Overview
Mushroom Ball is an active physical education game for grades 4-8 requiring one foam ball. Game created by Eric Gross featuring dynamic role-switching mechanics.
Setup & Equipment
- One foam ball required for gameplay
- Players spread throughout playing area at starting positions
- Game begins when ball is tossed into play area
- Designed for grades four through eight
Basic Game Mechanics
- Ball starts as loose ball; first player to retrieve becomes thrower
- Thrower receives up to three steps before attempting throw
- Thrower may choose to throw immediately without using steps
- After throw or catch, ball becomes loose for anyone to claim
- Players continuously move throughout game; standing still discouraged
Game Actions & Outcomes
| Action | Outcome |
|---|
| Retrieve loose ball | Player becomes thrower |
| Hit by thrown ball | Player becomes mushroom (crouches down) |
| Catch thrown ball (no bounce) | Thrower becomes mushroom instead |
| Mushroom tags passing player | Players swap roles |
| Mushrooms complete passes | All mushrooms stand up and rejoin game |
Mushroom Role Rules
- Hit players must crouch down on floor in mushroom position
- Mushrooms remain stationary but can tag nearby passing players
- When mushroom tags player, they immediately swap roles
- Tagged player becomes mushroom; mushroom becomes active player
Mushroom Revival Mechanic
- Mushrooms can retrieve loose balls that roll near them
- Mushrooms must pass ball to all other mushrooms on ground
- Passes must complete without interception by active players
- Successful completion allows all mushrooms to stand up simultaneously
- Works with any number of mushrooms (two, three, four, etc.)