Indoor Battleships Game

Written By Lee Hartley

Objective:

  • PLAY THIS GAME INDOORS

  • Teams try to sink all the enemy ships by hitting them with cannonballs (foam balls).

Set-up:

  • Divide the play space into two halves (like a dodgeball court).

  • Split players into two teams.

  • Within each team, players form ships of 2–5 people:

    • Carrier – 5 people

    • Battleship – 4 people

    • Cruiser – 3 people

    • Submarine – 3 people

    • Destroyer – 2 people

  • Each ship sits together in a chosen spot on its side of the court.

  • Once ships are placed, they cannot move.

How to Play:

  • Teams take turns throwing foam balls (“cannonballs”) across to hit the other team’s ships. Even if they are ‘Hit’ students, they can throw the ball.

  • The coach ensures everyone has a chance to throw.

  • If a player is hit before the ball touches the floor, they either:

    • Lay down, or

    • Place a dome/cone on their head → that part of the ship is destroyed.

  • When all members of a ship are hit and lying down, the ship is sunk.

  • The game continues until all ships on one side are sunk — the other team wins!

Progressions / Variations

  • Hula Hoop Power Shot: Place a hula hoop in the middle. If a ball lands and stays inside the hoop, all ships are sunk. Students can block these shots.

  • Catch Cannonball: If a ship member cleanly catches a cannonball, they are safe (not hit).

  • Multiple Cannonballs: Add extra balls for faster play.

  • Target Points: Give each ship “hit points” (e.g., 3 total hits per ship) instead of players being out immediately.

  • Outdoor Wall-Ball Version: Use a wall-ball area (or outdoor wall). Teams throw the cannonball over the wall to try to hit enemy ships sitting on the other side. Ships stay in place as usual — players won’t see exactly where the ships are, adding an element of surprise.
    Standing Hit Rule: In the outdoor version, players do not sit on the floor. Instead, they stand. Then, if hit, they crouch or place a cone on their head to symbolize that part of the ship is destroyed.

The Game Encourages

  • Throwing & Catching

  • Team cooperation and strategy

  • Patience

  • Fun

Equipment

  • Foam balls (cannonballs)

  • Cones or center line marker

  • Domes or cones for marking “hit” players

  • Optional: Hula hoop (for power shot variation)

  • Optional: Wall-ball space (for outdoor version)

 
Lee Hartley
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