Balloon Tennis with a Partner

In pairs, children hit a balloon back and forth with cardboard paddles and count their hits together. It builds hand-eye coordination, tracking, and cooperation.

How to play

1. Each child practices alone: tapping the balloon upward with a cardboard paddle (3 min).
2. In pairs, one tosses the balloon by hand and the other sends it back with the paddle (3 min).
3. Rally: we hit the balloon back and forth with paddles and count the hits together (4 min).
4. We try to beat our own number of hits, without comparing with anyone (3 min).
5. We switch partners for one last rally (2 min).
6. We tell the group our best number and tidy up (1 min).

Rules

• I send the balloon so my partner can hit it back.
• We count together; no one wins.
• Each pair stays in its own space.
• If a balloon pops, I don't touch the pieces: I tell my teacher.

Variations

Adaptations

• Motor-impaired: the partner tosses the balloon at their height and they return it with paddle or hand.
• Autism: fixed partner and a space marked with hoops for the pair.
• Less coordination: bigger paddle (a box lid) and a large, softly inflated balloon that moves slower.

Learning goals

• Strike a balloon with an implement.
• Adjust the hit so it reaches the partner.
• Work together toward a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• globos: 14
• raquetas de cartón: 25

Teacher tip

Spread pairs well apart so balloons don't cross. Stress hitting "from low to high, softly"; big swings send the balloon flying off. If one pops, pick up every piece right away and keep spare balloons already blown up; watch that no one bites them.

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