Kick the Can is a classic outdoor game that is perfect for a summer evening. It is a simple game to learn, but it can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages. The game is played with two teams, and the objective is to kick a can as far away from your team’s base as possible. The other team then has to try to catch the can and bring it back to their base. If they are successful, they score a point. The first team to reach a certain number of points wins the game.
To play Kick the Can, you will need a can, a ball, and a group of friends. The game is played on a large field or in a park. One team starts by hiding the can somewhere on the field. The other team then has to try to find the can and kick it as far away from their base as possible. The team that kicked the can then has to run back to their base and touch it before the other team can catch the can and bring it back to their base. If the other team catches the can, they score a point. The first team to reach a certain number of points wins the game.
Kick the Can is a great game for kids of all ages. It is a simple game to learn, but it can be a lot of fun. The game is also a great way to get some exercise. If you are looking for a fun outdoor game to play with your friends, Kick the Can is a great option.
Gather Your Team and Materials
Kick the Can is a classic outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple game to learn, but it can be a lot of fun. To play Kick the Can, you will need the following:
Team:
You will need at least two people to play Kick the Can. However, the more people you have, the more fun the game will be.
You can choose to play on teams or as individuals. If you are playing on teams, you will need to divide the players into two equal teams.
Once you have your team, you will need to choose a “den.” The den is a safe place where the players can hide from the “kicker.” The den can be anything from a tree to a bush to a playground structure.
Materials:
- Can
- Something to kick the can with (a ball, a stick, a shoe, etc.)
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Can | The can is the object of the game. The kicker tries to kick the can as far away from the den as possible. |
| Kicking Object | The kicking object is used to kick the can. It can be anything from a ball to a stick to a shoe. |
Choose a Safe and Open Play Area
To ensure a safe and enjoyable game of Kick the Can, it is crucial to select an appropriate play area. Consider the following factors:
Visibility and Accessibility
The playing area should be well-lit and free of obstacles, such as trees, fences, or parked cars. This ensures that players can easily see each other and potential hazards.
Level Surface
A level surface is ideal for running and kicking the can without tripping or falling. Avoid uneven terrain or areas with steep slopes or slippery surfaces.
Sufficient Size
The play area should be large enough to accommodate all players comfortably and allow for ample running space. A suitable size depends on the number of participants, but a general guideline is to have a diameter of at least 50 feet.
Secure Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries for the play area to prevent players from wandering off or entering unsafe zones. Consider using natural barriers, such as trees or fences, or marking boundaries with cones or tape.
Supervision
If younger children are playing, ensure that an adult supervisor is present to monitor their safety and ensure that the game is played fairly.
The following table summarizes the ideal characteristics of a safe and open play area for Kick the Can:
| Characteristic | Ideal Features |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Well-lit, unobstructed |
| Surface | Level, non-slippery |
| Size | Diameter of at least 50 feet |
| Boundaries | Clearly marked, secure |
| Supervision | Adult supervision for younger children |
Establish the Boundaries
Before the game begins, the players must establish the boundaries of the playing area. This is important to prevent the game from spilling over into other areas or causing damage to property. The boundaries can be marked with natural features such as trees or fences, or they can be drawn with chalk or tape.
The playing area should be large enough to allow the players to run and play freely, but it should not be so large that it becomes difficult to find the can.
Additional Details for Establishing Boundaries
Here are some additional tips for establishing the boundaries of the playing area:
- Make sure that the boundaries are clear and easy to see.
- If possible, use natural features such as trees or fences to mark the boundaries.
- If you are using chalk or tape to mark the boundaries, make sure that it is not easily removable, as this can lead to confusion during the game.
- Consider the size of the playing area when establishing the boundaries. The area should be large enough to allow for plenty of movement, but not so large that it becomes difficult to find the can.
| Considerations | Details |
|---|---|
| Natural Features | Use trees, fences, or other landmarks to mark boundaries. |
| Chalk or Tape | Draw clear and visible lines, ensuring they are不易 to remove. |
| Size | Consider the number of players and activity level when determining the area size. |
Select a “Can”
The “can” in kick the can can be various everyday objects, such as an empty soda can, a cardboard box, or even a small plastic bucket. The important aspect is that the can should be easily visible and distinguishable from its surroundings.
Additionally, consider the following factors when choosing a can:
Visibility:
Select a can with a bright color or unique design that stands out in the playing area, making it easy for players to locate.
Size:
Choose a can that is small enough to be easily kicked but large enough to be stable and not easily knocked over by wind or other disturbances.
Durability:
Opt for a can made of a sturdy material that can withstand the impact of being kicked and not break or deform easily.
| Criteria | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Bright color, unique design, stands out |
| Size | Easily kicked, but stable, not easily knocked over |
| Durability | Sturdy material, withstands impact |
Designate a “Home Base”
The very first step in playing Kick the Can is to designate a “home base.” This is the spot where players will start and end the game, and it is also the place where players will go to “tag” the can. Home base can be located anywhere, such as a tree, a bush, or a light post. However, it is important to choose a location that is central to the playing area and that is not easily accessible to the “it” player. Once home base has been designated, players can move on to the next step.
Determine Boundaries
After designating home base, players should determine the boundaries of the playing area. Agree upon a radius, such as 50 yards or 100 yards, around home base. This will help to keep players from wandering too far away and make it easier for the “it” player to find them.
Player Count
The number of players needed in Kick the Can varies depending on the size of the playing area and the ages of the players. However, a good rule of thumb is to have at least four players, and no more than 10 players. With fewer than four players, the game can be quite slow and boring. With more than 10 players, the game can become too chaotic and difficult to manage.
Choose an “It” Player
Once the playing area has been determined, players should choose an “it” player. The “it” player is the person who will be responsible for kicking the can and chasing the other players. The “it” player can be chosen by random selection, such as drawing straws or flipping a coin.
Establish Rules
Before starting the game, players should establish a set of rules. These rules should include how the can is kicked, how players are tagged, and how the game is won. For example, players may decide that the can must be kicked a certain distance away from home base, or that players can only be tagged if they are touched by the can.
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Kicking the can | The can must be kicked a certain distance away from home base. |
| Tagging players | Players can only be tagged if they are touched by the can. |
| Winning the game | The game is won when all players have been tagged. |
Determine the Starting Kicker
The first step in playing Kick the Can is to determine who will be the starting kicker. There are a few ways to do this:
1. Rock, Paper, Scissors: The players stand in a circle and play rock, paper, scissors until one player wins. The winner is the starting kicker.
2. Coin Toss: The players stand in a circle and one player flips a coin. The player who calls the correct side of the coin is the starting kicker.
3. Chant: The players stand in a circle and chant, “Eenie, meenie, miney, mo.” One player points to a different player for each syllable of the chant. The player who is pointed to last is the starting kicker:
| Eenie | [player 1] |
|---|---|
| Meenie | [player 2] |
| Miney | [player 3] |
| Mo | [player 4] |
Den
The den is a home base for the seekers. It can be a tree, a bush, or any other designated area. The seekers must stay within the den.
Tagging
To tag a runner, a seeker must touch them with their hand. If a runner is tagged, they become a seeker, and the previous seeker becomes a runner.
Variations
There are many variations of Kick the Can, including:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Freeze Tag | Runners can be frozen by being tagged. They can only be unfrozen by being tagged by a seeker or by touching the den. |
| Poison Tag | Runners who are tagged become seekers, but they can also tag other runners to become seekers. |
| Team Tag | The game is played with two or more teams. Each team has its own den, and the seekers from one team can only tag runners from the other team. |
Tips for Playing Kick the Can
Here are some tips for playing Kick the Can
- Choose a large enough play area so that runners have plenty of room to run.
- Designate a clear den area so that seekers and runners know where to go.
- Use a can or other object that is easy to kick and retrieve.
- Set a time limit for the game so that it doesn’t go on too long.
- Have fun!
Hide and Seek While the Kicker Counts
Once the can has been kicked, the kicker must immediately start counting to the designated number (typically 25 or 50). While the kicker counts, the other players hide. The kicker should count aloud so that the hiders can hear them. If a hider is spotted by the kicker before they reach the designated number, they are out of the game.
Variations of the Counting Rule
There are several variations of the counting rule in Kick the Can:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Counting to 100 | The kicker must count to 100 before the hiders can come out of hiding. |
| Counting by multiples of 5 | The kicker must count to a specific number, such as 50, while skipping every fifth number (e.g., 6, 11, 16, etc.). |
| Counting backwards | The kicker must count backwards from a specific number, such as 50, to zero. |
Discover the Can
Kick the Can is a classic outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple game to learn, but it can be a lot of fun. The object of the game is to be the first person to kick a can into a designated goal. The game is played with a group of people, and it can be played anywhere there is a large open space.
Kick Again
If a player is tagged, they must freeze in place. They can only be unfrozen if another player kicks the can. If the can is kicked into the goal, the game is over and the person who kicked the can wins. If the can is not kicked into the goal, the game continues until one player is able to kick the can into the goal.
Tag
When a player is tagged, they must freeze in place. They can only be unfrozen if another player kicks the can. If the can is kicked into the goal, the game is over and the person who kicked the can wins. If the can is not kicked into the goal, the game continues until one player is able to kick the can into the goal.
Physical Activity
Kick the Can is a great way to get some exercise. It is a fast-paced game that requires players to run, jump, and kick. It is also a great way to improve coordination and balance.
Kick the Can Rules:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| The game is played with a group of people. | The number of players can vary, but the ideal number is between 4 and 10. |
| One person is chosen to be the “it” person. | The “it” person is the person who tries to tag the other players. |
| The other players are called the “runners”. | The runners try to avoid being tagged by the “it” person. |
| The game is played in a large open space. | The open space should be large enough for the players to run around and hide. |
| The “it” person tries to tag the runners. | The “it” person can tag the runners by touching them with their hand. |
| If a runner is tagged, they must freeze in place. | The runner can only be unfrozen if another player kicks the can. |
| The runners try to avoid being tagged. | The runners can avoid being tagged by running away from the “it” person or by hiding. |
| The game continues until one runner is tagged. | The runner who is tagged becomes the new “it” person. |
Return to Home Base Safely
To successfully return to home base safely, you must avoid being tagged by the Seeker. Here are some strategies to help you stay safe:
1. **Run Swiftly:** Move quickly and change directions erratically to make it harder for the Seeker to catch you.
2. **Utilize Cover:** Use trees, hedges, or other obstacles to your advantage by hiding behind them or running through them.
3. **Redirect the Seeker:** If you see the Seeker approaching, try to run in a direction that leads them away from home base.
4. **Avoid Predictable Patterns:** Don’t run in straight lines or follow the same path repeatedly, as the Seeker will anticipate your movements.
5. **Listen for the Can:** Pay attention to the sound of the can being kicked. If you hear it, it indicates the Seeker is near.
6. **Stay Vigilant:** Constantly scan your surroundings for the Seeker. Don’t be caught off guard by their sudden appearances.
7. **Communicate with Teammates:** If you have teammates, stay in communication to share the Seeker’s location and coordinate your movements.
8. **Distract the Seeker:** If possible, try to create distractions for the Seeker, such as making noises or kicking an empty can.
9. **Stay Camouflaged:** Wear dark clothing or clothing that blends in with your surroundings to help you remain undetected.
10. **Utilize Different Routes Back to Home Base:** Familiarize yourself with alternative paths back to home base. This provides multiple options for returning safely and reduces the predictability of your movements.
How To Play Kick The Can
Kick the Can is a classic outdoor game that is perfect for kids of all ages. It’s a simple game to learn and can be played with a large group of people. Here’s how to play:
- Choose one person to be “it.”
- The person who is “it” closes their eyes and counts to a predetermined number while the other players hide.
- Once the person who is “it” is finished counting, they open their eyes and start looking for the other players.
- If the person who is “it” finds a player, they chase them and try to tag them.
- If the person who is “it” tags a player, that player becomes “it” and the game starts over.
- The game continues until all of the players have been tagged.
Here are some tips for playing Kick the Can:
- Choose a large enough area to play in so that the players have plenty of room to hide.
- Make sure that the area is safe and free of hazards.
- Set a time limit for the game so that it doesn’t go on for too long.
- Have fun!
People Also Ask About How To Play Kick The Can
What is the best way to hide when playing Kick the Can?
The best way to hide when playing Kick the Can is to find a spot that is out of sight of the person who is “it.” This could be behind a tree, in a bush, or even in a hole in the ground. Once you have found a good hiding spot, stay still and quiet so that the person who is “it” doesn’t see you.
What should I do if I get tagged while playing Kick the Can?
If you get tagged while playing Kick the Can, you become “it” and the game starts over. However, there are a few things you can do to try to avoid getting tagged. First, try to find a good hiding spot. Second, be aware of your surroundings and listen for the person who is “it” approaching. Finally, if you see the person who is “it” coming towards you, try to run away and find a new hiding spot.
How can I make Kick the Can more fun?
There are a few things you can do to make Kick the Can more fun. First, you can add some obstacles to the game, such as cones or chairs. This will make it more challenging for the person who is “it” to find the other players. Second, you can set a time limit for the game. This will add some excitement and make the game more fast-paced.
