Underwater Tag Football

[15 Minutes]

This wet game of football resembles the game as played on land, but all plays must take place underwater. You will enjoy having fun and keeping cool at the same time. Playing this game will help improve swimming skills.

You'll need:

• rubber ball of any size • waterproof clock or watch

What to do:

1. If possible, print out these directions. Read them through together before you begin.
2. Together, gather everything you’ll need.
3. With your child, decide the “goal” lines for each player.
4. Decide how long the game should last. Use a clock or watch to time yourselves.

How to play:

1. Explain to your child that the object of the game is to swim underwater toward your opponent’s “goal” line and score a point.
2. If you have to come up for air or are tagged by your opponent, this is considered a down. You have four downs to get the ball over the “goal” line.
3. Both of you start the game at player 1’s goal line.
4. Your child is the first ball carrier.
5. He gives a signal for both of you to go under the water.
6. As he tries to swim to your “goal” line, you try to tag him.
7. If he does not score in four downs, you will take the ball from the spot where the ball is located after the fourth down. He will then turn around and try to swim over to your “goal” line.
8. If he does score, the ball will be put into play at your “goal” line and you will try to swim over his “goal” line.
9. The player to score the most points in the playing time you have chosen wins!

Useful information:

When we go to the beach we are always looking for games to play in the water. Underwater football really helps me hold my breath longer and I think I am becoming a better swimmer. (Benjamin, age 11)