Duck on a rock facts for kids

Duck on a rock is a medieval children’s game that combines tag and marksmanship (via throwing accuracy). James Naismith used the game as an inspiration when he developed the rules of modern basketball.

Gameplay

"Duck on a rock" is played by placing a somewhat large stone (known as a "duck") upon a larger stone or a tree stump. One player stays near the stone to guard it. The other players throw stones at the "duck" in an attempt to knock it off of the platform. Once it is knocked off, the throwers all rush to retrieve their stones. If a player is tagged before returning to the throwing line with their stone, they become the guard. The guard may not tag other players until they put the "duck" back into place.

Inspiration for basketball

In 2006, James Naismith's granddaughter discovered his handwritten notes and typewritten rules among boxes of documents in her basement. In the documents, Naismith recalled playing "duck on a rock" as a child and used its rules as inspiration when he developed the game of basketball.