Catch from the Box

The group is divided into an inside team and an outside team. A box is placed in the middle of the floor, near one of the short walls. The inside team stands behind the box, while the outside team spreads out in the hall.

The game starts with the first player from the inside team stepping onto the box. He or she holds the ball in one hand and hits the ball out into the hall with the other (with a clenched or open hand). If an outside team player catches the ball in the air the outside team gets one point, and the ball is thrown back to the inside team.

If the outside team fails to catch the ball and it hits the floor, one of the outside players must try to 'tag' the player on the box. The ball is then thrown from where it landed. The player on the box can twist away from the ball, but is not allowed to move their feet. If they avoid being hit, the inside team gets one point. If the player is hit, neither team gets any points.

The teams switch roles (inside/outside) either when everyone on the inside team has had a turn hitting the ball, or when the outside team has scored 5 points by catching.

It can be wise to have a rule for how far the ball must be hit for the hit to be approved. Otherwise, the inside team might just barely touch the ball, giving the outside team little chance to catch it.

Variation

The game can also be played outdoors, for example by hitting from a large rock or another elevated surface.