How to Play Kick the Can

Setting Up

• 1

  Select an object to serve as the "can" - an actual can, a ball, or a small, taped-up box.

• 2

  Select someone to be "It."

• 3

  Select an area to set the can - a clear space about 20 or 30 yards across.

• 4

  Select an area to be the "jail" - a comfortable place close to the can, but not blocking the can.

If You're "It"

• 5

  Stand by while another player kicks the can as far as possible.

• 6

  Retrieve the can and put it back where it was in the beginning.

• 7

  Capture players by calling out their names and their hiding places while you're stepping on the can.

• 8

  Look for players, but try not to stray far from the can.

• 9

  Race back to the can if you see an uncaptured player headed for it.

• 10

  Step on the can and call out that player's name if you get to the can first.

• 11

  Run after the can and put it back again if that player kicks the can away.

• 12

  Continue until you have all the players in jail.

If You're Not "It"

• 13

  Select someone to kick the can as far as possible.

• 14

  Hide.

• 15

  Race back to the can and kick it before It gets there.

• 16

  Go to jail if It steps on the can and calls out your name and your correct location.

• 17

  Wait in jail until you are rescued - that is, until someone kicks the can.

• 18

  Run away and hide again when the can is kicked and you are released from jail.

• 19

  Be It for the next game if you were captured first.