of tossing and catching quicker than the
opponents; (2) to "overtake" or outdistance the bag or ball which the
opponents are tossing.

[Illustration diagram: OVERTAKE]

FORMATION.--When played in a gymnasium, a well-defined square should
be marked, around which the players take their places. The size may
vary with the number of players and their skill in throwing to and
catching from the captain who stands in the center. In the schoolroom
the players stand around the room next the wall, outside a line marked
on the floor, within which they may not go.

TEAMS.--Any number from twenty to sixty may play. Forty is an
especially good number.

The players are evenly divided into two teams, preferably designated
by colors; or the players of one team may each tie a handkerchief on
one arm to distinguish them. Polo caps of a colored cheese cloth are a
serviceable device. If it be used in the schoolroom, each player may
easily keep such a cap in his or her desk. Corresponding colors for
the two bean bags or balls are also desirable.

One player from each team is chosen for captain and stands in the
center, the two captains being side by side and moving around each
other within a small circle drawn on the floor, as becomes necessary
for the shifting direction of the play. The other players of each team
are numbered consecutively, and take their places alternately around
the square, the two Numbers One standing opposite each other. A
referee is also desirable who should start the game, announce score,
and award points to the opposing team when fouls are made. The referee
may act as scorer, or, if there be a separate scorer, announce the
points for scoring. The referee should also pick up any dead (dropped)
ball and toss it to the captain of the team.

START.--The game starts, on a signal from the referee, with the
captains standing back to back in the center, each facing the Number
One player of his team. At the signal each captain tosses his ball to
his Number One, who at once tosses it back to him; the captain then
tosses it to the next player of his team standing on Number One's
right, and he tosses it back. The play is thus continued around the
entire square until the captain tosses it again to his Number One,
which is called getting the ball "home." The two balls are thus being
played around in the same direction, following each other; and one of
the main features of the game is to have a ball "overtake" that of its
op