Alternating-Hands Cooperative Wall Ball
Partners face a wall and strike a soft ball with an open palm, alternating right and left hands, to build the longest rally they can. Students practice striking with both hands, positioning to the side the ball comes from and cooperating.
How to play
- Chalk a wall line 3 feet up and a hitting line on the ground 10 feet back. Pairs with one ball, 10 feet from the next pair (2 min).
- Solo: 5 hits against the wall with the right palm and 5 with the left, one bounce at most (3 min).
- Solo alternating rally: right, left, right... never the same hand twice. Count your best streak (3 min).
- With a partner: take turns, each player switching hands every hit; count the rally aloud and try to beat your record (4 min).
- Side rule: if the ball comes to your right, hit with the right hand; if to your left, use the left, moving with side steps (4 min).
- Class record: add each pair's best rally to a class total to beat next lesson (2 min).
Rules
- The ball must hit the wall above the chalk line.
- Hit with an open hand below shoulder height, never a fist.
- Stay out of other pairs' space; wait for them to return your ball.
Variations
Easier
Two bounces, starting with both hands together.
Standard
One bounce at most, alternating hands on each turn.
Harder
No bounce, switching hand and side on every hit.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: students using wheelchairs play 6 feet from the wall with two bounces, and the partner chases loose balls.
- Low vision: a bright ball or one with a bell, a light wall and the partner calling "yours".
- Skill level: strong players hit from 13 feet; students who struggle catch and throw with the correct hand.
Learning goals
- Strike with the open palm of the right and left hand.
- Use side steps to get in position based on where the ball comes.
- Cooperate to keep the longest possible rally.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 13
- chalk: 4
Teacher tip
Use soft, low-bounce balls: hard balls hurt the hand and kill control. Pick a wall with no windows and leave 10 feet between pairs.
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