Are you looking for an outdoor game where every muscle tenses, every nerve tingles and every breath quickens? Shadow tag is one of such kind with endless entertainment for kids. Shadow tag is a variation of traditional tag game where players not only focus on their movements but also on their shadow.

    Shadow tag is a fantastic equipment free game to stay active, improves coordination and to enjoy outdoor with friends. Call your friends, select play area and get ready to laugh, run and enjoy.

• Age: 5+
• Number of participants: Not fixed but more the players, more is the fun.
• Equipment: None
• Skills developed: Spatial awareness, Balance and Focus.

Rules to play Shadow tag

1. No physical contact is required to tag players.
2. Only shadow needs to be tagged.
3. Game should be played in open area where sunlight is present.
4. All players must stay within the boundary during the game.
5. Shadows governs this game so, it is important for a player to admit if his/her shadow is tagged.

How to play shadow tag?

1. Gather all players and select play area where sunlight is available. Parks, playground or large backyards are best options.
2. Set boundaries. Players must stay within the boundary for fair play.
3. Select any player as “It”. You can use fair methods like drawing straws or counting out to select “It”.
4. Goal of “It” is to tag shadow of other players by stepping on them. No physical contact is there for tagging.
5. Goal of players (except “It”) is to avoid their shadow being tagged.
6. Once any player is tagged, he must switch the role with “It”. Tagged player is the new “It”.
7. The game ends when all players agree to stop it or time limit is over.

Best time to play Shadow tag

    The best time to play shadow tag is during late afternoon (early evening). This time the sun is lower in sky so shadows are longer and more distinct.

Why shadow tag is favourite among kids?

1. It reduces the risk of physical injury as shadow tag focus on tagging shadows rather than player.
2. Shadow tag encourages spatial awareness as players focus on where their shadow is in relation to other players.
3. Shadow tag game rules are quite simple and easy to follow. So, kids of all ages happily enjoy this game.
4. Shadow tag is played outdoors where sunlight is present. Kids love to spend time in fresh air and sunlight. It helps the players to connect with nature.
5. It is equipment free game. So, no worry to buy or carry any equipment to play.
6. Game does not require any invigilator because it is equipment free and no physical touch is allowed to tag. Chances of injury is very less as compared to other tag games.

Variations in shadow tag

    The game is very simple and easy to play but there are many ways to add variety and more excitement to this game. I recommend following variations and see the magic:

• Obstacle shadow tag: Add some obstacles like cones or ropes in play area. These obstacles block sunlight and protect shadows.
• Nighttime shadow tag: To add unique twist, play shadow tag at night using flashlights or outdoor lights. This will add more adventure and thrill to this game.
• Freeze shadow tag: When players shadow is tagged by “It”, he must freeze at same place. Untagged player can unfreeze him by stepping on his shadow.
• Team shadow tag: Instead of single “It” make 2 teams.
  • Team A– All team members work together to avoid their shadows being tagged.
  • Team B– These team members try to tag shadow of all members of team A.
• Time limited tag: Set timer for each round. If “It” unable to tag shadow of all players within the allotted time, he remained “It” for next round also.

Benefits of shadow tag

1. Shadow tag helps to understand the surroundings and position of shadow relative to others.
2. Body coordination and control improves as players move in such a way which minimizes their shadow’s exposure.
3. Shadow tag enables players to make quick decision about where to move and avoid being tagged.
4. Shadow tag involves teams, so players learn to work together and develop co-operative skills among them.
5. Playing in teams improve communication skills.
6. As players take care of their shadow and also of other players shadow, this improves their observational skills.
7. Concentration and mental alertness are key benefits of shadow tag.
8. Players develop positive attitude towards competition. Thus, they can handle success and failure in a healthy way.
9. All players think out of the box for not being tagged. This benefits the creative skills of the players.
10. Apart from developing different skills, this game offers physical fitness of players.

Conclusion

    In this article, I expressed my views on Shadow Tag.
    Shadow tag is the simple yet best way to blend fun, strategy and physical activeness among children. It is a favourite game that continues to entertain across generations. Shadow tag encourages players to step outside, interact and reconnect with nature.

I hope you get benefits from my experience and thoughts shared in this article.