Fox and Squirrel

Name and Purpose

Fox and Squirrel is a quick circle passing game that builds focus, reaction time, and group communication.
Multiple balls moving at once keeps everyone alert and laughing. Great as a warm-up or energiser.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Circle formation, indoors or outdoors, flat space minimum 6m diameter

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Form a standing circle with players roughly one arm apart.
Place the two Fox balls at opposite points in the circle and the Squirrel at a third point.
Fox balls pass only to the person directly beside you. The Squirrel ball can be tossed to anyone across the circle.
Players call out what is being passed: “Fox, coming your way!” or “Squirrel!”
Leader calls a reversal at any time to switch passing direction.

Setup and Boundaries

Form a clear standing circle with even spacing.
Signal: 1 short whistle or raised hand = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and gather.
Check ground for wet patches or debris before play.
Confirm balls are soft enough for the group (foam or light rubber preferred).

How to Play

All players form a standing circle, roughly one arm apart from their neighbours.
Place the two Fox balls at opposite sides of the circle. Place the Squirrel ball at a third point.
The leader starts all three balls moving at once.
Fox balls may only be passed to the player directly beside you (left or right).
The Squirrel ball can be tossed to anyone across the circle at any time.
Players call out what they are passing: “Fox, coming your way!” or “Squirrel!” to help others stay ready.
The leader may call “Reversal!” at any time to switch the direction of the Fox balls.
There are no winners or losers. The fun is keeping all three balls moving at once without dropping them.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play in the full standing circle, passing and catching all balls.
S (Support): Focus on verbal calls only, announcing each ball to keep the group informed.
Q (Quiet): Pass balls underhand at a slow pace, or stand in a lower-intensity position in the circle.
O (Observer): Watch one round to learn the flow, then join when ready. Call out “In!” to step in.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who use a wheelchair or cannot stand can join at circle level. Balls can be rolled along the ground as an alternative to throwing.
Players with catching difficulties may use a fabric bag or small basket to receive the ball.
Verbal signals (“Fox!” or “Squirrel!”) support players with attention needs.

Stewardship Moment

After play, check balls for damage. Clean foam balls with a damp cloth before storing.
Prompt: “These balls could last for years. What can we do to take care of them?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game moves fast with balls coming from different directions. For those not comfortable with catching fast throws, underhand passes and rolling are another option. You can also stay as a caller if throwing is not your thing today.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause briefly. “How is everyone feeling? Any adjustments needed?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Step back from the circle at any time by stepping back one pace. Step forward and call “In!” to rejoin.

Risks and Mitigation

Balls colliding in the centre: remind players that Squirrel tosses should arc high and clearly, with verbal calls before each throw.
Crowding or stepping forward to catch: set a clear circle line using chalk or cones to keep spacing consistent.
Frustration when all three balls drop: lighten the mood by celebrating the chaos, restarting casually, and reminding everyone it is meant to be tricky.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“One Ball Pass”: practise passing just the Squirrel around the circle before adding the Fox balls.
“Name and Toss”: toss the Squirrel and call the name of the person you are throwing to, to build awareness.

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when all three balls were moving? What made it hard?”
So What? “How did calling out what was coming help the group? What happened when no one called?”
Now What? “Where else does communication ahead of time make things go more smoothly for everyone?”

Cleanup and Reset