Beanbag Toss to 21

Pairs face off tossing bean bags into numbered hoops at different distances, trying to reach exactly 21 points without going over. It builds throwing accuracy, choosing a target based on the score, and making decisions with a partner.

How to play

1. Set up 6 stations. At each one, place 5 hoops on the floor at 6, 10, 13, 16, and 20 feet (2 to 6 m) from a line, with a number chalked inside each: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (2 minutes).
2. Make groups of 4 with two pairs competing; if there's an extra student, they join a pair and take turns. Each player gets 1 bean bag.
3. Alternating between pairs, each player tosses underhand into any hoop and adds that hoop's number to the pair's score. The pair writes its total in chalk on the ground.
4. You have to hit exactly 21: if you go over, your pair drops back to 15. So before every toss, partners decide which hoop is the smart target.
5. When all 4 players have tossed, everyone collects their bean bags at the same time and a new turn starts.
6. The first pair to reach 21 wins. Then switch partners within the group and play again; there's time for 4 or 5 games in 18 minutes.

Rules

• Collect bean bags only after the whole group has tossed.
• A bean bag on the edge of a hoop counts if more than half of it is inside.
• Each pair says its score out loud so the other pair can hear it.
• Always toss underhand from behind the line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair tosses at the same hoops from a closer line.
• Visual impairment: numbers are called out loud and a partner claps to show where each hoop is.
• Skill level: pairs who need support play with bigger hoops or a closer line.

Learning goals

• Toss accurately at different distances.
• Choose a target based on the score you need.
• Make decisions together with a partner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bean bags: 25
• hoops: 30
• chalk: 6

Teacher tip

This is a great chance to connect with math: let students track their sums in chalk on the ground. Watch that nobody steps out to collect while others are still tossing.

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