Traditional
Tumbang Preso
Also called Knock down the prisoner, Can and slipper
Players throw slippers to knock over a can guarded by the 'it', then race to grab their slipper back before they are tagged.
- people
- 4–15
- time
- 20 min
- energy
- High
- materials
- Household items
Kids-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Draw a small circle for the can and a throwing line about 4–5 m away. Stand the can upright in the circle. Choose the first taya (it) by a quick throw: whoever's slipper lands farthest from the can guards it.
- 1The taya stands near the can. Players take turns throwing their slipper from the line to knock the can over.
- 2A player may only retrieve their slipper when the can is down, or if they can grab it without being tagged.
- 3When the can falls, the taya must stand it back up in the circle before tagging anyone; everyone rushes to get their slipper and get back behind the line.
- 4A player tagged while holding their slipper (and away from the line) becomes the new taya.
What to say3
- 1“Throwers, behind the line — aim for the can!”
- 2“IT'S DOWN! Grab your slippers — taya, set that can back up!”
- 3“Tagged! We have a new taya!”
Host tips3
- Someone always stays 'it' for 15 minutes and goes home miserable. Use the three-tags rule or rotate the taya every 5 minutes.
- Players throw while the taya is bending over to stand up the can — slippers to the head. Rule: no throwing while the taya's hands are on the can.
- Mark the throwing line clearly. Players creep forward and the game becomes point-blank; move them back whenever it happens.
Variants2
Bean bag version
Use bean bags instead of slippers and a plastic bottle instead of a can for indoor or small-kid play.
Three lives
Each taya gets three tags before being replaced, so slower players don't stay 'it' all game.
Safety3
- Tape or file down the can's rim; a cut-open can is sharp.
- Players throw while others run — ban throwing at anyone and throwing while someone is in the can area.
- Running barefoot after a thrown slipper on rough ground: check the area for glass and stones.
Good for
Occasions
FiestaSchoolReunionBirthday
Venues
Outdoor