Pig's Rump (Roof Catch)

Pig's Rump (Roof Catch)

A traditional game that practices throwing, catching, and reaction skills.

  • 6+ years
  • Group size: 4+
  • Duration: 30 min
  • Folk game
  • Open space
  • Mountains, forests and fields
  • Ball

For this game, you need a building that isn't too high (or possibly a tall, solid fence) and a small ball. Participants are divided into two teams, one on each side of the house. There should be at least two players per team, and preferably no more than 7–8 participants per team.

The game involves teams throwing the ball back and forth over the roof. When one of the teams has managed to make three 'hys' (meaning catching the ball without it touching the ground), that team gets to run or sneak around to the other side of the house and try to hit an opponent with the ball. The player who is hit must switch to the other team. The game continues like this until all players are on one team. The game is also called 'Roof Catch' or 'Ball over the Roof'.