Ben Applebaum - Recess: From Dodgeball to Double Dutch

Attention Players, Parents, and Recess Fans Around the World

The games described in this book can be dangerousand were talking more than scraped knees and bruised egos. Injuries, sometimes even serious ones, can happen. Please participate in these activities with caution and under the supervision of adults. The authors and publishers expressly disclaim liability from any injury, damage, or distress that result from engaging in any of the activities described in this book.

Text copyright 2016 by Ben Applebaum and Dan DiSorbo.
Illustrations copyright 2016 by Dan DiSorbo.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available.

ISBN: 978-1-4521-3850-3 (pb)
ISBN: 978-1-4521-4628-7 (epub, mobi)

Designed by MacFadden & Thorpe

Funnel Ball is a registered trademark of BCI Burke Company, LLC.
Louisville Slugger is a registered trademark of Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
National Dodgeball League is a registered trademark of National Dodgeball League, Inc.
Spalding and Spaldeen are registered trademarks of Russell Brand, LLC.
WAKA is a registered trademark of WAKA Kickball & Social Sports.
Wiffle is a registered trademark of The Wiffle Ball, Inc.

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The true object of all human life is play.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

In a world with more play buttons than playgrounds, more handhelds than handballs, fewer people are taking full advantage of their spare time. Theyre opting to zone out rather than getting out.

But we say its time to make a change. Its time to turn downtime into playtime. Its time to turn off the screens, pump up the balls, and actually play together. And ultimately, its time to forget about growing up, and remember how to play like kids again.

Thats why we are here to celebrate recess, not just the break in the day, but also the whole state of mind. We want you to rediscover your favorite games and to explore new ones, to be inspired by tradition, and to use your creativity to create competitions of your very own. But above all, we want you to share and enjoy these games with someonea child, a classmate, a coworker, a new friend.

We have compiled all the greatest recess games into the one timeless device suitable for such an ageless and prestigious activitya book.

But we dont want you just to read this book; we want you to play it. We want you to pick up a rope and skip it, to find a marble and shoot it, to gather your friends together, young and old, for some friendly competition.

Of course, there is no one way to play any one game. Nearly all of these games existed well before the Internet, some of them even before the printing press. So its no surprise that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of playing variations as different groups passed down their rules from kid to kid, neighborhood to neighborhood, generation to generation.

Weve worked to hone each entry for the optimal game play; presenting every game in its most popular form with straightforward rules and regulations, and tips on how to maximize fun and inclusion. Weve also included various additional rules and alternate versions alongside the basic rules of play to allow you to put your own spin on it. Think of it as a recess remix kit, giving you the tools to take a great game and make it your own.

With all this in mind, we invite you to join us in helping bring back all the joys of recess for everyone.

Game on, everyone.

Game on.

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.
Michael Jordan

Playing around is too important to play around with. Knowing just how recess works, what rules to follow, how to master each games unique skills, and how you can make the most of it are all just as important as knowing which game youre going to choose and who you want to have on your team.

While theres something to be said about throwing the rules to the wind and seeing what happens, success always favors a prepared mindand a willing body. This first section will cover the basics: from picking Firsts to victory celebrations and everything in between.

Before you jump right in, its time to get good at having a good time. So weve created an easy-to-remember Ode to Recess as a simple acronym (R-E-C-E-S-S) to help you understand the basics of what it takes to be a champion of any playing field.

R = RESPECT

The first step to fun is respecting all the rules of the games and respecting all the players involvednever picking on anyone, never leaving anyone out, and especially never bullying anyone.

E = EFFORT

You dont have to be the best, but you should always try your best. Giving your full effort is all it takes to harness the full fun potential of any game, for yourself and your teammates.

C = COMPETITION

Theres nothing wrong with playful competition. Play to win, but dont be a sore loser or a bad winner. Its never too early to practice sportsmanship and begin fostering a healthy competitive spirit.

E = EXERCISE

Recess games give you plenty of good exercise without having to think about exercise. Get out there, get healthy, and dont worrybumps and bruises are badges to be worn with pride!

S = SOCIAL

Aside from teamwork, play allows for other great social experiences that can improve confidence, build relationships, and grow friendships.

S = SAFETY

This comes last in our list, but should be the first thing you think about when playing. Its never fun to get hurt, and its never cool to hurt others. Always follow the rules and never do anything that could hurt yourself or others.

WORLD OF PLAY

In Australia, a morning recess is often called little lunch to differentiate it from the real big lunch break at midday.

A lot of people assume that recess is all about running around and playing games, and theyre right! What they dont realize is that running and playing are vital functions to the developmental process. Here are just some of the benefits of recess:

Research has shown that kids who participate in recess and playful activities are not only less fidgety and more focused, but they also have higher test scores and a better attitude toward school. In fact, studies have proven that this break in the day gives the brain enough time to relax and prepare for the next lesson.

The recess yard almost perfectly simulates normal society and gives children valuable training in decision making, cooperation, and leadership. Additionally, the social interaction allowed by recess stimulates the mind and can help students better learn and retain information.