Flyback

by Dean Rootsaert

There is no standing around when your students play this game. Students define their own positions of play and develop team strategy. This game is a definite win for physical Education classes and intramurals.

Many years ago I was faced with a rather large high school phys.ed class. It was one of those falls where it would not stop raining and I wanted to shake things up abit and move away from the traditional phys.ed type activities. I looked at ways to teach Ultimate Frisbee inside. The skills were easily taught, no wind allowed for a quick pick up of the basic skills in sending a receiving. So I tried to play a game inside. This was tough, I could not get enough kids into the space provided to have a fun yet challenging game. 

This led me to combine capture the flag with ultimate into what is now known as Flyback. This was a great equalizer in my phys.ed class. it became an instant hit. Students of all shapes, sizes, abilities and desires, all wanted to play this game. 

Since it's creation, I have moved into four different schools, teaching it in three of them and having it already being taught in the fourth before I got there. I have presented it at three HPEC conferences and am proud to hear that it is being played in many schools across our province.

Flyback rules of play

I hope your students enjoy Flyback as much as mine have,

Dean