Sneak King
Sneak King
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
Sneak King is a fast-paced capture-the-flag-style game where students attempt to sneak into enemy territory, steal dodgeballs, rescue teammates from jail, and bring the balls safely back to their own side.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: 8 or more
Where to Play: Indoor / Outdoor
Age of Participants: Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 15–30 minutes
Materials Needed: Dodgeballs, Painter’s Tape or Cones, Hula Hoops
How to Play Sneak King
Sneak King requires a large playing area, such as a basketball court, to play.
Divide your playing area in half. Then use painter’s tape or cones to establish two regions on each side: the jail and the vault.
The vault should be approximately 8 feet by 8 feet, with a hula hoop placed in the middle. Put 5 dodgeballs inside each hula hoop.
The jail is simply the area along the back wall of each team’s side.
Divide your group into two teams, with each team starting on their own side of the playing area.
The goal is simple: steal as many dodgeballs from the opposing team as possible and bring them back to your side.
How the Vault Works
As long as you’re on your own side of the playing area, you’re safe.
But as soon as you step onto the other team’s side, you risk being tagged out. If you’re tagged while in enemy territory, you must go to the opposing team’s jail.
There is one important exception: the vault is a safe zone.
If you manage to make it into the opponent’s vault, you’re safe as long as you have at least one foot inside the vault.
Getting into the vault can be difficult, but there’s one rule that makes it a little easier: teams are not allowed to step into their own vault.
Stealing and Passing Dodgeballs
Once you’re in the opposing team’s vault, you have two ways to get the dodgeball back to your side.
You can either:
- Run for it and hope you don’t get tagged, or
- Pass the ball to a teammate who is also in enemy territory.
There are two important rules when passing a dodgeball:
- Your teammate must be in enemy territory before they can catch the ball.
- You must leave the vault before passing the ball.
Even if you simply pop out of the vault and your teammate takes one step over the line, you’re good to go.
If you’re tagged while trying to bring a dodgeball back to your side, the ball is returned to the opponent’s hula hoop.
And remember: players can only hold one dodgeball at a time.
How to Rescue Players From Jail
Sneak King isn’t just about stealing dodgeballs. You can also rescue your teammates from jail.
To rescue someone, you need to run through your opponent’s territory and tag your teammate’s hand.
If you successfully reach them, you’re both safe. You must then walk back to your side together.
As the game continues, dodgeballs will constantly be exchanged and players will move in and out of jail.
This creates a chaotic combination of strategy, teamwork, stealth, and speed that keeps everyone involved.
How to Win Sneak King
The game continues until one team manages to secure 9 of the 10 dodgeballs on their side.
Once a team has 9 dodgeballs in their possession, they win the game!
Tips for Playing Sneak King
- A full-sized basketball court works especially well for this game.
- Clearly mark the vaults, jail areas, and center line with painter’s tape or cones.
- Remind students that the vault is only safe when they have at least one foot inside.
- Make sure students understand that they can only hold one dodgeball at a time.
- Encourage students to communicate with their teammates when attempting a rescue or coordinating a ball pass.
- If your group is particularly large, consider using a larger playing area to give students more room to move.
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “Sneak King” Lesson Handout (PDF) below!
Where Games Meet God's Word...
Most leaders just look for games to play, but miss their true value. When used well, games help teach your lesson, because experiential learning is by far the most effective way to teach a lesson that sticks.
If you want to see this principle in action, check out Uplift, our FREE youth group lesson that is built for engagement. It contains a fun game, but then your students’ experience from the game ties into the Christ-centered message you’ll teach.
