Hungry Hungry Hippos
The game “Hungry Hungry Hippos” adapted for lacrosse is an excellent tool for introducing beginner players to the basic skills of the sport in a fun and dynamic way. This game not only reinforces essential fundamentals like ground balls and cradling but also improves agility and speed by requiring quick movements to the center of the field and back to the base. Additionally, it promotes teamwork, as players must communicate and collaborate to achieve a common goal. In summary, “Hungry Hungry Hippos” in lacrosse is an effective and entertaining way to develop fundamental skills and promote team cohesion.
To play this lacrosse game, follow these steps:
Field Preparation:
Materials:
A pile of lacrosse balls.
Cones to mark the stations around the perimeter of the field.
Playing Area:
Place a large pile of lacrosse balls in the center of the field.
Mark the stations around the perimeter of the field with cones.
Team Formation:
Teams:
Divide the players into pairs.
Each pair stands at a station marked by a cone.
Game Rules:
Start of the Game:
One player from each pair runs from their station to the center of the field.
They pick up a lacrosse ball from the center and return to their station.
Turns:
Once the first player returns to their station, their partner is released to do the same.
Players take turns running, picking up a ball, and returning to their station.
Continuation of the Game:
The game continues until all the balls in the center are gone.
Variations:
To add more challenge, you can include obstacles that players must navigate before returning to their station. This increases the distance and running time, adding more fun and chaos to the game.
End of the Game:
Counting Balls:
Once all the balls in the center are gone, count the balls at each station.
The team with the most balls at their station is the winner.
Observations:
The number of players and teams can vary and be adapted to the needs of the game.
Benefits
The game “Hungry Hungry Hippos” adapted for lacrosse offers several benefits, especially for beginner players. Here are some of the main benefits:
Reinforcement of Fundamentals:
Ground Ball: Players practice picking up the ball from the ground, an essential skill in lacrosse.
Cradle: Although the main focus is on ground balls, this skill can also be incorporated when transporting the ball to their base.
Development of Agility and Speed:
Players must move quickly to the center of the field and return to their base, which improves their agility and speed.
Teamwork:
By playing in teams, players learn to communicate and work together to achieve a common goal.
Fun and Motivation:
The competitive and dynamic nature of the game makes it very fun, keeping players motivated and engaged.
Adaptability:
The game can be easily adapted for different skill levels and ages by adding obstacles or varying the rules to maintain interest and challenge.
Development of Coordination:
Players improve their hand-eye coordination by picking up and handling lacrosse balls.
