Champions for Life Foundation

S.N.O.W

S.N.O.W. is an action game that incorporates some elements of dodge ball. The ball is tossed up high, someone catches it, yells “S.N.O.W.!”, take four big steps, and tries to get someone out!

Grades 2-6

7-12 years old

10-minutes

Small groups

3-6 children per group

Open space

(indoor or outdoor)

A soft dodgeball

Skills in action:

Catching the ball


  • I look at the ball
  • I extend my arms towards the ball 
  • I keep my hands close together, fingers spread
  • I bring the ball to my body

Underhand Throw


  • I backswing with my throwing arm
  • I step with my opposite foot
  • I swing my throwing arm
  • I point to the target with my throwing arm

Overhand Throw


  • I stand sideways to the target
  • I go into my overhand throw position (front arm pointed to the target, back hand up close to the ear)
  • I rotate my shoulders and trunk
  • I point to the target and release the ball with my throwing hand

How to play:

  1. Players stand in a small circle.
  2. One player starts with the ball.
  3. The player with the ball throws it into the air and calls out another player's name.
  4. All other players run away from the circle.
  5. The player whose name is called has to catch the ball and yell out “SNOW.” 
  6. When “SNOW” is called, all other players need to freeze where they are.
  7. The player who catches the ball can take 4 steps (S-N-O-W) towards another player of their choice. 
  8. They then throw the ball at that player in an attempt to “hit” them with the ball.
  9. If the player is “hit” by the ball, they gain a letter (S-N-O-W). If they are not “hit” the throwing player gains a letter. 
  10. Last player to gain all letters wins.

Variations:

  • Use different sized balls, a stuffed animal or other soft objects.
  • Change the way players move away from the circle (e.g. hop on 1 leg, skip, gallop, jump etc.).
  • Have players throw and catch with their non-dominant hand.

Download our "Countdown to the Holidays" playbook.

For more holiday-themed games, download our FREE playbook with 3-weeks of fun and engaging games to help keep kids moving. It contains a series of challenges that help develop physical literacy. 

Download →
Share by: