Ball Tag

The backyard game. Your phone is your player; the TV is the broadcast.

On the big screen? Host a game

Your face

It's printed on your figure's head, on the TV and on everyone's phone. Only this phone keeps a copy.

You're in

Waiting for the game to start.

ScreenNo flashes or shaking, on the TV and every phone

How to play

  1. Run. Someone's IT. IT runs for the ball; everyone else gets away. Close to the loose ball? Kick it away from IT (one kick each).
  2. STOP! IT grabs the ball and calls STOP. Everyone freezes where they are, so be behind something when it comes: the tree, the hedge, the woodpile.
  3. Plant and pivot. Frozen, tap Plant (once per STOP), then swing your other foot round with the stick to dodge. That foot stays down until the ball lands. Or hold Duck to tuck down without lifting a foot: under a fastball, but a lob comes down on you, and you swing slower ducked.
  4. IT throws. The throw goes at whoever has the gold ring: turn with the stick, or tap someone to aim at them. Press and hold the throw pad (the longer, the harder), then flick without lifting, as slow as you like: Straight up: a fastball An arc: a curve, round the tree trunk Down, then up: a lob, over the hedge or the woodpile Swipe, then stop dead before you let go: a pump fake.
  5. Hit before the ball touches the ground? You're IT, and knocked flying (the further ahead you were, the further you fly). Fewest times IT wins (or play backyard rules: no winner).

On a computer: WASD or the arrows to run, Space for the big button, hold C to duck. To throw, drag with the mouse, or aim with A and D and hold a key to charge, then let go: Space or F a fastball, V a curve, L a lob, X a fake.

Final