Red Rover

Red Rover is an outdoor game played by two teams. Each team forms a line by holding hands. Players call someone from the other team to run toward them and try to break through their chain.

How to Play

Two teams line up facing each other. Everyone holds hands tightly. One team calls out, "Red Rover, Red Rover, send [name] right over!" That person runs toward the other team's line and tries to break through.

If the runner breaks through, they pick someone from that team to join their side. If they cannot break through, they have to join the other team. The game goes on until one team has almost all the players.

Playing Safely

Red Rover is best played on soft grass. Players should not squeeze hands too tight. It is important to be careful so no one gets hurt. Some schools have changed the rules to make the game safer.

Even with safety rules, Red Rover is lots of fun. It teaches teamwork because the whole line has to work together. Kids have played this game for many generations.

Fun Facts

• Red Rover has been played since at least the 1800s.
• The game is known by different names in different countries.
• In the United Kingdom, a similar game is called "British Bulldog."

Did You Know?

Red Rover got its name from a phrase that was used to dare someone to come across, just like calling a ship to "come over!"