Info
One ball and participants (4-15).
All participants (4-15) stand in a tight circle, and one participant (leader) stands in the middle of the circle with the ball in his hands. The leader throws the ball high in the air and calls a participant's name.
The named participant tries to catch the ball, while the others run away as far as they can. If the named player catches the ball before it hits the ground, then he has the right to immediately throw it in the air and call the name of another player who must run back and catch the ball. If the ball hits the ground, the second shot is not given.
As soon as the named participant gets hold of the ball, he shouts “Stop!” and everyone stops. Then the participant with the ball says to which other participant he will go and most importantly - with how many steps.
The steps should be approximately the same size and the full number of steps should be taken. After that, the participant who has the ball in his hands tries to hit the participant he walked to with it. If you manage to hit, then the "cucumber" belongs to the one you went to. On the other hand, if he catches this ball or the thrower misses, then the "cucumber" belongs to the thrower.
History
The game was created at a time when there were no smartphones, computers, when children spent their free time outdoors, approx. around the 1950s-1960s.
There is no information about the exact place of its origin, but the game was popular throughout the territory of Latvia with different variations.
Physical abilities developed
Physical activities in the outdoor environment and promote the development of cooperation skills, improve mobility skills (throw, catch, run, walk, jump, etc.)