HT Games
Parachute Ball
Multiple teams can play this game. Each team should have the same number of players, preferably three or four. Each team holds a blanket or net and spreads out as far as possible to stretch the blanket or net. The first team serves the ball (this can be a volleyball, soccerball, or dodgeball) by putting it in the middle of their blanket and launching it towards another team. Each time a team catches the ball, they score 1 point. The first team to score 15 points wins the game.
Running Dodgeball
For this game, mark off an area in the center of the gym with tape. This area should be either a circle or a square. The "pitcher" must remain in the marked area with the ball in his hand. The other players line up against the wall of the gymnasium. When the pitcher yells "go!" the other players run from one end of the gymnasium to the other while the "pitcher" throws the ball to try to hit one of them. Each player must have a hand on the wall of the gymnasium to be considered "safe." The "pitcher" then retrieves the ball, and the remaining players line up again. The last person to be left without being hit by the ball wins.
Have You Met Bob?
Play this game with a large group. Have the players select one person to be the leader of the game. The other players close their eyes, and the leader taps the head of one of the players. This person becomes "Bob" for the game. Everyone opens their eyes, not knowing who has been selected, and the leader explains the rules of the game. Throughout the game, the players keep their eyes closed and walk around shaking each other's hands. They can make the game more fun by saying things such as "Bob, is that you?" and "Oh, it's so nice to see you. Have you seen Bob?" All of the players give a normal handshake except for the player designated as "Bob." Instead of shaking the other player's hand, "Bob" pulls them in and links arms with them. Once a player has been linked to "Bob," she can open her eyes. The players on either end of the chain then become "Bob" by pulling new players in. Eventually, "Bob" becomes a giant chain with only one player not in the chain. The last remaining player who is not part of the chain is the winner.
Smile If You Love Me
Play this game with a large group. Have all players sit in a circle and select one player to be "it." "It" person sits in the middle of the circle with the other players surrounding him. "It" then walks over to one player in the circle, faces that player and asks, "Honey, if you love me, smile." When "it" asks this, he can do something silly like make a face or do a little dance to try to get the other player to smile, as long as he doesn't touch the other player. The other player attempts to maintain a straight face and respond, "Honey, I do love you, but I just can't smile." "It" may try one more time by saying something like, "Honey, please, please, please smile." If the other player once again keeps a straight face and responds, "Honey, I love you, but I just can't smile," "it" returns to the center of the circle and finds a new player. The first player to smile or laugh while trying to respond to "it" becomes the new "it," and the two switch places.
Traffic Lights
Select one person to be the "traffic light." The "traffic light" stands about 20 feet away from the rest of the players. These other players line up against the wall of the gymnasium with their hands against the wall. The "traffic light" turns her back to the group and says "green light." On "green light," the other players can begin walking (not running!) toward the "traffic light." When the "traffic light" says "red light," she turns around and the players must stop. If the "traffic light" sees any players moving when she turns around after saying "red light," those players are out. Play continues until the first player touches the "traffic light" and becomes the new "traffic light."