Pickle--a childhood game you probably played, even if you didn't know it. It has nothing to do with the pickles you put on a hamburger. Instead, it's about being "in a pickle" or in trouble. It's also called Hot Box, Running the Bases or Run Down. You run and jump your way from base to base, hoping to not get tagged.
Make two bases and set them 20 to 30 feet apart. If you don't have real bases, use anything to mark the spot.
2
Choose two children to be "it". Have each one stand at one of the bases. They should stand close to the base not on it.
3
Divide up all the other children between the two bases. These are the runners. They will be trying to steal bases.
4
Start the Pickle game. Have the two children who are "it" start throwing the ball back and forth.
5
Have the runners race from one end of the other. The object is to avoid being tagged by the ball. The base is the safe zone. If the runners are touching the base, they can't be tagged. They can stay on the base as long as they want.
6
Tell children who get tagged by the ball that they have to sit out. Once all the children are out, the game can start over.
Tips & Warnings
If you don't have baseball or softball gloves, use any ball that won't hurt the children. A tennis ball or bouncy ball would work fine.
Keep score if you want. Every time a kid steals a base, give them a point.
If the runners are being too cautious, try throwing the ball high into the air to get the kids to start running.
