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Associated sport: Boxing/Taekwondo
Indoor-friendly: Yes
Pool-friendly: No

Game description

A team called Ninja tries to steal the sacred jewels of the Emperor (the treasure) from the Imperial Palace which is guarded by another group, the Samurai warriors. The Ninjas try to fight their way past the Samurai guards by 1 point sparring matches.

What you need (setting up)

• 4 x cones or markers to define a square playing area.
• 1 x hoop with several tennis balls inside (the treasure).

What to do

• Form 2 equal teams:
• • Team A: Ninja assassins who plan to attack the Imperial Palace and steal the sacred jewels of the Emperor (the treasure).
  • Team B: Noble Samurai warriors whose job it is to guard the Imperial Palace.
• The Samurais line up around the treasure and each one faces a different Ninja opponent.
• Both players spar with one another, trying to score a point by lightly tagging their opponent’s arm between the elbow and the shoulder.
• If the Ninja wins, they can steal a ball and return it to their stores. If the Samurai wins, they may reclaim a ball from the Ninja’s stores.
• Players swap partners and then try again.
• Set a time limit for teams to steal or reclaim as much treasure as possible.
• Swap roles regularly.

Change it

• Arrange the make-up of teams so that all players have the opportunity to experience winning.

Safety

• Light touches only.
• Tag with an open hand. 
• Tag between the shoulder and the elbow.
• Watch out for other teams.

Ask the players

• What do you need to do/remember to have the best chance of success?
• How can you work together to get the best results?