Bell Ball Dodge from Your Hoop

Players in the middle, each in a hoop and blindfolded, must hear the bell ball that classmates roll from the edge of a circle and dodge it without leaving the hoop. Students build listening, reaction, and decision-making skills.

How to play

1. Mark a circle about 10 m (33 ft) across with cones and place 8 hoops inside, at least 2 m (6 ft) apart.
2. Eight players step into the hoops wearing blindfolds. Everyone else kneels around the edge as rollers.
3. Rollers pass the bell ball along the floor and, whenever they choose, send it toward a hoop after a warning clap.
4. Middle players dodge by jumping, lifting a foot, or turning, without taking both feet out of the hoop. If the ball touches them, they count a hit; nobody is out.
5. Each round lasts 2 minutes, then eight new players move to the middle so everyone goes at least twice. The class wins if total hits drop from one round to the next.

Rules

• The ball always rolls on the floor; it never bounces or flies.
• Roll with two hands from a kneeling position, without too much force.
• Nobody runs out of a hoop.
• Keep the circle quiet so the ball can be heard.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student who uses a wheelchair can be a roller or sit in the middle deflecting the ball with a pole.
• Visual impairment: the student plays without a blindfold on equal terms and can explain how they listen for the ball.
• Skill level: strong dodgers play on one foot or seated.

Learning goals

• Locate a moving object by sound and anticipate its path.
• Choose the best way to dodge.
• Follow safety rules designed for classmates who cannot see.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bell balls: 2
• hoops: 8
• cones: 10
• blindfolds: 8

Teacher tip

If you do not have a bell ball, tape a bag of jingle bells to a foam ball. Watch that rollers do not keep targeting the same classmate.

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