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How to Teach Kids Strategies for Capture the Flag

"Capture the Flag" encourages teamwork, strategy and physical exertion. This makes it an ideal game for kids to play together. The rules are simple in that there are two teams and each team has a flag. If a player crosses the center line into enemy territory, he tries to get the opponent's flag and bring it back to his side. Once tagged by the other team while on their side, he is sidelined in "jail" until another teammate enters enemy territory and tags him to free him. The team that brings the other flag to its side wins. Teaching kids game strategy requires patience and role playing.

Instructions

- 1
  Lecture the kids as a group about how to play the game and what the rules are. The students need to understand the rules before you discuss and teach strategies.
- 2
  Choose teams for the kids so you have two equal groups. This sets up a practice round where the kids can try tactics and see what works.
- 3
  Play a practice round for five minutes. Give advice to the kids as they play to advise them on when they should run for the flag or if they should focus on jail breaking teammates.
- 4
  Discuss the idea of distracting the other team with one player while other players go for the flag or the jail and how effective teamwork is necessary for game success.
- 5
  Split the two teams into offensive and defensive players, with the defenses solely responsible for preventing flag capture and jail breaking as long as there are other offensive players on the same side. Note the difference in gameplay with the kids when those responsibilities are divided.
- 6
  Play an actual game with the kids and then talk about the strategies that worked and didn't work afterward. The kids will learn through repetition and application of the tactics you discuss.

Kids Games