Shark and Octopus

Name and Purpose

• Shark and Octopus is an energetic crossing game that builds agility, awareness, and team strategy.
• Players practise quick decision-making and spatial awareness as the field gets busier.

a.k.a.

• Octopus Tag, Cross the Ocean

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 10-20 minutes | Large open field or gym with two clear end zones and a centre zone

Materials

• Cones (4-8) to mark end zones and boundaries
• Optional: flag belts for players who prefer flag-pull over shoulder-tag

Quick-Run Card

1. Mark two end zones. One player starts as the Shark in the centre.
2. Shark calls “Octopus, Octopus, swim in my ocean!” Players run to the opposite end zone.
3. Tagged players become Helpers and sit where tagged. They can tag passing players while seated.
4. Helpers who successfully tag 3 players may stand and rejoin as free Swimmers.
5. Round ends when counsellor blows the whistle or calls time.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark two end zones with cones (players are safe inside end zones)
• Mark the centre zone where the Shark starts
• Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather at one end zone
• Check for uneven ground, holes, or hazards before play

How to Play

1. One volunteer or counsellor starts as the Shark in the centre of the field.
2. All other players are Octopuses and start in one end zone.
3. The Shark calls “Octopus, Octopus, swim in my ocean!” All players must run to the opposite end zone.
4. Any player tagged by the Shark becomes a Helper and sits exactly where tagged. Helpers can tag players who come within arms’ reach.
5. Re-entry rule: any Helper who successfully tags 3 passing players may stand up and rejoin as a free Swimmer.
6. Play continues with the Shark calling the crossing command each round.
7. After 10-15 minutes, counsellor blows the whistle and names a new Shark for a fresh round.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Run across the field, dodge the Shark and Helpers
• S (Support): As a Helper, encourage teammates and call out positions
• Q (Quiet): Choose a careful walking route across; focus on strategy over speed
• O (Observer): Watch from the end zone; join at the start of the next crossing

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players with mobility differences can use the walking route along the outer boundary
• Flag-belt variation: Shark and Helpers pull flags instead of tagging by touch

Stewardship Moment

• After play, collect all cones and check the field for any equipment left behind
• Reflection: “What did you notice about how the game changed as more Helpers joined?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This game involves being tagged by touch. For those not comfortable with physical tagging, flag belts are another option.”
• Mid-game check: After one full round, pause briefly. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How’s everyone feeling?”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can step to the sideline. They re-enter at the start of the next crossing call.

Risks and Mitigation

• Collision between runners: remind players to watch where they are going; flag variation reduces contact
• Helpers being sat in high-traffic areas: mark a slight buffer zone around each Helper with a cone
• Aggressive tagging: remind everyone a light touch counts; enforce this from the first round

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Ocean Waves”: players line up and move left or right on signal, like a wave
• “Freeze Swim”: players pretend to swim across the space and freeze on whistle

Debrief Questions

• What? “What changed about how you crossed the field as more Helpers appeared?”
• So What? “How did you decide which route to take?”
• Now What? “When do you have to read a situation and change your plan quickly?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect cones and flag belts
• Check play area for any hazards