JOYRiders PLAY

BALL × FREEZE

SPUD

Scatter, freeze, then dodge one throw from the player with the ball.Classics & remixes · JoyRiders rules edition
classic gameball playdodgequick reaction
PLAYERSgroup
TIME6–25 min
ENERGYhigh
PLACEoutdoors
SETUPnone
COMMUNITYNot yet rated

HOW TO PLAY

Start here.

YOU’LL NEEDOne very soft playground or foam ball
  1. 1Give every player a number. One player tosses the ball straight up, calls a number, and moves away while everyone except the called player scatters.
  2. 2The called player retrieves the ball and yells ‘SPUD!’ Everyone freezes.
  3. 3Holding the ball, that player takes up to three large steps toward one target and makes one below-the-waist throw. The target may dodge without moving their feet.
  4. 4A hit gives the target one letter in S-P-U-D; a miss gives the thrower a letter. The player who received the letter starts the next toss.
  5. 5Spelling SPUD eliminates that player from the round. The last remaining player wins; start a new round so everyone rejoins.

REMIX THE RULES

Complete twists.

Catch the shotAfter SPUD is called, the target may lean and reach but cannot move either foot. If they catch the throw cleanly, the thrower receives one letter and the catcher removes one of their own letters. A body hit gives the target a letter; a miss gives the thrower one. The letter recipient starts the next toss, spelling SPUD still eliminates a player, and the last remaining player wins.
Played it? Add it to your play history +

Did this feel like play?

KEEP PLAYING

More games like this

Gaga BallPaddle one ball through a crowded pit and keep it away from your legs.Open game guide →Soft DodgeballDodge, catch, and rescue teammates with a deliberately soft-ball ruleset.Open game guide →Four SquareDefend your square, attack another, and climb toward the king spot.Open game guide →Handball RallySlap one bouncing ball against a wall and keep the rally alive.Open game guide →One-BounceKeep a shared ball alive when every player gets only one touch.Open game guide →Wall BallCatch the rebound, throw it straight back at the wall, and race the ball after a mistake.Open game guide →