of the others chase him until caught.
It will be seen that this game may best be played where there is opportunity for considerable dodging around and behind obstacles. The player being chased is exempt if he can get back to his own cap before being caught by the others. If caught, however, he becomes thrower for the next round; otherwise the first thrower continues in that position.
In a gymnasium a series of circles may be drawn on the floor in place of the holes or caps, and a bean bag tossed into them.