Cluck the Chicken

Name and Purpose

Cluck the Chicken is a high-energy, whole-group game that scores effort and teamwork rather than individual skill.
Both teams are active at the same time, so no one is waiting or sitting out.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players (2 equal teams) | 15-25 minutes | Large open outdoor field; approx. 30m x 20m minimum; clear, flat ground with no obstacles

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Divide into two equal teams. Team A throws the ball as far as possible in any direction.
One player from Team A circles the huddled group, counting laps out loud.
Team B chases the ball, forms a line, and passes it under-over-under to the last person.
When the last person gets the ball, they call “CLUCK!” Team A’s runner stops.
Record Team A’s lap count. Teams swap roles. Highest total laps after all rounds wins.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark Team A’s huddle zone with a cone circle or natural landmark
Mark a throwing line; the thrower must release from behind it
Signal: the “CLUCK” call ends each round naturally; 2 short whistles = stop all action
Check the field for holes, wet patches, or debris before play; the runner will be moving fast in circles
Staff position: one counsellor with the huddle group; one counsellor tracking the fielding team

How to Play

Divide players into two equal teams. Team A starts as the throwing team; Team B starts as the fielding team.
One designated player from Team A throws the ball as hard and far as possible.
The rest of Team A immediately huddles tightly together. One player from Team A begins running circles around the huddle, counting each full circuit out loud.
At the same moment, Team B sprints toward where the ball landed. Players form a single line where the ball is.
The ball is passed through the line: under the legs to the next person, then over the head to the next, alternating under and over until it reaches the last person in the line.
The last person yells “CLUCK!” as soon as they receive the ball.
The runner stops immediately. The number of completed circuits is Team A’s score for that round.
Teams swap roles. Repeat for the agreed number of rounds (2-3 per team works well).
The team with the highest total circuit count across all rounds wins.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Be the circle runner for your team or the first in line for the under-over pass
S (Support): Be the designated thrower, or help count circuits out loud with the runner
Q (Quiet): Hold a middle position in the under-over line; less sprinting, still essential
O (Observer): Watch one full round from the sideline with a counsellor, then join your team’s line for the next round

Inclusion Adaptations

The circle runner role can be adapted to a circle walker for players who need a lower-intensity option; the count still applies
The under-over pass line can be shortened for groups with mobility differences by reducing the number of players in the line

Stewardship Moment

The ball is durable and reusable; store it in the same kit bag as the cones after play
Quick 60-second field check after play: everyone scans their zone for litter before leaving

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game one person runs circles while their team huddles, and the other team passes the ball through a line. For those not comfortable running fast circles, walking the circles or counting circuits from the centre of the huddle is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first full round swap, pause. “How is everyone feeling? Any roles you want to switch for the next round?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can swap to a different role within their team at the start of any new round. Raise a hand and a counsellor will help you find the right spot.

Risks and Mitigation

The thrown ball landing near or hitting a bystander: ensure all non-active players stand behind the throwing line before the ball is thrown; counsellor confirms the field is clear
The circle runner getting dizzy from fast circling: remind runners to look at a fixed point on the huddle rather than at the ground; if anyone feels dizzy they step into the centre of the huddle and a teammate takes over the counting
Under-over line collapsing or players bumping heads while bending: model a safe pass technique (hands at knee level for the under pass, hands above head for the over pass) before starting

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Circle Sprint”: each player jogs one circle around the full group once, just to feel the movement before the game starts
“Under-Over Relay”: teams practise the under-over pass with a ball while standing still before adding the running and counting element

Debrief Questions

What? “What helped your team complete the under-over pass faster?”
So What? “How did it feel to be the runner, knowing your team was working as fast as they could for you?”
Now What? “What does it feel like to work hard for your team even when you are not the one being watched?”

Cleanup and Reset