Circle Flipper

Name and Purpose

Circle Flipper is a circle dodging game where players use their hands as “flippers” to roll and bat a ball at a moving Dodger in the centre.
Builds reaction speed, coordination, and group strategy in a contained circle format.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-25 players | 10-20 minutes | Large flat space, indoors or outdoors, minimum 8m diameter circle

Materials

Quick-Run Card

All players form a circle facing outward, legs spread with feet touching neighbours’ feet to form a solid boundary.
One player volunteers to be the Dodger and stands in the centre.
Circle players use their hands between their legs as “Flippers” to bat the ball toward the Dodger.
The Dodger earns a point each time the ball rolls outside the circle.
The player whose bat hits the Dodger earns a point and becomes the new Dodger. Rotate so everyone gets a turn.

Setup and Boundaries

Form a clear circle. Players should stand close enough that their feet are touching or nearly touching their neighbours’ feet with legs spread.
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and gather.
Check the ground for wet patches, debris, or uneven surfaces before play.
Confirm the ball is soft enough for the group.

How to Play

All players form a standing circle facing outward. Each player spreads their legs so their feet are touching the feet of the players beside them, forming a continuous boundary.
One player volunteers to be the Dodger and stands inside the circle.
The leader rolls the ball into the circle to start.
Circle players use their flat hands between their legs (the Flippers) to bat the ball toward the Dodger. They must stay in their spot and keep their feet in contact with their neighbours.
The Dodger moves freely inside the circle, avoiding the ball.
If the ball rolls between a circle player’s legs and out of the circle, the Dodger earns a point.
If the ball touches the Dodger below the waist, the player whose hit made contact earns a point and becomes the new Dodger.
Rotate the Dodger role regularly so everyone has a turn in the centre.
Second Circle: any Dodger or circle player who needs a break steps to the side, takes 5 deep breaths, and re-enters at any point.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Take a turn as the Dodger in the centre, or be an active Flipper.
S (Support): Focus on defending your section of the circle to keep the ball in bounds and give the Dodger more time.
Q (Quiet): Play as a Flipper at a lower intensity, batting gently and focusing on positioning.
O (Observer): Watch one round from outside the circle, then step in to replace any Flipper who needs a break.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot comfortably spread their legs on the floor may kneel on a mat and use hands on the ground in front of them as Flippers.
Players who do not want to be the Dodger may stay in the circle as Flippers for the full game without any pressure.
A lighter foam ball reduces impact for players with sensory sensitivities.

Stewardship Moment

After play, check the ball for damage and wipe it down before storing.
Prompt: “We used one ball and a whole circle of people. What else can we do with simple equipment and good teamwork?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game has a dodging role in the centre. For those not comfortable being in the centre, staying as a Flipper the whole time is completely fine. If you are in the centre and want a break, just raise both hands and step out.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause. “How is everyone feeling? Do we need to adjust the ball speed or the rotation?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Raise both hands to step out of the centre or the circle at any time. Call “In!” to rejoin.

Risks and Mitigation

Ball hit too hard at the Dodger: set a clear rule that only controlled underhand bats are allowed. No overhead swings.
Circle players moving feet and creating gaps: remind players to keep feet touching neighbours’ feet. Staff can do a quick check before each round.
Dodger slipping or falling when avoiding the ball: remind all players to stay in their own section and avoid reaching across. Check ground surface before play.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Flipper Practice”: each player practises batting the ball gently along the ground to their neighbour without the Dodger present, for one lap around the circle.
“Position Check”: everyone forms the circle and checks their foot-to-foot connection with neighbours before the Dodger enters.

Debrief Questions

What? “What made it easy or hard to be the Dodger? What made it easy or hard to be a Flipper?”
So What? “How did the circle work as a team? What broke down and what held together?”
Now What? “When do you rely on a group of people working together to create something bigger than what any one person can do alone?”

Cleanup and Reset