Tossing the Ball

Tossing the Ball is a traditional game played by the Plains Cree people in North America. It was one of the few games played by both men and women together.

Age: 5+

No. of players: 2 or more

Equipment: A large ball (a volleyball is ideal, although a basketball or soccer ball could be used)

Time: 10+ minutes

Aim: To stay in the game the longest.

1. Players stand around in a circle and volley the ball to each other by hitting it with both hands. (A "hit" occurs when you knock the ball back into the air by bouncing it off the palms of your hands. The ball must not remain in contact with your hands, such as when a player attempts to carry or lift it. A "Volley" occurs when players correctly hit the ball in a continuous sequence from one player to another.)

2. If a player misses the ball or hits it badly (so another person cannot volley it) he is out of the game. A new person can take his place.

3. The winner is the person who remains in the game for the longest without getting out.

Source: Adapted from http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/games/ball/tossingtheball.html