South Africa (Afrikaans community; widely adopted)

Bok-Bok

Also known as Johnny-on-the-Pony

A team strength game where one side bends into a human chain and the other side tries to collapse it by jumping on.

6-16 playersAges 8-16OutdoorsHigh energySmall spaceNo kit
The rules

How to play

1

Split into two equal teams. One team lines up along a wall: the first player stands with their back against the wall while each teammate bends forward, wrapping arms around the waist of the player in front, forming a human horse.

2

The second team takes turns running and jumping onto the backs of the bent team, trying to pile on without anyone touching the ground or the wall chain collapsing.

3

The bent team chants 'Bok-bok, number one!' The jumping team counts how many riders fit on before a collapse.

4

If the chain holds, the jumping team must guess a number the chain leader is holding up on their fingers.

5

Correct guess, teams swap.

6

Collapse, jumping team goes again.

Keep it fair

Set a maximum number of jumpers per turn before starting, and agree that any player who lands feet-first on the ground automatically ends that team's run, this avoids disputes about what counts as a collapse.

Good for building
strengthbalanceteamworkcoordination
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
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