against
each other, each having a ball. Each group stands in single file in
leapfrog position, feet wide apart to form a tunnel through which the
ball is passed. The first players (captains) of each file toe a line
drawn across the ground, and at a signal put the ball in play by
passing it backward between the feet. When players become expert, one
long shot will send the ball to the end of the line. The other players
may strike it to help it along as it passes them if it goes slowly.
Should the ball stop, or go out of bounds at any place, the player
before whom this occurs must put it in play again, starting it between
his feet. When the ball reaches the rear of the file, the last player
runs with it to the front, the line moving backward quickly one place
to make room for him, and immediately rolls the ball back again
between the feet. This is repeated until the "captain" is the last
player. He runs forward with the ball, places it on a marked spot
twenty feet in front of his line, and returns to his place at the head
of the file. The file wins whose captain is first to return to his
original position.
Should there not be space for a point at which to leave the ball, the
game may be finished by the last player holding up the ball when it
reaches the end of the line, or by his running forward with it to the
head of the line.
An Indian club instead of a ball makes a much more skillful game, the
club being shoved over the ground, neck first. It is much more
difficult to guide than a ball, requires greater deliberation for a
long shot, and more easily stops or goes out of bounds. A basket ball
or smaller ball may be used.
This is one of the best games for training self-control under
excitement, as the precision needed for a long shot, especially with
the Indian club, is very difficult under the circumstances.
TEN TRIPS
_6 to 21 players._
_Playground._
_Baseball; tennis ball._
This game is a competition between two or more teams, and consists in
rapid pitching and catching of a base or tennis ball by each team.
A team consists of three players, two of whom stand a long throwing
distance apart (thirty yards or more), with the third player (Number
One) halfway between and on a line with them. Number One (the pitcher)
starts the game on a signal by throwing the ball to one of the end
players (Number Two); he throws it over the head of the pitcher to the
opposite end player (Number Three), who throws
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