Jailbreak Version 1
🧱 Basic Rules
1. Players line up on one side of the net (the Free Zone).
2. The coach feeds balls (or players use hitting tees), and players take turns trying to hit the ball over the net.
3. If the ball goes over, the player goes to the back of the line.
4. If the ball misses or hits the net, the player runs to the other side – Jail.
5. In Jail, players try to catch incoming balls. If they catch a ball cleanly, they swap with the player who hit it, and that player now goes to Jail.
🧰 Equipment Needed:
· Tennis balls (red/orange foam balls ideal for younger kids)
· Rackets
· Markers/cones for queues
· Hitting tees (optional – to assist with consistent contact)
· Catching nets (optional – for younger players or added challenge)
🔁 Optional Adaptations & Advanced Rules:
🔹 Catching Nets
· In Jail, players can use small handheld nets or pop-up scoopers to catch balls.
· Hitting tee’s for lower ability
· Great for younger players or themed versions of the game (e.g. “Crab Jailbreak”).
🔹 One Hand, One Bounce (for Jail players)
· Players in jail must catch with one hand only, and they can let the ball bounce once before catching.
· Encourages agility and anticipation.
🔹 Hitter “Lives”
· Each player starts with 3 lives.
· Lose a life if you:
o Miss your shot,
o Hit out or into the net,
o Get caught by someone in Jail.
· Lose all 3 = automatic trip to Jail!
· This encourages accuracy and awareness of Jail players.
🔹 Double Jail
· Use both ends of the court for Jail zones.
· Great for larger groups – players hit from the middle zone and Jail surrounds both ends.
🔹 Timed Rounds
· Set a timer (e.g. 3–5 mins) and try to get as many jailbreaks as possible.
· Can play team vs team and count successful swaps.
🔹 Challenge Catch
· Add a bonus rule: if a Jail player catches a volley (no bounce), they free two players or earn a “power-up” (e.g. skip a turn in Jail next round).
💡 Coaching Tips:
· Keep things fun and fast-moving.
· Adjust difficulty based on ability – use foam balls, lower nets, or slower feeds if needed.
· Encourage players to cheer for jailbreaks and stay involved even in Jail.