No.293
SPUD: A Rolling-Ball Adaptation
Japanese name: スパッド（転がし版）
Materials
- 1 large, soft ball
- Player number cards and a score sheet
How to play
- Give everyone a number and gather loosely in the centre, leaving space between players. One person gently tosses the ball straight upwards and calls a number. Everyone except that player moves away.
- The called player gets the ball and shouts “SPUD!” as soon as they touch it. Everyone stops. The ball holder may take up to four steps, saying S, P, U, D.
- Choose one player and roll the ball along the floor towards their feet. That player may dodge without moving their feet, or catch with both hands. Never throw at a head or body.
- If hit, the target receives a letter. If they catch it or the roll misses, the roller receives one. Record letters in order: S, P, U, D. The player receiving the letter tosses the ball next.
- After collecting all four letters, help toss the ball once, reset your letters to zero and rejoin. Pause every 5 minutes. Finish once everyone has handled the ball several times.
Ways to adapt
Younger primary: an adult calls numbers and tosses. Preschool: aim at cones instead of people. In this adaptation, four letters lead to one helping turn, followed by re-entry rather than elimination.