Fruit Basket Upset

Objective:

Be the last player to avoid being tagged.

Materials Needed:

• None

Game Setup:

1. Assign each player one of five fruit names: apple, peach, pear, orange, or mango.
2. Divide players into four groups, with each group standing in one of the four corners of the gym or playing area.
3. Select two players to be “IT.” These players will stand in the center of the gym.

How to Play:

1. The game leader will call out one of the five fruit names (e.g., “apple”). All players assigned to that fruit must run diagonally to the opposite corner of the gym.
2. While the fruit players are running, the two IT players will try to tag them. If a player is tagged, they are out and join the IT team.
3. The game continues with the leader calling out different fruits. When “Fruit Basket Upset” is called, all players (regardless of their fruit) must run to a different corner, and the IT players try to tag as many as possible.
4. The leader can also call two or more fruits simultaneously (e.g., “apple and orange”), and players from both groups will need to run.
5. The game continues until only one player remains untagged. That player is the winner!

Pro Tips:

• Remind students to tag gently by touching a shoulder or arm to avoid overly aggressive contact.
• Limit the number of students running at the same time to reduce chaos and potential collisions.
• Set clear rules for tagging and explain the importance of respect and personal space.
• If space is tight, consider reducing the number of “ITs” or limiting how many players run at once.