How to Play Spud

What is Spud?

Spud is a simple ball game for a group in an open space. Players are numbered, one player throws a ball high and calls a number, and everyone scatters. The player whose number was called must catch the ball and shout “Spud!” to freeze the others, then try to tag one of them with the ball. It is a common playground and camp game, and versions differ by region and group, so treat the rules below as a typical version.

What you need

• A soft ball, such as a foam or playground ball. Avoid hard balls.
• An open, flat area with a boundary you can describe, like a field or court.
• Around 5 to 15 players works well, though more can play with adjustments.

How to play, step by step

1. Each player is given a number. Give numbers out in order, or let players choose.
2. Players gather in a cluster near the middle. One player is “it” and holds the ball.
3. “It” throws the ball straight up and calls out a number.
4. Everyone except the player with that number runs away from the ball.
5. The called player catches the ball, or retrieves it, and shouts “Spud!”
6. When Spud is called, all other players must freeze where they are.
7. The player with the ball may take a set number of steps, often three, toward someone and then throw the ball to try to hit them. A throw at the legs is a sensible safety rule.
8. If the throw hits, the target takes a point or a letter. If it misses, the thrower takes it. Some groups use the letters S-P-U-D, and a player who spells the word is out.
9. The player who gained or lost the round becomes the next “it”, and play continues.

Common variations

• Safe-zone version: frozen players may crouch or hold a pose. Tag with a gentle touch instead of a throw for younger children.
• Jail version: players who are hit join a line and can return when the ball catches another player.
• Two-ball game: for big groups, run two circles with two balls.
• Team Spud: split into teams, and players score for their team.

Safety and fair play tips

• Use a soft ball and aim below the shoulders. Many organizers ban head shots.
• Set boundaries so players cannot run into roads, water or hazards.
• Check the ground for holes and rocks before a game of running.
• Make sure no one is left out. Players who are out early can have a role, like calling numbers.

Adapting Spud to your group

For younger children, play without elimination and use rolling instead of throwing. For older groups, add a rule that the called player must pass the ball to a teammate before tagging. If you want other ideas for a field day, see our list of outdoor nature games, and for the bigger picture on unstructured outdoor play, read about play in nature.