How to Play "Piggy in the Middle" (Playground Game, Not Board Game)

Piggy in the Middle is a playground ball game, not a board game. Here's how to play:

Setup

• Players: 3 minimum (ideal 4-8).
• Equipment: Any throwable ball (tennis, foam, beach ball).
• Space: Open area, circle formation.

Rules

1. Form a circle. One player = "Piggy" stands in center.
2. Two opposite players start throwing the ball back and forth.
3. Piggy's goal: Intercept (catch or block) the ball.
4. Throwers' goal: Complete catches without Piggy touching ball.
5. Switch: If Piggy gets the ball, they swap with the thrower who made the error (bad throw or interception). New Piggy enters center.
6. Continue: Game has no official end — play until bored.

Variations

• Multiple Piggies: 2 in center for larger circles.
• No direct throws: Must bounce once.
• One-handed catches only.
• Category calls: Thrower names category (animals, countries); catcher must say item in category before catching.

Skills Developed

• Hand-eye coordination, reaction time, spatial awareness.
• Deception (fake throws), teamwork (thrower coordination).
• Social: inclusive, self-regulating, minimal equipment.

Safety

• Soft balls only.
• No throwing at heads.
• Clear space of obstacles.

It's called "Monkey in the Middle" or "Keep Away" in some regions. Same game!