How To Play Monkey in the Middle

One of the classic playground games is Monkey in the middle with kickball.Don't worry, if you've never heard of it, it's fine.You don't need much to learn because it only takes a second.It's a great game to practice hand-eye coordination and balance since it involves an extra person trying to intercept the ball.There are quick tips on how to start.

Step 1: A group of 3 people is what you need.

You'll have one person in the middle with two other people on the sides.The game becomes " keep away" if you play with more than 3 people.If you're doing monkey in the middle in soccer, you can play with more than 3 people.Are you trying to play a game with a large group?Break people up into teams of 3 so more people get a chance to play.If you have a number that isn't divisible by 3, have your team swap out players every few minutes so everyone gets a chance to play.A group of players have control of the ball.The ball should be passed back and forth between the players.There are no rules about where to stand, so you can move around.If there are too many players and people are spending too much time waiting for the ball, divide the group into smaller teams that can play the game.

Step 2: You can easily toss a ball back and forth.

Since you don't want someone to get hurt if they accidentally hit a ball, choose something that's not hard or heavy.Do you not have a ball?No problem at all!You could use bean bags and stuffed animals.

Step 3: 3 players are standing in a row.

The person in the middle is called a monkey.As long as there's space to throw a ball back and forth, it doesn't matter how far apart each person is.Draw a square for the players to stand on.If you want each person to be an equal distance apart, this is helpful.

Step 4: A player throws a ball to another player.

The goal of the game is for the monkey in the middle to catch the ball and not the other person.The players could kick the ball.

Step 5: If they catch the ball, the person in the middle switches.

The person that threw it becomes a monkey.The 2 people on the ends are throwing the ball back and forth until the monkey catches it.You can make your own rules about catching the ball.The person in the middle doesn't have to catch the ball.It might be easier for younger kids to play.

Step 6: Anyone can get the ball if no one catches it.

When someone throws the ball and it gets dropped or thrown too far for someone to catch, there will probably be a time.Every player can run after it when this happens.The person who throws the ball goes to the middle if the monkey gets it.The monkey stays in the middle if the person on the other end gets the ball.The game continues until everyone is ready to stop playing because there aren't points in the middle.

Step 7: Group of 7 people.

5 of the players are offensive while the other 2 are defensive.If you have more people, divide them into groups of 7 or have them play.You will need 1 soccer ball for each group of people.

Step 8: The offensive players should be in a circle.

The ball is in the possession of the players.The goal is to get the ball to the offensive team so the defensive team doesn't get it.If you want to pass, kick the ball instead of throwing it.The purpose of this drill is to build team spirit and practice moving the ball around the field.

Step 9: A defensive player who intercepts the ball goes to the offensive.

The person who lost it to the monkey replaced them.The team can practice working in circles by passing the ball back and forth.You can make your own rules or goals.If the offensive players can get to 12 complete passes, they will win.

Step 10: In some parts of the world, it's called pig in the middle.

In England and Australia, it's called pig in the middle.The Monkey in the middle is confused with keep away, but it is played with more than 5 people.The object of the game is for the players to keep the ball away from one person, but they don't have to stay in one area.